a self - contained , completely portable pressure washer is disclosed which requires only connection to a conventional garden hose for operation . the portable pressure washer is driven by a two - cycle , internal combustion engine that is of relatively small size and weight . a positive displacement pump of the vane type is connected to the engine through a centrifugal clutch that causes operation of the pump only after a predetermined engine speed greater than idling speed has been reached . a garden hose is connected to the pump inlet and a substantially rigid spray wand having a spray head is mounted directly to the pump outlet . a primary handle on the engine housing and a secondary handle on the spray wand enable the user to carry and manipulate the portable pressure washer during all operative spray functions .