Costco is selling a 3200 psi Husqvarna pressure washer as a pretty decent price.
I did some research into the unit and decided that it was not something I wanted to purchase. It looks like the pressure washer has plenty of power but there are some serious reliability issues.
Key Features
The Husqvarna features a powerful Briggs and Stratton 208cc engine that comes with a two year warranty. The engine generates 3200 psi of water pressure at a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute.
The washer has a single spray nozzle with “multi tip” functionality. The product description says, “Quickly change spray patterns or apply soap with a twist of the wrist using this all in one nozzle. There’s no need to change out or store multiple spray tips. This nozzle includes 0⁰, 15⁰, 25⁰, 40⁰, soap, second story jet, and second story soap nozzles.”
The machine also comes with a secondary Turbo nozzle that operates in a rotary mode and is claimed to clean 40% faster than the standard nozzle.
I searched around some and wasn’t able to find out exactly what the “second story jet and second story soap” functions were. I checked the Owner’s Manual and it looks like they might be a couple of Low Pressure settings?
The unit features a rather heavy duty 30 foot cord and a half gallon detergent tank.
Customer Reviews and Reliability Concerns
I pulled the customer reviews for this unit from Costco’s website and was immediately concerned with what I saw.
When you combine the 1 and 2 Star reviews it turns out that 25% of Costco customers think this unit is a piece of junk. This is the lowest rating that I have seen for any product sold at Costco.
Almost all of the negative reviews dealt with the reliability of the unit. The most common reliability issue related to this pressure washer was that either the engine would not start or would not stay running. I did a little digging and there is a chance that some of the engine reliability issues are resulting from user error.
In order to start the engine you need to:
- Turn the Engine Switch to the “On” position.
- Turn the Fuel Valve Switch to Open.
- Turn the Choke Switch to the Left.
- Pull the Starter Recoil Cord.
- Once running, turn the Choke Switch to the Right.
I suspect some users are forgetting to move the Choke Switch after the unit is running.
Other users state that the unit will only run for a few minutes before shutting off. The User Manual states that this is most probably because of an automatic shutoff that happens when the washer is low on oil.
Lastly, it is important to turn the Fuel Switch to CLOSED when the unit is not running as having the carburetor full of gasoline for long periods of time apparently damages a float.
All of that being said, I am not particularly mechanically inclined and I simply want a unit that starts easily every time. From the reviews I read it does not sound like this will be my unit and I will need to stick with an electric power washer.
The Pressure Washer in Action
Just in case you are still interested in this unit and wanted to see it in action, here is a nice video showing this pressure washer in action.
The unit does generate a lot of pressure so make sure you keep the nozzle at least 6-9 inches away from the surface you are cleaning to avoid damage.
Will never buy another Husqvarna product as long as I live. Flywheel came loose destroying the engine. The weed eater on was just a pain have a weed eater now that’s much better. Need I say more.
Husqvarnas aren’t well made at all. Had a riding lawn mower the flywheel destroy the engine within one year of buying it. And my weed eater wasn’t much better. Need I say more.
Pos whwwl retainer on pw3200 is flimsy and broke upon 3rd time in use. I can’t find the part to replace it. Come on with the replacement parts.
I recently bought the pressure washer 9/26 at Costco Mt pleasant SC. Works great ran it till ran out of gas doing driveways and the sidewalks. Filled it up again and ran it till I was done . Works very well
Have used this pressure washer for about 80 hours. Works great. Idk why you have a review about a weed eater
Lorly…I agree…
Good for the price…
I have the Husqvarna 3200 psi gas powered washer and it will only run if you leave the choke on in half position, is there any answers to this problem for the unit has only been used three times and the same for every time its used to have to have it halfed choked.
Just bought a Husqvarna 3200 psi power washer did the driveway with a surface cleaner it took about half the time did a beautiful job. The unit ran with no problems so far so good.