Tag: Honda engine

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5 Classic Honda Pressure Washers For Home Use

honda pressure washer

Honda pressure washers are extremely popular. My favorite pressure washer with a reliable Honda engine is the Simpson Megashot 2800 PSI pressure washer.

My Dewalt Pressure Washer with a Honda Engine.

There are a few reasons why Honda is the small engine provider of choice for a lot of these brands: they’re extremely reliable (just like their cars), everyone recognizes them, and they are flat out powerful.

Today, I’m going to walk you through an overview of Honda pressure washer engines then highlight which Honda pressure washers are our favorites. 

Let’s get started!

Best Honda Pressure Washers, Ranked:

  1. Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM
  2. Craftsman 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
  3. Simpson PowerShot 3300 PSI 2.5 GPM
  4. Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot 3200 PSI
  5. Ryobi 3100 PSI 2.3 GPM Pressure  Washer

How I tested these Honda pressure washers

I have been using pressure washers for decades. Basically, my “friend” would always get me to come help him with pressure washer and paint jobs – he owned his own business. That’s when I really started to pick up on the power differences in pressure washers and did some early stage testing.

Now I own and have tested over a dozen pressure washers and love my job. When I’m testing these pressure washers, I am always looking to evaluate the actual PSI that comes out, portability, convenience, and of course what type of job I am doing.

Best Honda Pressure Washers: Ranked

I’m going to rank the Honda pressure washer engine primarily from the lens of a normal homeowner looking for a powerful, reliable pressure washer that is likely available at their local home improvement store. I’ll also throw in a bonus ranking for the best Honda commercial pressure washer. Let’s get after it.

1. Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM pressure washer

The Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM (MS60773) pressure washer made the top of our list for a few reasons. For starters, it is in the sweet spot for power for the average homeowner. 2800 PSI isn’t going to blast away the most insane paint stains, but it will definitely be enough to get your driveway clean. 

What I really appreciate after reviewing a bunch of electric pressure washers with similar PSIs is just how much more efficient gas pressure washers are when it comes to gallons per minute. While this Simpson MegaShot pressure washer is in the same power ballpark as many electric pressure washers, it does so much more efficiently with more volume to help tackle jobs more quickly. 

Here are some more features we love about this Honda pressure washer:

  • Never Flat tires which means you won’t have to worry about keeping the air pumped up, or heaven forbid, replacing the tires
  • A 25 foot hose that’s very durable
  • The lovely Honda GCV170 engine
  • 4 quick connect nozzles that make changing out tips extremely easy (just don’t lose them)
  • A steel frame that keeps it upright and is crazy durable

Oh – and the best part is that it comes in at just over $350 and can be bought at Home Depot online.

Classic Honda Pressure Washer.

There’s a reason this one is so popular. It has everything the average homeowner could want in a pressure washer that’s built to last. 

2. Craftsman 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Pressure Washer

If you’re looking for a power upgrade from the Simpson pressure washer above, you may be looking for the Craftsman 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM pressure washer. Craftsman is a dominant brand in the lawn tool space because they make everything. Mowers, blowers, chainsaws and way, way more. 

But they also make some sweet pressure washers. This one is very similar to the Simpson that we ranked number one but has 20% more PSI and 0.1 more GPM. It isn’t going to be a crazy noticeable difference when you use it, but you’ll be able to feel the power when you start applying it to the pavement. This one can definitely be used for some paint stripping, so be careful if that’s not what you’re going for. I’ve used a pressure washer similar to this to get some old paint off of my front porch and it worked like a charm. 

Photo cred: Lowe’s – where you can grab this.

Here are a few other features that stand out with this Honda pressure washer:

  • The powerful Honda GCV200 engine
  • 1 foot tall never-flat wheels – super easy to move around and won’t get popped.
  • 5 quick connect nozzles, including a “second story nozzle” that shoots the water high up for window cleaning
  • A large soap tank on board
  • Easy storage
  • A 30 foot hose for 5 feet of extra reach above the Simpson

It was honestly tempting to get this bad boy as number one on our list, but at just under $500 I thought it might be out of most folks’ budgets (including mine). 

All-in-all, if you can make the leap to this one it is going to be just a s reliable and comes with even more power. It’s also available at Lowe’s or online at several places.

3. Simpson PowerShot 3300 PSI 2.5 GPM pressure washer

This one is a big leap from the other two because it can truly serve in both a commercial and residential setting. It’s a great mixture of power, beauty, and versatility.

Let’s start with looks – the dang thing just looks cool. It comes with big, thick, rubber tires that allow you to take it over gravel or other rough terrain. Never Flat tires are amazing for around the house, but get you into trouble for uneven surfaces.

Classic foldable design.

But what you can’t see is the work Simpson took to make the plunger pump deliver even higher pressure at the tip of the nozzle. The hose itself is 1/16th of an inch bigger, allowing for maximum water delivery to help demolish whatever is in its path. 

