Stihl RB 400 - 2700 PSI 2.7 GPM 196cc Gas Pressure Washer
The Stihl DIRT BOSS® RB 400 is a gas-powered pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 2700 PSI and flow of 2.7 GPM. (Read full specs)
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Description
When you need a power washer that delivers top performance and can stand up to daily use, choose the STIHL RB 400 DIRT BOSS® pressure washer. It features a powerful 196 cc (6.5 hp) engine that can output 2,700 psi of water pressure at 2.7 gallons per minute. It also features the durability STIHL products are known for, with a brass manifold pump design, stainless steel valves and ceramic-coated pistons. There is also a cast-iron engine liner and a built-in shutdown feature when the oil level is low. The RB 400 DIRT BOSS® also features an easy start pump system and convenient detergent injector system.
Zoom on the Stihl RB 400
In summary, the Stihl RB 400 is a medium duty pressure washer, that offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and also:
- precise spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces, reaching elevated areas, and effectively removing stubborn stains
- broad cleaning of hard surfaces, vehicle washing, and surface preparation for painting
- gentle cleaning for sensitive surfaces, and wide coverage cleaning with low pressure
- utilizing cleaning solutions, and rinsing surfaces clean
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics and design, its main features and all the additional features it has to offer.
Power
The Stihl RB 400
Using a 196cc (6.5 hp) engine, its axial pump delivers a pressure of up to 2700 PSI (roughly 45 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 2.7 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). When these values are taken together, they yield a cleaning power of 7290 Cleaning Units.
To start the Kohler SH265 engine of this gas-powered washer, users employ the familiar pull-start technique.
Containing gasoline, the pressure washer's fuel tank can hold a maximum of 0.95 gallon.
Design & Handling
Enhanced mobility is a key feature of the Stihl RB 400, thanks to its hand truck design. The sturdy steel tubing frame ensures the longevity of the assembly, offering stability and protection for internal components, even during rigorous use. The folding handle enhances its mobility, while allowing for a convenient storage.
With its hefty 90 lbs, this unit isn't exactly easy to handle, making manual lifting and transport quite a daunting task, especially on uneven terrain. The main contributors to its weight are its 196cc Kohler SH265 engine and steel tubing frame. Nevertheless, with its two pneumatic wheels, users can manage the RB 400 with less difficulty, even over uneven terrain.
Main Features
The Stihl RB 400
The Stihl RB 400 comes with a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose, 5 nozzles and a detergent injection feature, which are detailed below.
- Soap injection: Despite the absence of a soap tank, detergent supply is facilitated through the use of a siphon hose. The Stihl RB 400 is not equipped with a soap dilution mechanism, and thus, it is up to the user to ensure the detergent’s correct dilution ratio when using it. Upon connecting a soap nozzle, the pressure washer takes over the task of seamlessly combining the detergent with the water flow.
- Pressure hose: When not in use, the unit allows for tidy storage of the included 25 ft high-pressure hose using a set of convenient hooks, ensuring convenient organization.
- Spray gun and wand: Both the classic ergonomic spray gun and its wand may be conveniently stored in a side hook.
- Nozzles: In the table below, you can see the 5 included nozzles alongside their respective recommended surface uses.
0° | 15° | 25° | 40° | Soap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete, brick, masonry | |||||
| Siding, gutters, house | |||||
| Fencing, deck, patio | |||||
| Lawn equipment, boat, RV |
Kindly note: The shapes of the nozzles depicted above are for illustrative purposes and may vary. Symbols indicate suitability, with a signifying 'Not recommended,' a for 'Suitable,' and an for 'Use with caution.'
Other Features
The Stihl RB 400
- Onboard storage: With the Stihl RB 400's handy storage area, you’ll always have all the necessary nozzles and accessories at hand and thus, you’ll be fully prepared for any job.
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a thermal relief valve (which helps to prevent internal pump damage), a low oil protection and a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: Besides the usual owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and documentation to get you promptly started, the Stihl RB 400 comes with pressure hose, soap hose, oil, wand and spray gun.
Product Videos
The Stihl RB 400's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the Stihl RB 400 compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- Featuring 2700 PSI, the Stihl RB 400 achieves a lower pressure value compared to competing gas-powered pressure washers within the $900-1000 price category. Prioritizing the highest water stream power? Check out the Powerhorse 115179—a top contender in this price range, delivering up to 4400 PSI.
- In comparison to devices within the previously mentioned price range, this washer, with its 2.7 GPM, is on the lower spectrum of achievable water flow. If rinsing away debris most efficiently is your priority, one of the devices with the highest GPM in this price range is the Powerhorse 115179, which can reach up to 4.2 GPM.
- The RB 400's Cleaning Units, 7290 CU (PSI X GPM), fall into the lower end when compared to gas-powered devices of similar price. In case you are looking for the highest overall cleaning power, in this price range, one of the current champions is the Powerhorse 115179 and its 18480 Cleaning Units.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other gas-powered washers between 7000 and 7500 Cleaning Units, the Stihl RB 400 is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its cleaning power range, purchasing it could most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Good range of nozzles included
- Onboard storage
- Several security features
- On the expensive side
- No soap tank
- No detergent dilution mechanism
- Low PSI for the price
- Low GPM for the price
- Low CU for the price
Do you own the Stihl RB 400 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Gas-Powered |
|---|---|
| Engine | 196cc 6.5 HP Kohler SH265 4-stroke OHV |
| Pump | Axial |
| Water | Cold (125°F max.) |
| PSI | 2700 |
| GPM | 2.7 |
| Cleaning Units | 7290 |
| Frame | Steel tubing |
|---|---|
| Handling | Hand Truck |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, pneumatic |
| Weight | 90 lbs |
| Dimensions | Approx. 28.5 x 27.5 x 39.5 in (D x W x H) |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Soap injection | Via siphon hose |
|---|---|
| Soap dilution | No |
| Nozzles | 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, Soap |
| Quick connect nozzles | Yes |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 25 ft |
| Security | Low oil, trigger lock and thermal relief valve |
|---|---|
| Emissions | EPA |
| Included accessories | Oil, wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, soap hose, 5 nozzles |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Other model numbers | 47900124600US |
| UPC | 886661293711 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About Stihl
Since revolutionizing the forestry industry in 1926 with the invention of the first two-person electric chainsaw, STIHL has become one of the top-selling brands of outdoor power equipment in the US and around the world. Their ever-growing product line includes gas-powered, corded-electric and battery products. Made in the USA and in China by over 2,000 dedicated employees at their state-of-the-art, dedicated, manufacturing facilities in Virginia Beach, VA, and in Qingdao, STIHL products are sold by local, authorized dealers in over 80 countries.
Warranty Information
The Stihl RB 400 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the unit.
For more information about the warranty of Stihl pressure washers, please consult Stihl's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-467-8445.
User Reviews
Not happy with performance. Not the stihl quality I’m used to in chain saws . The only thing that’s Stihl is the name all parts are sourced
I bought the 400 last year maybe used it 6 to 7 times it will not hold water pressure zero leaks anywhere what do I need to do to the pump to make it work correctly?
Very poorly designed, You can not just pull back on the handle to move the unit you must place you foot on the frame to get it to tilt back. Very difficult to get the pressure hose off the pump as well as the wand. 25 feet of hose is not very good it is too short, requiring a lot of moving when washing the house. Kohler is a good engine but you can not shot off the gas supply to run the carburetor dry, considering the relatively high price for its capacity you would hope it would be more user friendly.