Q: Hi Bill, Can another brand name pump like General or AR or Cat pump replace the Karcher 4000 axial cam pump?
If yes, is it just to take out and change or do you have to modify?
Thanks in Advance, Melvin. by Melvin Walters from Florida on September 29, 2011
A: Unfortunately you could not purchase this machine with another brand of pump, meaning the machine could not be customized from the factory. However, you could definitely purchase a General Pump, CAT PUMP, or AR brand pump and install it on this machine with no modifications needed. You would just have to make sure that the replacement pump you purchased accepted a 1" diameter shaft and was designed for a horizontal installation. by Bill, Product Expert
Q: How does the Karcher compare to something with a general or cat pump? what's the difference between a axial & triplex pump?
How much does a new pump for it cost? or to rebuild the one thats on it? by Scott from Indiana on May 19, 2011
A: When it comes to a unit with a General or Cat pump, the difference in quality is going to be much different. It really comes down to the type of pump. The General and Cat pumps are going to be a tri-plex plunger pump made of ceramic. Going to be much more durable as well as a better quality. Axial Cam pumps are made from aluminum and not going to give you the durability you are looking for the long term.
Replacement pumps are typically going to be anywhere from $250-$500. The plus side to a tri-plex pump, you can actually rebuild these, where an axial cam cannot be rebuilt.
Q: Bill I am going to buy a pressure washer, and the Karcher( 4000) I was told was the best from some friends. I went to a couple of shops and the owners didn't recomend buying the Karcher. What do you think, I just don't want to buy something that won't last. by Bob Bradford from Oregon on March 27, 2011
A: Karcher actually makes really good quality pressure washers, especially their gas models. Karcher uses their own branded German engineered pumps on all of their gas pressure washers. With this model having a Honda GX engine on it, you are absolutely getting a quality pressure washer. You might have heard some negative comments on Karcher products due to an issue Karcher was having a couple years ago with their after sales support. Since then, Karcher has drastically improved their warranty procedures.
I would have no problem at all recommending Karcher's gas models or their higher end electric models. We have had good luck with selling their products. by Bill, Product Expert
Overall Rating
3.7
(Based on 10 Reviews)
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Bill Mikenis, Product Expert Pressure Washers Direct
Bill's Recommendation
You really can't go wrong with a Honda GX engine and a German engineered, Karcher brand pump. They are unique in that they can pull water from a tank and/or any standing source of water. Karcher produces a very heavy duty axial cam pump that if stored properly, will last for many years.
What secured our "Best" recommendation in this category was not only the great quality of the components but also a new development- a remote pressure control located on the spray wand. This lets you dial in the proper pressure for whatever you're cleaning without having to walk back and forth to the unit- saving you time and effort.
Plus, Karcher stands behind their products long after the machine has been sold.
May 23, 2013
Gordon S. North Canton, OH
I Own, But Do Not Recommend
My machine has a design flaw, not known to all of their dealers- namely the unloader valve and "blow out plug" are defective.
With very few hours on it, my machine failed. Even with semi-pro skills, this unit required the labor services of a certified Karcher service center to be able to install the parts needed for repair. Being out of the 1 yr warranty, Karcher would not stand behind it for any labor reimbursement. So even though the parts to repair would seem to be straightforward, even a semi-skilled mechanic will likely need to return the unit to a certified repairing dealer to install the necessary parts.
With perhaps another 20 hours of use, my machine has similarly failed again.
My suggestion? Either move on to another product, or figure in a minimum of $350-$500 part costs, plus labor, on top of the initial price to buy a new pump for this product.
I have used Karcher in the past successfully with satisfaction. However, in good faith, I can no longer recommend this product, nor Karcher, to anyone.
PWD RESPONDS: The "blow out" plug is a thermal relief valve. Water rushing through the pump is what cools the pump.
Page 11 of the Owner's Manual says not to leave the unit running without pulling the trigger for more than 5 minutes- that is so the pump doesn't overheat and vent water out of the thermal relief valve.
The Factory Warranty covers defect in materials and workmanship, which will become apparent well within the first year of use. It does not cover mis-use or abuse.
It is very important to make a practice of turning the unit off if you're going to walk away. It is too easy to get side tracked and have 5 minutes turn into 20.
My machine has a design flaw, not known to all of their dealers- namely the unloader valve and "blow out plug" are defective.
With very few hours on it, my machine failed. Even with semi-pro skills, this unit required the labor services of a certified Karcher service center to be able to install the parts needed for repair. Being out of the 1 yr warranty, Karcher would not stand behind it for any labor reimbursement. So even though the parts to repair would seem to be straightforward, even a semi-skilled mechanic will likely need to return the unit to a certified repa... more
May 06, 2013
Eric B. Simi Valley, CA
Gas Leaking Everywhere
So I ordered this unit and the fuel pours out of the bottom of the carb; and NO it's not just a bolt that need to be tightened. There's at least 3 places it's draining from. The local dealer is 80 miles any so guess who's going to get stuck with the repair bill for a pressure washer that hasn't even run more that 5 min! Ya ME.... But if they do take care of the bill I'll report back and let everyone know.