Here’s what stood out to us about the Simpson PowerShot:

  • It has a Honda GX200 engine
  • Has PowerBoost technology (the  improved plunger pump)
  • A thicker hose
  • The all-terrain tires

One major drawback to this one is that it doesn’t come with a soap tank and doesn’t have a variable speed design. So basically it can only be used for pure power delivery. It’s like Shaquille O’Neal – only has one speed and that is pure power.

This thing can be picked up from Home Depot online or in-store for a really good price.

4. Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot 3200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer

Have to love what Simpson has here and I’m honestly surprised to see this one at such a good deal.

Earlier in this ranking I spoke about how the Honda GCV200 series is a step up from the GCV190. But the GCV190 motor was still a beast and was a part of some of the most popular pressure washers and lawn mowers of all time. 

Steal on wheel(s).

The MegaShot 3200 PSI pressure washer has a GCV190, and while it isn’t the newest, shiniest thing on the block, it still has insane performance. Here’s what I love about the Simpson MegaShot:

  • Same thick tires as the one above
  • Great PSI at 3200 and equally great GPM at 2.5
  • 5 Quick connect heads
  • A great warranty
  • A 25 foot hose

But the best part – this thing is currently on sale at Amazon for about $320.

It’s also for sale at Home Depot – make sure to price compare!

5. Ryobi 3100 PSI 2.3 GPM Pressure  Washer

While this one barely missed our list of our favorite Ryobi pressure washers, it is still a solid choice. Ryobi makes some great products and while they aren’t as commercially focused or experienced as Simpson or Craftsman, they make some great budget friendly pressure washers.

Not bad! Photo cred: Home Depot – where you can grab it.

But there’s still a lot to like about this one. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Honda GCV170 engine
  • 5 nozzles just like the others
  • Onboard soap tank
  • A 35 foot hose, which is significantly longer than the others
  • 12 inch Never Flat tires

On paper, this thing is sweet. While I would rather take the Simpson home with me and introduce it to my parents, this one is a great alternative if you are a Ryobi loyalist.

My neighbor owns this one and sadly one of the O-Rings broke on the hose intake connection point. While this is anecdotal and a one-time occurrence, I can’t help but question the long-term durability of this Ryobi pressure washer.

Either way, this pressure washer comes in at just around $450 and is available at Home Depot. 

Why we review pressure washers

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

How we spend our time – reviewing and comparing lawn tools.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What features to look for in a Honda pressure washer

Honda pressure washers make it relatively easy to knock off one of the biggest must-haves on your list: a reliable and powerful engine. But there are a few other things we recommend truly making sure are available when searching for a new pressure washer.

Nozzles Matter

  • When choosing a pressure washer, you should pay attention to the nozzles included in the package. Two types of spray nozzles are available, adjustable spray nozzles that can be controlled and quick-connect nozzles with predefined spray patterns.  
  • The predefined spray patterns typically come in different angles, allowing for you to quickly switch between a broad, lower pressure spray or a narrow, higher pressure stream.
  • Quick connect nozzles are super convenient, but they’re almost like airpods – you can lose them!

Soap tank availability

  • Additionally, you may want to consider a soap tank-equipped pressure washer. Some of these pressure washers have “foam cannons” where you can simply add some soap and it will mix it in with the water. Pretty cool.
  • I recommend a soap tank for cars and windows.

Wheels on pressure washers

  • Despite these seemingly minor features, they can have a big impact, especially with larger units. No sense in lugging around one of these in your yard and tripping all over the place.
  • Some pressure washers have a tendency to flip over and be top heavy, so make sure the base is sturdy.
  • If you’re on the job site, keep an eye out for never-flat tires that will protect the wheels in case there are spare nails laying around.

Hose types

  • There’s a big difference between how easy or difficult it is to use a pressure washer based on the kind of hose that comes with it. Stiff, rigid hoses make it extremely difficult to have any maneuverability without messing up the job or knocking over the base.
  • Length is also important for pressure washer hoses as you can end up in a tight spot, literally, if you don’t have enough reach.
  • Check out the two great pressure washer hoses that we compared for an upgrade

Don’t want to buy? Check out your options for renting a pressure washer.

Honda GCV170 vs GCV200 Pressure Washer Engines

You may remember the old GCV160 and GCV190 from Honda, particularly in a lot of their older lawn mowers, like the Honda HRN mower.

With the new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washers, they’ve simplified the design of their engines and added a few upgrades to help distinguish them even further from the competition. 

