Sharpie Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 Karcher Bosch B&Q (MacAllister) Other ? I need one for my other car as I live down a muddy single track lane. I'll use it on the soop too but, only to blow crap off it (from a distance) and rinse. I guess I will use it to clean up the path's, fence (take the moss off) and stables. Is the power (wattage) of the PW a consideration for the non-car related stuff ? Any to stay away from ? I don't want to pay cheap and it's not powerful enough OR buy something overpriced for what I need it for. Thanks (Yes, I have my eye on one of Pete's snow foamer's too) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaz1 Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 karcher, or if its really bad where you are get a sealy one, i have one but it needs more electric than i can supply with a 3 pin plug, it keeps blowing the fuse:rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drnas78 Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 i could with a washer also, budget is £50-70 what should be looking to get at that price mark, how about these ones that you can get from cosco dirt devil any feedback on these Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian W Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 I'd go with a Karcher mate, but if you can go for one of the higher powered ones (not mentally high obviously, I'm sure Peter Richards will give you an idea). i could with a washer also, budget is £50-70 what should be looking to get at that price mark, how about these ones that you can get from cosco dirt devil any feedback on these I'd think that these would be a bit underpowered but I guess it all depends on what you're using it for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drnas78 Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 oh ok ill look into it dirt devil i had wasnt very good at all , so i suppose Karcher be my next one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 Flow rate and power are the two things to look for initially, length of hose is probably the next one - so many come with crappy hoses where you have to move the washer around just to do the car. Also consider the noise output, some of the cheaper ones do your head in after a while I noticed Halfords have one of their own brand ones on offer at the moment - the chaps on detailing world seem to think they are OK, £40 off I think, only £49.99 - others: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&mpe_id=13075&jspStoreDir=HalfordsConsumerDirect&identifier=Pressure+Washers+-+c955a71f&intv_id=63035&evtype=CpgnClick&langId=-1&catalogId=10151&ddkey=ClickInfo They also have a few others on offer, the Karcher K499M seems to be at a decent price but compare with other stores as they might just have reduced it to the same as everyone else like they usually do with their sale items They have a lot more in store but don't seem to want to tell us about them online for some reason. I have a cheap Challenge one from Argos at the moment, it does the job, foams with a gun, has decent flow and pressure but the hose is a couple of metres too short, it's very lightweight and a little noisy - but it functions perfectly OK. Depending on budget there are lots to look at - if you are going to give it some hammer, use it a fair bit and want it to last it might be wise to look at a decent Karcher (someone on here sells them but seems reluctant to do us a group buy ) or a Kranzle perhaps? I'd like the Kranzle K1150T or Karcher K7.85M - the hose reels are something I want on my next washer because I'm fed up with trying to store my others without them springing all over the place Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drnas78 Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 oh ok ill look into it dirt devil i had wasnt very good at all , so i suppose Karcher be my next one http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_166184_langId_-1_CarSelectorCatalogId__CarSelectorGroupId__varient__categoryId_34004_crumb_33958-33974-33922-34004_parentcategoryrn_34004 Or: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7506569/Trail/searchtext%3EPRESSURE+WASHER.htm Or: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7500228/Trail/searchtext%3EPRESSURE+WASHER.htm A little noisy as mentioned above and the 6m hose could do with being a couple of metres longer but they should keep you happy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 Get a secondhand professional hot pressure washer. They are just incomparable to the toys from the DIY sheds. Even if you have to fettle it, buy a new hose and lance or whatever, once you have used one there's no going back. As Michael says, you need to compare flow (usually in litres / min at a given pressure). A high pressure is totally useless if it flows about a pint a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merckx Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 The standard cold water pressure washers when used with a detergent are rubbish for cleaning cars, we bought a relatively expensive Karcher - it doesn't get used. You need hot water to do it properly. I'm hoping the snow foam lance from Peter's group buy will do the trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 I'm afraid to ask, but how much would a hot pressure washer cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 I've recently got one of these:d http://www.k-cleaners.