Powerwasher options

creedp

I need to powerwash my footpaths/paving around the house. Area is relatively small and I was wondering would I be better off hiring a unit for the day or purchasing a karacher or similar unit for approx €100 - €120 which I could use in the future when required?

Real question are these cheap units any use for this kind of light work?

dodzy

creedp wrote: »

I need to powerwash my footpaths/paving around the house. Area is relatively small and I was wondering would I be better off hiring a unit for the day or purchasing a karacher or similar unit for approx €100 - €120 which I could use in the future when required?

Real question are these cheap units any use for this kind of light work?

https://www.aldi.ie/workzone-2-2kw-pressure-washer/p/094313120367000

creedp

dodzy wrote: »

https://www.aldi.ie/workzone-2-2kw-pressure-washer/p/094313120367000

Thanks. Heard that these so called 'non-branded' models are poor quality and you are better off going with a karacher or nilfisk etc. Any truth in this for light domestic work?

Also I've read that a patio attachement is very useful to avoid streaking. I'm not sure if the supplied attachments for this model, e.g. rotating brush would provide this functionality?

listermint

Buy a nilfisk I've had mine about 5 years and it's running like day one.

This will not be a once off job so you will be using it again in the future. might as well have it.

The brushes are useless don't bother with them

creedp

listermint wrote: »

Buy a nilfisk I've had mine about 5 years and it's running like day one.

This will not be a once off job so you will be using it again in the future. might as well have it.

The brushes are useless don't bother with them

Thanks where did you buy it and when you say the brushes are useless do you mean supplied brush options in general, including the patio attachment?

dodzy

creedp wrote: »

listermint wrote: »

Buy a nilfisk I've had mine about 5 years and it's running like day one.

This will not be a once off job so you will be using it again in the future. might as well have it.

The brushes are useless don't bother with them

Thanks where did you buy it and when you say the brushes are useless do you mean supplied brush options in general, including the patio attachment?

The brushes are crap, as LM says. The lidl powerwasher will knock the socks off any karcher or nilfisk at that price point (far superior power). And you've the 3yr no quibble warranty should it fail. Definitely worth a ton.

livingthedream

Hi,

I bought a karcher washer years ago (approx 250 quid iirc) and had issues with it which in fairness they repaired under warranty etc but it then subsequently died after about 2.5 years...

I then chanced my arm and bought a replacement one from Lidl or Aldi, can't remember which but needless to say that many years later it is still running fine, it's more powerful than the karcher one I bought and was less than half the price and accessories (hose extensions etc) were much cheaper to pick up too!

Don't think I'd be tempted back to a karcher again.

One thing I've heard is that these 'domestic' power washers aren't really designed for long periods of continuous use...

~LTD.

jeepcj

I bought a lidl one years ago ( at least 7) it was the lavor 160, i use it at least once a week and its still going strong, only issue was a failed o ring on the soap injection pipe. Would highly recommend one

cletus

jeepcj wrote: »

I bought a lidl one years ago ( at least 7) it was the lavor 160, i use it at least once a week and its still going strong, only issue was a failed o ring on the soap injection pipe. Would highly recommend one

Out of curiosity, what are you doing that you need to use a power washer a minimum of once a week

colm_mcm

Get a nilfisk, I have mine around 7 years at this stage, still grand,

oscar2

Got this Nilfisk last weekend. http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/6069131/c_1/1|category_root|Garden%2Band%2BDIY|14418702/Trail/searchtext%3EPRESSURE+WASHER.htm Has small brush and small patio cleaning attachment. No suction hose but still good deal. Make sure whatever one your're buying has the attachments you need as can be expensive to buy them separately.

homer911

+1 for the Aldi

Nilfisk above =1400w
Aldi = 2200w

colm_mcm

Aldi 450 litres per hour
Nilfisk 440 litres per hour

Massive difference alright!

listermint

Don't but aldi buy a nilfisk there is feck all in price difference but huge difference in quality


Buy on Amazon

jeepcj

cletus wrote: »

Out of curiosity, what are you doing that you need to use a power washer a minimum of once a week

Race off road motorcycles so practice every weekend and sometimes during the week, also need to keep the other cars clean

oscar2

listermint wrote: »

Don't but aldi buy a nilfisk there is feck all in price difference but huge difference in quality


Buy on Amazon

Older Basic model on Amazon is cheaper but all you get is a lance and 2 nozzles. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/v3s/Nilfisk-C110-X-Tra-Pressure-Washer-1400-Motor/B00AGD5J02/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoors&ie=UTF8&qid=1492805890&sr=1-1 When you add cost of patio cleaner etc it get pricey. Argos came out cheaper with accessories included.

The Argos link is for the Nilfisk 110c 7 xtra model which is £97 sterling on Amazon.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nilfisk-C110-7-5-Xtra-Pressure/dp/B01MTZWJWA/ref=dp_ob_title_hi?th=1 vs http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/6069131/c_1/1|category_root|Garden%2Band%2BDIY|14418702/Trail/searchtext%3EPRESSURE+WASHER.htm

creedp

listermint wrote: »

Don't but aldi buy a nilfisk there is feck all in price difference but huge difference in quality


Buy on Amazon

Was going to buy the nilfisk but didnt have the patience for online purchasing! Bought the Aldi one and spent about 5 hours powerwashing footpaths and patio today. Worked fine and found the patio attachment very useful. Now to see how long it stays working.

madmaggie

Make sure the washer you buy is suitable for the task. I burnt out a Karcher through prolonged use. I now have a petrol powerwasher, great pressure, it would lift you off the ground!

Audioslaven

madmaggie wrote: »

Make sure the washer you buy is suitable for the task. I burnt out a Karcher through prolonged use. I now have a petrol powerwasher, great pressure, it would lift you off the ground!

This is very true. The problem with buying Aldi/Lidl gear is if it breaks and getting someplace to repair it outside of warranty. The best electric washers are Kranzle but you would be looking at around 400-500 for the basic model. Super washers though and but you get what you pay for.

creedp

Audioslaven wrote: »

This is very true. The problem with buying Aldi/Lidl gear is if it breaks and getting someplace to repair it outside of warranty. The best electric washers are Kranzle but you would be looking at around 400-500 for the basic model. Super washers though and but you get what you pay for.

While I agree that buying known brands means that you have a better chance of a decent aftersales service and availability of spare parts into the future. However, brands dont always guarantee this either. I've been driven to despair trying to repair a 5 year old Triton mixer shower so as to avoid having to rip out tiles and chase block walls to install a new one. However, Triton have already made the shower obsolete and are not making parts for it anymore - not even flow control / thermostatic control cartridges which are effectively consumables. So even spending over €500 on a shower doesn't guarantee you the ability to repair it in 5 years time. I would have been better off buying a cheaper non brand and replace when it breaks down. These days its often not economically worthwhile to repair equipment anymore .. we're in the ultimate consumer society.

Marita67

Buy a nilfisk I've had mine about 5 years and it's running like day one.

This will not be a once off job so you will be using it again in the future. might as well have it.