Let’s check out the upgrades:

GCV170 and GCV200 Pressure Washer Engine Upgrades

I’m going to try to keep it not too technical here, but the GCV170 and GCV200 have some very fuel efficient upgrades in addition to making them more compact, lightweight, and easy to start and maintain, including:

  • Overhead valve configuration allowing for increased power output
  • More torque across the entire spectrum of RPMs
  • An Auto Choke System
  • Bigger fuel opening to reduce spills
  • Easy access maintenance points
  • Cycloflow technology which makes the engine easier to start
  • It’s lighter

GCV170 vs GCV200 engine comparison

The major difference between the GCV170 and the GCV200 Honda pressure washer engines is in how much power they can put out across the range of RPMs. 


At 2500 RPMs, the GCV170 puts out about 4 HP whereas the GCV200 puts out 4.5. At the top of the range, the 170 puts out nearly 5 HP whereas the GCV200 is going to be above 5.5.

Both are marked improvements above the GCV160 and GCV190, respectively. 

Here’s a cool chart that Honda put out to highlight the differences:

This is a great explainer.

GPM and PSI on electric pressure washers

GPM stands for gallons per minute. This measures how quickly water is leaving the end of the electric pressure washer. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a measure of pressure that is being applied out of the electric pressure washer.

If this is confusing to you, you’re not alone. In reality, if you are looking for power, you want both. They work hand-in-hand to deliver water from the machine at a high rate and effective and efficient volume.

For reference, a pressure washer can have a high PSI but a low GPM, meaning it is able to have a high pressure but generally not over a large area. Having both a high PSI and high GPM means that it’s coming out fast and it’s producing a more effective stream.

Likewise, you can also have a low PSI and higher GPM. This is a good ratio for cleaning cars because you get a lot of water at a safer pressure.

Final words about Honda pressure washers

What is there to say? You still drive by 1984 Honda Civics every day. Honda builds stuff that is meant to last. But their small engines are set apart because they aren’t only super reliable – but freakishly powerful as well. 

You’re in good hands with Honda pressure washers – especially if you are checking out the new GCV200 or GCV170 series from them. 

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Lawn Equipment Costs and Statistics: 2022 updates

Many people seeking to understand various lawn tools need a frame of reference for cost and power comparisons across types of lawn equipment. In this post, we will reference all types of residential lawn equipment to gather a reference resource for all savvy shoppers. Let’s get started!

Looking to update these numbers for 2023 lawn care costs? Click here!

Jump ahead:

Statistics about push mowers

When it comes to push mowers, there are really three main types of power sources:

  1. Battery-powered push mowers: These mowers are powered by a battery and can be easily re-charged and stored. Battery-powered mowers are typically less expensive, easier to store and maintain, and better suited for small yards.
  2. Gas-powered push mowers: These mowers are gasoline-powered and rely on refills, just like a car. Gas-powered push mowers tend to last much longer than electric mowers, but require yearly maintenance.
  3. Corded electric push mowers: Corded push mowers tend to be very similar to battery-powered mowers, except require a long extension cord for power. Be careful not to run it over with the blade!

The average cost of push mowers in 2022

Push mowers range in cost depending on how they are powered, the size of their engine, and the width of their cutting deck. Push mowers are one of the most popular types of mowers because most folks have relatively small yards.

As the rise of townhomes have grown, the small little yards associated with them can be easily taken care of with a small electric mower. Sun Joe offers a ton of these, but also has competition with Greenworks, Ryobi, and a handful of others.

Battery powered mower cost 2022

The average cost of a battery-powered push mower in 2022 is about $300, but can range from $75 – $550 depending on size and features.  

Some of the battery powered push mowers we have reviewed are:

The Greenworks cordless mower is very popular.

Interested in other electric mowers? Check out our list of Top 13 Best Electric Mowers for Small Yards in 2022.

Average cost of a gas push mower in 2022

The average cost of a gas-powered push mower in 2022 is about $250, but can range from $170 – $400.

Some of the gas-powered push mowers we have reviewed are:

The Troy Bilt TB160 was my first mower and still runs like new.

Average cost of an electric mower in 2022

The average cost of a corded electric push mower in 2022 is about $150, but can range from $70 to $200.

The average cost of a riding mower in 2022 (Lawn Tractor + Zero-Turn)

Riding mowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two you will recognize the most are lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers. 

Lawn tractors vs. zero-turn mowers

Lawn tractors tend to have a steering wheel where the engine sits between your legs. Zero-turn mowers have levers that help steer the mower. 

Lawn tractors are best for yards that are between ½ of an acre and 1.5 acres. Zero-turn mowers are great for those with 1.5 acres and above. 

Lawn tractor costs in 2022

The average cost of a lawn tractor in 2022 is about $2,300, but can range between $2,000 and $4,200.

Most lawn tractors sit right around the $2,000 to $3,000 range, but some newer electric lawn tractors can cost over $4,000.

Lawn tractors vary in price depending on their engine horsepower and their cutting width. As you would expect, larger engines and larger cutting decks increase the price of the lawn tractor.

Some of the lawn tractors that we have reviewed are:

The Cub Cadet XT2 is so hot right now.

