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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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Stihl RB 400 2700PSI Gas Pressure WasherStihl RB 400 2700PSI Gas Pressure WasherStihl RB 400 2700PSI Gas Pressure WasherStihl RB 400 2700PSI Gas Pressure Washer
According to Stihl's Internet Sales Policy (opens in a new tab), it is not possible to ship a NEW Stihl product in the USA. The only way to get the Stihl RB 400 shipped to your place is to get it second hand or refurbished on eBay. Online stores such as Acme Tools, Ace Hardware, Northern Tool, and Farm & Fleet (links below) may allow online purchase and in-store pickup of Stihl products.

Features and Specifications

General
FuelGas-Powered
HandlingHand Truck
WaterCold (125°F max.)
PSI2700
GPM2.7
Cleaning Units7290
Engine196cc 6.5 HP Kohler SH265 4-stroke OHV
PumpAxial
Features
FrameSteel tubing
Soap injectionVia siphon hose
Soap dilutionNo
Nozzles0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, Soap
Quick connect nozzlesYes
Onboard storageYes
Hose25 ft
Hose storageHooks
Misc
Dimensions
(D x W x H)
Approx. 28.5 x 27.5 x 39.5 in
Weight90 lbs
Wheels2 wheels, pneumatic
Included accessoriesOil, wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, soap hose, 5 nozzles
SecurityLow oil, trigger lock and thermal relief valve
EmissionsUnknown
Warranty2 years
UPC886661293711

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.

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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. (source: Stihl (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Stihl RB 400

The Stihl RB 400 is a medium duty pressure washer, that provides its users with an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and enables:

  • spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces and high-reach cleaning
  • thorough cleaning of hard, paint-free surfaces
  • cleaning of painted or delicate surfaces
  • use of detergent and cleaning solutions

Ahead are presented its power characteristics and design, its main features and any other additional features.

Power

The Stihl RB 400 in use

The Stihl RB 400

Powered by a 196 cc (6.5 hp) engine, its axial pump can deliver a pressure of 2700 PSI (around 45 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 2.7 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). Combined, these values mean that the Stihl RB 400 has a cleaning power of 7290 Cleaning Units.

The Kohler SH265 engine of this gas-powered pressure washer gets started by a classic pull-start mechanism.

Gasoline storage is facilitated by a fuel tank with a maximum capacity of 0.95 gallon.

Design & Handling

The Stihl RB 400 is very mobile, due to its hand truck design and approximate dimensions of D28.5 x W27.5 x H39.5 in. Its sturdy steel tubing frame provides longevity to the assembly. The folding handle enhances its mobility, while allowing for a convenient storage.

At 90 lbs, we can't really say that the unit is a lightweight, and manually lifting or transporting it could be a challenge. The main contributors to its weight are its 196 cc Kohler SH265 engine and steel tubing frame. However, the unit is mobile thanks to its two pneumatic wheels, which add to its movability and allow it to be manipulated smoothly on the job.

Main Features

The Stihl RB 400 in use

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: Even though the device doesn't have a soap tank, detergent is supplied by a siphon hose. However, since the Stihl RB 400 does not feature a soap dilution mechanism, you'll have to make sure your detergent is correctly diluted before use. The detergent is automatically added to the water when a soap nozzle is connected.
  • Pressure hose: A neat storage for the included 25 ft high-pressure hose is facilitated by a set of convenient hooks.
  • Spray gun and wand: The included classic ergonomic spray gun and its wand can be easily stored in a side hook.
  • Nozzles: The 5 included nozzles, and the respective surfaces they’re appropriate for, are listed in the table below.
 


15°

25°

40°

Soap
Concrete, brick, masonryUse with cautionSuitableSuitableSuitableSuitable
Siding, gutters, houseNot recommendedUse with cautionUse with cautionSuitableSuitable
Fencing, deck, patioNot recommendedUse with cautionUse with cautionSuitableSuitable
Lawn equipment, boat, RVNot recommendedUse with cautionUse with cautionUse with cautionSuitable

Note: The shape of the nozzles above is for illustration purposes only and may differ.
Red cross: Not recommended. Green check: Suitable. Orange check: Use with caution.

Other Features

The specs of the Stihl RB 400

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 trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation), a thermal relief valve (which helps to prevent internal pump damage) and a low oil protection.
  • Accessories: The Stihl RB 400 comes with an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and some basic documentation to get you quickly started. On top of that, you also get spray gun, pressure hose, wand, soap hose and oil.

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, which can achieve a PSI of up to 2700, falls behind the other gas-powered pressure washers in the $600 to $700 price range. In case you are looking for a device with the highest possible power of its water stream, one of the top achievers in this price range is the DeWalt DXPW3625 with a PSI of 3600.
  • With a water flow of up to 2.7 GPM (gallons per minute), this washer belongs to the best of the above-mentioned price range, as it can deliver a high volume of water.
  • Amongst similarly priced gas-powered devices, the 7290 Cleaning Units (PSI X GPM) of the RB 400 rank as low. If you are after the highest overall cleaning power, the Generac 6924 with its 9360 Cleaning Units is one of the products that can achieve the highest cleaning efficiency in this price range.

Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Good range of nozzles included
  • Onboard storage
  • Several security features
  • High GPM for the price
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the expensive side
  • No soap tank
  • No detergent dilution mechanism
  • Low PSI 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.

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.

Stihl RB 400
5.2 Total Score
3 reviews
Add your review
Ease Of Use
6.7
Value
3.7
Quality
6
Performance
4.3
3 Reviews
Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. Avatar
    Paul m Sabatos August 2, 2022 at 1:01 pm
    1.4
    Ease Of Use
    50
    Value
    20
    Quality
    20
    Performance
    20

    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

    + PROS: None over priced’!!!
    - CONS: Wouldn’t recommend it to a friend
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 2.9
    Ease Of Use
    100
    Value
    60
    Quality
    60
    Performance
    10

    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?

    + PROS: Built well
    - CONS: Doesn’t hold water pressure
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. 3.5
    Ease Of Use
    50
    Value
    30
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    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.

    + PROS: plenty of pressure
    - CONS: not user friendly over priced
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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