Stihl RE163 Plus

Lasted no longer than my cheap water blaster – Bought a Stihl RE163 commercial grade water blaster for washing cars. To be fair it was used probably two full hours every day but this is what it was made for. I was told it should last 8 to 10 years based on other user experience. Paid $1,300 NZD for it rather than the $199 for a cheap one at Bunnings thinking it would pay for itself over time.

Just over 18 months and it was toast. Sthil were not interested in warranty. They pulled it apart and made me pay $60 to get the broken thing back. A bearing had collapsed in the brushless electric motor. I had a radial split around the center race. I reckon this was due to a manufacturing fault as this is an unusual failure and not due to wear. (I am an Automotive Engineer for what it is worth)

Sthil would not even do me the courtesy of a response despite several attempts at contact. Even sent them photos of the bearing. The terrible rating is more to do with the service than anything else, that is no service at all.

When you pay for quality you expect to get it. Off to Bunnings for a new cheap water blaster.