Zero-turn mower costs in 2022

The average cost of a zero-turn mower in 2022 is about $4,500, but can range from $2,900 to $5,300. Zero-turn mowers range in price depending on the features and the size of the mower. 

Commercial zero-turn mowers can run as high as $10,000 in 2022. 

Some popular zero-turn mowers that we have reviewed include

The Ariens IKON XD52 is an absolute unit.

The average cost of a lawn service in 2022

The average cost of a lawn mowing service in 2022 is about $60 for lots < 10,000 sq. ft.

The average cost of a lawn mowing service for yards between 10,000 sq. ft and ½ acre is about $100 in 2022. 

The average cost of a lawn mowing service for an acre is $150-200 in 2022. 

As a reminder, lawn service usually comes every week or every other week during peak season. These costs can add up extremely quickly, making do-it-yourself lawn mowing easily the most affordable option.

Leaf blowers: A 2022 guide to cost and choice

Leaf blowers come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from some that seem to have the power of a hair blower to others that can send a sailboat across the Atlantic. When it comes to leaf blowers, there are three main types: handheld electric, handheld gasoline, and backpack blowers. 

Handheld electric blowers are slightly more expensive than gas blowers and are often the least powerful. There are a few exceptions, but these hold true. 

Who should buy an electric blower?

Electric blowers are great for those looking for quick, small jobs around the yard. This would include blowing out the garage, blowing off the driveway or back deck, or collecting leaves for a smaller yard. 

Electric blowers have a huge upside in that they are very easy to start and maintain, only requiring a charged battery to begin the work

Average cost of an electric leaf blower in 2022

The average cost of an electric leaf blower in 2022 is $175, but can range from $70 to $350 depending on the quality. 

Some of our favorite electric leaf blowers include:

The Ryobi Brushless Whisper blower is a beast.

Who should buy a gas leaf blower?

Handheld gasoline blowers provide a step up in power, but often require air filter changes and other minorly inconvenient maintenance. Gas blowers are great for people who have up to an acre or so of land and feel comfortable walking around and using the blower. 

Likewise, gas blowers are great for folks who receive a significant amount of leaves, regardless of lawn size. Gas blowers can help move leaves off of your yard much more quickly and will leave less wet leaves stuck behind.

Average cost of a gas leaf blower in 2022

Gas blowers cost about $150, but range from $100 – $250 depending on size and power. 

One of our favorite handheld gas blowers that we have reviewed is the Husqvarna 125B. This blower has an attachment on the end that can provide a super concentrated stream of air, with the ability to blow anything away.

We also love the Stihl BG 86 C – check out our video review on YouTube!

The cool flat tip on the Husqvarna 125B.

Who should buy a backpack blower?

Backpack blowers are the most powerful, expensive, and loudest blowers on the market. These are made popular by commercial landscapers, but anyone with an acre or above could majorly benefit from these.

Backpack blowers provide very high amounts of power and come with the added comfort of straps, advanced features, and an easy to use handle. 

Average cost of a backpack blower in 2022

Backpack blowers will run you about $350 in 2022, but can range from $250 to $750 depending on the size and power.

Some of our favorite backpack blower reviews include:

The Stihl BR600 is a beast and you look like a teenage mutant ninja turtle when you wear it.

Trimmers or Weed Eaters costs in 2022

Trimmers, lovingly known as weed eaters, are tools used to cut grass precisely. These are often used in harder to reach areas, to clear brush, or to fine tune the edges of a property.

Trimmers come in both gas and electric powered forms, with electric becoming more popular. Electric trimmers are very easy to use, but can be less powerful. A plus side to electric trimmers is that they often come with multiple interchangeable heads, allowing for edger, blower, and hedge trimmer attachments to all fit the same body.

Gas trimmers provide relentless, reliable power and are often used by those with bigger yards and of course, commercial landscapers. 

Average cost of an electric trimmer in 2022

Some of our electric trimmer reviews can be found here:

I have the Ryobi 40V trimmer….and I do not like it.

Average cost of a gas trimmer in 2022

The average cost of a gas trimmer in 2022 is about $180, but ranges from $150 to $430 depending on power and included attachments.

Some of our favorite gas trimmer reviews are below:

The ECHO SRM 225 has a powerful trimmer head.

Pressure washer costs in 2022

Pressure washers come in two major forms: gas and electric. Electric pressure washers tend to have less power and lower reliability. Gas pressure washers are more powerful and can get extremely pricey.

Who should buy an electric pressure washer?

Electric pressure washers are great for people who are doing lighter jobs. The perfect person to buy an electric pressure washer is someone looking to clean their windows, their car or boat, or garage door. 

Electric pressure washers are less expensive and relatively easy to use. If you are looking to blast away all of the grime from your long driveway, electric pressure washers will not be the best choice for you.

Average cost of an electric pressure washer in 2022

The average cost of an electric pressure washer is about $190, but ranges from $60 to $300 depending on power and size.