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=70720 Superb bit of kit, 10m quality hose, adjustable pressure, brass pump...........it's got the lot:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 Flow rate and power are the two things to look for initially, length of hose is probably the next one - so many come with crappy hoses where you have to move the washer around just to do the car. Also consider the noise output, some of the cheaper ones do your head in after a while might be wise to look at a decent Karcher (someone on here sells them but seems reluctant to do us a group buy ) or a Kranzle perhaps? Is that me your'e thinking of.... Im a Main Karcher Dealer, but don't get involved with domestic machines. To be honest, there's not a lot to choose between them. Most are made in China, most have a laughable motor usage expectation, and most are underpowered. Plus... even the best won't get 100% of the dirt from a standard car withour either mechanical action (brush / sponge / cloth) or an aggresive chemical. They are good for under the wheel arches etc but I have the pick of the complete industrial range but still use a bucket & sponge on the Supe. As CW says, hot water is lots better, but if you spend less than £1000 you will be buying a toy. As with most things, the more money you pay the bigger motor/pump you will get and (hopefully) the longer life. If I had to choose, I'd buy a Karcher as parts availability is good. Cheers G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 I've recently got one of these:d http://www.k-cleaners.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=70720 Superb bit of kit, 10m quality hose, adjustable pressure, brass pump...........it's got the lot:) Nice little commercial machine Paul, should last a long time. Good price as well, I can beat their price - but it makes me curse doing so as there's not enough profit left in the sale to look after it. Remember to keep it out of the frost ! Cheers G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter richards Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 lots of good points , but at the end of the day guys its what you can afford , ive got a K7.85 top of the domestic range and it hasnt missed a beat , and i use it every day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted January 14, 2008 Share Posted January 14, 2008 Gatso: I have a small Kranzle, only a single phase machine, but it's worked fine for most of my needs for years, in fact I overhauled the pump last year. I am thinking of a bigger machine though, one that will give steam or serious water temps at a big flow rate, for cleaning out kennels and large areas of concrete and flags. I would still like to stay single phase though, what spec machine do i need to consider, if you don't mind me asking, flow and price wise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewOW Posted January 14, 2008 Share Posted January 14, 2008 The B&Q Performance Pro I bought about 2 years ago for about £90 is in regular use, and hasn't missed a beat. I don't let the car get too dirty, but its a pretty good performer IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay_vr6 Posted January 14, 2008 Share Posted January 14, 2008 I have just brought the Karcher K399MB Pressure Washer form focus diy for £97 and seems pretty good to me. I also brought the snow foam and lance in the group buy to use with it, I'm expecting some fairly good results, well at least for only spending £100. At least it gets all the crud off the car and seems to effectively get the crap out of the split rims i have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted January 14, 2008 Share Posted January 14, 2008 Nice little commercial machine Paul, should last a long time. Good price as well, I can beat their price - but it makes me curse doing so as there's not enough profit left in the sale to look after it. Remember to keep it out of the frost ! Cheers G It's stored in the garage and that's heated so should be fine with frost. As you say it's a great machine, well worth the money. I've ahs several Karcher domestic washers and they ended up going bang due to cheap plastic internals yet their commercial range is so well built in comparison, hose/lance pump is very solid and well made. BTW, I didn't buy form the place in the link, mine came from Ebay. A guy had about half a dozen brand new, not seconds or refurbs and all in full Karcher packing. I only paid £240 for it Bit of a bargain I think, commercial for top end domestic money;) Had it a couple of months now and it's great, so powerful yet adjustable pressure and flow. So, you are a dealer in commercial? Can you supply spares for these at a good price? If so then I'm after an underbody lance for it with M22 fitting:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 Gatso: I have a small Kranzle, only a single phase machine, but it's worked fine for most of my needs for years, in fact I overhauled the pump last year. I am thinking of a bigger machine though, one that will give steam or serious water temps at a big flow rate, for cleaning out kennels and large areas of concrete and flags. I would still like to stay single phase though, what spec machine do i need to consider, if you don't mind me asking, flow and price wise? PM'd you Chris... Cheers G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpie Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 Well, I ordred the K499M Deluxe from Halfords online as it was reduced by £40 off it's normal price (£149) and way lower than anyother retailer. It should of been here yesterday, then today but, nothing....Called them up today and was told it's not on their website anymore and did I want another one....Looked on their site and found the K5.80M which, was £250 -> down to £180 and I got another £50 off plus free next day delivery for my hassle. I ended up with a K5.80M for the same money as the K449M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangerous brain Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 We have a karcher diesel powered (heated water side) high powered electric pumped washer to do our aircraft with. Nice bit of kit. I'd agree that heat is the way forwards not pressure or detergent. The more pressure you apply the more chance there is that you'll peel up your paint at a stone chip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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