Karcher X-Series featuring the Industry's First Water Cooled Induction Motor 2000PSI Electric Pressure Washer with 25-Foot Hose and Hose Reel, K5.540

by Karcher

• Equipped with Karcher's Patented Self Priming/Siphon Capable N-Cor Pump
• Electric high-pressure washer for residential use
• Water-cooled induction motor; quick-connect system; detergent tank; pressurized hose reel
• Includes trigger gun, Vario Power Spray wand, DirtBlaster spray wand, and integrated accessory storage
• Measures 15.5 by 16.5 by 23 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15.6 x 16.4 x 23.4 inches ; 16.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 38 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B004P5POKM
• Item model number: 1.603-320.0
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #381 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
  • #4 in Patio, Lawn & Garden > Mowers & Outdoor Power Tools > Outdoor Power Tools > Pressure Washers

Product Description

Amazon.com

Karcher K 5.540 X-Series Cold-Water Electric High-Pressure Washer with Hose Reel

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Karcher's 5-Series line offers exceptionally durable electric pressure washers for the home. The K 5.540 is built to last and can withstand the rigorous demands of frequent use. It features an innovative, patented water-cooled induction motor that delivers better performance and a longer life. Even more, the K 5.540 generates an amazing 2000 PSI, up to 40 times as much pressure as a typical garden hose.

For tough jobs, attach the included DirtBlaster spray wand to increase the effective pressure by up to 50-percent. For less-intense cleaning, attach the Vario Power Spray (VPS) wand, which allows you to adjust the pressure right on the wand.

Based on feedback from their customers, Karcher equipped the top-of-the-line K 5.540 with a built-in pressurized hose reel, the ultimate solution for convenient, hassle-free storage of the high-pressure hose. Karcher also included a quick-connect system to reduce startup times by up to 75-percent and an onboard detergent tank to make it easy to clean with detergents.

Much quieter than a gasoline pressure washer and certified by CSA International for safety, the K 5.540 is perfect for demanding residential use. If you clean often, value durability, and demand professional-level cleaning results, check out the K 5.540.

Included Accessories:

• 25-foot high-pressure hose
• Quick-connect trigger gun with child-safety lock
• Vario Power Spray (VPS) wand
• DirtBlaster spray wand

• Pressurized hose reel
• Onboard detergent tank
• Quick-connect water inlet and outlet
• Integrated accessory storage

Also available from Karcher and compatible with this unit are extension wands, wash brushes, and detergents.

Pressurized onboard hose reel.

Water-cooled induction motor.

Compare the Karcher Electric Pressure Washers
Model Number	K 5.85 M Plus	K 2.38 CCK	K 5.690	K 2.425	K 3.540	K 5.540
PSI	1850	1600	2000	1600	1800	2000
Power Supply	120 V / 60 Hz induction motor	120 V / 60 Hz motor	120 V / 60 Hz induction motor	120 V / 60 Hz motor	120 V / 60 Hz water-cooled induction motor	120 V / 60 Hz water-cooled induction motor
Water Volume	1.5 GPM; direct-drive axial aluminum pump	1.25 GPM; direct-drive axial pump	1.4 GPM; direct-drive axial pump	1.25 GPM; direct-drive axial pump	1.5 GPM; direct-drive axial pump	1.4 GPM; direct-drive axial pump
Maximum Water-Inlet Temperature	104 degrees F	104 degrees F	104 degrees F	104 degrees F	104 degrees F	104 degrees F
Approximate machine weight (without accessories)	36.5 pounds	14 pounds	35 pounds	13 pounds	27 pounds	31
Machine dimensions (LxWxH, inches)	15.6 by 14.3 by 35.4	9 by 12 by 24.5	13.2 by 13 by 34.3	11 by 9.5 by 24.5	12 by 13 by 34	15.5 by 16.5 by 23
Warranty	1-year limited; eligible for Rapid Exchange Program	1-year limited; eligible for Rapid Exchange Program	1-year limited; eligible for Rapid Exchange Program	1-year limited; eligible for Rapid Exchange Program	1-year limited; eligible for Rapid Exchange Program	1-year limited; eligible for Rapid Exchange Program

Product Description

The NEW K 5.540 electric pressure washer from Karcher, the top of the line unit in the X-Series range. This 2000 PSI model features a unique, patented water-cooled induction motor that delivers superior performance and a longer life. Only Karcher offers the advanced combination of water-cooled technology with a powerful induction motor. Equipped with two spray wands, the K 5.540 is able to tackle any cleaning project around the home. For tough jobs, attach the included DirtBlaster Spray Wand to increase the effective pressure by up to 50-Percent. For less intense cleaning, attach the included Vario Power Spray (VPS) Wand, which allows you to adjust the pressure right on the wand. Fully, equipped with quick connect, the K 5.540 reduces your start up time by up to 50-Percent. It even includes a quick connect adapter for your garden hose, eliminating the hassle of threading the hose on each time you want to clean. This model also comes equipped with an onboard detergent tank that makes detergent application a snap. Simply fill the tank with pressure washer detergent, attach the VPS spray wand, select the low pressure setting and apply the detergent to the area you wish to clean. The K 5.540 features an upright, ergonomic design, is easy to maneuver and operate. You can even draw water from a standing source, a feature that comes in handy when a water faucet isn't available (optional accessory required). Much quieter than a gasoline pressure washer and certified by CSA International for safety, the K 5.540 is perfect for customers who desire professional level cleaning results from a maintenance-free pressure washer.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

