I’m down to 2 pressure washers and need to figure out which 1 to buy:
Simpson- belt drive, GX390, Cat pump, 4gpm, 4000psi, separate unloader and downstream injection-
BE- belt drive, GX390, Comet pump, 5gpm, 3000psi, separate unloader and downstream injection-
And any thoughts on buying from Spraywell.com?
I’d go Honda with Comet… more GPM for cheaper. That being said you will want to run a buffer tank with a 5+ GPM machine so factor that in as well in pricing.
Get the biggest GPM you can afford, and someone wise a few years ago said ‘even if you have to put it on the credit card, you’ll make it back in no time’.
4000psi is completely useless IMO, I never use more than 2500 psi. You don’t need a very big buffer tank, 20 gallons is plenty for a 5gpm.
I agree with the fellas above. To answer that last question…
More gpm = more better
To add on to what was mentioned by others about the buffer tank… check out what your local water spigots are putting out. If every house in your area delivers 6 gpm consistently out of their spigots then no concern. But if houses in your area are flowing at less gpm’s then what your machine is calling for then by all means plan accordingly (as in you’ll need that buffer tank set up).
Keep in mind that if you are in an area with lower flowing spigots (say 2 or 3 gpm such as some wells) you might need a larger buffer tank of available water than someone who operates in an area with mostly 4 gpm spigots.
Easiest way to track if your spigot puts out 5 gpm? Time how long it takes to fill a 5 gal bucket. Be sure to consider the inner diameter of the garden hose you are using. 1/2” inner diameter hose will restrict water flow more than 5/8” or 3/4” inner diameter hoses. Just remember that just because you get 5.9 gpm flowing out of your water spigot doesn’t mean that the house across the street is getting the same thing. Heck, you may have varying outcomes depending on which spigot you use on your home.
Neither. Buy the components and build your own. Much cheaper and you get better acquainted with how your equipment works.
Go with this one of the 2 - PRESSURE-PRO SKID MOUNTED COLD 4 GPM 4000 PSI PRESSURE WASHER EB4040HG — PressureWasherProducts
With my soft wash nozzle my 4gpm flows 5 or more gpm. Bulletproof little unit. Mine, that I carry on my trailer in case I need a stronger draw, is 8 years old and the only thing I’ve done to it other than regular oil changes is replace the starter cord.
If you want the Cat pump it’s $130 more, which is what I have. But the GP one is fine.
Well, I appreciate all of the responses, fellas. 
I assumed that “go for the most gpm!” was going to be the most popular response. Which is the way I’m going to try to go. Currently waiting to hear on the availability of the BE B3013HABC.
Personally, I think they are all bullet proof choices for the category of PW, but I think the rated 5gpm and the reduced 3,000psi will work better for me overall. I am/was expecting to have to turn the 4000+psi of some of these pumps down to 3K-3.5K anyway.
We’ll see how it plays out, but, right now, I’m leaning heavily toward the BE.
Many Thanks!
Really appreciate the headsup on that, my friend! Not just the reduced cost, but that supplier reference also.
I do understand where you’re coming from, Racer, and I definitely appreciate the recommendation based upon long-term personal experience. No doubt.
From my introduction into the PWing world in late 2022, Cat pump has been held in high esteem. My original conflict was between the Pressure Pro- EB4040HC-20 and the Simpson- 60828 which are basically the same PW under different brands. Simpson has always been held to high esteem also, and I’m new to the Pressure Pro brand, but am learning quickly that they are a good brand also.
Aside from your personal experience with the EB4040HG, can you (or anyone else) give me any considerable reasons why not to go with the BE B3013HBC ?
My BE (direct drive) runs great. It’s a Honda like yours so no problems there. My OEM pump needed rebuilt 2 times in one summer and then they sent me a new upgraded pump. The guys at BE headquarters were very nice. They sent me replacements and then sent a new pump after it continued to leak.
I haven’t used it much this summer as I upgraded but it performed when I needed it to.
Keep in mind that if I could do it all over again, id go with an 8gpm unit right from the getgo.
The units you’re looking at come with the unloader plumbed back to the pump so it will overheat your pump if you don’t pull your trigger often to let fresh water cool it off. Not sure what your limitations are on space, budget or otherwise but I would look at building a rig a la carte & adding a buffer tank to the mix, then you can plumb your unloader bypass to the tank & stay off trigger with no overheating issues. If I were in your shoes, I would look at a new GX390 (or used / garage kept if cash it tight), a new Udor 5gpm pump & a ZK1 unloader on a buffer tank with a Topaz compact float valve. Also, get the Everest tune up kit for the Honda & keep it in the tool box so a broken rope won’t shut you down when it’s showtime. If you plan on being in the game for awhile, you’ll save in the long run if you splurge on a V twin set up. Upgrade after upgrade costs big bucks in the long run.
Yeah, don’t do what I did and wait too long to get an 8/3000. Soon as I sold my 4/4 I should have paid the extra $500 but noooo, I had to get a 5.5 v-twin.
