Kärcher K3 water blaster, or other?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Kärcher K3 water blaster, or other?

TeaLeaf

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#272499 27-Jun-2020 15:17

I know Karcher as I know most german brands like stihl etc to be high quality.

Im not sure about this pressure washer though. Some people mention it has issues with the plastics.

Im not sure for the price what else I should be looking at. I see the Ryobi which gets ok reviews is only $179, but again a couple of reviews about quality control. I guess you are going to get "made on Friday" models in any line up?

I had an old hand me down that has bitten the dust.

Any positive reviews or thoughts would be much appreciated.

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#2513691 27-Jun-2020 15:37

At that price it'll be relatively low pressure. My Bosch has lasted pretty well, got it through flybuys. For big jobs petrol ones might be a good plan.

BlinkyBill

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#2513703 27-Jun-2020 16:30

Nilfisk

compound

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#2513721 27-Jun-2020 17:21

A plastic pump head with a metal cover to re-inforce it. Aluminium heads can suffer rapid corrosion so brass heads are the best but cost more of course. Karcher pressures are often high compared to others but the flow is usually lower. Pressure is great to lift dirt but flow is required to move it. Bigger the flow, faster the job gets done as long as you can dislodge the dirt in the first place.

wally22

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#2513725 27-Jun-2020 17:40

Would not recommend Ryobi, especially cheap ones. (I used to sell them) Or any cheap ones. If you buy for the occasional domestic job, sod's law says you will use it for a major job and it will die. Duty cycle and other issues.

As you have been using one already though, you should know your requirements.

If you want it to last, and not be too slow to use, I recommend a lower end compact commercial water blaster. It doesn't have to be petrol, electric is OK.

It will last your lifetime, especially if you don't loan it out. My Karcher HD 525 S is 20 years old and has only had a new hose 1 year ago. Used frequently, but not at a commercial level. Parts are still available.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/karcher-hd-5-11-c-electric-water-blaster_p0086114 has the Karcher HD 5/11 C Electric Water Blaster for $1293.00. Cheapest I found with a quick search.

That does not include a turbo nozzle which I would recommend, listed here https://www.tradetested.co.nz/gardening/outdoor-power-garden/water-blasters/accessories/nozzles/karcher-g-series-water-blaster-turbo-nozzle.html for $49.00

davidcole

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#2513752 27-Jun-2020 20:24

Nilfisk use to have some metal internals over the karcher which is why we chose it. But I wouldn’t be surprised if nilfisk went away from that also

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phrozenpenguin

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#2513758 27-Jun-2020 21:08

I also have a (basic) Nilfisk, and have no issues, although I wouldn't describe it as heavily used! I got it for a deal <$100 within the last 12 months. The reviews said it had metal internals and it is still working fine.

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#2514226 29-Jun-2020 09:19

My karcher is about 20 years old.
No issues so far, thats a dam good run for the money .

The accessories are ridiculously expensive though.

esawers

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#2514236 29-Jun-2020 09:50

Went to replace a part on our Nilfisk recently and Mitre10 told us they have left the NZ market. So we bought a Karcher K3.

TeaLeaf

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#2514346 29-Jun-2020 11:45

esawers:

Went to replace a part on our Nilfisk recently and Mitre10 told us they have left the NZ market. So we bought a Karcher K3.

Yep. I had a hand me down Nilfsk and was going to replace it as you can get some good accessories. It only lasted me 6 months haha, murphys law, but was over 5 years old so cant complain, was a good machine.

But Ive owned a k3 Karcher too before and only sold it due to moving back here. I have to say there patio/hard surface cleaner head is one of the best ive seen or used in the DIY market.

But Im so jealous of the USA market and the brands they get. A lot come WITH a 10m hose, I know the Karcher 15m hose is available but its an extra $100. Also many well reviewed models come with a hose reel, which is always a pain, more so if you buy a longer hose.

I plan to get a new snowfoam lance, making quality snow foam that sticks to the car is the key to making effortless car washes, once maintained you dont even need to wipe with a mit, simply use quality snow foam chemical, then rinse on low pressure.

I think I will just go with a Karcher again with a water brush.

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#2514352 29-Jun-2020 11:50

I've got a petrol-powered Homelite 2600 from Bunnings. So far, so good (2 years) -https://www.bunnings.co.nz/homelite-2600psi-pressure-washer_p0088750

Amanon

TeaLeaf

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#2514354 29-Jun-2020 11:57

wally22:

Would not recommend Ryobi, especially cheap ones. (I used to sell them) Or any cheap ones. If you buy for the occasional domestic job, sod's law says you will use it for a major job and it will die. Duty cycle and other issues.

I only asked as I have Ryobi garden and power tools in the one+ range and most have powerformed well and review very well.

But for the same price you can get the Bosch 1900psi, which includes a detergent bottle, something I thought they had left off the karcher k3 but glad to see it is there.

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TeaLeaf

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#2514355 29-Jun-2020 11:57

wally22:

Would not recommend Ryobi, especially cheap ones. (I used to sell them) Or any cheap ones. If you buy for the occasional domestic job, sod's law says you will use it for a major job and it will die. Duty cycle and other issues.

esawers

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#2514357 29-Jun-2020 11:58

We bought the Karcher K3 Full Control (adjustable pressure) model last week, Supercheap had it 25% off for $246, and Mitre10 price matched for $209

TeaLeaf

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#2514707 29-Jun-2020 18:40

esawers:

We bought the Karcher K3 Full Control (adjustable pressure) model last week, Supercheap had it 25% off for $246, and Mitre10 price matched for $209

Oh Geeze thats too good, I wish that was still ON ! well done

How did you get Mitre10 to get so low? Seems supercheap still has it at $249

esawers

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#2514722 29-Jun-2020 19:04

M10 will beat any price by 15%

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