Some time ago, washing machines could only be seen at industrial enterprises or bus stations, but today this device is widely used in private use. With its help, you can not only wash the car, but also take care of the adjacent territory, clean garden furniture, paving slabs, forged fences, etc. What is a pressure washer: which one to choose, and what to look for when buying it, you can learn from this article.
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Technical Parameters of High Pressure Washers
Choosing the right pressure washer involves studying the pump type. Beginners may not notice the difference between the most affordable and financially expensive models. Although experts recommend paying attention to the pump resource. Its minimum indicators should be within 30-60 hours.
The washing class is important, because these devices can be industrial and domestic. The second option is quite suitable for servicing a personal plot, the area around the house and washing a personal car. Household models are characterized by their compact size. They are initially designed for a short workflow. Its duration is on average 1.5 hours.
A properly sized high pressure washer pump must provide high performance. The corresponding characteristic refers to the exact flow rate of ordinary water. Such devices consume on average about 400 liters of water during an hour of active work. For professional devices, similar costs will be more significant.
Modern high-quality sinks provide the ability to regulate pressure. This function will allow, if necessary, to save water by reducing consumption.It should be noted that for domestic needs, a pressure in the range of 70-100 bar will be sufficient.
Experts do not recommend choosing a pressure washer without a detailed study of the power unit of the device. The motor, as you know, is the heart of any device. The technical capabilities of the wash directly depend on the performance and functionality of the engine. Most modern sinks are powered by an electric motor.
Useful advice! In the case of using an electric motor, the need to use protection against unforeseen voltage surges becomes relevant. Otherwise, the power unit may not last too long.
To use a pressure washer with your own hands, it is important:
- hose length;
- body material;
- water intake function;
- auxiliary nozzles.
Each of the above points requires a detailed explanation. The quality and ease of use of the equipment directly depends on the length of the hose. For gardening work, a high-pressure hose for washing with a minimum length of 7 m is optimal. Such models are generally suitable for servicing the territory lying to the house.
How to choose a pressure washer by parameters
Analysis of materials of manufacture involves studying not only the entire case, but also the pump. The most affordable option is plastic. Despite its low cost, the presented material has a number of advantages. It does not corrode and is also lightweight.
The high pressure plastic pump for washing water is quite fragile. Even the smallest cracks cannot be repaired. Although modern sinks for the most part contain just such pumps. Because of this, consumers should pay attention to the quality of the plastic itself.
Aluminum and brass are considered to be more reliable materials. At the same time, they have a significant disadvantage for buyers, which is the rather high cost of the device. Sinks made of similar materials are best purchased for professional use.
The function of water intake is also mandatory. This applies to those situations when the operating conditions of the device do not provide for the presence of a water supply. To solve the existing problem, you should place the hose in a specially prepared container, from where the water will be supplied. It should be noted that this approach will not provide maximum performance indicators, but it will still be possible to achieve the desired result.
Important are the spare parts for pressure washers that come with the device. Among them, various nozzles should definitely be noted. Each of them is intended strictly to fulfill its function. The fan nozzle perfectly provides the widest possible spray of water on the territory, which is beneficial for garden maintenance. Also, the fan nozzle will perfectly cope with washing objects of significant size.
To cope with the most severe dirt, it is better to give preference to the rotary nozzle. With its help, getting rid of dirt occurs by the contact method. Mud cutters are a worthy alternative to such attachments. Some manufacturers add pipe cleaning nozzles to the device.
What affects the price of a pressure washer
All of the above parameters affect the cost of the equipment. The highest quality and most expensive devices are complemented by a set of important parts. Among them, we can mention the tank in which the detergent is stored. This reservoir has a small volume, so it is compactly located on the hose nozzle. When mixed with water, it is the detergent that produces an impressive amount of foam.
The cost of sinks with a tank is slightly higher, but this is fully justified. The presence of a detergent will allow you to clean any surface much faster with minimal effort and energy. The price of models without capacity will be lower, but their use automatically creates additional difficulties.
Useful advice! It is better to use sinks with a tank. Otherwise, the process of mixing the detergent with water will be done manually, which takes too much time, effort and energy.
