Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer

I’ll admit that I’m not the handiest man around. That’s not to say that I’m useless – I can learn new skills with a bit of effort and I like being able to do things (I change the oil in my car, for example), I just haven’t had the exposure to a lot of the handyman stuff that many other dads have. When it comes to things like tools and home maintenance, I need a little help.

Thankfully, the Husqvarna dealer network is a knowledge powerhouse and the staff that I have interacted with are only too happy to take the time and talk a novice through their needs to find the best solution to their problems. When researching the Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer, I had the pleasure of dealing with Beverly Hills Mowers and Chainsaws (they certainly know their stuff), but I have been reliably informed that knowledge and customer service are the hallmark of all Husqvarna dealerships.

This is a good thing, because the Husqvarna range of garden and home maintenance equipment is extensive, with products to suit just about any need. I found out that Husqvarna have four series of pressure washers, each designed to suit different needs. After some discussion it was apparent that the 200-series would be perfect for the various jobs around my townhouse – powerful enough to clean patios, windows, fences and the occasional car wash.

Disclosure: Husqvarna provided Blog of Dad with the Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer for the purpose of review and ongoing use. Any thoughts expressed about Husqvarna products in this article are based on my own experiences. For more information, visit my disclosure statement. 

First Impressions

The Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer may look intimidating for the uninitiated but setting up was a relatively easy experience, even for a novice like me. The instructions consisted of clear pictures, which made attaching all of the various components an easy exercise. The most frustrating part was figuring out how to roll up the hose – a skill that most dads seem to naturally possess, but that has somehow past me by. It took a few minutes, but I overcame that hurdle with a little trial and error.

The other slightly difficult part was using the tiny included screwdriver to unscrew the cover for the small battery that is inserted into the handle. I quickly ditched that and used my much more capable screwdriver to get the job done quickly. Everything else was a breeze!

The Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer looks as if it means business. It carries the distinctive Husqvarna Orange and black colour scheme that for many is immediately synonymous with a quality experience. There is an impressive weight to the PW 235R (a fair chunk of which can be attributed to its metal pump), but it is not overwhelmingly cumbersome. A generous hose length means that there will be little need to move the unit around while using it – just place it down in a central location and move around freely. When you do need to move it, two handy wheels and a comfortable handle make the task easy.

 

 

One part that I really love is that all of the accessories have a home on the pressure washer. This makes a world of difference – there is nothing worse than rooting around a garage trying to find one small component that you haven’t used for six months, but desperately need right now! I wish all appliance manufactures would take a leaf out of Husqvarna’s book.

 

Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer – Ease of Use

As someone new to the world or pressure washing, I was excited to get the PW 235R connected and washing. It is fair to say that my small backyard had been a little neglected over winter and I was keen to banish the grime and cobwebs now that the warm days have returned.

Connecting the hose is as simple as any other watering attachment. A convenient outdoor power outlet meant I could plug the Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer directly into the power without the need for an extension cord. If you require extension, make sure you consult your Husqvarna dealer and only use extension equipment suitable for outdoor use.

My first attempt to use the pressure washer demonstrated that, while the picture-based instructions are clear and easy to follow, they are also extensive. I had missed a single key step in the operation. I tried pulling the trigger and… nothing. Bamboozled, I checked over everything again to make sure it was all connected and running. I returned to the manual and found that I had overlooked a small locking mechanism on the handle.

 

 

My second attempt was much more satisfying. The Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer fired up immediately and a powerful jet of water shot from the end. Despite its power, I was able to get the hang of it pretty quickly. When washing down the back fence I only sent water flying over the fence a couple of times. Me neighbour didn’t have the washing out, so no harm done!

The Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer is cleverly designed to make sustained use comfortable and easy. The pressure control is right where you need it – on the handle. This means you can make fine adjustments on the fly, without having to control it at the machine or nozzle. The handle is very comfortable to hold in either hand. I switched hands regularly throughout my pressure washing in order to get the best angle.

 

 

 

The spray lance is very manoeuvrable due to its double swivel function. This helps to avoid any tangling and to angle the lance in any way required. The lance is a suitable length for both reach and keeping you away from most of the spray. That said, my novice attempts to use the Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer did eventually leave me a little damp. This happened especially when I underestimated the power of the pressure washer while working in a corner of the patio. I did also get a little soggy when removing some cobwebs from up high. The PE 235R removed them beautifully, I just didn’t account for gravity…

 

Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer Performance

The 200 series is the third tier of the Husqvarna line-up. Even so, it still packs a punch with 1800 W power rating and 135 bar maximum pressure. The Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer made short work of removing loose dirt and grime from all outdoor surfaces of my house. Even at the lowest power setting (conveniently controlled by the remote touchpad on the handle), there is enough force to move dirt on. Cranking up the power creates a significant jet of water that deals with some of the more stubborn grime. I found that even a moderate setting was enough to shift most of the dirt out of the grout on my tiles, with a blast of full pressure taking care of the rest.

 

 

When that still isn’t enough, Husqvarna have included a high-performance rotary nozzle. This rotating pencil jet nozzle is awesome! It was brilliant for targeting the most stubborn stains and stuck on dirt. I couldn’t find too many spots that couldn’t be moved on with a little sustained pressure.

The other time that this nozzle proved to be very handy was when I needed to clean the thin concrete garden edging. With dirt on either side of the edging, stray spray immediately covered everything in splatter range in mud. After a little practice, I could easily work my way along the edging, hitting exactly what I wanted to with the spray. I was not expecting that level of precision from a powerful pressure washer and it is a very handy thing to have.

 

 

The final included nozzle attachment is the foam sprayer nozzle with clear bottle. This is designed for tasks where a detergent is required, like washing the car. It is a very useful addition to have and, with the other two nozzles, makes for a well-rounded cleaning machine.

 

Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer Final Thoughts

Husqvarna did an excellent job of providing a pressure washer to suit my needs. The PW 235R quickly and effectively cleaned the various, neglected areas of my modest backyard. It was easy to get the hang of, plenty powerful and comfortable to use. The vast majority of the dirt was shifted along quickly and easily. A couple of stubborn spots required some extra attention to make them sparkle, while one-or-two stubborn stains remain for me to take on another day. Overall the result was a very fast clean with a very pleasing result.

My best advice is to contact your local Husqvarna dealer and discuss your needs with them. They know their stuff and can help you choose the right pressure washer to suit your needs. One thing is for sure, my new Husqvarna PW 235R Pressure Washer is a brilliant addition to my cleaning arsenal. It is going to save me a whole lot of time and effort around my home!