Some of our favorite electric pressure washers include:

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is one of the hottest pressure washers on Amazon.

Who should buy a gas pressure washer?

Gas pressure washers are great for all of the same reasons as an electric pressure washer, but can also remove paint, blast dirt and grime off of old surfaces, and more. 

Gas pressure washers have serious power, but are also pretty loud. They will be more reliable, but also require a little bit of maintenance.

Average cost of a gas pressure washer in 2022

The average cost of a gas pressure washer in 2022 is about $400, but can range from $250 to $1,000 depending on power.

Some of our favorite gas pressure washers include:

The Dewalt 3400 PSI pressure washer provides intense power.

Dethatcher costs in 2022

Dethatchers are lawn tools that pull up thatch, or dead grass, from the bottom of your yard. Thatch forms over time and can suffocate your soil, leaving poor conditions for your healthy grass to grow.

Many people dethatch their lawns before they aerate and seed in the fall. Dethatchers have grown in popularity. They are often electric, corded devices that replace the traditional dethatching rakes. 

Dethatchers typically come corded, meaning you need a long extension cord to operate them in your yard. They are not a danger to your cord like a normal mower, but actually have small metal tines. The tines stick out (kind of like the metal springs in a chip bag clip), and kick up the thatch from the soil.

Average cost of a dethatcher in 2022

The average dethatcher will cost about $150, but ranges from $130 to $200 depending on the width of the machine.

Two of our favorite dethatcher reviews are below:

The Sun Joe Dethatcher is one of the hottest lawn care items in 2022.
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The Classic Honda Lawn Mower That You Can’t Find Anywhere

I don’t know about you but when I think about Honda, I think about the Honda CRV vehicle, not a mower. But Honda has been in the mower game for quite some time now and really makes a fantastic product.

Like most people, I love a fresh cut lush green lawn. I think there are few things in life so wonderful than the smell of freshly cut grass. Man does this mower make that end result easier to achieve than ever!

Let’s review:

The Honda HRN Lawn mower engine: GCV170

The Honda GCV170 is a fantastic walk-behind mower. The GCV170 is a self propelled push mower, which is great for medium sized yards. This mower uses a more than capable – 170cc Honda engine. The Honda GCV easily adjusts the mowing speed with the push of a thumb via the Smart Drive Self Propel.

A mower with a similar engine is the Troy Bilt TB160, which uses the Honda GCV160 engine.

Though more expensive than most, it offers features not often duplicated by other push mowers such as an adjustable throttle control, clipping director and an auto choke feature.

Today, we will review the many features offered with the Honda GCV170, a how-to guide and highlight it’s pro’s and con’s. 

My thoughts about the classic Honda mower

The Honda GCV170 offers an easy-to-start auto choke system, variable speed throttle and the flexibility to control how your grass is cut with a simple to use clipping director. This flexibility enables you to handle most any job on small to medium sized yards (i.e. simple grass cutting, quick leaf pickup, mulching, etc).

A mower with a similar engine.

The power supplied by the 170cc Honda engine makes tackling a ¼ to ¾  acre yard a breeze. In addition to the power and flexibility offered, this mower is surprisingly light and easy to handle and store. 

Honda 21 in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower with Auto Choke: Set Up

I purchased my Honda GCV170 from Home Depot, basically ready to use. I just had to install the mower handle with a simple tightening of one screw. It’s also important to remember to add fuel and oil to your engine prior to first use. Mowers usually ship “dry” so it’s always necessary to add prior to first use.

Important note – This does not use “mixed gasoline” like a blower or trimmer so remember to add only pure gasoline to the fuel reservoir. The oil should be added to the oil reservoir on the side of the mower. 

After you’ve reviewed the owners manual and properly set up your mower, ensure your deck height is uniform across all four wheels and pull the starter cord. It may take a few pulls to get the engine started after it’s been sitting for a while.

Honda HRN Lawn mower grey know that helps you get it set up and adjusts the height.

Features of the Honda HRN Lawn mower

The Honda GCV170  I purchased has a 21 inch mulching blade with the MicroCut® Twin Blades System. This is a fairly standard length for a push mower. The mower also came with a bagger for catching clippings if you don’t want to use the mulching functionality. I rarely use the bag unless I have an excessive amount of leaves during the fall season. 

The mower also offers two handlebar heights for short or tall users. To adjust the mower height you just need to twist the two grey knobs on each side of the mower handle so that it swings freely then move the hole to the other setting.

 

You can see the grey knows of the Honda HRN lawn mower at the top.

Power

As previously noted, the engine used is a 170 cc engine with 6.9 ft – lb torque. The mower engine puts out about 4.4. HP. So that’d be like mowing your yard with four and a half horses right? That’d be interesting! More than enough to get the job done on a flat and slightly sloped yard. The engine is extremely durable and basically hands free. 

