Karcher Pressure Washers
Karcher is a well known name in the pressure washing business. They are a German company that has been selling pressure washers and associated equipment here in the US for many years. Originally they were known for their high-quality hot water machines for industrial and commercial uses. They design and manufacture their own pumps and accessories. This tends to make their parts a bit expensive and their availability less than good. Over the last ten years or so they have entered the very competitive market of the "big-box" stores and have designed many models to be much more price competitive. So much for a name.... Beginning with a few models of very inexpensive electric washers, they have made several entries now that are gas powered. These cost/price competitive designs seem to be at least as good as their competitors....understanding that consumer models are not intended for heavy daily use, and that pressure washers, in general, may be significantly more vulnerable to customer misuse. Reading the operational manual is a little more critical for pressure washers than say, lawnmowers.
One of Karcher's unifying features is that almost all pump models use a flow based unloader system. This feature is designed to offer a smooth kick-in of pressure when the trigger is pulled. It does, however, complicate the replacement of spray tips, or the operation of the pump if anything inhibits the flow of water through the pump...such as any small foreign matter stuck in the tip, or the addition of too much pressure hose, or addition of a long extension pole, or hose reel. Inhibited flow will cause the pump to not "kick-in" to the high pressure mode. On certain 2200 to 2800psi models, it is common for the unloader/spill valve to get stuck after a couple of seasons and not allow the pressure to kick-in also. The repair can be a little tricky and time consuming if you haven't had the opportunity the develop the proper technique. This problem is most readily identified by what starts as a slight hesitation in the pressure "kick-in" and quickly deteriorates into no "kick-in".
Call me at Midwest Spray, 513-242-4500, should you care to get an estimate on repair cost.
Karcher is a well known name in the pressure washing business. They are a German company that has been selling pressure washers and associated equipment here in the US for many years. Originally they were known for their high-quality hot water machines for industrial and commercial uses. They design and manufacture their own pumps and accessories. This tends to make their parts a bit expensive and their availability less than good. Over the last ten years or so they have entered the very competitive market of the "big-box" stores and have designed many models to be much more price competitive. So much for a name.... Beginning with a few models of very inexpensive electric washers, they have made several entries now that are gas powered. These cost/price competitive designs seem to be at least as good as their competitors....understanding that consumer models are not intended for heavy daily use, and that pressure washers, in general, may be significantly more vulnerable to customer misuse. Reading the operational manual is a little more critical for pressure washers than say, lawnmowers.
One of Karcher's unifying features is that almost all pump models use a flow based unloader system. This feature is designed to offer a smooth kick-in of pressure when the trigger is pulled. It does, however, complicate the replacement of spray tips, or the operation of the pump if anything inhibits the flow of water through the pump...such as any small foreign matter stuck in the tip, or the addition of too much pressure hose, or addition of a long extension pole, or hose reel. Inhibited flow will cause the pump to not "kick-in" to the high pressure mode. On certain 2200 to 2800psi models, it is common for the unloader/spill valve to get stuck after a couple of seasons and not allow the pressure to kick-in also. The repair can be a little tricky and time consuming if you haven't had the opportunity the develop the proper technique. This problem is most readily identified by what starts as a slight hesitation in the pressure "kick-in" and quickly deteriorates into no "kick-in".
Call me at Midwest Spray, 513-242-4500, should you care to get an estimate on repair cost.
posted by partsnserviceguy at
12:33 PM
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