Karcher makes a good product at least in the sense that it does perform as advertized when you first use it.The Honda motor is excellent and the tool generally performs very well.My problem with this machine started in year three (conveniently after the two year warranty expired) and is a result of a sticky "unloader valve".This is a critical piece that protects the pump but can stick and essentially disable the pump.Once it starts to malfunction you have no choice but to take the whole machine to a Karcher certified repair center (hassle and $$$).The company provides no information on service or preventive maintenance for this valve in it's owners manual. Indeed, the unloader valve is never even mentioned in the troubleshooting section although this is a common problem with all pressure washers.You cannot purchase a replacement unloader valve from Karcher, they won't sell you one.
So, three years into ownership I have a great Honda motor with about 2 or 3 hours of use on a completely worthless pressure washer unless I fork over another $150 for service center installation of a $25 valve or be told that I need an entirely new pump which would cost more to put in than a new pressure washer once labor is included.
The problem with these things is that there are aluminum parts internally that corrode.They corrode faster in winter etc but the bottom line is that Karcher gives almost no preventive maintenance instructions for the pump itself.I always emptied it of water and left it in the barn.The service people tell me that they advise customers to take these pressure washers into the heated area of the house in the winter!!!
Bottom line: it works well when it works and it has some common problems that are very expensive to have repaired.I would not mind replacing a $25 valve myself but the company won't even sell these to the customer so in the end this is a very expensive short lived product.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Karcher G 2600 PH 2,600 psi 2.3 gpm 161cc Gas-Powered Pressure WasherProduct Description: Offering high-quality German engineering at an affordable price, the Karcher 2,600 PSI 2.3 GPM 161cc Honda GCV160 Gas Powered Pressure Washer #G 2600 PH cleans patios, decks, and driveways quickly and easily. Complete with four pro-style nozzles and 10-inch pneumatic tires with metal wheels, this easy-to-maneuver machine is an ideal choice for the first-time pressure washer user.
The G 2600 PH package includes:
Pressure washer
Spray wand
Trigger gun
4 spray nozzles
Detergent injector
25-foot high pressure hose
Engine oil
Metal hose-hanger
Owner's manual
The washer features the same technology that Karcher recently used to clean Mount Rushmore.View larger.1. Reliability: Powerful Honda GCV160 engine.
2. Durability: German-engineered axial pump.
3. Mobility: Heavy-duty pneumatic tires.
4. Versatility: Set of 4 Pro-Style nozzles.The G 2600 PH quickly removes dirt, debris, and residue without over-stripping.View larger.Cleans Fences, Patios, Vehicles and More While Saving You MoneyWith the G 2600 PH, you can easily perform professional-quality, heavy-duty cleaning yourself--and save yourself the cost of hiring a professional service. Perfect for cleaning fences, siding, animal crates, and even cars or motorcycles, the G 2600 PH boasts a safe and efficient design that quickly removes dirt, debris, and residue without over-stripping, and it allows you to access hard-to-reach areas without putting stress on your back or joints.
Innovative Technology, Honda Engine for Heavy-Duty Cleaning PowerThe G 2600 PH features the same technology that Karcher recently used to clean the presidential faces on Mount Rushmore and the Space Needle. And with its easy-to-start Honda 161cc GCV 160 engine and a durable, commercial-grade pump with brass pump head--developed exclusively for Karcher by their team of German engineers--you can trust it to tackle any around-the-house cleaning job with ease.
Commercial-Grade Trigger Gun and Spray Wand for Precision and ControlAs well as offering superior cleaning power, the G 2600 PH is easy to handle thanks to its commercial-grade trigger gun and zinc-plated spray wand. The spray wand also includes a quick-connect adaptor so you can easily switch spray nozzles. Additionally, the trigger gun has a child safety lock to avoid accidental start-ups.
Four Spray Nozzles Match the Correct Cleaning Power to the JobThis powerful washer includes a set of four pro-style spray nozzles. The choice between zero, 25-degree, 40-degree, and detergent spray nozzles gives you precise control. With these different spray patterns, you can select the right amount of cleaning power to get rid of dirt and debris without harming the surface of the area you're cleaning. The included manual guides you through the selection process so you can choose the best nozzle for the job, and each one snaps securely into place with minimal effort, so you won't have to struggle with extra tools.
The detergent nozzle with automatic detergent injection lets you easily and more quickly clean using Karcher's environmentally-friendly SoapPac pressure washer detergents.
Easy Maneuverability with Heavy-Duty Pneumatic TiresThe G 2600 PH also features heavy-duty, 10-inch pneumatic tires with metal wheels for maximum maneuverability, even on rough or uneven terrain. For added convenience, it requires minimal assembly. Finally, the hose, gun, and spray wand also store directly on the unit for uncluttered storage.
Compact and easy to store, the G 2600 PH measures 23 x 31 x 21 inches (WxHxL), weighs 55 pounds, and is backed by a one-year limited Karcher warranty and a two-year limited Honda engine warranty.
What's in the BoxPressure washer, spray wand, trigger gun, four nozzles, detergent injector, 25-foot high pressure hose, owner's manual, engine oil, metal hanger for the hose, trigger gun, and spray wand.
This efficient, easy-to-handle washer is perfect for a host of around-the-house jobs.Buy cheap Karcher G 2600 PH 2,600 psi 2.3 gpm 161cc Gas-Powered Pressure Washer now
I bought the hose along with the pressure washer and the hose doesn't fit the unit.The manufacturer says they're not compatible.I asked why it's listed on Amazon as "buy together" when I bought my pressure washer.The manufacturer says Amazon did that and they never claimed it would fit.They said they would "allow" me to return the item but I had to pay shipping both ways.Let's see, a $14 item that they already gacked me $9.00 to ship to me and then they want to stick me again for another $9.00 to return it.I think I'll list it for sale on Craigs List.
