Q: This washer comes with a foamer. Is that the same as a foam cannon? by Andrew on February 03, 2012
A: No, this machine simply comes with a detergent applicator bottle. It is not a foamer attachment. by Bill, Product Expert
Q: Lost my manual. How do you assemble AR Blue Clean 383 and get it to spray? by Gail Brown from Kentucky on October 06, 2011
A: I am posting a link below to this model on our website. If you click on the specs tab, off to the right will be a link to download the owner's manual from our site.
This should be exactly what you need. See below:
<a href="/AR-AR383-Pressure-Washer/p2747.html" title="AR-AR383-Pressure-Washer" class="bluelink">AR383</a> by Bill, Product Expert
Q: What height does the flow of an electric power washer reach? That is - can second floor siding be cleaned from a first floor deck effectively? What would be the best pressure washer specifications for such a use? by Nancy Floria from Maryland on May 29, 2011
A: The flow is not going to reach anything more than 7-10' and at that endpoint would not be the pressure you are looking to achieve. With situations like this, you would need an extension to reach the 2nd story, but honestly with an electric pressure washer, this is no easy task and almost always is going to need a ladder.
With gas, this would not a be a problem because attachments are endless, but electric it becomes difficult because you start to run out of options.
Q: Wand keeps popping off high pressure hose. Any recommendatins? by ED BAKER from California on April 19, 2011
A: You are either not seating the gun into the hose connection enough or the gun/hose has a defective connection.
We sell an AR replacement gun and hose kit that would be compatible with that pressure washer.
I'm posting a link below to the product I am referring to:
<a href="http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/AR-PW909100K/p6197.html" title="http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/AR-PW909100K/p6197.html" class="bluelink">AR Replacement Gun and Hose Kit</a> by Bill, Product Expert
Q: I have the AR383 1,900 PSI power washer. I bought it to clean my boat. I had to run an extension cord to be able to use it. GFCI trips immediately. I believe the cord is probably 16/3. I was thinking of buying a 100ft 12/3 cord. Do you think it will still trip? Or ruin the motor? by Todd from New York on April 17, 2011
A: If you are using a 16 gauge cord, that is probably your problem. I would definitely recommend that you use a 12 gauge extension cord with any electric pressure washer. Also, if you are by any chance plugging the cord into a GFCI protected outlet, that could also be causing the plug to constantly trip. by Bill, Product Expert
Q: Can an extension cord be used or is it limited to the 25 foot power cord it comes with? How will this unit work for cleaning of a ski boat? by Jeff from Idaho on April 04, 2011
A: Using an extension cord is not recommended with electric pressure washers. However, if the situation requires you to do so, you can use a 25' cord as long as it is an outdoor rated 14 gauge cord. You may increase the extension cord length up to 50' but then you have to increase the size of the cord to a 12 gauge cord. by Bill, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.7
(Based on 15 Reviews)
Sort By
Bill Mikenis, Product Expert Pressure Washers Direct
Bill's Recommendation
AR is famous for their high performance pumps, and even in this economical unit they put in a pump that's a step above many other units in this price range.
This pump has 3 stainless steel plungers that are more durable than the typical plastic parts on other units in this class.
The built-in hose reel is a nice addition, letting you store the high pressure hose compactly and kink-free. A Turbo nozzle is also included (great for getting grime out of nooks & crannies!)- so you're getting a lot of value for your hard earned money.
February 20, 2012
Tom North Palm Beach, FL
So far, very pleased
I am finding this to be a very good product. Have been cleaning driveway, patio and sidewalks.
Easy to assemble,and a breeze to use. Quieter than previous machine I had.
So far, very pleased. Shipment and delivery were very prompt, as well.
November 09, 2011
George F. New Paltz, NY
Assembly Problems AR 383
Liked the size and storage design of the AR383. Pressure Washer meets my requirements around my Home. Problem I had was in assembly of AR 383. Assembly instructions were not specific.
What i did was attached the Hose coupling first to pressure washer followed by the filter unit. Could not understand why it leaked so badly.
Finally after much connecting and reconnecting I found the error. Once fixed my problem was solved and I am very satisfied with my purchase.
PWD RESPONDS: You can also contact the folks at AR North America directly at (800) 893-4235, toll free.
November 02, 2011
William H. Collierville, TN
Happy
although i have only used my AR washer once since i purchased it, i am very ha ppy with its performance.
only two comments come to mind.1i led myself to believe that the pressure hose stayed on the reel and you operated the unit with it attached.believed it because i wanted to believe thats what the picture showed.
2the instuctions regarding the attachment of the filter housing were confusing.this appeared to be a mid production change that required a supplement to the instrutions that just wasnt very clear.
as always,very happy with the Direct service.
PWD RESPONDS: We've just updated the Features on the AR383 to say "Built-In Hose Storage Reel"; hopefully that will be a better description.
If you have questions about the filter housing you can always give the folks at AR a call, toll free, at (800) 893-4235.
although i have only used my AR washer once since i purchased it, i am very ha ppy with its performance.
only two comments come to mind.1i led myself to believe that the pressure hose stayed on the reel and you operated the unit with it attached.believed it because i wanted to believe thats what the picture showed.
