Just ordered this pressure washer, and some watermelons.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82036460#Comment_82036460

Thanks - I'd missed that.

Yes, the unpowered 'power washers' are nonsense - effectively just a narrower jet nozzle.

There are motorised hand-held versions, and they are a significant improvement over a hose, and have the bonus of being easy to set up and handle.

However, since the smaller 'proper' pressure washers - such as from Karcher and Bosch - cost not much more, then that's what I suggested the cove goes for.

Hopefully someone had experience of at least one of these models? I have a Karcher K4 myself, and it works well, although the auto-off trigger sometimes takes a few attempts to get it started. I've recently tried a smaller Bosch, and it also worked well, but the motor keeps running - tho' at a lower rate - when not spraying.

I'll check if one of the above is smaller/easier to set up/more powerful, and go with that…

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82036529#Comment_82036529

I've recently tried a smaller Bosch, and it also worked well, but the motor keeps running - tho' at a lower rate - when not spraying.

No comment about the relative benefits of the two models, but I wouldn't necessarily see this feature of the Bosch as a bad thing. Frequent starting of single-phase mains AC motors is what usually leads to early failure - the current at starting is much higher than when running, and this can lead to overheating and insulation breakdown. Starting under load (which you'd expect with a pressure washer) makes the problem worse.

Keeping the motor spinning would help to minimise starting current issues and potentially lead to improved duty cycles and longevity, albeit depending on the specifics of how they have achieved the lower speed, and why they have done it. If the intent was to produce a smaller lighter motor which is somewhat less robust then it wouldn't necessarily be a good thing. If it is to extend the life of an already robust motor then it would be a good thing, aside from the (possible) increased energy consumption from keeping the motor spinning.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82036617#Comment_82036617

Thanks. It seems it was just this particular model of Bosch that keeps running, and your explanation makes sense.

The smaller one I'm looking at here - the EasyAquatak 110 - appears from reviews to shut off every time. But, it has a 3-year warranty, so should be covered. So I have suggested it to the fellow.

It has a shorter lance hose - 3m instead of the Karcher's 5m - but that's as much as good thing as not; the longer hoses are a nuisance for tangling… 😑

Decision made. Cheers 🙂

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82036638#Comment_82036638

You could advise 'The Fellow' that they should not be exposed to sub zero temperatures in the Winter, as if ice forms inside it can fatally damage them. There are warnings in the instructions and it invalidates the guarantee.