Popularity rating and reliable reviews about pressure washers from manufacturers
Many manufacturers are currently represented on the washing equipment market. Consumers most often give preference to proven companies, so as not to make the wrong choice. This approach to solving the issue specifically in this case is the most correct. Although one should take into account the actively developing competition between the most famous manufacturers.
If you choose among the most affordable options, then you can safely give preference to ELITECH. For almost a decade, devices from this manufacturer have clearly demonstrated that excellent product quality can well be combined with a low price. Every detail and pressure washer gun from this company is distinguished by its attractive design, ease of use and reliability.
For use in a domestic environment, the Interskol mini-wash is well suited, which has excellent technical indicators. The pump pressure reaches 120 bar. The average resource of these models is 360 liters of water per hour. A positive characteristic is the presence of an aluminum housing. For such a device, there will be enough power at the level of 1.5 kW per hour. The power unit of the device is reliably protected from possible overheating. The standard attachments included in the kit will be sufficient for servicing the infield.
The popular and time-tested Karcher pressure washer
This German company is by far the most popular among all sink manufacturers. Consumers can purchase models designed for home use as well as mid-range and professional options.
The pronounced advantages of the devices presented are the availability of programming and the most accurate mechanics. In addition, the Karcher high-pressure hose for washing easily transfers mechanical stress. Even household models with many professional details and structural elements can boast of these advantages. At the same time, the price of a Karcher pressure washer is not transcendental. Average consumers will be able to afford this purchase.
Experts note that any Karcher high pressure washer has a very durable and most reliable pump. Ergonomics of design and virtually ideal basic equipment deserve special attention. Consumers need to be prepared to pay a lot for such devices.After making a purchase, you can confidently engage in maintenance of your garden or plot. For these purposes, it is necessary to give preference to models with an 8-meter hose. It is important that they also include mud cutters.
Useful advice! Karcher should be preferred due to the wide range of devices. In addition to sinks, consumers have at their own disposal high-quality brushes for dealing with obsolete dirt, steam generators and other useful devices.
Bosch pressure washer: reliability and quality
If anyone can compete with the above German company, it is exclusively Bosch. The quality of products in this case is also at a very high level, and the price is more affordable.
Pros of Bosch sinks:
- ease of use;
- ease of maintenance;
- high performance;
- ergonomics.
According to the last parameter, these devices outperform all competitors without exception. In fact, the only drawback of the presented sinks is the noise during operation.
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Models with an 8m hose will handle any household task. The cleaning process is as efficient as possible thanks to the use of detergent. For their own convenience, consumers can use the hose reel technology, which is also included with the equipment. The presented high-pressure washer is characterized by increased wear resistance. First of all, this concerns the hose, which tolerates multiple bends without problems.
NILFISK: professional high-pressure cleaner for cleaning
The represented Danish company offers devices with very high pressure, which allows them to solve even the most difficult tasks without problems. This applies equally to professional and household appliances. The power indicators are also at a high level. This is evidenced by the fact that many models are equipped with motors from Honda. Although reviews about mini-washers indicate the best quality of devices from this manufacturer.
PORTOTECNICA: the professional approach of Italian specialists
Each manufacturer presented above is famous for its advantages. This company produces devices specifically for car washes. Although gradually the market is increasingly filled with household appliances from PORTOTECNICA. They are equipped with a unique power unit that can complete the tasks assigned to it for 2 hours without a break.
In this case, a modern high-pressure washer for car washing is able to bring maximum benefit to its owner. The devices' Italian roots are further manifested in a very attractive design that immediately catches the eye of potential buyers.
Useful advice! Regardless of the brand, when choosing a sink, you always need to build on your goals. So it is easier to find out the purpose of the device and decide on the most suitable model.
The current rating of pressure washers 2017-2018
Each model and manufacturer of a sink is distinguished by its positive characteristics. If you choose between the most affordable devices, which are famous for their high quality, then you can give preference to Bosch or Huter.The budgetary device Karcher K2 Basic also boasts the best price.
The Stihl high pressure washer is definitely worth attention, as it is best able to combine the affordable cost of the device and an impressive set of its technical capabilities. Although many consumers are also interested in the design of the device, which they plan to use for their own purposes. In such a case, their eyes may be turned towards Makita devices. The Interskol car wash is also in demand, for which the maximum pressure indicators are characteristic. With their help, you can solve any problems of a domestic nature in the shortest possible time.