115 of 116 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for the price May 28, 2011

By toolcritic

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought the K5.540 because it seemed to be the best brand name electric available. A good gas was $450 +. The price, size, weight, noise, winter storage, convenience aspects, along with the lack of gas engine maintenance were deciding factors. I've used it four times so far. Pressure is adequate for around the house. Indeed, too much pressure can be damaging. The downside is that it's an upright, prone to falling over especially on uneven surfaces. The second time it did so, the supplied plastic female quick connect hose fitting on the water inlet broke... only available from Karcher, I suspect. Other reviewers have mentioned this across the cloud. My solution was a big box store fitting called "swivel hose adapter". Made by Watts # A-661 GH1. It's 3/4 female pipe thread on one side and 3/4 female garden hose thread on the other. It fits the 3/4 FIP male water inlet on the machine & the 3/4 male on your garden hose. It eliminates ordering a bag of replacement fittings from Karcher for repetitive breakage when the machine falls over and you can still use a commonly available quick connect system. As for the rest of the experience, it's good on siding, vehicles, floor mats, and anything porous such as concrete or brick. More pressure from another machine will give you more area of application at greater distance and of course more potential for damage. I've heard your standard manual car wash is 4000 psi. Even this machine's 2000 psi will dig holes in wood. The 25' high pressure hose has proved short occasionally. My only worry is what the life of the many o-rings might be. Overall longevity remains to be seen. Other than those concerns, I've been pleased with the design and performance and keep encountering new uses. It's becoming as valuable to me as my air compressor and leaf blower. Spray away.

67 of 72 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Karcher XXX Pressure Washer August 8, 2011

By Bus Lamp

Amazon Verified Purchase

Like many of the reviewers I have had a few of the electric pressure washers. The first one I had was a Generac 1800 PSI unit. It was a hand carry item with a long power cord and a variable rubber coated metal wand. It wasn't on wheels but was a very solid unit with a good amount of pressure behind it. If I could find another I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I put it through its paces and my teenage sons abused it. I even drove over it when they left it behind my car. It is still working today as I gave it to my youngest son after about 12 years of use but is probably now working around 1600 psi. Why all the talk about this one you ask? Well, like I said I have had others as well since giving the Generac away and the claims of high pressure don't quite meet with what that old one did nor do they take the abuse.

This K5.540 Karcher comes with two wands. The variable pressure one is just that. A fan pattern that decreases in pressure verses one with the same pressure that varies in width. This one allows you to siphon soap but only when the pressure is reduced to open hose flows. The other wand is a single stream turbo wand which means you don't get a straight shot at what you want to clean. It spins the stream in a cone shape from the tip of the wand outward. That does have its purposes I suppose but isn't what I'm used to. Neither wand seemed to produce the pressure of that first Generac I had that was slated at 1800 PSI verses this one at 2000 PSI. Interestingly enough I bought a single stream kit from Amazon with orifices for different pressures for this washer. I installed the 1800 PSI one and this Karcher oscillated on and off because the pressure increase would shut the machine off. Hmmmm! Does it sound like they truly have rated their pressure accurately or even correctly. Dropping to a 1600 PSI orifice did the trick which in comparison to my old Generac seems to be about what I am experiencing.

Next we have the embellishments. Moveable cord holder that is placed at the front right and it is very flimsy. In the end I ran a screw through the upper hook to keep it in place. What they really need is a ratchet mechanism with a trigger to move it when you want to remove the power cord. Oh and there really isn't a good place to put the GFI plug when wrapping it up either. I ended up boring some holes in the upper holder/hook resembling a receptacle and plug it in before I wind up the cord.

The upper holder for the "wand" is likewise too flimsy and irritating to work with. Again, they are in need of something more solid we need it to adjust to different wand lengths. Here again I ended up just throwing a screw in it to hold it in place which works for storage ok and occasionally for temporary storage while in use.

The unit wheels are ok and the height of the unit is adequate to move it around with them; however, the crazy thing will tip over very easily with the slightest tug on the pressure hose. Not acceptable! I installed a bracket and caster out front, center that stopped the tipping. Next I'll have to find a locking caster to takes its place.

The hose real isn't too bad so far. If the wand your using will latch up in its holder you can crank the excess in quite readily - I like it. The soap dispenser is better than most I've had but it is just that - a dispenser.

Finally, I know these companies are required to keep things safe so I can imagine that is why we can't lock the trigger open but I like to have a way to run the air out of the line so a small wood block was formed to keep the trigger open while that process is going on. I have added a little partition to the rear top behind the cord holder to hold that block of wood and now that the washer doesn't tip over it stays there too.

Bottom Line: If you need a serious washer this isn't it and I can only guess they cheapened up the motor/pump and that is why they need water cooling. Time will tell how long this will run but are the dollars worth the risk. Go commercial electric or gas if you need something that will "stay the course" and do the job. I will even take my own advice next time.

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the money May 14, 2011

By jw

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have had other electric pressure washers as well as gasoline pressure washers. I can honestly say that this Karcher outperformed a gasoline pressure washer that I had that was rated at 2300 psi. I am very pleased with this product.