Q: I cannot get the detergent dispenser (built in) on model 390 to work. What am I doing wrong? by Kay Summers from South Carolina on July 27, 2016
A: You need to have the pressure washer set at the lowest pressure setting on the vario lance. Also see step 13 on page 7 of the OWNERS MANUAL. The detergent should only be about as thick as water or it will not be able to pull properly. by Brian, Product Expert
Q: On the fence is the other AR SS worth $30 more by David Duval from New Hampshire on May 16, 2015
A: The performance will be closely to the same. The SS has nicely upgraded accessories which will last longer and easier to use. by Brian, Product Expert
Q: I bought an AR 390 love it! from you guys and would like to make my life easier. Ive found its easier to disconnect the hose from the sprayer when I wind it on to the reel. is there a quick disconnect that would fit my washer? I would also like to improve the time it takes to switching to the mtm foam cannon and back to rinsing. is there a quick disconnect for my washer for that? thanks! by Dave Wolfs from Ohio on June 26, 2014
A: Since it is an M22 connection, you can purchase adapters to make this possible. You will want to get one of model D10035 for your gun. You will then want to purchase anywhere between 2-3 of the adapter D10037. Purchase two if you just want to do your standard lance and foamer, purchase 3 if you would like to make your turbo nozzle a quick connect too so you don't ever have to thread them together again. by Brian, Product Expert
Q: I want to use this with a MTM Hydro Foam Lance, what adaptor is needed. I was originally looking at the AR383 but it's my understanding there are no adaptors for the 383 to work with the Foam Lance. I'm hoping you have a solution for the 390 because it has metal threads. Thanks by Jesse on March 21, 2012
A: The MTM Hydro foamer attachment will connect to the AR390 with no problem or any adapters needed. The foamer attachment comes with an M22 threaded adapter that will connect to the trigger gun just fine. by Brian, 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 Brian, Product Expert
Q: Hi Bill, I am interested in the new AR 390. I am a home owner using this for small jobs around the house. I was going to buy the AR383 but I think with the new 390 they fixed the hose reel problem? (not just for storage now) Also a longer 30' hose. Since it's new I can't find any reviews for it. The 383 is 1900psi the new is 1800psi would I miss the difference in power? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks by Hank Mayberry from Ohio on March 27, 2011
A: Yes the new AR390 does comes with a 30' hose versus the AR383 comes with a 25' hose. However, both hose reels are designed for storage use only. With any residential grade pressure washer that has a hose reel installed on it, you should always remove the entire hose from the reel during use. This will prevent any possible blockages within the hose that would cut down on the pressure.
In regards to the psi difference, more than likely you would not notice the difference. However, there is definitely a difference in pressure. Typical pressure from a garden hose is around 70 psi, just for you to compare. by Brian, Product Expert
Easy To Use (17) Easy To Store (13) Price (12) Quiet (9) Light Weight (9)
Cons
Unreliable (5) Difficult To Use (5) Low Quality (5) Durability (4) Bad Instructions (4)
78% of respondents would recommend this product to a friend
79 Reviews
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Ronnie Y. Millsboro, DE
Purchased 4/29/11
23 Helpful Votes
REVIEWED
MAY.
21
2011
Used Twice. So Far, So Good.
Bought this in April 2011 and have used it twice. First time to clean mildew from a deck. Worked pretty well but I wish it had a bit more power.
Second time I cleaned screens, vinyl siding and small driveway all with great results. Only one minor complaint and that is with the user manual which is very sparse for information. I had to call AR North America to get clarification on how to get the detergent flow to operate. Customer service was very helpful in explaning the operation.
I hope that I will be using this for many years to come.
Bought this in April 2011 and have used it twice. First time to clean mildew from a deck. Worked pretty well but I wish it had a bit more power.
Second time I cleaned screens, vinyl siding and small driveway all with great results. Only one minor complaint and that is with the user manual which is very sparse for information. I had to call AR North America to get clarification on how to get the detergent flow to operate. Customer service was very helpful in explaning the operation. more
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234
William Gregory Matamoras, PA
Purchased 5/31/11
4 Reviews
45 Helpful Votes
REVIEWED
SEP.
20
2013
Motor Burned Out After Several Uses
The unit stopped working completely (the motor burned out) after using a half a dozen times over a 3 month period! Don't buy this power washer...be wise and invest the extra dollars in a real washer (gas powered!)
Pros:Easy To Use, Easy To Store
Cons:Unreliable, Low Quality, Durability
William Does Not Recommend This Product
Product Expert
William,
Our records show you've had this unit for over 2 years. To get the longest service from your pressure washer, please be sure to store it where it won't freeze, and use a pump saver product over the winter (any brand will do).
To get the longest motor life, you also need to make sure you turn the motor completely off when you walk away from the unit. If you release the trigger to stop the water flow and leave it for more than 5 minutes, you also stop the flowing water from cooling the pump and motor and it will fail prematurely.