At this point I regret my $ 1,150.00 purchase..... Purchase local!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and to Boot, I Have customers waiting for services I promised because I told them I have the best equipment and can get the job done right the first time!!!
PWD RESPONDS: We apologize for the inconvenience! If you'd like to see if Karcher has added any new service locations closer to you, you could give them a call, toll free, at (800) 537-4129.
Your unit is covered by Factory Warranties. Any Honda small engine location can handle engine warranty work at no cost to you; and Karcher will take care of the rest under their warranty, again at no cost to you as long as the problem is related to a defect in materials or workmanship.
Please let us know if you do wind up having to travel a long distance for service- we'll be happy to help you directly.
So I ordered this unit and the fuel pours out of the bottom of the carb; and NO it's not just a bolt that need to be tightened. There's at least 3 places it's draining from. The local dealer is 80 miles any so guess who's going to get stuck with the repair bill for a pressure washer that hasn't even run more that 5 min! Ya ME.... But if they do take care of the bill I'll report back and let everyone know.
At this point I regret my $ 1,150.00 purchase..... Purchase local!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and to Boot, I Have customers waiting for services I promised because I told th... more
January 31, 2011
Robert Geissler Newfield, NJ
Great Machine
Great machines, I used the Ladder Saver at the end of the season and cut my time in half compared to the old 5.5 hp machine I had before.
June 19, 2010
JOHN BRODACKI Richmond, MI
Lives Up To It's Advertising
I Like It Because It Lives Up to What Is Advertised to Be.
the Decals Were Only Half Stuck On, But That Is Quite Trivial.
It Starts Real Good and the Pressure Is Great.
May 05, 2010
Clyde Harbin Southaven, MS
Really Nice Equipment
I really liked the fast shipping. Paypal is the way to go for this route. I have invested about $3800 in this venture.
The accessory available to me from Pressure Washers Direct is very nice and really high standards. I give all the equipment an A1 rating.
I will be buying another one shortly through them for my detailing business.
Thanks again for the equipment.
April 14, 2010
Kevin Pontius Austintown, OH
So Far So Good !!!
I recently purchased this machine. I've done several decks, garage floors, and some vinyl siding cleaning.
I've used the cleaner through the pump which worked well. The machine has performed well.
The only disappointment was when I went to fill the tank with gas, I noticed fuel running from the carb. After inspection I noticed the fuel line from the tank was not connected to the carb, spewing gas all over my blacktop driveway...
Easy set up and works well........
February 25, 2010
Mike L. Dulac, LA
Disappointed
I'm really disappointed with this washer. The pump needs repairs after only using it seven times. The hose already has to be replaced because for some reason a blade of grass must have punched a hole in it.
My old pressure washer was 13 years old and I never had to replace the hose or the pump. The service center is 60 miles from my home and Karcher has no customer service.
They only tell you to bring it the 60 miles to have it checked. I'll never buy another Karcher.
June 22, 2009
John Blaha Bel Air, MD
Karcher G4000oh Easy To Assemble
I received my pressure washer within 5 days of ordering. I was very happy with the ordering and delivery process.
Another reviewer says it took him an hour to assemble. Honestly it took me about 15-20 minutes.
The pressure washer works great, and the adjustment on the handle makes it that much easier.
I am very satisfied.
If I needed to, I would buy it again and from Pressure Washers Direct.com!!!
May 27, 2009
T Cash Cornersville, TN
Karcher 4000 Psi Is Worth The Extra Money
In May of 2009 just bought the Karcher 4000 psi, 13hp power washer. The unit was delivered to my door in a professional manner. It took me about 1 hour to assemble the washer and insert oil, make sure all was set up for working order.
The unit started on about the 3rd pull. Overall, I am pleased with this unit- I wanted to be sure that I didn't purchase something too small to complete the tasks at hand.
This unit weighs about 120lbs when assembled so it's something that I can pick up and move (IF NECESSARY) but others might not be able to.
The Honda professional grade engine will last for years and years!!! It's worth an extra $300-400 to get a long lasting product. The 50' hose is a great item! Having something any shorter would be a hassle.
Users should make a note that this unit will not pull-start if there is any pressure in the system. To release the pressure simply pull the trigger on the gun.
The instructions don't mention this, but there is always some amount of pressure in the line & pump and if this isn't released then the pull starter is impossible to pull and could actually cause bodily injury if not careful.
This exact pressure washer has been around for years and is a professional grade product.
In May of 2009 just bought the Karcher 4000 psi, 13hp power washer. The unit was delivered to my door in a professional manner. It took me about 1 hour to assemble the washer and insert oil, make sure all was set up for working order.
The unit started on about the 3rd pull. Overall, I am pleased with this unit- I wanted to be sure that I didn't purchase something too small to complete the tasks at hand.
This unit weighs about 120lbs when assembled so it's something that I can pick up and move (IF NECESSARY) but others might not be able to.
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Owners Manual