The awesome GCV engine. Photo cred: Honda engines.

Maintenance and reliability

It also is incredibly easy to change the air filter on this. It’s just a square air filter that’s easy to find at most big box stores and online. 

The reliability of this machine is honestly pretty astounding. I didn’t use mine for a year or so and didn’t winterize it and it ripped up perfectly fine. I’ve also left it out in the rain and it started up no problem. Heck I bet I could even run this bad boy underwater. The engine just simply will not stop. It also comes backed with a pretty good warranty – 3 year warranty. Pretty much most things that could go wrong with a manufacturing defect will have already gone wrong by the end of year 3. 

DISCLAIMER: I forgot to change the oil for over 2 years and it still ran perfectly fine. To engage the blade you must hold down the safety bar above the throttle, once you let go the mower engine will continue to run but the blade will stop.   

Where to buy Honda GCV170 HRN lawn mower

You can also grab the Honda HRN from Home Depot (for a good price) like I did.

Our recommendation for the Honda HRN lawn mower

I would absolutely recommend you purchase the Honda GCV170 mower. It is small enough for most adults to handle with ease, yet powerful enough to tackle most jobs.

There are tons of cool features to the mower, such as the easy to use clipping director. At about a $500 price tag, this mower is a tad more expensive than others but it’s incredibly reliable and worth the money in my opinion. I’ve had this mower for many years and have been more than pleased with it. Many of my neighbors and friends have asked me what mower they should buy and this is pretty much always my go to recommendation.

If you like Honda GCV motors, you’ll love Honda’s GCV-engine backed pressure washers.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

How we spend our time – comparing lawn tools!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Manual

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Replacement Parts List

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Warranty Information

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Assembly Instruction

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SDS

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Troy Bilt TB160 Gas Powered Mower Review: 6 Years Later

The Troy Bilt TB160 is one of the most affordable lawn mowers on the market. Which is why I bought it.

The TB160 is a push mower, which is great for small yards or people who just love to exercise while mowing. This mower boasts a 160cc Honda engine – which can be confusing for those that may think this is a Honda GCV160. 

The Troy Bilt TB160 was the first mower that I ever owned. I used this mower for a relatively small yard and still own it to this day. I have had to do very little maintenance on the mower and store it in my garage during the winter.

Today, we will review the Troy Bilt TB160 and give some thoughts on whether this mower is the best for you. 

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2024 Update: I have now owned this mower for six years. As many times as I have literally folded it and put it away with plans to never use it again. A week later, I inevitably pull it out and start using it again. I can’t keep away!

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take this stuff seriously!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

A message for first time mower owners

Though it may seem like a silly question, it’s important to recognize that this is a mower for people who may have just purchased their first home and have a small yard. We all start somewhere, so let’s start this mower. 

When first removing this mower from the box, you will think to yourself: “How is the box this small?”. Well, the folks at Troy-Bilt have efficiently packaged everything into a box that will fit into the back of a small trunk. This is because many folks buy these mowers on Amazon or at Home Depot. 

Troy Bilt TB160 Honda engine close-up.

Troy-Bilt TB160 assembly

Assembling the TB160 is straightforward – you simply pull apart the metal railing that accompanies the box and tighten the screws on the side of the mower. Be careful to avoid cutting the black zip tie that holds the cord to the side of the handle. It definitely looks like something that should be removed, however its purpose is to keep the cord attached to the handle rail (and not flying all over the place). 

Make sure that your mower has the appropriate level of fuel and oil to get started. Please refer to the owners manual for how much fuel and oil to put into this machine. 

Where the action happens.

You will also want to make sure the mower is at an appropriate height for your lawn. I have my mower sitting as tall as it can go. You can adjust the height of the mower by moving the levers that are on the sides of each wheel. There is a red looking tab that sticks up. Simply pull it out of place and shift it whichever direction will either raise or lower the mower. 

A taller mower will trim the grass and be easier to push. A shorter mower distance will cut the grass very short and be more difficult to push. 

How to start the TB160

The Troy Bilt TB160 has a red, foldable metal bar over where the handle is located. Simply fold the red bar down onto the handle and hold with one hand. While holding that part down, grab the plastic handle with the string attached near the engine. This is a pull-start mower, meaning you will have to yank the plastic handle pretty hard a few times to get it going.

For first time mower users, it can take a couple of tries to get this down. Once more oil and gas have run through the engine, it will become easier. This engine from Honda has an auto-choke system, so no choke is required to get this engine started. 

Review of the Troy-Bilt TB160: a guide to each element

Let’s review all of the different things that make a good mower below.

Difficulty to push

The Troy-Bilt TB160 is a push mower – and that means you will really have to push. If you have this mower on a tall-grass setting (which I recommend), you won’t have much difficulty pushing. This mower does not propel itself and will require some effort to get going. 

