Thoughts on the Pacific Hydrostar Pressure Washer from Harbor Freight?

Been thinking about getting one. Lowes has their Troy-Bilt line, but all have crap reviews. People using them for 30 minutes and not being able to get them started again.

We found this one at Harbor, but just not sure. I was told to check out how many stages it has, with 3 stages being the best.

Anyone use this one or have any recommendations?

 

I too am in the market. I don't need anything super powerful.

I've read reviews (in addition to lowes site) on this one and it seems to be ok.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_378395-24212-6020_4294747249+4294955002_4294937087_?productId=3558802&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Generac_4294747249%2B4294955002_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=Generac#BVRRWidgetID


One thing to keep in mind it a lot of people don't use them properly and break them then leave a bad review.

 

I used a cheapo electric ones from Lowes (wasn't gas powered). It lasted about a year - not worth the $100.

Looks like you guys are looking @ gas powered ones. Definitely a better bet.

I just use my hose now with an attachment for pressure washing

 

troy bilt is made by mtd now pretty much junk

 

http://www.lowes.com/pd_336396-53393-51012_0__?productId=3295400I have this one from lowes, it works like a champ, I have used several gas powered ones, put decided to go with thisone, has great power and cleans the deck like a champ, has a hose reel for easy stow, I enjoy using it.

 

Harbor Freight has some decent cheap stuff, but you shouldn't be expecting top quality.

 

x2. Older Troy Bilt stuff used to be pretty good! New stuff, not so much. It still works but it's just another run-of-the-mill brand now.

I don't know about Generac's power washers but when I was looking into a generator I found a LOT of negative reviews on their engines. On top of that, their customer service got horrible reviews if/when a problem occured with their product.

 

Saw this thread and it reminded me that I needed to pressure wash some equipment. Just got back inside. I always thought the washer was a Honda but that's the motor -- it's actually a DeVilbiss/Excell XR 2600. It's been a pretty good washer over the years -- it sits all winter and always starts up on the first or second pull next spring.

 

I Dont know how much you are willing to spend, but here is my opinion.
I have not used any of the ones you have mentioned, but I currently have one from Northern Tools. I have no complaints on this pressure washer.
Item# 1578112 Northern Star High Performance Pressure Washer powered by a Honda Engine. I have had this unit for about three years now.

 

Hmm thanks for the info, I've been looking at that one. I just need it for general cleaning around the house. If I need to do heavy duty washing, i'll go rent one.

 

I will tell ya this thing so far has impressed the crap out of me, my deck was built like 12 yrs ago and has not been power washed the whole , this thing has made it look brand new,same with my fence looked just like the deck now brand new again,already did the sidewalk and some of the driveway next is the siding of the house, money well spent so far.

 

Ok cool, I've just read reviews of them breaking on people. My next door neighbor has an 1800 psi karcher electric unit that I borrowed from him quite a few times but it broke at the end of last year. I think I'm going to buy one and let him borrow it when he needs it to return the favor of letting me borrow his all those times. His unit worked great for cleaning stuff around the house. It also worked great for cleaning the truck after offroading. All of the trim outside on my screened porch is white and right now after winter grime, mildew, and spring pollen (Pollen is REALLY bad here in GA in the spring) my screened porch is currently a certain shade of green lol .

 

i wouldnt touch any power tools from harbor freight. never had any luck with anything power related from there. just my .02

 

Normally I wouldn't consider them, but given the reviews on the Troy-Bilt, so far Harbor beating them hands down.

 

I don't understand the hate towards Harbors power tools. Just buy the 2 year extended warranty. I return stuff if something goes wrong in store for a new one.

 

Picked this one up yesterday. I pressure washed my screened porch with it yesterday afternoon. It worked pretty well. It has a long hose which is nice. We'll see how it holds up.

 

Agree. I've had decent luck. Just temper your expectations on what you're getting. I had a circular saw from them last me 3 years. Definitely got my money's worth out of that one..

 

http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=BMKNT8KsK5O38gPtqe2WCw&ved=0CGkQ8wIwAA

I have one of these. not this model, but the same PSI and everything from 2001. Still runs like the day i bought it. I use it HEAVILY in the summer to clean my ATV, porches, driveway, etc. Its running at least once a week spring/summer time. Not sure of the new ones, but mine has a honda motor on it. came with 5 attachments. Rubber tires. Don't know what to say about it. Havent done ANYTHING to it. Haven't even changed the oil. Its been almost 12 years.

 

Actually I was wrong. Its this one.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_378397-2421...ure+washer&N=0&langId=-1&storeId=10151&rpp=24

3000 psi

Plus Lowes sells this one. You can get a 10% coupon from the post office and get $40 bucks off.