Simpson 3400 PSI Pressure Washer Balances Performance, Build, and Budget
Between entry-level pressure washers and larger commercial models, you'll find the Simpson 3400 PSI Pressure Washer as part of the PowerShot series. With so much cleaning to do in the summer, we set out to see if it might be more suitable for homeowners or professionals. Our hope? both.
advantage
- Equipped with Honda GS190 engine
- Compact frame has less storage space
- Post-pump chemical injection
- Easy access to engine and pump for use and maintenance
- value for money
shortcoming
- Handle position is a bit low for tall people
- Axial lobe pumps limit professional use
Check out our best pressure washers article for our top picks
power plant
One of the main attractions of this Simpson 3400 PSI pressure washer is its Honda engine. For the PowerShot PS61044, Simpson turned to the Honda GS190.
The GS series is not a series we see very often. Commercial units use the GX series, while domestic units usually use the GC series.
The GS190 is somewhere in between, offering better durability than the GC at a fraction of the price of the GX powerplant.
It has a displacement of 187 cc and is a manual recoil start engine that will give you years of reliable starting and power.
Pump
Simpson paired a Honda GS190 engine with a AAA axial lobe pump to provide the pressure. If for any reason you want to restrict water flow, you can adjust the water control twist valve.
It's an interesting pairing that can be chosen arbitrarily. Commercial pressure washers intended for heavy use are equipped with triplex pumps, while axial cams are used for models intended for lighter use.
Overall, what we're looking for is a power plant and pump that meets the homeowner's needs and cleans more surface area more often. It's also a great option for professionals who use a pressure washer on a more limited basis rather than frequently.
Performance
The motor and pump of the pressure washer are capable of producing 3400 PSI and 2.3 GPM of water flow. This is a good middle ground between entry-level gas or electric pressure washers and more powerful models with larger engines and triplex pumps.
It's a long list in terms of things you can clean. Fence, concrete, paint prep, roof and vehicle/equipment cleaning are all on the menu, along with many other applications. You'll notice that the biggest difference between this Simpson 3400 PSI pressure washer and something like the 4000 PSI model is how fast it cleans, not what it cleans.
Accessories
Along with the pressure washer, you also get a standard set of nozzles, a wand, and a hose. The hose is a 5/16", 25' long MorFlex hose that is hard wearing and non-marring and mates with standard 2-piece wands.
Quick connect nozzle set includes 0º, 15º, 25º, 40º and a soap dispenser nozzle. They are stored on a plate near the top of the handle.
Additional Field Notes
chemical injection
If you're from homeowners with a pressure washer, you might be surprised by the lack of a detergent tank. They're handy, but if you're switching between chemicals, cleaning them can be a pain. For this reason, I'm happy to drop it.
The solution injection point is on the output side of the pump. This is a great design and ensures that whatever you use doesn't pass through the pump assembly first.
Hose and Gun Management
You should plan on transporting the hose and gun away from the equipment. Both anchor points on the frame do a good job of holding their respective accessories in place, but when your trailer or truck is on the road, they pop open quickly.
compact frame
The steel frame of the pressure washer is very compact. With some trade-offs, this is mostly a positive. On the downside, I had to bend even more to grab the handle. A smaller frame also doesn't offer as much protection as a full roll cage.
However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I love how easy the engine and pump are to use and maintain. It also saves a lot of space compared to larger frames. To further reduce the footprint, you can flip the handle so it sits over the center instead of sticking out of the back when stored.
pneumatic tire
Simpson opted for 10-inch pneumatic tires, which are wider than many cheap wheels that roll. You probably won't notice it on concrete, but it makes turning the pressure washer on grass and soil a lot easier.
price
The Simpson PS61044 3400 PSI Pressure Washer is $599 at Lowe's. That's exactly what we'd expect, about $150 more than a cheap branded homeowner's model, and $150 less than a similar performance level Honda GX/triple-pump-driven Pro commercial model.
the bottom line
For homeowners who are serious about pressure washing and professionals who want an affordable light-to-medium-duty use model, the Simpson PowerShot PS61044 3400 PSI Pressure Washer is a great fit at a reasonable price.
If your professional needs have you spending hours a day and a few days a week using your pressure washer, you might want to upgrade to a Honda GX engine and triplex pump.
Simpson PowerShot 3400 PSI Pressure Washer Specifications
- Model: Simpson PS61044
- Rated pressure: 3400 psi
- Gallons per minute: 2.3 GPM
- Engine: Honda GS190
- Displacement: 187 cubic centimeters
- Horsepower: 5
- Pump Type: Axial Cam
- Fuel Capacity: 0.475 Gallons
- Hose Diameter: 5/16"
- Nozzle Type: Pro-style tips with quick disconnect
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited Commercial Engine Warranty + 2-Year Simpson Engine Protection Plan | 5-Year Limited Pump Warranty | 10-Year Limited Frame Warranty | 90-Day Limited Parts Warranty
- Price: $599 at Lowe's
Check out Simpson's entire line of pressure washers on their website.