2the instuctions regarding the attachment of the filter housing were confusing.this appeared to be a mid production change that required a supplement to the instrutions that just wasnt very clear.
First time I used it since I bought it. Works perfect.
Excellent product. Set up was extremely easy for the handy man like me.
July 05, 2011
Delano M. Ofallon, IL
Overall rating is good
I used the washer for the first time today and found it to perform satisfactorily. I did encounter some problems during the initial assembly of the unit as well as the initial usage. In my opinion the instruction booklet leaves a lot to be desired. There are several discrepancies contained in the booklet and it should be updated to reflect the actual parts included plus the instructions are slightly confusing.
I feel there are a couple of design deficiencies in the product. The extensions on the accessories holder are not long enough to adequately contain the power cord and it is impossible to wind the hose onto the reel without crimping the hose.
Once I was able to remedy the leaks at the garden hose adapter and pump extension everything worked fine. It does take a little longer to adequately clean concrete surfaces with this unit vs. the gas powered unit 2400 psi which I previously owned. I like the automatic shutoff of the pump when the trigger is released. Overall I would rate the unit as good.
PWD RESPONDS: The folks at AR assure us that an updated manual is in progress.
I used the washer for the first time today and found it to perform satisfactorily. I did encounter some problems during the initial assembly of the unit as well as the initial usage. In my opinion the instruction booklet leaves a lot to be desired. There are several discrepancies contained in the booklet and it should be updated to reflect the actual parts included plus the instructions are slightly confusing.
I feel there are a couple of design deficiencies in the product. The extensions on the accessories holder are not long enough to adequately contain the power cord an... more
June 28, 2011
Tom H. Nirvana, MD
Most reliable electric I've found
Ive been through several Karchers of late, all returned because of initial problems. Tried the in-house brands from the big box stores and they were junk.
Stumbled across this AR with some good reviews and decided to give it a try. It's been in service six months now and I use it at least twice a week for car washing.
Like all inexpensive units, it won't spray detergent under pressure which makes using the fiddly detergent bottle somewhat worthless. The hose reel is more trouble than it is worth, just loosely loop the pressure hose and the electrical cord over the machine much quicker and less frustrating.
This unit actually seems to have somewhere near the rated power which was a pleasant surprise. I'm not sure there is any industry standard for rating the true pressure so manufacturers seem to feel free to put pretty much whatever rating on the unit they desire. AR seems to have actually researched the unit's output and come up with a reasonable rating.
My biggest complaint is the 15mm size of the couplers. I don't like leaving the pressure hose attached but also find it inconvenient to unscrew it after every use. I've tried every source I can think up for a 15mm coupler, hoping that enough demand will develop that it will become a stock item. That would make an already good machine a great machine.
Ive been through several Karchers of late, all returned because of initial problems. Tried the in-house brands from the big box stores and they were junk.
Stumbled across this AR with some good reviews and decided to give it a try. It's been in service six months now and I use it at least twice a week for car washing.
Like all inexpensive units, it won't spray detergent under pressure which makes using the fiddly detergent bottle somewhat worthless. The hose reel is more trouble than it is worth, just loosely loop the pressure hose and the electrical cord ove... more
June 09, 2011
Gene B. Simpsonville, SC
My first experience with the AR 383
Difficult to figure out a couple things on first try. The instructions do not make clear that you spray under low pressure using the Gun only and then remove the detergent container and install the high pressure spray attachment.
Second, I could not determine how to start the pump so I called your help number and told your agent that the only possible start accessory was the small, rubber/plastic buttons at the top of the sprayer. The agent said that that was no longer in use but could not help me.
I continued to check the Electrical components from the GFCI wall fixture to the pump and could not find a problem. I even purchased a Voltage detector for $18.00 to test everything which verified that there was no problem from the GFCI outlet to the Pump. At this point, I called your number for help again and this time I was told to push the rubber covered buttons which of course solved my problem of starting.
Finally, I think the detergent container is too small even though I remove it while spraying off the detergent/water mix. Also, there is some leakage from the plastic threads while spraying the detergent even though I tightened as much as I could.
The method of spraying while bypassing the pump with the detergent is Great! This has to save the pump life.
Difficult to figure out a couple things on first try. The instructions do not make clear that you spray under low pressure using the Gun only and then remove the detergent container and install the high pressure spray attachment.
Second, I could not determine how to start the pump so I called your help number and told your agent that the only possible start accessory was the small, rubber/plastic buttons at the top of the sprayer. The agent said that that was no longer in use but could not help me.
I continued to check the Electrical components from the GFCI wall... more
June 01, 2011
E B Saginaw, MI
AR Blue Clean 1900 PSI (Electric Cold-Water) Pressure Washer w/ Hose Reel Review
Put it to work right out of the box. Cleaned the deck and the siding on the house nicely. Even did the driveway.
For a small electric unit it does a very nice job. If you are looking for a PW that takes off paint and one for long heavy jobs this is not the one.