I purchased this unit to replace an old, but very reliable, Karcher unit. Initially, I thought I'd buy another Karcher, since I had such good luck with them (more than 20 years of regular use). However, when I went through the reviews (on this site and Amazon.com), it became clear that there were many more issues/complaints for Karcher as a brand, than AR, so I bought the AR. While the jury is still out, and I doubt it's reasonable to hope for the same lifespan as my old Karcher, I'm cautiously optimistic that the AR might turn out to be a good investment.
The biggest difference I noticed between the new AR and the old Karcher, was the effectiveness at cleaning. The old Karcher, even though it is rated at a lower pressure, clearly puts out more psi than the AR. However, the AR definitely does a better job cleaning than the Karcher. I have concluded that the nozzle design on the AR is superior to the Karcher, and more then makes up for the lower psi.
The auto on/off feature is very nice, although you have to pause for a moment if you release the trigger, before you are able to re-activate the high pressure spray. This isn't a problem, it just takes some getting used to. It's also nice if for some reason you want a low pressure water source while the unit is turned on (e.g. to rinse a brush or wet a sensitive spot).
I also purchased the AR floor cleaner attachment, which also works surprisingly well. I do find the lack of an extension annoying, but not enough to purchase the extensions (it seems a little ridiculous to spend as much to raise the thing up to a workable level as it does for the thing itself, especially since I already paid 50% of the value of the unit on shipping).
I am disappointed in the plastic filter and hose attachment. I have the unit set up in a fixed location with a hose plumbed to within inches of the intake, meaning the neither the unit nor the attachments are under any load, nor likely to ever be loaded or bumped or twisted. Yet the unit started leaking at the filter/hose connection after only a few uses.
The jury is still out on longevity, but as far as features and functionality go, I'm very pleased, so far, and would recommend this unit to a friend.
I purchased this unit to replace an old, but very reliable, Karcher unit. Initially, I thought I'd buy another Karcher, since I had such good luck with them (more than 20 years of regular use). However, when I went through the reviews (on this site and Amazon.com), it became clear that there were many more issues/complaints for Karcher as a brand, than AR, so I bought the AR. While the jury is still out, and I doubt it's reasonable to hope for the same lifespan as my old Karcher, I'm... more
Pros:Features, Price, I'd Buy It Again
Cons:Plastic Hose Connectors
Don Recommends This AR Product
Product Expert
Don,
It's not only the PSI that makes for effective cleaning; it's the volume of water, or gallons per minute (GPM) that the unit can push, and the size of the hole in the nozzle (the orifice) that concentrates the water.
Higher GPM or a smaller orifice size can make the spray seem more powerful on the same (or lower) rated PSI pump. Pumps are rated on a test bench, with nothing hooked up to them so the largest possible number can be posted- how the water is routed after the pump can also affect how much pressure comes out of the spray tip.
That's where the "Cleaning Units" rating can come in handy- it levels the PSI/GPM playing field so you can compare units based on performance.
Just used power washer for the first time. No problems with assembly.
I didn't experience any leaking problems from hose connection that has been reported by other users. Instructions are still vague about how to get cleaner flowing from tank.
Pros:Easy To Use, Price, Quiet
Cons:Power Cord Storage Needs To Be Larger
David Recommends This AR Product
Product Expert
David,
You will need to turn the adjustable nozzle all the way to the wide setting, and then a little further until you feel a click. (For folks reading this, some nozzles will pull out for the soap mix instead of twisting.)
The click is the low pressure setting- it opens a valve in the tank so the rushing water can mix with the soap and be sprayed out the end of the wand. It won't work with the turbo nozzle.
Once you're done with the soap, twist the nozzle back towards the narrow setting until it clicks again, then spray for a minute to clear the soapy water out of the spray hose and you'll be ready to rinse.
It's a good idea to rinse the tank out when you're done- if soap dries in the tank it can clog up the feed tube.
Not as good as they make it to be. Very light and tips over easily. Hose connection is made of plastic and cheap. It was made to look stronger than what it is at home.
Pros:Easy To Use, Light Weight
Cons:Durability, Low Quality
Mark Does Not Recommend This Product
Product Expert
Mark,
This is a light weight, consumer grade pressure washer. Several of the staff own and use this unit on a regular basis- the hose reel does make it a little top-heavy, but it stands up to regular household use.
Pressure washers do best when you pay out the hose, then move the unit. Trying to move the unit by pulling on the hose will not work as well.
AR Blue 1800 PSI Pressure Washer is a solid product but I think the features they've added to it are not as good as the unit itself. But once it was operating, it was pretty powerful and the jet nozzle is great for covering a lot of ground quickly. Very good for household chores. Overall, I was pleased with it's performance when operating correctly.
There were three negatives however as some of the features I felt did not function as advertised. The new pressure switch which is supposed to turn the pump off and on with the pull of the trigger will shut it down when you release the trigger but it won't turn it back on. The pump just makes a stop start noise over and over like it's trying to start again but it won't. Numerous times I had to go turn the unit off by the switch on the front of the unit and then turn it back on for it to function properly. Got to the point that to avoid that issue, I tied the trigger down in the on position and just put the wand aside with it running when I was moving patio furniture around to prevent it from shutting down the pump and having to make that trip back and forth.
