Our verdict: Excellent experience so far. This is our initial experience and hope it continues.
Pressure washer choice. Choosing between a consumer-grade and prosumer-grade gas pressure washer, we considered what were our specific cleaning tasks and environments. We've experienced the limitations of electric and needed something of an upgrade without breaking the bank.
Power. A 212cc engine combined with an axial cam pump makes this pressure washer capable of achieving a pressure of 3400 PSI (approximately 57 times greater than that of a standard garden hose) and a flow rate of up to 2.6 GPM (manufacture claim). Corresponding these values is a cleaning power CU of 8840 Cleaning Units (3400 X 2.6). An extremely efficient machine in its price range.
Upgraded to the Westinghouse WXP3400 power washer from SunJoe's Electric pressure washer for the power, durability, and reliability that Westinghouse gas powered pressure washer is known for.
Soap injection: Detergent storage is ensured by a non-removable 0.5 gal tank. The Westinghouse WPX3400 includes an automatic soap dilution mechanism, allowing detergent to be diluted to the ratio of 12:1 with ease. Connection of a soap nozzle triggers the pressure washer to automatically incorporate the detergent into the water stream.
Power washer was very well packaged with proper parts protected. It was almost 100% assembled
Pro: Made/assembled in the USA with parts from other countries
Pro: Very user friendly machine
Setup was straightforward following the directions.
Startup: Installed the supplied motor oil and some fresh ethanol-free gas, started the cold water flowing, put the choke on, turned the power on/off switch to ON and pulled the starter rope of the Recoil Starter and the motor started with the FIRST PULL! Just like is should. No smoke, no rattles, no surging.
Best practices.
Tip to notice! 1: After you're done using the machine and while the pressure washer is turned off, pull the recoil handle 5 - 6 times. This should remove most of the remaining liquid inside the pump.
Tip to notice! 2: After First 5 Hours, Change engine break in oil. Kinda an old school procedure, but it does make a difference. After that initial oil change, follow the manuals maintenance schedule.
Tip to notice! 3: Remember, before starting motor to start the cold water flowing into the pump and squeeze the trigger until water flows through it (it will be a slow flow as the pump is not on yet) Then engage the trigger lock and start the motor. Never run the motor with the pump dry.
Tip to notice! 4: Put a 5/8 in. Hose Washer with Screen and use them on the pressure washers to avoid damaging the positive displacement pump and plugging the tips. You can still get debris in your hose from dragging it across the yard. It's always a good practice to put the screen directly on the pressure washer inlet. You can get them from any big box hardware store. They are in the plumbing section. Cheap preventive maintenance, just remember to periodically check them.
Tip to notice! 5: While running and not spraying water, the pump can heat up very quickly (lack of water cooling pump), you will notice a black "Thermal Relief Valve" draining out the warm water. Keep this valve operational.
Tip to notice! 6: After your all done and the machine is off, the household supplied water is turned off, the gas is turned off, make sure you press the wand handle to release any residual water pressure in the hose/gun. I noticed this after trying to remove the high pressure hose as the M22 connector was very tight. I thought I had overtightened the connector. But after releasing the water pressure, the connector twisted off easily
CON's:
Low oil shutdown = No, doesn't have one
Soap tank capacity = 0.5 G Would like to have a clear fluid indicator on tank
Intake cold water hose connection points directly toward right wheel, with vibration will cause a hole in the cold water input hose.
Outward high pressure hose also directly toward right wheel. had to secure hose to upright frame with a small section of a pool noodle and zip ties to prevent hose failure
Conclusion:
We've initially used this pressure washer to clean a cement patio, vinyl fencing, and some vinyl siding and were not disappointed and we believe you will not disappointed either.