Ryobi 3600 PSI Gas Pressure Washer Review

Ryobi 3600 PSI Gas Pressure Washer, 2.5 GPM, Honda GX200 (Model RY803600)

Ryobi 3600 PSI Gas Pressure Washer, 2.5 GPM, Honda GX200 (Model RY803600)

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: RY803600
Power source: Gasoline, Honda GX200
Motor size: 196cc
Weight: 80 lbs
I needed a pressure washer badly for 2 reasons many homeowners can relate to: clogged gutters and a filthy deck. Soon enough I had the Ryobi 3600 PSI Gas Pressure Washer, Model 803600 in my hands and was ready to put it to the test.  I also tested out Ryobi’s 3300 PSI surface cleaner (RY31SC01) and 18′ extension pole (RY31EP26) to help me out with my tasks. This combination was a lifesaver and performed exceptionally. So let’s get into the specifics and details.

Specifications & Features | Ryobi 3600 PSI Gas Pressure Washer (RY803600)

Specifications:

  • Max Pressure/Flow Rate: 3600 PSI/2.5 GPM
  • Engine Model/Size: Honda GX200/196cc
  • Start Type: Recoil/Pull
  • Fuel Capacity: 0.82 Gallons
  • Water Pump: Brass Head Triplex Pump
  • Hose Length: 35 ft.
  • Hose Connection: M22 Universal Threaded Twist On Hose & Trigger Handle
  • Total Weight: 80 lbs (no fuel)

Features:

  • Integrated cleaning detergent uptake hose attachment
  • 10″ run flat tires
  • Fully adjustable throttle offering PSI flexibility
  • Integrated holder for 5-Tips (included)
  • Reversible handle allows for compact storage
  • 5-year unit warranty (Ryobi) & 3-year engine warranty (Honda)

Overall Performance

The overall performance of the Ryobi Model RY803600 Pressure Washer was exceptional. I have very few negative things I can say and certainly nothing about its performance. It delivers a wonderfully powerful 3600 PSI water jet as advertised. The engine started on the first pull, every time. And the components seem to be high-quality with controls located in easy to find and use locations across the board.

I used this pressure washer over the course of a couple weeks for at least an hour at a time. I tested it out on a variety of materials to include: cedar-shingle siding, asphalt roof shingles, windows, aluminum gutters, untreated concrete, stamped and dyed concrete, and my wife’s van. The ability to fine tune the performance to the application was great. I did this by mixing and matching 3 unique features: an adjustable throttle, a variety of nozzles (more on that next), and a few well-designed attachments (more there too). The adjustable throttle let me maximize the pressure or dial the engine back a bit to limit the overall water pressure level when using it for delicate applications.

Key Design Features

Full-Spectrum Nozzle Selection

The Ryobi Model RY803600 Pressure Washer comes with a variety of tips to help you tailor its performance to a variety of tasks. These tips range from the highest-pressure red 0-40 degrees plus a wide-area soap/rinse tip. There is also a place for built-in tip storage located on a panel just below the handle grip. I had no issues with tips falling out of the onboard storage either during washing or transportation of the pressure washer. But 2 tips did vibrate in the holder a bit excessively so there is definitely a risk of them falling free. Fortunately, replacement tips are easily ordered from Ryobi (or other online vendors) if required.

(The below Nozzle selection guide is copied from Ryobi’s website)

Integrated Portability

I’m a pretty average guy in most ways, so my idea of lugging a pressure washer around the jobsite (which I could totally do) isn’t my idea of fun. Thoughtfully, the RY803600 Pressure Washer was 10″ “flat-free” wheels built into the steel frame with a convenient, reversible pull handle. Now Ryobi is far from the only pressure washer manufacturer to do this. But here’s what I found. First, the wheels are large enough to easily traverse crushed rock or mud. Second, the pull handle was ever so slightly too highly angled. This is a very minor note (and a non issue for someone 5′ 10″ or taller) but one of the few recommendations for change I had.

Optional Attachments

15″, 3300 PSI Surface Cleaner (RY31SC01)

This attachment surprised me the most. Its’s a simple but extremely effective design, albeit one I hadn’t used before. Contained within the plastic shroud is a spinning metal tube with a high-pressure (up to 3200 PSI) nozzle on either end. The spinning is achieved by backwards angling the water jet. Again, simple but effective design. The spinning design achieves a uniform clean under the entire attachment. And the shroud also contains the dirt and debris dislodged by the jets. Its leaves a wet surface with loose particulates that are then easily pressure washed (or swept) away from the contact surface. Of note, the “before” surface in the pic below was after i had already pre-pressure washed the cement surface. Seriously!

18′ Extension Pole w/ Brush (RY31EP26)

Probably the biggest reason I needed a pressure washer was to clean out gutters that were so clogged they no longer functioned. But I really didn’t want to climb on the roof and pull the pressure washer hose up behind me. And I didn’t really want to drag out my extension ladder and then constantly climb up and down with said hose. Ryobi’s 18′ extension pole was the perfect solution.

Well, once I paired it with an inexpensive aftermarket double-ended gutter spray hook. I was able to easily spray my second story gutters with both feet on the ground. And the results were just what I was expecting. The only downside? Getting plastered with decomposing leaves blasted free. Nasty!

Final Thoughts | Ryobi 3600 PSI Gas Pressure Washer (RY803600)

The Ryobi Model RY803600 Pressure Washer may be one of my favorite tools. It is extremely powerful, easy to start and adjust, portable, and affordable. Equally importantly, it supports a range of attachments that allow it to become an essential multi-function piece of equipment. I only had 2 recommendations: 1) there needs to be a more substantial exhaust manifold shroud as the hose naturally curls into contact with the hot muffler and has a higher probability of heat-related failures and 2) Add a downward swoop to the handle to allow for a rage of grip points with varying heights to better accommodate users of varied heights.

At $700, this feels like a solid investment. And because it’s paired with a Honda engine (with its own warranty) I have ample trust that this will be a tool that serves me well many times over. I only had a

About the author

Ben Fecteau

Benjamin is a former project manager, CNC-designer, and AWS-certified welder with experience running a commercial and industrial steel design and fabrication company. Before making the jump to commercial construction, he spent years renovating houses and building furniture where he became skilled in the art of home wiring, flooring, siding, and custom tool modifications. Benjamin has a Masters Degree in Education and is passionate about sharing his love of design with his sons and through community-based outreach. He resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and enjoys spending time with his family, in his workshop, and serving as an Air Force Officer.

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