One thing I like about the TB160 is that it is relatively light. This makes it easier to maneuver and spin as compared to some other mowers.

Something I dislike about this mower is that it isn’t exactly a comfortable mower. The handle is pure metal and has quite a bit of vibration from the engine. The wheels are plastic as well, which seems to amplify the vibration instead of absorbing it. The plastic wheels also make it more difficult to maneuver than rubber-wheeled mowers as it tends to get stuck more easily in small divots. 

Using the bag on the TB160

The TB160 is a mower I always used without the bag. Honestly, I did not think this mower did a great job of providing enough kickback of grass into the bag. For this reason, it would consistently get “clogged” and shut off the blade whenever a decent amount of grass began to load. 

Another thing I noticed about the bag is that it simply isn’t intuitive to place on the mower. My wife and I always had difficulty replacing the bag and found that removing it often spilled the grass everywhere. 

Durability and reliability

Something I love about the Troy Bilt TB160 is the Honda engine. As we are all familiar, Honda engines are reliable in cars and motorcycles. The same holds true here – this is an easy to maintain, durable lawn mower. 

Photo cred: Home Depot.

I’ve done hundreds of mows with this mower and it simply won’t quit. It’s easy to start, requires very little maintenance, and stores well indoors or outdoors. Simply put, the TB160 can handle some abuse and the Honda motor will run as long as you do.

Changing the oil on a Troy-Bilt TB160

While probably unnecessary, I change the oil on my TB160 at the beginning of each spring. To change the oil, you simply remove the cap on the side of the engine. Once removed, tilt the mower on its side and let the oil flow into a pan. Once all of the oil has spilled, refill with the manufacturer’s recommended oil. That’s it. 

As far as spark plugs or any other maintenance goes, I have not had to do anything. In fact, I’ve never even sharpened the blades on this mower. To maintain the longevity of the mower, you can spray the bottom of the blades with a rust preventer each winter when you aren’t using it as much. 

The cost and value of this mower

The TB160 is one of the more affordable push lawn mowers on the market. We got ours at Home Depot a few years ago, but I am still seeing them for sale at places like Walmart, Lowes, and Amazon. 

The price range for a TB160 is anywhere from $250 to $400 depending on when you are buying and where you are buying your mower. 

Mine is much dirtier now, but this is a fresh one.

I believe the TB160 is a great value for a mower. This mower will last many years, requires little upkeep, stores easily, and is relatively inexpensive.

Are Troy-Bilt push mowers good?

It depends on how you define good. If you have a small yard, are looking for an affordable mower, and don’t mind getting some exercise during your mow, then this is a great mower. 

For the price, you really cannot beat this mower. It will most likely outlive your car and is way easier to maintain. I have had mine for over four years and have only done a couple of oil changes and used less than a can of gas the entire time. 

My TB160 – always reliable and gets the job done.

The Official TB160 Review

FeatureRating
Difficulty to useAverage difficulty for navigation
Durability Most durable
Maintenance Easiest to maintain
Value Highest value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft Highly recommended
For lots <1 acre Recommended if willing to use a push mower
For lots >1 acre Not recommended
A breakdown review of the Troy Bilt TB160

To summarize this review, the Troy-Bilt TB160 is the best and most affordable mower you can buy if you are looking for:

  • A durable, easy to maintain mower
  • A high-value, long-lasting mower
  • You have a relatively small lot
  • You don’t mind the “push” of a push mower

If you’re interested in learning more, check out some of the other really inexpensive Troy Bilt lawn mowers.

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Ryobi Has a Nice Gas-Powered 3000 PSI Pressure Washer

The Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer with a HONDA engine is a rare bird. Most Ryobi products (lawn mowers, weed eaters) are battery powered and mostly work for smaller yards or lots. They have their own lawn mowers and weed eaters that use the same battery to provide some compatibility between products.

This pressure washer however, is completely different. This bad boy slaps a Honda GCV160 engine on the cute neon green Ryobi design and makes the battery lovers jealous. 

Real quick, here are my honest highlights about this pressure washer:

  1. If you want a gas pressure washer, I’d probably go with Simpson Pressure Washers
  2. Ryobi has some great electric tools, so this isn’t really in their sweet spot.
  3. While this isn’t bad, it just is off-brand. I can’t NOT recommend this Ryobi pressure washer, but I think you can do better.

Let’s get started with our review. Click a link below to jump ahead and read more.

An overview of the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer

Let’s take a look at the features of this pressure washer and how it stacks up to its competitors. If you’re looking for an electric alternative, we have a full list of Ryobi pressure washers you can check out.

Power on the 3000 PSI pressure washer

The Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer has a PSI or pounds-per-square-inch of 3000 (duh). This means that it packs a significant punch compared to its other residential peers. You will see some of the dinkier electric pressure washers pack PSIs of around 1600-2500. That is great, but it might take more time and effort on your Sunday afternoon to get the job done.

