Differences between Direct and Belt driven pressure washers

Direct Drive

In this photo you can see that the engine is connected directly to the pump. A shaft running from the engine into the pump is what drives this kind of configuration.

Advantages: Lower initial cost of ownership. Fewer drive system components.

Belt Drive

The belt drive unit has the engine separated from the pump. The belt assembly is what drives the pump.

Advantages: Having the engine and pump separated means less heat. Superior at absorbing the movement of the engine. The pump runs at half the speed of a direct drive unit. These three things contribute to the long life of a belt driven pump system.