I really do like the turbo nozzle. I noticed that at times on start up that I had to bang it against my foot to get it to go into turbo mode but once I did that it performed very well. Covered a lot of ground quickly. Clearly a very good feature, but it's just aggravating to have to kick something to make it work right.
Having used several different pressure washers, I think the basic unit itself is better than most. If the features were more reliable then it would be a home run in my view.
I also ordered a Patio Cleaner from AR but even though it's from the same manufacturer, it does not fit the pressure washer. It appears to need some type of female adapter that does not come with it.... Seems very short sighted to sell an accessory that requires an adapter to hook it to your own product and then not provide the adapter. But honestly, the turbo nozzle probably makes it obsolete anyway.
AR Blue 1800 PSI Pressure Washer is a solid product but I think the features they've added to it are not as good as the unit itself. But once it was operating, it was pretty powerful and the jet nozzle is great for covering a lot of ground quickly. Very good for household chores. Overall, I was pleased with it's performance when operating correctly.
There were three negatives however as some of the features I felt did not function as advertised. The new pressure switch which is... more
Mark Recommends This AR Product
Product Expert
Mark,
The Start/Stop should function on its own since tying the trigger open can be a safety hazard. You can try pulling the trigger & letting the water run for a bit before starting the motor- this will drive out any air in the pump and prevent vapor lock. If this doesn't help, please contact the folks at AR Bue Clean Tech Support, toll free, at 866-235-5112. They will be able to help troubleshoot or offer warranty assistance. Please be sure to have the serial number of your pressure washer handy when you call them.
If you look at the product page for the AR Blue Clean Surface Cleaner you will see a line in the Features that says "Adapter Part # PW3082750 Needed To Be Compatible With AR390". You can click on this link to order that AR Blue Clean Adaptor for AR390.
Turbo nozzles have a small disc with a hole in it that spins very fast under the pressure of the water. If the water supply has dirt or grit in it, it can jam up the spinning disc. You may want to add an inexpensive water filter to your garden hose to prevent dirt from getting through.
Hopefully this will make your pressure washing easier and more productive!
The manufacturers need to use better material on the pressure hose as it is very stiff and will kink if the operator is not careful the machine will tip over very easily- also so not so good.
Pros:Price, Easy To Store
Cons:Difficult To Use, Hose Is Very Stiff Gets Cat Tails In It Have To Keep Going Back A, Hose Is Stiif And Curls And Kinks A Real Pain
Wally Does Not Recommend This Product
Product Expert
Wally,
Brand new 1/4" hose has a mind of its own- you may want to try unspooling the hose and laying it out in the sun before you start setting up the rest of the unit. That will help it "relax" and not want to be so curly when it's time to start washing.
Once you've done this a few times it will be easier to handle.
I bought this product approx. 2 years ago. I've only used it (3) times and have had nothing but problems with it. It has recently stopped working and will not even turn on. It is too costly to repair.
Product Expert
Greg,
We apologize for any inconvenience- this unit has a 1 year Factory Warranty, so that should have taken care of any problems in that time period.
The Owner's Manual stresses that it's important that the unit be stored where it will not freeze, and recommends the use of a pump saver product to drive out moisture and keep the seals lubricated when not in use.
After hassling with a gas pressure washer for years, I finally got smart and bought an electric model. They're easy to use, clean just as well, quiet, and easy to store.
Best decision for my home/shop use.
Pros:Reliable, I'd Buy It Again, Easy To Use, Easy To Store
Joe Recommends This AR Product
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121
Marge
Purchased 7/11/14
REVIEWED
AUG.
15
2014
Thumbs Up!
After being disappointed with several Karcher brand power washers, I decided to make one last attempt before hiring someone to clean a 10 by 12 foot concrete patio.
The AR Blue 1800 psi worked very well... I wouldn't use any less than 1800 psi. Had to add an adapter to the end of my hose (which I had) so it didn't leak and was very satisfied by the metal threaded connectors on the power washer.
Thumbs up!
Pros:Easy To Use, Easy To Store, I'd Buy It Again, Exceeded Expectations
Marge Recommends This AR Product
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91
Keith J. Trinity, FL
Purchased 8/12/13
REVIEWED
SEP.
03
2013
Using Pressure Washer
We received it quickly. Assembled it and when it did not turn on, pressed reset as directions show. Did not look like reset light came on as it is so weak. Tried washer again and it worked.
The nozzle to pressure wash driveway is about the size of a pencil tip, so it took forever to do the driveway. It is a fine product for light use.
Pros:Easy To Use, Easy To Store, Durable, Light Weight
Cons:It Works Ok But Is Way Too Slow To Do Driveway Walkways
It has a spinning nozzle under the disk that allows you to clean 10 inch wide swaths in less time than a spray nozzle. It also doesn't leave the "zebra stripes" that a spray nozzle will.
You will also need to add theAR Blue Clean 390 Adaptor so it will attach properly to your AR390 pressure washer.
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