[Tech1] Jet washer recommendation?

[David Newbitt]

I've owned and been using pressure washers for well over 30 years - all 
Karcher. The first was an industrial quality model 580 with a 2000W motor, 
not resembling a Hoover on plastic wheels typical of most manufacturer's 
(including Karcher) current DIY offerings but a pick-up-and-carry affair as 
attached pic. For its size it was extraordinarily heavy and it lasted 
through 20 years of frequent heavy use.

I gave up on it when the on/off switch failed (the big black affair on top 
in front of the carry handle). I bought as a replacement a Karcher K5.80, a 
DIY machine which is mostly plastic and functions well enough I guess but 
can't hold a candle to my original 580. Not designed for continuous use, 
it's thermal cut-out kicks in if you push it too hard and takes an age 
before it can be re-set. Heaven knows what industrial quality machines cost 
now but someone in Sidmouth is currently offering a S/H 580 like my old one 
for £150 and it must be donkey's years old.

Beware the force you may need if there is a slippery algal growth under the 
moss and black mould - it can be very difficult to shift. Unless 
recommendations have changed, many slab manufacturers countenance against 
pressure washing but I have found it's a no option situation where things 
have got bad.

I have a Bosch electric hedge trimmer with a 36" bar which has given years 
of service and is still brilliant. Current 'Which' reviews do give 
reasonable ratings to some of the Bosch pressure washers but all  the 'best 
buys' are either Nilfisk or Karcher (mostly Nilfisk).

Good luck!

Dave Newbitt.



-----Original Message----- 
From: Nick Ware via Tech1
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2019 6:13 PM
To: tech1 at tech-ops.co.uk
Subject: Re: [Tech1] Jet washer recommendation?

Good so far! I was biased towards Bosch anyway, because my lawnmower, 
strimmer, wood shredder, leaf blower, and hand drill are all Bosch. So are 
both ovens, the hob, the fridge, the freezer, the dishwasher, and the 
washing machine. They must be doing something right.
The boiler, however, is British made, and has been out of action for the 
last ten days, waiting for a replacement igniter.
I like the bleach idea, but with a dog on the loose I don’t think that’s an 
option. Maybe there are more pet-friendly alternatives. I’ll look into that.
Cheers and thanks,
Nick.
Sent from my iPad mini 5

> On 24 Nov 2019, at 17:34, Graeme Wall <graeme.wall at icloud.com> wrote:
>
> Plus one for the Bosch
> —
> Graeme Wall
>
>
>> On 24 Nov 2019, at 17:31, Mike Giles via Tech1 <tech1 at tech-ops.co.uk> 
>> wrote:
>>
>> We have a Bosch which we’ve had for years and apart from the fact that it’s 
>> very difficult to unscrew the pressure hose at the machine end without 
>> loosening, or removing completely, the union which it attaches to, we’ve 
>> been pleased with it. We have needed a couple of spares, but they were 
>> easily obtainable from Bosch and at no great cost.
>>
>> We have Indian limestone tiles at the back and the rotary brush 
>> attachment which I picked up cheaply in a B & Q oddses basket was 
>> excellent for those - much quicker than using a lance and less 
>> backbreaking, but it broke when I let it hang over the edge of a step and 
>> the replacements for those are quite expensive, but I may we’ll bite the 
>> bullet after cleaning the terrace yesterday with a lance.
>>
>> And yes, it’s quite good for the cars, bird baths and even the house 
>> walls when the paint has gone a bit green, but don’t use it too close on 
>> rendering as it can dislodge it if it’s a bit long in the tooth.
>>
>> We also had a Bosch lawnmower, less than two years old and it started 
>> playing up. I returned it to Bosch under warranty at their expense (a 
>> courier collected it) and they’ve sent me a brand new one, without 
>> quibble.
>>
>> Mike G
>>
>>>> On 24 Nov 2019, at 16:59, Nick Ware via Tech1 <tech1 at tech-ops.co.uk> 
>>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I’m looking to buy a jet washer. We’ve got lots of textured paving 
>>> slabs that are moss and fungus blackened and slippery, and don’t look as 
>>> if anyone bothered to clean them before. Pointing mostly in good nick, 
>>> so hopefully jet wash-proof. Any recommendations? Might even use it to 
>>> clean the cars to save going to the Poles. The latter used to be good 
>>> around here, but while the cost goes up, the standards seem to be 
>>> slipping. I’ve put a Bosch AQT 42-13 at £131.62 in my Amazon Prime 
>>> basket, unless you folk advise otherwise.
>>> Off-list if you prefer, to nick at njware.co.uk
>>> Ta muchly,
>>> Nick.
>>> Sent from my iPad mini 5
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>>
>>
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