Pressure Washers

[whisper]

There was a comparative report done recently by one of the mags. Can someone please tell me when and where this was or else what "won" the trials?
Need to wash a tractor down to locate an oil leak /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks.

 

[William_H]

You might find that a coating of engine wash down fluid followed by a squirt with a standard hose with spray nozzle will do the job. I don't imagine you need the real power of a pressure washer like you need on the hull of a boat. olewill

 

[whisper]

Thanks,
You ain't seen the tractor!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
It's an old MF 168 which probably hasn't been cleaned for 5 yrs.

 

[philip_stevens]

My next door neighbours farm has an old Fergie (3 speed, hand throttle), and I had to clean years of gunge off the top of the gearbox just to see what gear it was in. Definitely a pressure washer needed!!

 

[Davy_S]

Can you not borrow a steam cleaner? it will clean a greasy engine far better than a power washer.

 

[sarabande]

best to be a bit careful with old tractors and pressure washers, as some oil seals and rubber covers/gaiters will leak with lots of p.s.i. Water can then get in to gearboxes, switches, etc

I'd go for the engine cleaner and a stiff brush routine first, then with a lance set on wide spray next.

The little Bosch range (green plastic covers) are good small units, but need connecting to a hose, They don't pick up from a tank. Cheap and cheerful from your local agricultural dealer.

Don't forget the goggles, 'cos lots of little sharp stones will be mixed up in the crevices along with dung and hayseed, and will blast back at your face. Yep, done it myself....

 

[Allan]

I have a small Karcher bought cheap in the late 80s. It has been used and abused since. It was recently run dry for at least half an hour when I forgot to turn it off and someone disconnected the water. It still gives good pressure which is not powerfull enough to damage things. As I said, it is small, I think the model number is 220. Karcher seem to be the market leaders and you can get good deals from DIY stores.
Allan

 

[whisper]

Thanks everyone.
A medium power Karcher has been ordered from Tesco!!! Was £160, reduced to £80 and includes a patio cleaning kit - that's the next job after the tractor /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[30boat]

You could use an air compressor with the parafin attachment.That will shift most stuff and is kind on seals and gaskets.