pressure washer - recommendations please

[Castlecroft]

After having two karcher pressure washers (the first lasting less than 2 years - the second and most recent lasting just 6 weeks !!!) - i need a new pressure washer ...

what recommendations are there for a different brand as a replacement  - used for general cleaning - car / trailer / patio --- nothing too lavish - or too expensive..

[Steve (sdh2903)]

I've used a nilfisk for the past few years with no complaints as I was sick of my karchers failing.

Used these guys with great service

http://www.cleanstore.co.uk

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

I recently bought a Hozelock model after my ancient Powerbase (cheap Chinese Homebase effort) died finally. It uses less water and has an automatic motor cut-off when you release the trigger. This is probably a standard feature of 'better' machines, but it's new to me. It was £79.99 from Amazon. A nice point is that all the bits stow on board so you can just carry it about in total. As to longevity... 

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Another switch to Nilfisk after Karchers failing on me too many times, I’ve also had a number of things from the Cleanstore, linked to above, now, including the Nilfisk and wet/dry Hoover’s etc. they’ve been very good to deal with.

[Kingster]

+1 for nilfisk here too

[Wobblyprop]

I really like the one I got from Lidl.  But you have to wait for them to be in store...

[Terryathome]

What you lot been doing to them Karcher washer. I have one for 5 years and been reliable to date, in fact used it last weekend. I always drain it down before storing away for winter.

Always wondered why you get absolutely soaked wet through after 5 minutes use?

[djm]

No problems with my 10+ year old Karcher either!

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

It's a common design issue with many of the Karchers. And yes, I too drained them, wouldn't use them if frost was a possibility and even removed the hoses, but all that did was change them from blowing  hose seals and o rings, to doing the same for pumps.

While Karcher might have a high failure rate across many models, they also sell vast numbers, so of course there will be thousands out there that are fine - be glad you're amongst them!

[Castlecroft]

Thanks for all the recommendations...

decided to go for a nilfisk C120... from Amazon (£35 cheaper than cleanstore - and yes I have checked that it is the same product..)

re “what have I been doing to the karcher’s”... always stored them dry over winter.. and kept in the shed at all times...but the last one only managed 6 weeks, motor burn out after 2 minutes when using it for the second time !!  phoned karcher to report, and being fair they offered a replacement to be couriered out with the old one being picked up... but I ask you, failing after 6 weeks does not build confidence in a replacement.

i think there is probably a big difference in build quality between the “home use” karcher units and the “professional units”..

either way time to try another brand....

[Steve (sdh2903)]

Similar to dave, went through 3 karchers in less time than I've had the one nilfisk. Always drained and my garage is heated so no frost damage.

My Mrs works for a diy store and they get shed loads more karchers returned now than they did 10 years ago.

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

Perhaps Karcher have gone down the same road as Dremel: drop the price (and consequently the quality) and take the flak?

[tc3nitro]

If your looking at Nilfisk try purchase one from the E range - These have much better pumps. I have the E 145 this is currently £260 on amazon. If your prepared to spend a little more buy a Kranzle washer.

[corsechris]

I bought a VAX a few years back. I did have one small issue with it - can't quite recall what it was now other than it was totally dead one day. I took it apart and found some simple issue that was easily fixed.

I did a solid 8 hour session cleaning patio and driveway one time - didn't miss a beat. And by solid, I mean I didn't even stop for a wee - incredible given all that water everywhere

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

Blimey I wish I could go three hours without a wee, let alone eight!