Employees of the Japanese company Makita, like all representatives of this state, primarily rely on the excellent quality of their own products. Italian models also should not raise questions about their own performance for several seasons. A completely different matter is the Chinese devices, which may well turn out to be not the most reliable.
Among the domestic models, the Zubr high-pressure washers stand out on the positive side, their power and productivity are at a fairly high level.
Rating of professional pressure washers
In this case, the products of the Karcher company occupy an unambiguous priority. In terms of equipment configuration, no competitor can reach the level of famous German manufacturers. If the buyer is primarily interested in a reliable device, then he can alternatively give preference to models from Portotecnica. At the same time, the maximum performance of professional devices is characteristic of Z-Techno.
As the reviews recommend, high-pressure washers with a professional bias should be studied more closely. The requirements for such devices are completely different. Manufacturers in this case rely on the reliability of their own products, which often have to work for several hours without pauses. This means that the selected device must first of all be adapted to the maximum loads.
Professional high pressure washers with water intake and an impressive range of additional functions will automatically be in high demand. In this case, the minimum power parameters must be at around 3 kW. Pressure indicators are similar. Such impressive technical capabilities of the devices clearly indicate that only experienced specialists can use them, but by no means beginners.
How to choose the right pressure washer
You definitely need to pay attention to the most basic unit of the device. It's about his engine. It can be not only electric, but also gasoline. Rare models run on diesel fuel. The principle of operation of all devices is to supply water to a pump, which then redirects it to a hose due to high pressure. Only then the water flows freely into the sprayer with nozzles. The quality of the device can be determined by the quality of the performance of the described processes.
The rating of pressure washers may include models with collapsible and non-collapsible pumps. The second option is, in theory, very beneficial. In fact, we are talking about a disposable version, which can be completely replaced with a new one after a breakdown. In terms of cost, these models are very profitable, but we are talking about foreign exchange transactions. Taking into account the current course, non-separable pump designs will be too expensive for domestic consumers.
Useful advice! It is better to buy sinks equipped with collapsible mechanisms and pumps in particular. If necessary, they can be repaired, while saving significant material resources.
Among the pumps, metal options are famous for their increased reliability. Basically, for their production, an alloy of silicon and aluminum is used. The brass is parallel to the more directed towards the cylinder heads. While studying all the models on the market, you should also pay attention to the pump pistons. In the highest quality devices, they are ceramic. Any high pressure washer with such parts will be reliable and durable.
High pressure washer: which one to choose
When choosing a sink, it is important to pay attention to the functionality of the appliances. Quality appliances allow you to heat the water before spraying. This action makes it much easier and faster to deal with even the most dirty. If we talk about mini-washes, endowed with similar capabilities, then they are quite expensive. On the other hand, the presented function leads to significant savings of far from the cheapest detergent.
Practice shows that hot water can be much faster to deal with pollution of any complexity. This means that additional work time and water are saved. Models with an electric motor also become in this case the most profitable in terms of operation.
It is important to understand that plastic pumps cannot cope with the function of pumping hot water. The problem is that this material of manufacture cannot withstand exposure to high temperatures. The highest quality German appliances are capable of heating water up to 100 degrees and above. Even the most durable type of plastic will not cope with this impact. Even if the maximum heating reaches 80 degrees, then all the same, only metal pumps can cope with these operating conditions.
The importance of auxiliary parts
After studying the main technical parameters of the devices, you should focus on the accessories. It is very important to buy the right high pressure hose for your car wash, but there are a number of additional parts. Among them, one can single out the sandblasting nozzle, which allows for rough cleaning of any surface. With its help, even metal can be cleaned of patina.
Longer hoses can be used for specific purposes. To play it safe, consumers are advised to get a spare filter that effectively purifies water. They will cope with minimal impurities of rust or sand. If you do not get rid of these particles, then they will negatively affect the resource of the device. Gradually, this parameter is completely reduced by half.
Taking into account the above information, it is logical to note that each sink on the market is optimally suited to specific operating conditions. In the process of choosing a device, you must build on your own requirements and preferences. In addition to the technical parameters and cost, you should also take into account the packaging, materials of manufacture and other features of the devices.