The Bosch Aquasurf 280 Patio cleaner is listed in the optional accessories for my Bosch Aquatak 160bar pressure washer, so can handle the pressure. The brush skirt keeps the rotating pair of spray jets at a safe distance from the surface and prevents splashing the operator.
The cleaning is quick and very effective on our concrete drive without scarring the surface, and also on our crazy paving without excavating the pointing. However, as expected, the failing pointing between our older slabs was rapidly excavated, saving me the hassle of scraping them out when I wanted to re-point them with a stronger mix.
The 280 patio cleaner is easy to dismantle for cleaning out the jets. This should not be necessary if using clean mains water, but if using collected rain water then an extra pre-filter at the pick-up point aiding the Aquatak's built-in filter could prevent the need for frequent blockage removal.
The main problem with this tool is all the black detritus it removes; I had to figure out ways to prevent our land-drains from clogging up with this sediment, and how to collect the new silt (Soot? Rubber? Diesel particulates? Mould? Grit?) to recycle it around the garden.
I added a smear of silicone grease to each O-ring to ease assembly and de-stress the rubber. Hopefully this will give them a longer life.
Be aware that the new plastic Bosch bayonet fittings between handle and lance and patio cleaner are not compatible with the older brass ones which at first glance look the same shape.
The instruction sheet is minimal, and by forbidding use on a wall Bosch expects one to buy the handled version p/n F016800467 of this 280 if cleaning down a wall.
Use is simple and intuitive, just be safe.
. Close-quarter working. The bayonet fixing fits directly onto the trigger handle in the same fashion as the other optional lances. The red locking ring prevents accidental disconnection.
. Normal distant working. The extension tube supplied has an AQT fitting at the top end which is compatible with the AQT extension lance supplied with the Aquatak, note that a small key ensures the AQT only fits in one orientation. This pair of extensions allows one to operate the patio cleaner standing comfortably upright and at a safe distance.
SAFETY FIRST with 160bar Aquatak.
. It is noisy in use and I wear ear plugs.
. The jets can cut or blind so I wear boots, gloves and secure protective glasses.
. Make sure the high-pressure hose can reach easily, I added an SDS 6metre Extension hose. Be careful to buy a 160Bar (16MPa) hose p/n F016800482 and NOT the 130Bar (13MPa) hose p/n F016800361.
. Don’t let the electrical connectors get wet, I fitted an IP44 (splash-proof) blue 16A plug (similar to this) instead of the 13A, and use an appropriate extension lead ending in an RCD 13A plug (similar to this.)
| Manufacturer | Bosch |
|---|---|
| Part Number | F016800466 |
| Product Dimensions | 15.75 x 14.84 x 7.36 cm; 1.52 kg |
| Item model number | F016800466 |
| Size | Pack of 1 |
| Colour | Green |
| Material | cardboard |
| Power Source | Hand-operated |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Hose Length | 280 Millimetres |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Certification | certified frustration-free |
| Included Components | 1 x Hard Surface Aquasurf 280<br>Patio Cleaner head<br>Nozzles attached<br>Lance<br>User manual |
| Batteries included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 1.52 kg |
