The Duromax XP3100PWT gas power washer removes both light dirt and years-long grime. See if it’s right for you in our 2023 review.
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The Duromax XP3100PWT gas pressure washer is ideal for medium to heavy duty cleaning around your home and farm. This thing is built to last with its welded frame, but it’s lightweight enough for most average adults to move around and transport from site to site.
It comes with all the goodies found with most gas power washers, including an extra nozzle. Everything’s stored neatly on board the machine too.
This machine does have a few downsides, however, in that it requires more maintenance than most pressure washers. But let’s dive a little deeper into the details, shall we?
What do you get with the Duromax XP3100PWT
- 6 quick-connect nozzles: 0, 15, 25, 40, soap and turbo
- Onboard spray gun, hose, and nozzle storage
- DuroMax 7HP, 208cc engine
- 3-piston axial cam brass head pump
- 3100 PSI
- 2.5 GPM
- Built-in 0.3 gallon (1.13L) detergent tank
- 12-inch never flat all-terrain tires
- 0.6L oil tank
- 0.79 gallon fuel tank
- 25-foot nylon braided hose
- 30-day satisfaction guaranteed warranty
- 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
- 16 oz. 10W30 bottle of oil included
Once you open the box, you’ll see a quick start guide that lists all the parts included, plus all the tools you need to assemble the machine. Keep this handy so you can double check that nothing’s missing. There’s also a full manual included with detailed instructions for setup, operation, maintenance etc.
You will want to keep that manual in a safe place where you can access it easily. It has all the maintenance details you’ll need to keep your power washer running. And you’ll be doing quite a bit of maintenance because it’s a finicky machine. Think Real Housewives kind of upkeep, but cheaper.
One good thing about the engine is that there’s a low-oil shutoff so you won’t accidentally burn it up if you forget to fill up the oil tank. The spray wand has a safety switch you have to disengage to start the spray.
Product Dimensions
- Weight: 77 pounds
- Length: 24 inches
- Width: 19.25 inches
- Height: 39 inches
This machine is fairly compact. It’s a little heavy, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A heavier base and steel frame give these machines more stability when the hose is moved around and stretched to its full length.
Performance
Customers have had success cleaning vinyl siding, cement porches, concrete, wood steps, cars, driveways, patios, sidewalks, campers, BBQ grills, brick walls, gutters, boats, boardwalks, and more. It removed up to 5 years of grime in some cases. This power washer also did great with paint stripping, removing aluminum oxide, algae, wasp nests, etc.
What to love about the Duromax XP3100PWT
Assembly was quick and easy for most people. Several customers said it started on the first or second pull. Connections for both hoses were easy to access compared to other machines users had tried. Many people commented that they were surprised with how quiet this washer is – not any louder than a lawnmower. Up close, it can seem pretty noisy, but that’s common to most gas washers.
The oversized 12-inch wheels easily clear different terrain, making it good for farm work and uneven surfaces. The detergent reservoir holds plenty of your favorite cleaning solution. For those living in California, they were happy that this power washer is both EPA and CARB compliant.
What’s not so great about the Duromax XP3100PWT
Maintenance can be a bit time consuming for this pressure washer. For instance, the air filter needs to be cleaned after every 50 hours of use. Oil and gas levels have to be monitored carefully. If they get a little too low (not even close to empty), the machine may not start.
One common area of contention was the flimsy plastic wand and hose retainers and the weak plastic riveting that holds them to the machine. The rivets broke after a few uses for some customers. Some were able to adapt them with metal rivets as an alternative.
Some customers said oil had leaked out all over the machine and box when they opened it. A few said the box was ruined so they couldn’t use it anymore. Another complaint involved the hoses coming in contact with the hot exhaust, which can melt the hose. In some cases, that led to the hose bursting. A few customers recommended getting a steel braided hose instead.
A couple people noted that the fuel tank was dented upon arrival, but it didn’t seem to affect performance. Other minor issues involved the tires coming off the wheels.
- Easy assembly
- Starts on 1st or 2nd pull
- Generous detergent tank
- Durable steel frame
- 7HP engine with low-oil shutdown
- 6 nozzles included
- EPA & CARB compliant
- Removes up to 5 years of grime
Rundown of the Pros
- Flimsy plastic rivets on hose and wand retainers
- Loose tires
- Hoses too close to hot exhaust
- Manual unclear about how much oil is needed
- More maintenance required than other brands
- Oil may leak from the bottle inside the box
- Fuel tank may be dented upon arrival
Rundown of the Cons
Basic startup
Assembly is fairly intuitive for the Duromax XP3100PWT. The owner’s manual has clear instructions and diagrams to show you where each part goes. You will need a wrench, screwdriver, and a small hammer or mallet.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions in the manual carefully. Here are the basic steps to assemble:
- Attach the foot assembly by lining up the foot with the hole in the center of the frame. Attach the foot with the bolt from the bottom up and secure with the acorn nut. Tighten with a wrench until there’s a “slight crush” on the frame tube, but don’t over-tighten.
- Install the handle onto the lower frame by sliding the handle over the 2 frame tubes on the lower frame. Press down firmly until the 2 detent pins snap into place.
- For the gun hooks, attach the upper gun hook with the 2 plastic rivets. A small mallet or hammer can be used to seat the lock pin if needed. Install the lower gun hook with the M6 screw and lock nut. Tighten with a wrench until the nut is snug.
- Repeat this process with the accessory hook, which has 2 plastic rivets. You may need to tap them in with a small hammer or mallet.
- Screw the spray wand and handle together until secure. Insert inlet coupler of hose into threaded fitting on the spray gun. Twist the black nut clockwise to tighten.
- To fill with fluids, set machine on a flat surface. Remove oil tank cap and dipsticks. Add oil until it reaches the outer edge of the fill hole. But how much? This is where the manual is confusing: “Carefully add between 520 ml (17.6 oz) of 4-Cycle engine oil (SAE10W30) to empty reservoir…” Replace dipsticks. Remove fuel tank cap. With a funnel, pour gas into the tank until it reaches 1 ½ inches below the top of the neck.
To start it up:
- Run water through garden hose to flush out debris.
- Connect garden hose to inlet on the washer and hand tighten. Be sure there’s a minimum of 10 feet of unrestricted garden hose.
- Turn on faucet.
- Purge pump by releasing the safety and squeezing the spray gun trigger.
- Attach end of pressure hose to outlet on the water pump.
- Repeat on the opposite end of the hose with the spray wand.
- Turn fuel valve to ON.
- Slide the choke to CHOKE.
- Turn the engine switch to ON.
- Hold the machine with one hand. With the other, pull the starter cord slowly until you feel resistance. Then pull rapidly.
- If it doesn’t start, squeeze the gun trigger to release back pressure, then pull the starter cord again.
- Let engine run for a few seconds. Gradually slide the choke lever to RUN until it’s fully into the RUN position.
- Now get to cleaning!