I have now had a Nilfisk E140 2-9 S X-Tra pressure washer for 4 years. For a consumer washer it is of good quality and uses a metal pump, unlike many others which use a plastic pump. Although I have rated it as 5-stars, in its standard form I would only rate as 4-stars.
The washer failed after the first use but was repaired under the warranty, with carriage paid to and from the Nilfisk factory in Penrith. A pressure valve had failed. This early life failure was very annoying but the repair was carried out quickly and courteously. It has worked faultlessly ever since. Spares and accessories are available from Pressure Clean Ltd.
The E140 2-9 S X-Tra replaced a smaller Kew washer and the larger, more powerful E140 2-9 S X-Tra made cleaning a large driveway and patio much easier and faster. My advice would be to use the most powerful washer (highest pressure, highest flow) that you can afford and for which you can find room to store it. If you value your time, saving money by buying a cheap small washer is a false economy.
A standard straight nozzle and a turbo nozzle is provided, together with a sprayer. The turbo nozzle produces a rotating cone shaped jet which covers a larger area than the straight nozzle, but produces a less concentrated cleaning action and, like all turbo nozzles has a relatively short life. I find that I mostly use the turbo nozzle. The straight nozzle produces the most powerful jet for those "difficult to remove" areas. The sprayer is ideal for applying a patio cleaner wetting agent. For patio cleaning I would recommend also buying the Nilfisk Patio Plus attachment. A wall hanging bracket is also provided, however to prevent damage it is essential that the washer is stored in a frost-free location.
The washer is generally very well made. However, the hose-reel storage drum is a good idea but the standard hose is of poor quality. The hose has a plastic outer cover which makes it very stiff. It is therefore very difficult to wind onto the drum, and it constantly tries to coil up again when in use. Even worse, the plastic hose hardens and stiifens more with age and eventually splits. Replacing the standard hose with an industrial quality rubber pressure hose transforms the hose-reel system and makes the washer much easier and less frustrating to use. An excellent replacement hose, complete with fittings, is available from Q Services Ltd (0172 982 5656) - they trade on eBay under the name of Qwashers. Some owners have reported problems with the hose reel handle, but it works faultlessly provided it is fitted correctly.
With a replacement rubber hose the Nilfisk E140 2-9 S X-Tra is an excellent pressure washer supported by very good customer service from the manufacturer, and is highly recommended.
