Karcher - Rubbish? - Is there a better alternative?

[csquire4]

Hi, my Karcher K2 pressure washers tend to last about 18 months before they start leaking inside and they start doing that 'automatic rev' every 5 seconds or so. I've gone through about 6 over last 10 years. I do ensure it is drained after use but might forget.

Someone told me all of the joints are plastic inside so not that durable and that there are other brands that use metal/brass connectors that will last longer.

Any advice or recommendations for a new budget (£100) pressure washer?

 

[Ducklakeview]

I think any "domestic" quality pressure washer is always going to be made to a price, and as such will be a compromise. I bought a Nilfisk 2 years ago on the recommendation of others on here, it lasted about 3 months before it threw the hat it, and it wasn't a "cheapo" one, at around £250 - Replaced by Amazon the next day by one which was dead out of the box lol.. I now have a K4 Home from Costco, and if it doesn't last 5 years, it'll be going back!!

Mike

 

[rally-chris]

There’s your problem, expecting a budget pressure washer to last any time at all.

About 15 years ago I went through a couple of cheap pressure washers (B&Q and Halfords own brands) of the £50 to £75 variety, getting barely a year out of each before various failures. I then bought a decent Karcher one for about £200 and I still have it at least 13 years later and it has been totally reliable.

It is this type:

Chris

 

[Zoomer]

I have a mid range Nilfisk as my last 2 Karchers did just the same and it's now 3-4 years old. It does live in a heated garage now though.

 

[Z4 Gaz]

Nilfisk. Had mine about 6+ years without a single problem. Used regularly to clean cars and spent a good few hours on a few occasions cleaning patio, concrete, walls etc.
Mine is a basic model, C110 iirc.

 

[srhutch]

Replaced my knackered marcher with a nilfidk E130 a few years ago. My understsnd8ng is the Nilfiks, E series at least have metal bodies. Been very pleased with. Mine.

Whatever you buy though, get yourself a 10-15m rubber hose. Makes using a whole much better experience and no need to keep moving the washer around to wash the car.

 

[ronk]

I bought a KEW Hobby about 30 years ago - I was worried about spending a lot of cash at the time (£230 was a lot back then) but it still plods on!

 

[Ewazix]

Cheapo Aldi unit bought 15 years ago ...... has needed a new hose but otherwise is still going

 

[buzyg]

Try a bucket, a sponge and some nice swirls. :evil:

 

[metal licker]

Nilfisk for me too

 

[mr.tourette]

yeah...my nilfisk is running strong still 8 years on..was only about £100 too

 

[cj10jeeper]

If you spend £100 on a washer then it'll be lucky to last more than a few uses. Perfect for the person who wants to jetwash the patio at Easter then forget they ever purchased one. Sadly built to a market and price

I've been running a mid-range Karcher (around £300-£400 todays money) for 14 years cleaning down Jeeps of heavy off road clay on a regular basis and works perfectly. Invest more or find one like Costco with decent warranty period to replace

 

[Z4 Gaz]

If you spend £100 on a washer then it'll be lucky to last more than a few uses.

Total rubbish. My Nilfisk cost about £60, as it was a refurbished unit, and has been in constant use for over 6 years. New it was only worth about £100

 

[cj10jeeper]

If you spend £100 on a washer then it'll be lucky to last more than a few uses.

Total rubbish. My Nilfisk cost about £60, as it was a refurbished unit, and has been in constant use for over 6 years. New it was only worth about £100

In any general statement there will be exceptions

 

[john-e89]

but it still plods on!

Much like your good self Ronk..... :lol: :wink:

 

[Z4 Gaz]

If you spend £100 on a washer then it'll be lucky to last more than a few uses.

Total rubbish. My Nilfisk cost about £60, as it was a refurbished unit, and has been in constant use for over 6 years. New it was only worth about £100

In any general statement there will be exceptions

I have seen this question asked numerous times on numerous forums.

Time and again the Nilfisk that cost around £100 gets recommended as being an excellent and very reliable jet wash, as my experience and others that have posted on this thread confirms.

Just because you have had a few bad experiences with cheaper jet washes doesn't make it fact.

 

[Jollyjoiner]

Nilfisck E140 for me, can't fault mine

 

[ronk]

but it still plods on!

Much like your good self Ronk..... :lol: :wink:

How very true!
My Kew hasn’t been in the workshop as much as I have tho

 

[csquire4]

Cheers guys. The Nilfisk sounds like it's worth a go.

I have a better quality after market rbuber hose that I use with my Karcher and and I've got a Karcher snow foam attachment, are all thee things interchangeable ?

 

[adam1985]

I have a Karcher k2 which I have had for about 4 years now I think the key to protecting them is to drain the water after each use (with the unit turned off) and to protect from freezing temps, I keep mine at the back of an integral garage.

Normally Karcher and Nifilisk attachments are not interchangeable I'm afraid