Aluminum Series

I read a LOT of reviews here on Amazon and other online resources before deciding to make such a sizable investment in this 4200 PSI/4.0 GPM machine. This is not my first pressure washer, but my third actually. Each time I upgraded in both PSI and gallons per minute. This is my first pressure washer that is categorized as commercial use. Having finally taken the time to put this machine to the test, I can honestly say this thing has more than enough power to satisfy the average homeowner or DIY’er. As I said in the title: this thing is a beast! Mine arrived complete and undamaged. Other reviewers reported scratches and dents but that was not my experience at all. Assembly was quick and easy. My shipment contained a quart of Amsoil synthetic 10W-30 for the engine crankcase but I have seen other reviewers that got their oil in a plastic pouch. Once assembled, the crankcase filled with the supplied oil, and the fuel tank filled 1/2 way, I hooked up the garden hose and bled the air out for 30+ seconds as recommended. Set the throttle to half-way and closed the choke and gave the starter a quick pull and it fired right up on the first attempt. After allowing the engine to run at partial throttle with the trigger open to keep the water flowing and the pump cooled for a few minutes, I increased the engine speed to approximately 3/4 and started cleaning the concrete patio as my first project with this unit. The pressure even at less than wide open on the Honda GX390 was more than enough to get the accumulated grime blasted off effortlessly. Next up, I connected my 15” surface cleaner which really sped up the process. The 4240 pressure and water flow are a perfect match for the Karcher 15” surface cleaner. With all of the positive attributes of this machine, there is one thing that I feel is a negative: the hose. It’s more than long enough for most jobs but the stiffness makes moving around with it a real challenge. Given the higher than average PSI capabilities of the ALH-4240 it’s not surprising that the pressure hose is more on the stiff side, but as others have commented, it would be a good idea to upgrade to a better hose. Honestly, at this price point, a better quality hose should come with it. Overall, the ALH-4240 is a great pressure washer that has all of the power that the average person could want for DIY use. The high PSI and GPM make short work out of even the toughest cleaning projects. Time will tell if it lives up to the Simpson advertised claims of dependability and reliability.

AWESOME MACHINE!! My delivery was excellent. Not one scratch or dent on the box or the machine. The assembly was so easy I just took my time and read the instructions carefully. Many nuts and bolts were loos so go over them all. The nut on the throttle was way too tight. The washer worked flawlessly on my back yard 28sq patio. So happy with my purchase.

The delivery was horrible. The unit was on its side. Opened the box and the handle was bent and scratched probably from being in its side. Used a plier to bend the handle to make it fit. The unit itself works great but very disappointed that a 1,400 power washer has a bent and scratched handle from before I used it.

Does a great job. Has great power. I love the Honda motor. Recommend.

This is my first pressure washer and I wanted to get a good one. Sure, I could save some coin buying a lesser unit, but I didn't want to spend all weekend cleaning my driveway and patio. I'm glad I got the big one. Mine was slightly damaged during shipping; more on that later. After adding the included oil and filling the tank with fresh gasoline, I fed the pump some hose water and pulled the recoil starter. It fired right up, as a Honda should! I started off with the rotary head (rated for 4.0 GPM) and it immediately began to clear the scum from my driveway. The engine is well muffled for such a large displacement, by the way. The 50 foot hose is adequate for most residential needs, but adding a 100 footer to the accessories pile would help for cleaning off rockeries and brickwork around the backyard. This is the Evergreen State after all and moss is EVERYWHERE! Moss has met it's match with this unit, but I digress.. The 4500 PSI rated hose is of a 3/8" size, and it's burly but not too unwieldy; there is a price for power. I found the hose needs a bit of attention to deliberately lay out according to your intended cleaning path because loops and twists are not easily handled without setting down the wand, walking back to the problem and uncoiling it manually. Again, it's par for the course here. The big Honda 390 pushes 4 gallons per minute with serious authority; it's easy to get cavalier with the wand but care must be used when getting close to wood as it will tear it up in no time flat, especially with a turbo head. Reducing the pressure and flow with the regulator on the wand proved invaluable around delicate structures and planter areas; I can't imagine using this machine without it. I really love the aluminum base and frame. It's nice to know that it will never rust and weight has been kept to a minimum. As for the CAT pump, what's not to like? Industrial duty and rebuildable, it's the best money can buy. And when it comes to pressure washers, it's really all about the pump. I can also say that if your plans for a pressure washer consist primarily of auto or boat washing, this unit is overkill extreme. An electric Karcher or similar machine would be much better suited to you. If you value your time as much as your money and want to spend more of it enjoying your property then cleaning it, this is the one to get! Now about the damage. The courier that delivered the box to my house had noted that they received it with the cardboard already torn and plastic shipping wrap bandaging up the sad sight. A brief inspection didn't show anything wrong, but as soon as the courier left, I noticed the frame had gotten bent and the handle wouldn't slide on. I decided to just bend the post back in place enough to slide the handle on and live with it. Thankfully the engine proper didn't sustain any blows. I've given the unit 5 stars because I think it deserves it, but Simpson has got to do something about their packaging. It's totally inappropriate to ship a 1300 dollar 125 pound machine in a 2 dollar single corrugated cardboard box. The machine was essentially swimming in a paper sack by the time it made it to my driveway. The wand and tube were simply dropped in the box without any extra protection and the fact that they weren't damaged or missing is nothing short of a miracle. In summary, I would say that if you order one of these, you're rolling the dice when it comes to damage. Be prepared to refuse the shipment or hassle with aftermath from a significant impact.