Product Review: Yamaha PW3028 Power Washer

Convenience
First, the 5-in-1 pivoting nozzle makes it’s easy to choose from 3 different pressure settings and 2 soap settings. No more fooling around with trying to attach/detach different colored nozzles or monkeying with a separate soap mechanism. The tip easily swivels too and can lock into several angles. There is a built-in detergent/soap tank attached right in front of the unit too so you won’t be spilling stuff all over the place by using an external container.

Ease of use
This engine was built for commercial use, and everything on this unit is top-of-the-line, but Yamaha had the average consumer in mind and it is fitted 100% for consumer ease-of-use. Example, the handle midway down on the spray-wand can rotate 360 degrees and lock into place anyway you want it so you are never awkwardly trying to spray things and contorting your body into unrealistic positions. This alone cuts time and subsequent body aches significantly.

Have a hard time moving your current pressure-washer around? Not this one! It has never-flat tires on it that will roll over anything. These are solid tires that are light, durable and will easily go up and down stairs, over the lawn, and anywhere you want to roll the PW3028.

Fuel savings
Yamaha is famous for reliability, but this machine is smart too, the 192cc air-cooled 4-stroke has ‘automatic idle’ down which brings the idle to a lower rpm when not pulling the trigger on the wand. This reduces fuel use and extends longevity.

Built to last
I’m planning to keep this pressure washer for another 20 years, and the fact that is has all brass heavy-duty connectors and hose fittings will help it make it through year of abuse by an active outdoor family. The water is actually moved by a high quality brass Triplex CAT pump. Other non-name-brand companies use pumps that are rated to last less than a tenth of the time that this pump is rated for and it gives consistent pressure. The braided steel hose is also wrapped and made to last. The entire unit folds flat and takes up less space in my garage than my older, less powerful pressure washer.

Finally, a last feature that anyone who has pressure-washed before will appreciate is the protective rubber that encases the nozzle on this wand. How many times do you accidentally drop the end of a wand on the concrete while working?  I can’t count how many nozzles, ends and wands I’ve had to replace or repair over the years after dropping the wand, and this simple, logical addition solves the issue.

For more info and accessory information: www.yamaha-motor.com.

After the gasket blew for the second time on my old pressure washer, I knew it was time to upgrade. I talked to a Yamaha representative at one of the many cabin, lake and sports shows that I attend each year, and he got me hooked on the new PW3028. This pressure washer costs less than the majority of its competition (MSRP: $749). It also comes with a 3-year warranty while most others only come with a 1-year or maybe a 2-year warranty.

Since this little blue beauty has been in my garage, I’ve used it to powerwash my truck, stamped concrete driveway, flagstone patio, metal house siding, boats, ATVs, decks, fences, and more.