Power Washer Recommendation

[LouG]

No, https://www.mtmhydroparts.com/ you specify the brand of pressure washer and it will come with the correct fittings.

Thanks muchly

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[DFB5.0]

I covered this subject recently on my Substack page.

The article covers why pressure washers don't come out of the box ready to wash cars with, how to optimize an existing or new pressure washer, then three pressure washer recommendations at three price points. It also explains why pressure isn't the figure to focus on.

Buy the right machine, add the correct improvements, then be happy with your purchase without guessing or messing around with crap.

The Pressure Washer Number That Actually Matters (It's Not PSI)

 

[Dark Sprite]

No, https://www.mtmhydroparts.com/ you specify the brand of pressure washer and it will come with the correct fittings.

@LouG the hose makes a difference when it comes to tangling as well, I bought Karcher’s 9m replacement hose, which is softer and more flexible than the original that comes with the machines, so definitely tangled less with the standard spray lance. However since using the MTM spray gun over the course of the last few weeks I have had zero tangles.

If you do buy the MTM spray gun and foam cannon attachment, you need to get the spray gun with attachment type for your relevant washer (in my case it was Karcher - this part is an interchangeable quick release mechanism, so you can replace it if you move to a different brand pressure washer at a later date) but the attachment you need to specify for the foam canon is the quick release, as it will plug into the spray gun not directly into the pressure washer.

 

[Sig Oris]

I got the Ryobi 1200 PSI 1.8 GPM Cold Water Automotive High Flow Electric Pressure Washer Kit last year and have been very happy with it. It's routinely rated as one of the top budget friendly power washers. Typically on sale for $150 at local retailers.

I also bought the thingy that’ll get the undercarriage too.

 

[steveo1960]

I also bought the thingy that’ll get the undercarriage too.

Is the thingy able to roll under the Mustang without having to lift the car?
TIA.

 

[Sig Oris]

Is the thingy able to roll under the Mustang without having to lift the car?
TIA.

Yes, it’s on HD’s website

 

[Junkyard Dog]

What about this Ryobi with 1.8 GPM (6.8 LPM) advertised for automotive use? It has a short handle with a wand extension, 40 foot hose (12 meters), 15°, 25°, and 40° nozzles. I can't find the hose diameter, but the quick disconnects are 1/4".

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-1...ectric-Pressure-Washer-Kit-RY14AM12/333071566


That price is US, so about $243 Australian dollars.

(Don't worry about hurting my feelings. Tell the truth).

 

[dusman59]

I have an older Roybi unit at 1.2 GPM that works fine. I have had it for over 2 years no problems. Maybe if you need to use it 2 or 3 times a week you might need something else.

 

[DFB5.0]

What about this Ryobi with 1.8 GPM (6.8 LPM) advertised for automotive use? It has a short handle with a wand extension, 40 foot hose (12 meters), 15°, 25°, and 40° nozzles. I can't find the hose diameter, but the quick disconnects are 1/4".

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-1...ectric-Pressure-Washer-Kit-RY14AM12/333071566


That price is US, so about $243 Australian dollars.

(Don't worry about hurting my feelings. Tell the truth).

It's a solid option, primarily because they now understand what detailers want/need in a pressure washer. That's why it has the longer hose and shorter gun setup. I would only use the 25- and 40-degree nozzles on a car.

If car washing is something you enjoy doing, or its a profession, I think you still want to spend a little more and get something you won't be left wondering. I don't mean spending $2000 on a setup, but do some research (or ask me, happy to help) and then purchase with confidence knowing you will enjoy the setup. It's one thing to have a pressure washer, and then having one that actually provides an improvement over a garden hose.

These are the machines I would be looking at, from least expensive to most expensive -

Ryobi Compact (as linked), Active 2.0, Big Boi WashR Quad, MaxFlow, Comet 1700, AR630, Kranzle 1152/1122, Kranzle 1322 or KHD10.

Again, if you want to full run down, follow the below link.

(1) The Pressure Washer Number That Actually Matters (It's Not PSI)

 

[Westphal]

What difference/improvement would I notice going from a 3/4" garden hose with an adjustable nozzle to a power washer like one of these? I'm genuinely curious as a garden hose is all I've ever used.

 

[DFB5.0]

What difference/improvement would I notice going from a 3/4" garden hose with an adjustable nozzle to a power washer like one of these? I'm genuinely curious as a garden hose is all I've ever used.

The problem with most pressure washers is that they are set up for, shock horror, peak pressure. That number printed on the box is usually the selling point of the machine. And while pressure is important for removing bugs and stubborn dirt, and driving a foam cannon, it not figure you should be looking at for car cleaning.

But for cars, we are more interested in flow for efficient rinsing, which is where a garden hose wins over cheaper, low-flow pressure washers. As a very loose guide, you want a flow rate of 2.0gpm and above, with pressure between 1000 - 1500psi. At those numbers, you have a well-rounded setup between having enough pressure to be an effective cleaner and foamer, but also the ability to rinse quickly.

If you have no intention of using a foam cannon, to be honest, I would stay with a garden hose. If you want that foaming ability, or regularly deal with heavily soiled vehicles (bugs, dirt etc), then a pressure washer becomes a desirable asset.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

It's a solid option, primarily because they now understand what detailers want/need in a pressure washer. That's why it has the longer hose and shorter gun setup. I would only use the 25- and 40-degree nozzles on a car.

If car washing is something you enjoy doing, or its a profession, I think you still want to spend a little more and get something you won't be left wondering. I don't mean spending $2000 on a setup, but do some research (or ask me, happy to help) and then purchase with confidence knowing you will enjoy the setup. It's one thing to have a pressure washer, and then having one that actually provides an improvement over a garden hose.

These are the machines I would be looking at, from least expensive to most expensive -

Ryobi Compact (as linked), Active 2.0, Big Boi WashR Quad, MaxFlow, Comet 1700, AR630, Kranzle 1152/1122, Kranzle 1322 or KHD10.

Again, if you want to full run down, follow the below link.

(1) The Pressure Washer Number That Actually Matters (It's Not PSI)

I just realized none of this will work for me, anyway.

I am on a hard water well, which leaves mineral deposits all over my blue ember metallic paint.

I was thinking of using distilled or osmosis water in a 5 gallon bucket for foaming and rinsing.

This pressure washer will not run that way. It is not self priming, and it needs a hose with pressure. That completely defeats my purpose in wanting to use a pressure washer, as I will still be spraying the high mineral content water all over my car, just with a pressure washer instead of a hose. No improvement.

 

[dusman59]

You need this to feed the pressure washer

 

[dusman59]

This is my setup. Well worth not getting water spots. I only use for final riinse. You can dry if you want but not necessary.

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