Pressure washer recommendation needed

[mook johnson]

Gents,

I'm looking at getitng a pressure washer for cleaning my sidewalk/driveway and patio. I get a lot of roof soot on the concreate and lower bricks on my house (I need to get gutters but that another project).

I borrowed mty friends electric pressure washer (Ex-cell) and it works OK but takes a LONG time to do the driveway. ~1200sq ft driveway takes about 8 hours. patio and sidewalks are about 350 sqft.

If I had to guess the Ex-cell unit is in the 100 dollar range medium to low end unit. the model number got scrapped off dragging it across the concrete so I can't look up the specs. :(

I like the convenience of electric because I'll probaby be using it only once a year so easy storage is a plus. But don't know if a higher end electric pressure washer is going to be strong enough to speed up the drieway cleanup significantly.

So what do you guys think? A high powered electric or a low end (but trusted brand) gas powered unit?

[jimmyDahGeek]

If you only need it once a year, rent one.

[gfretwell]

I am a big fan of the 5HP electric they sell at Northern Tools ($700 or so). It uses the same CAT pump as a 6HP gas unit and you can change the plug to a "dryer" plug so you can use it anywhere someone has an electric dryer outlet. No gasoline to screw with and it starts every time. Once you own a pressure washer you will use it more.

[mook johnson]

Though about that but I can't dedicate a day to do a big job like the driveway. I have to break it up into several 1 hour jobs. I have a 3 year old and twin 1 year olds anda fond distant memory of free time.

[ransley]

Electrics at most stores are limited by the 15a circuit they all are designed for, 15a only gives at max around 1.5gpm at 13-1600lbs. There are 220v and 120v 30a electrics avalaible but you have to shop around and need the right circuit. With that big a job there are small gas units that can do twice as fast as a 15a electric. 15a electric are cheap and many cheaply made, 120v -30a or 220v units might cost more than a comparable gas unit since they are not as mass produced.

[mook johnson]

I guess the question is who make a good low end gas for less than say $500?

[gfretwell]

230v @ 30a. That is why I said a "dryer" plug works well and universally available in most homes. I added a circuit for mine with outlets at both ends of the garage and another one out in the country kitchen on the pool deck so I can go anywhere on the property with it. The unit comes with a 35' cord and I have a bunch of hose.

[HeyBub]

After you get the driveway washed, you try coating it with concrete sealer. This might significantly lengthen the time between washes.