DeWalt 3400 PSI 2.5 GPM Gas Pressure Washer with PressuReady

Why I reached for this washer

I wanted a mid-tier gas unit that balanced real cleaning power with some modern conveniences, and the DeWalt 3400 fit that brief on paper: 3400 PSI, 2.5 GPM, a battery-assisted electric start, and an LED control panel that promised to take a little guesswork out of operation. Over several weekends I put it to work on a composite deck, a greasy driveway, oxidized vinyl siding, and a couple of stained patio sets. It impressed in several key areas, while also revealing a few trade-offs that buyers should understand.

Setup and starting

Assembly out of the box was straightforward—handle, wheels, hose, gun, and nozzles all have a logical home with onboard storage. At 76 pounds and with 10-inch wheels, it’s a one-person job to maneuver on flat ground; up steps or over gravel you’ll want two hands and a clear path.

The battery-assisted electric start is the headliner. I used a 20V pack and appreciated being able to thumb the button rather than yank a cord, especially after stopping mid-job to move hoses or switch tools. The LED panel provides simple mode and fault indicators; I tripped the low-oil shutoff once while testing, and the panel made it clear what happened. Plan on keeping the battery charged and note that the battery is sold separately. If you aren’t already in the DeWalt 20V or FLEXVOLT ecosystem, factor that into the cost.

One note for buyers at elevation: this engine is jetted for sea level from the factory. If you routinely work above 5,000 feet, confirm high-altitude kit availability ahead of time. Mixture that’s too rich can make for rough running and hard starts in mountain regions.

Cleaning performance

At 2.5 GPM and 3400 PSI, this washer has enough muscle to make fast work of typical residential tasks. It doesn’t hit the raw flow of a commercial rig, but it combines pressure and volume well enough to keep a 15-degree tip cutting at a confident pace. On my oil-stained driveway I pretreated, then used the 15-degree nozzle and a slow, overlapping sweep; the stains lifted with two passes, and the concrete brightened noticeably without scarification. The 25-degree tip was ideal for composite decking and fencing, where you want to lift grime without raising fibers. For vinyl siding, the 40-degree tip was the right match—wide enough to avoid tiger striping, still plenty of bite to strip chalk and mildew with detergent.

A practical way to think about this class of machine is in “cleaning units” (PSI x GPM). At 8,500 CU, this washer sits in a sweet spot for homeowners who want faster results than a small electric without the cost and weight of a pro triplex-pump unit. If you’re maintaining multiple properties or chewing through heavily soiled concrete all day, you’ll want more flow; for seasonal home maintenance, the 3400 is appropriately sized.

Pump, protections, and the auto shutoff

The axial cam pump is typical for this category: compact, efficient, and maintenance-light. It isn’t as rebuildable or long-lived as a triplex pump under heavy, daily use, but it’s a reasonable choice for homeowner duty if you treat it correctly. Two features help here. First, a thermal relief valve purges hot water if you’ve been idling, protecting the pump from heat soak. Second, the machine automatically shuts down after a short period of inactivity and wakes back up when you squeeze the trigger. That auto shutoff is the unsung hero of this design. It saves fuel, drops noise between tasks, and—most importantly—reduces the risk of destroying the pump by deadheading it while you step away. In use, it felt seamless: set the wand down, the engine shuts off; pull the trigger, it restarts after a brief pause and you’re back to work.

For longevity, stick to the basics: never run it dry, always purge air from the hose before starting, use a clean water source, avoid letting it idle for extended periods, and winterize with pump saver if you’re in a freezing climate. Those few habits make the difference between a pump that lasts seasons and one that doesn’t.

Ergonomics and mobility

The spray gun’s rotating handle is more than a gimmick. Being able to clock the grip 360 degrees means you can keep your wrist neutral when sweeping a driveway or working underneath a sill. The trigger pull is light enough to avoid fatigue over a couple of hours. I’d call the 25-foot hose adequate for small patios and a single-car driveway but short for siding and multi-car runs; plan on a 50-foot upgrade if you don’t want to babysit the machine’s position. The included hose felt durable but a bit stiff in cold morning temps, which is typical in this class. The quick-connect nozzles seat positively, and the onboard storage keeps them from wandering off.

Transport is easy on flat ground; at just under 80 pounds with fuel, it’s still lighter than most pro rigs, and the center of gravity feels secure when tilting back on the wheels. The frame and axle tolerate bumps and curbs without drama.

Detergent use and accessories

The included soap nozzle switches the injector to low pressure for applying detergents. It works fine for siding and patio furniture, though you’ll get better foam and dwell with a dedicated foam cannon on the gun if that’s your preference. Just remember that high-pressure soap application isn’t the design here; apply low pressure, let chemistry work, and rinse with the appropriate fan tip.

The five-tip assortment—0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap—covers most tasks. I rarely use the 0° except for pinpoint work on concrete spatter; for almost everything else you can choose between 15° and 25°. If you’re serious about driveway cleanup, a surface cleaner attachment will speed things up and produce a more uniform finish.

Noise, vibration, and fuel

It’s a gas washer, so ear protection is a must. Noise levels are on par with other 200cc-class engines. The auto shutoff makes a tangible quality-of-life difference by keeping the machine quiet whenever you aren’t actively washing, which your neighbors will appreciate. Vibration at the frame is modest, and the wand doesn’t transmit excessive buzz. The 1-gallon tank gave me right around an hour of mixed-use runtime; your mileage will vary depending on how often the machine idles between tasks.

Reliability notes and maintenance access

Across several long sessions, the washer started reliably and ran clean. I did see one moment where it didn’t immediately restart after an auto shutoff; releasing the trigger and squeezing again resolved it. Oil checks are easy thanks to accessible fill and drain points, and the low-oil shutdown adds a layer of protection. While the pump is not meant for extensive rebuilds, the basic service points—oil, spark plug, air filter—are straightforward for a homeowner to handle.

If you rely on local service, take a moment before purchase to identify your nearest authorized service center and ask about turnaround times for this model. That small bit of homework can save frustration if you ever need support.

What I liked

• Strong, efficient cleaning for residential work at 3400 PSI/2.5 GPM
• Battery-assisted electric start and LED panel reduce friction and guesswork
• Auto shutoff dramatically lowers heat stress, noise, and fuel burn between tasks
• Rotating gun handle and balanced wand improve comfort
• Low-oil shutdown and thermal relief add welcome safety nets
• Compact footprint with practical onboard storage

What I’d change

• The 25-foot hose is short for siding and multi-car driveways; a 50-foot upgrade feels essential
• Hose stiffness in cooler weather makes routing around obstacles a little fussy
• Battery is not included; budget accordingly if you don’t already own compatible packs
• Axial cam pump is the right fit for homeowners but not ideal for heavy, daily use
• High-altitude buyers should confirm jetting options in advance

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 3400 to homeowners who want meaningful step-up performance over small electrics, with user-friendly touches that make gas ownership less intimidating. The electric start and auto shutoff are genuinely useful, the cleaning results are excellent for decks, driveways, and siding, and the protective features help guard against common user errors. Pair it with a longer hose and, if you clean a lot of concrete, a surface cleaner, and you’ll cover most residential tasks comfortably.

If you plan to use a pressure washer professionally or for long, daily sessions, look toward a unit with a triplex pump and higher flow. And if you live at altitude or depend on local support, verify service and jetting options before you buy. For the typical homeowner who values easy starts, smart protections, and solid cleaning power, this washer lands in a very good place.