The electric version.

A high-powered pressure washer is what I recommend, even for the lighter jobs. It is always nice to have more than you need when it comes to pressure washers. Consider a situation in which you buy your pressure washer just to clean off your boat or car and some of your exterior windows. 

With the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer, the Honda GCV160 gas powered engine will enable you to clean things like brick, concrete, and other masonry structures. This machine boasts 2.3 gallons per minute of water forcing all the old dirt and grime off of whatever structure you are wanting to clean. 

Nozzle changing

One thing I love about the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer is that it comes with a 5-in-1 pressure washer nozzle. This nozzle has a zero degree, 25 degree, 40 degree, long-range soap, and short-range soap setting. Each of these is accessible by a twist of the same nozzle head.

Some Ryobi pressure washers have this nozzle holder built in.

The graphic below from Ryobi shows all of the different uses for the various nozzles. Do not get stuck with a weak pressure washer that takes up your whole day – go with power.

Helpful guide from Ryobi on their pressure washer nozzle uses.

Detergent tank

Speaking of different nozzle heads on the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer, two of them include soap. There is a long-range soap option as well as a short-range soap option. Both of these are activated by the detergent tank on the pressure washer. Simply add soap to the chamber and switch the nozzle to either soap option and you are ready to go. These are great options for cleaning automobiles, boats, hard to reach windows, and more. 

Soap tank allows you to step your game up!

Using this pressure washer

Other than the wide range of applicable uses that the five in one nozzle provides, a few other features make this machine very easy to use.

The Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer also boasts a 35 foot high pressure hose that allows for 40% longer reach than many of its peers. It also has a hand-truck design that allows you to move it around easily, supported by the 12 inch wheels on the back.

This handle also attaches to the side of the machine, allowing for easy storage without worrying about the handle getting run over in the garage. 

Ryobi 3000 PSI Pressure washer comparisons

Depending on where you are buying, you may not have the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer available. There may only be the 2900 (like at my local home depot) or the 3300 (also available at my local home depot), but not the 3000. 

The differences between the three are subtle but important.

Another beast Ryobi pressure washer.

The 2900 does not have a Honda engine as the main workhorse. I love the dependability of the Honda motors, as they work well in every industry that uses them. One other difference in the 2900 vs the 3000 is the detergent tank. If you want to use soap with your pressure washer, make sure to scrub down the surface by hand first. To me, the two soap nozzles on this one do not really make sense without actually being able to disperse soap. 

The 3300 has slightly more power than the 3000 and includes the detergent tank and the honda engine. This honda engine is slightly bigger (GCV190) and includes “Idle Down Technology”, which basically means it is quieter and gets better fuel consumption. The 3300 also includes a 50ft hose that allows double the reach of other pressure washers in the market.

All of them are backed by a three year limited warranty, which helps me rest assured as a buyer. 

Either way, this has way more power than Sun Joe’s pressure washers.

Cost comparison Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer vs. other top-rated pressure washers

Most residential pressure washers sell anywhere from $250 to $500. If you are looking for a super powerful commercial grade pressure washer, be prepared to spend $650 to $1,000 on a machine.

The Ryobi pressure washers reviewed here range from low $300s for the 2900, mid to high $300s for the 3000, and up to the mid $400s for the 3300.

You can check out all the Ryobi pressure washers at Home Depot here.

I recommend the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer with the Honda engine because it is the most bang for the buck. It has the detergent tank, the power of the Honda engine, and the reach that you will need to get the job done. The five in one nozzle head is icing on the cake and really puts this over the edge as compared to other gas powered pressure washers. 

FeatureRyobi 3000 PSI pressure washerGas powered pressure washer
Difficulty to useLess difficult to useMore difficult to start 
DurabilitySomewhat durableVery durable
MaintenanceEasiest to maintainLess easy to maintain
ValueMedium valueMedium value
Small jobsHighly recommendedHighly recommended
Medium jobsRecommendedHighly recommended
Heavy jobsNot recommendedHighly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We have unusual methods.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

What to look for in a pressure washer

When looking for a pressure washer, you want to have a good understanding of the jobs you want to get done. Most people use pressure washers to deep clean their patio, porch, driveways, windows, or other external surfaces around the house. Most pressure washers are good for these jobs as they are relatively light work and do not require excessive force.

For those of us cleaning the spray paint off of our cars from our crazy ex-girlfriends, you might want one that has a little more “umph” behind it. 

Luckily for you, the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer can handle both.

Things to consider before buying a pressure washer 

Some common considerations for those looking for a pressure washer include the following:

  • Ability to add soap to the hose instead of schlepping around a bucket with soap
  • Multiple nozzle types for whichever job you need
  • Length of pole (if cleaning exterior of house, not having one of these could limit how high you can reach)
  • Storage capability and maintenance requirements
  • PSI level for either commercial or residential use
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