Scrubbers

Nilfisk CA 331 Scrubber Dryer

Dos and Don’ts ..

for getting the most out of your machine

  Everyday Use

  1. When using the machine, a good rule is that every time you need to fill the fresh water tank, empty the recovery tank.  This means you should never overfill the recovery tank.
  2. If you notice the recovery tank is getting full and some foam is coming up through the stainless steel grate, stop the machine and empty the recovery tank so that you do not draw foam or water into the vacuum motor.  The vacuum motor is connected to the black hose on the RHS of the machine looking down from the handle end of the machine.
  3. When you stop the machine for a break or at the end of cleaning, make sure you fold down the chrome leg from under the front RHS of the machine.  This means the unit is not sitting on the brushes and squeegees and deforming them.  The picture shows the chrome leg.

End of Day Routine

When you finish scrubbing and before you put the machine away

  1. Remove the recovery tank and give it a good flush out
  2. Disconnect the two black hoses and remove the stainless steel grate and give it a good flush out.
  3. Run some clean water through the suction hose that picks up the dirty water – it is the one on the LHS of the machine looking down from the handle end of the machine.
  4. Let air circulate in the recovery tank by leaving a gap between the stainless steel grate and the recovery tank so it does not get a stale smell
  5. Get a damp cloth, ideally made of towelling, and clean the squeegee blades, the space between the squeegee blades and check the suction port is clear of any debris.  This will ensure the squeegees are clean ready for next time you use the machine.
  6. Clean the brushes and check that there are no sharp objects caught in the bristles that may scratch the floor
  7. Wipe the machine down with a damp towel – no detergent required – and it will always look like new.

 

Periodical Maintenance

Periodically after say every fourth use clean the fresh water / solution tank and the solution tank filter
You can remove the squeegee blades and wash them under a tap from time to time

 

Did you Know?

  • The squeegees are like the Quality Assurance of the machine as the result you get – a clean, almost dry surface is due to the condition of the squeegees – keep them clean and replace them when they are worn. And remember, to fold down the chrome leg to protect them when machine is parked.
  • If you had a water spill in the garage you can use the machine to suck it up.  You don’t need water in the fresh water tank.  Just keep an eye on the recovery tank that it does not overfill.
  • Never use the machine on a dry floor as the rotating brushes will mark the floor.  Always make sure the water is on the floor before you start scrubbing
  • I am sure you have done this already, but it is a good idea to read the manual, as it gives step by step instructions on the above points with good diagrams.

 

Vacuums

 

Pumps

To help you keep your unit it good working order or to trouble shoot a problem, here are some tips and suggestions:

Preventative Maintenance – Pumps

Interpump pumps are delivered ready to go with their first oil filling and a transport plug (red) to prevent oil leakage during shipping. The oil dip-stick with level gauge and breather hole (black/yellow) are supplied separately. Before starting the pump, replace the transport plug with the dip-stick.

The first oil change must be after the first 50 hours of pump operation, while successive changes are required every 500 hours. We recommend the use of an SAE 30 oil. Between oil changes, periodically check the oil level in the clear gauge or using the dip-stick, and top-up if necessary.

During scheduled checks, also check that water has not seeped into the oil (if it has, the oil will be whitish in colour). Seepage may be caused by excessive seal leaks (poor maintenance) or condensation build-up in surroundings that are very humid or subject to wide temperature swings.

Water seals and inlet/outlet valves are components subject to wear that need periodical checking and replacement. Seal wear can be noticed by a drop in pump pressure or formation of drops under the pump where the head is connected to the crankcase. If this happens, the entire seal set must be replaced as soon as possible to avoid water seeping into the crankcase and damaging mechanical parts.

Wear can be noticed by a drop or variation in pressure and often machine vibrations of the inlet/outlet valve. If the pump is to remain inactive for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to drain it completely. To do this, disconnect the inlet and outlet pipes and run the pump empty for a few seconds (10 sec. max.). This precaution is absolutely indispensable if the pump is to remain at a temperature below 0°C, even for a short period of time.

Trouble Shooting Pumps

The table below provides a summary of the most common problems and malfunctions that could arise. For any other specific problems not covered by this list, please contact us by phone, email or just drop in.

Problem Cause Solution
Pump is running but does not reach the pre-set pressure Pump is sucking in air Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight
Valves are worn Check and replace
Regulating valve seats worn Check and replace
Nozzle inadequate or worn Check and replace
Seals worn Check and replace
Pump not sucking Pump is sucking in air Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight
Suction level too low Check inlet water level
Inlet valves dirty Disassemble and clean the inlet valves or connect the pump inlet to the water mains and pump for a few minutes
Irregular pressure oscillation Inlet and/or outlet valves worn Check and replace
Foreign matter present in the valves jeopardizing their functioning Check and clean valves
Pump is sucking in air Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight
Water seals worn Check and/or replace seals
Drop in pressure Nozzle worn Change nozzle
Inlet and/or outlet valves worn Check and/or replace valvesCheck and clean valves
Foreign matter present in the valves jeopardizing their functioning Check and/or replace the regulating valve seat
Regulating valve seat worn Replace
Water seals worn Replace seals
In case of belt drive, belts are slack or worn Replace belts or adjust tension
Excessive noise Pump not being fed correctly Check that the suction level is not too low or that the suction pipes are not blocked (e.g., filter clogged)
Pump is sucking in air Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight
Inlet and/or outlet valve springs damaged or broken Replace valve springs
Foreign matter in inlet/outlet valves Check and clean the inlet/outlet valves
Bearings worn Bearings worn Replace bearings
Fluid temperature too high Reduce the temperature of the pumped fluid
Water traces in oil Excessive leaks caused by totally worn water seals Replace seals
High humidity rate in air Change oil twice as often as recommended
Water seeping from drains between head and crankcase Water seals worn Replace seals
Piston damaged Replace piston
O-ring on piston bolt worn Replace O-ring
Oil seeping from drains between head and crankcase Oil seals worn Replace oil seals
Frequent or premature wear of water seals Pistons damaged or scratched Replace pistons
Abrasive matter in water Install the proper filter on the inlet side
Water temperature too high Check temperature of inlet water
Pump running dry Avoid running pump without water
Operates for long periods in by-pass Limit by-pass mode running to no more than 5 min
Excessive vibrations at outlet hose/pipe Pulsation dampener drained (where present) Check pressure in pulsation dampener
Valves worn or dirty Check and replace
Pump is sucking in air Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight
Water seals worn Replace water seals