It works for me for the average cleaning jobs around the house. I bought the unit based on reliability. Will have to wait on that issue. Only difficulty I am having is getting the extra turbo lance to work, the other lance works great.
PWD RESPONDS: Sometimes a piece of grit can jam a Turbo nozzle. You might want to try flushing the tip from the nozzle end (with a garden hose or in a sink- NOT with the pressure washer, please!) You should hear a piece inside the nozzle spin freely when you twirl it.
You can also give the folks at AR a call, toll free, at (800) 893-4235. They may have other tricks for you to try, or they may send you a replacement nozzle. Be sure to have the serial number of your unit handy when you call them; they need it for their records.
Put it to work right out of the box. Cleaned the deck and the siding on the house nicely. Even did the driveway.
For a small electric unit it does a very nice job. If you are looking for a PW that takes off paint and one for long heavy jobs this is not the one.
It works for me for the average cleaning jobs around the house. I bought the unit based on reliability. Will have to wait on that issue. Only difficulty I am having is getting the extra turbo lance to work, the other lance works great.
PWD RESPONDS: Sometimes a piece of grit can jam a Turbo... more
May 29, 2011
Mike Hurlburt Elkhorn, WI
Machine works, need screws
Machine works as advertised. Only problem with this order was there were no screws included to attach wand holder assembly to the machine.
PWD RESPONDS: Just as we advised on the phone, it's as easy as giving the folks at AR a call, toll free. at (800) 893-4235. They will be happy to send out the parts right away.
They may ask for the serial number of your pressure washer, so you'll want to have that handy when you call.
May 29, 2011
Peter C. Staten Island, NY
Very Good Machine
I had a Karcher before for 10 years and needed and new machine.
I read the good reviews about the AR and was happy I got one.
Setup was a breeze, just remember the clear side of the adapter goes into the machine.
March 03, 2011
Erik S. Odessa, TX
Very pleased
Very pleased with the washer, only thing I didn't like was the quick connect for the input. Should have been designed to where you can hook a standard garden hose directly to it without an adapter. Other than that great washer.
PWD RESPONDS: The quick connector for the garden hose side helps prevent wear and tear on the joint (and your knuckles). Damage happens more frequently on units where the garden hose needs to be threaded on and off repeatedly.
We apologize for any inconvenience, but hope you will find it more effective in the long run!
January 01, 2011
Pedro Rodriguez Miami, FL
Excellent Choice
The unit has been an excellent choice, performance is as promised, and the guarantee offered by Pressure Washers Direct is unequaled.
PWD RESPONDS: The warranty is offered and serviced by the folks at AR North America- that way you can be sure of a national service network!
Every pressure washer we sell is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. If a manufacturer won't stand behind their product by offering a decent warranty, we won't sell it.
June 25, 2010
David Bacheller Champaign, IL
Good consumer grade machine, with limitations
Ive been using an AR383 for a few weeks. Here are my pros and cons:
Pro: I really like the shutoff feature. When you release the trigger on the wand, the motor shuts off. No worries about burning up the pump when not washing. The pressure is fine for most light duty cleaning like cleaning off a lawn mower, deck, siding etc. Pretty quiet operation. Really nice to have the rotating wand for medium duty cleaning.
Cons: Pressure hose hookup is fiddly because of the location of the pump output. And a significant negative is that the AR hose and pump output the O ring area is 15mm diameter, not the much more standard 14mm on most pressure washers in the USA. You wont be able to use any of the quick connect adapters available at most home centers. And as mentioned before, the hose reel storage is ok, but the hose must be detached from the pump and the wand to be stored on the reel.
For light duty, short duration washing, the AR383 works well, given its limitations.
Ive been using an AR383 for a few weeks. Here are my pros and cons:
Pro: I really like the shutoff feature. When you release the trigger on the wand, the motor shuts off. No worries about burning up the pump when not washing. The pressure is fine for most light duty cleaning like cleaning off a lawn mower, deck, siding etc. Pretty quiet operation. Really nice to have the rotating wand for medium duty cleaning.
Cons: Pressure hose hookup is fiddly because of the location of the pump output. And a significant negative is that the AR hose and pump output ... more
March 11, 2010
Chris Parios Mclean, VA
Perfect for portability
I bought this 3 weeks ago. I have used it 4 times since on the driveway. deck, patio, van, and 2 cars. the boat is next.
This is perfect washer where portability is required without sacrificing adequate pressure. This washer will not blow the paint off of your deck but will remove all but most stubborn mildew and stains.
It is quiet and lightweight. The high pressure hose is a little stiff and I found that storing it in looser big circles is preferable to winding it tightly on the washer itself.
Each wand works differently so some experimentation is needed depending on the job you are doing.
I would definitely buy this again.
I bought this 3 weeks ago. I have used it 4 times since on the driveway. deck, patio, van, and 2 cars. the boat is next.
This is perfect washer where portability is required without sacrificing adequate pressure. This washer will not blow the paint off of your deck but will remove all but most stubborn mildew and stains.
It is quiet and lightweight. The high pressure hose is a little stiff and I found that storing it in looser big circles is preferable to winding it tightly on the washer itself.
Each wand works differently so some experimentation... more