Gerni/High Pressure Washer

[Tubby2]

Not sure where to put this but...

I'm going to buy a high Pressure Washer for around the house and have no idea what to look for. I've had a quick squiz at the Karcher's in Bunnings and see they all have a pressure rating (psi). I'm after one that will clean my concrete driveway, one for the pavers around the house and one to clean the dirt bike when I get back from rides.
What should I be looking at?

Cheers

[NCArcher]

I've had a Karcher for years. About 1450-1500 psi I think. Middle range model, about $500 6 or 7 yrs ago.
Can highly recomend them. Just be careful what you point it at. They will take paint off if there is a deep scratch or flake.
I use/have used it for cleaning pavers, concrete, bricks, fences, horse floats, motor bikes, trucks, inside old fishing trawlers just about anything that needed cleaning. Have never been game to aim it at the 'good' car though. Stick to the faithful bucket and sponge for that.
The turbo head is worth the extra investment too. Will definately peel the paint off but makes short work of ground in dirt on pavers and concrete.

[batcat]

I see you're in Sydney Tubby2, unfortunately you cant use mains water (directly) so whatever you decide on must not be reliant on mains pressure for water intake.
And to add to that post, unannounced and uninvited a water board officer (you know the one's you see driving around Sydney in 'the Water Patrol' sign written cars) turned up here on a staurday morning.
Cynical me figured he was more checking than anything else.
I still havent bought anything <rolls eyes>
You can read about my problem below...
http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=54274

[Krazee]

Tubby2,

May also be worth looking at Stihl brand if they still :D make them. Small unit I have had for several years works well for cars, driveways (pavers and concrete), even stripping varnish of outdoor furniture and will run off low level tank provided there are no air leaks in the hose. Can't remember cost but think it was around $300 when I purchased. From recollection I think pump is also stainless steel so should last.

[Damon_11]

Howdy all,

My FIL has a small gerni, cost him a few $ but operates really well. An advisor in Bunnings of all places said I should buy a portable Bosch (so I did) and it's great. Why - they have a metal pump like the Gerni and will last much longer compared to a cheap end of the market Karcher which has plastic pump parts.

DC :U

[bitingmidge]

For not much use, such as yours, I bought a GMC (yes with metal pump too) 1800 psi jobbie about four years ago, for $170. The 1200's are less than $100.

These things aren't precision machinery, so go cheap and enjoy it!

cheers,

p
:D

[Tubby2]

From some investigations I've noticed that they all seem to have similar pressure but its the water volume that changes from the cheap one to the expensive ones. From 150 litres per hour to 400-500 litres per hour. I borrowed a friend $700 odd Karcher and to be honest I used it for 5 minutes and then just used the hose as it had more pressure. I am lucky enough to have recycled water so we dont get the water police hanging around.
I've still yet to make a purchase but I was really dissapointed when using that mid range Karcker, I think it was a 510 or 610.