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 a nutshell, the Stihl RB 400 is a heavy duty pressure washer, which not only offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, but that also allows:
- focused spot cleaning on hard, unpainted surfaces, accessing high spots, and efficiently eliminating stubborn stains
- comprehensive cleaning of hard surfaces, vehicle washing, and readying surfaces for painting
- soft cleaning of delicate surfaces, and gentle cleaning for larger areas with low pressure
- applying detergents or chemicals, and rinsing surfaces afterward
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
Utilizing a 196cc (6.5 hp) engine, this machine's axial pump can deliver a pressure of 2700 PSI (around 45 times stronger than a standard garden hose) and a flow rate of up to 2.7 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). Thus, the Stihl RB 400 achieves a cleaning power of 7290 Cleaning Units.
The Kohler SH265 engine of this gas-powered pressure washer is initiated by a classic pull-start mechanism.
Gasoline is stored in a fuel tank with a maximum capacity of 0.95 gallon.
Design & Handling
Thanks to its hand truck design and approximate dimensions of D28.5 x W27.5 x H39.5 in, the Stihl RB 400 offers great mobility. The robust steel tubing frame guarantees longevity of the assembly, providing stability and protection for internal components, even under demanding working conditions. The folding handle enhances its mobility, while allowing for a convenient storage.
With its weight clocking in at 90 lbs, this unit's heftiness can't be ignored, presenting significant difficulties for users who need to lift and transport it, especially over uneven terrain. The major reasons for its heavy 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's package includes a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose, 5 nozzles and a detergent injection feature, with a more detailed description below.
- Soap injection: Despite the absence of a soap tank, detergent supply is facilitated through the use of a siphon hose. As the Stihl RB 400 doesn’t include a soap dilution mechanism, the user must provide a correctly diluted detergent before proceeding to use it. Once a soap nozzle is connected, the pressure washer automatically blends the detergent with the water flow.
- Pressure hose: With a set of convenient hooks, the unit offers a practical solution for maintaining workspace order, allowing the included 25 ft high-pressure hose to be neatly stored when idle.
- Spray gun and wand: A side hook allows for an easy storage of the included classic ergonomic spray gun and its wand.
- Nozzles: Refer to the table below for details on the 5 included nozzles and their recommended surface applications.
0° | 15° | 25° | 40° | Soap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete, brick, masonry | |||||
| Siding, gutters, house | |||||
| Fencing, deck, patio | |||||
| Lawn equipment, boat, RV |
Important note: The shapes of the depicted nozzles serve for illustration purposes only and may vary. Symbols used include a for 'Not recommended,' a for 'Suitable,' and an for 'Use with caution.'
Other Features
The Stihl RB 400
- Onboard storage: The Stihl RB 400's handy storage area lets you store nozzles and accessories, and thus, you’ll be always prepared and have everything necessary for the job at hand.
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a low oil protection, a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation) and a thermal relief valve (which helps to prevent internal pump damage).
- Accessories: Included with the Stihl RB 400 are also the owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and some basic documentation to get you promptly started, along with several accessories, such as pressure hose, wand, spray gun, oil and soap hose.
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.
- The Stihl RB 400 with its 2700 PSI achieves a lower pressure value, compared to other gas-powered pressure washers in the $875-1000 price range. If your priority is the highest possible power of the water stream, in this price range, we suggest checking out the Simpson PS60843, which reaches up to 4400 PSI.
- When compared to devices in the above-mentioned price range, this washer and its 2.7 GPM (gallons per minute), is on the lower end of the achievable water flow. If your priority is efficient debris removal, consider one of the products with the highest GPM in this price range, such as the Powerhorse 115179, boasting 4.2 GPM.
- At 7290 Cleaning Units (PSI X GPM), the RB 400 ranks on the lower side of cleaning power among devices with similar pricing and fuel type. If prioritizing the highest overall cleaning power, the Powerhorse 115179 with its 18480 Cleaning Units may stand out for its exceptional cleaning efficiency among similarly priced 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.