Sidewinder - Owner's Manual

HIGH PRESSURE WARNING

HIGH PRESSURE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, MAXIMUM WORKING PRESSURE IS 4000 P.S.I.

Any fluid under high pressure, from spray or leaks, can penetrate the skin and cause serious tissue damage. Therefore, extreme caution must be exercised when using any high pressure equipment. If you are injured, see a physician immediately.

DO NOT TREAT AS A SIMPLE CUT

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Handle the cleaning unit carefully. Never point the rotating nozzles at yourself or anyone else.
Never permit any part of your body to come in contact with the fluid stream. Never attempt to remove nozzles, disassemble or repair equipment without first doing the following:

a. Shut off pressure washer engine or electric motor
b. Squeeze trigger gun to release pressure between the pressure washer and the surface cleaner.
c. Disconnect the hose from the surface cleaner.
d. Remove nozzles or disassemble as required.

Inspect and tighten all fluid connections before use. Never exceed 4000 P.S.I.
Never attempt to plug a hose leak with any part of your body, adhesive tape or any other makeshift device. Do not attempt to repair a spray hose, replace it instead.
Always wear protective eye ware and foot ware while operating the surface cleaner.
Never attempt to alter or modify any part of this equipment; doing so could result in a system malfunction, injury, and void the warranty.
Never leave equipment unattended. Keep unit away from children, pets, or anyone not familiar with high pressure cleaning equipment.
Never attempt to use equipment without adequate lighting.
Never attempt to clean objects or surfaces that protrude from surface.
Always operate cleaning unit at a safe rate of speed.
Never tie off trigger gun. Serious injury could result if the unit should malfunction. Always operate the unit with sure footing, never over-reaching.
Never run chemicals through cleaning unit. This may result in a premature system failure and will void warranties.

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

Inspect unit daily.
Avoid unit abuse and neglect.
Tighten rotating bar, bolts, and fittings as needed during daily inspection.
Check for leaks and repair as required.
Check for water streaming from the swivel by-pass ports; some leaking is normal (see troubleshooting below)

REQUIRED TOOLS

Check with distributor for repair kits and all necessary repair tools.
Tools required: Allen wrench, 5/8” open end wrench, snap ring pliers, flathead screw driver, hammer, and vice grips.

OPERATING PRESSURE AND FLOW

The Rotary Surface Cleaner will operate at a minimum flow of 3.5 gpm @ 2000 psi and a maximum flow of 12 gpm @ 4000 psi.

To determine your pressure washer’s flow rate and pressure, refer to your operating manual.

NOZZLES

Determine what size nozzle orifice your pressure cleaning system has. The best way to determine nozzle orifice is by looking at the original nozzles recommended with your cleaning system.

EXAMPLE: Nozzle reads 2503 Power Nozzle
The 25 - Indicates nozzle spray pattern.
The 03 - Indicates nozzle orifice size.

When installing nozzles make sure that “V” grove in the nozzle is parallel to rotating bar; note orientation prior to removal.

SEAL REMOVAL

Remove the four socket head cap bolts from the top of the swivel.
Remove the swivel rear shaft.
Remove the internal retaining ring.
Remove the back-up spacer.
Remove the seal using a flat-head screw driver to pry out seal. Do NOT scratch the walls of the seal housing.

SEAL REPLACEMENT

Apply oil to outer surface of the new seal along the O-ring
Insert the seal into seal housing. Make sure that the “U-CUP” portion of the seal is facing downward.
Position the seal and then lower into seal housing.
Press the seal to bottom of seal housing by hand. Keep seal as level as possible. Avoid seal misalignment, this could result in premature seal failure.
Re-insert the back-up spacer. Make sure that the seal and back-up spacer are seated properly to allow for the installation of the retainer ring.
Install the internal retaining ring. Make sure that the flat surface of the retainer ring is facing up. If the rounded surface is facing up, the retaining ring may unseat itself from its grove when pressure is introduced to the swivel. Also, make sure that the retaining ring expands into its grove. A mistreated or bent retaining ring will result in swivel failure.
Apply a thin layer of grease the rear shaft and gently but firmly press the shaft into the seal. Keep the rear shaft as straight as possible to avoid damaging the seal.
Re-install swivel rear shaft bolts.

TESTING SWIVEL REPAIR

Connect all hose and fittings according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Start the pressure washer and send high pressure water through swivel.
Allow the spray bar to spin for a period of 3-5 minutes during break-in period. During this period, the seal will seat itself.

SWIVEL REPAIR TROUBLE SHOOTING

Quick Reference Guide

NOTE: Do not allow the Rotary Surface Cleaner to go into a vibrating motion induced by excessive RPMs. If you experience excessive vibration, consult the factory.
#	Trouble	Solution
1	Swivel head will not come off	Install a 1/4” N.P.T. male plug into the swivel inlet. Then insert a long Phillips-head screwdriver into swivel outlet and gently tap screw driver head with hammer and remove swivel head.
2	Bronze back-up spacer will not come out of housing	Invert swivel and gently tap on swivel outlet side or use an EZ Out tapping device to tap into bronze ring. (If back-up spacer is damaged during removal it is recommended to replace it).
3	Sparybar will not spin	Make sure internal retaining ring is installed.

NEVER RUN CHEMICALS THROUGH THE SWIVEL!

The swivel is intended to handle water only (cold or hot) maximum temperature = 212; F. Pressure rating is limited to a maximum of 4000 P.S.I. @ 12 gpm and 2000 RPM.

SIDEWINDER OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS

Insist on Increased rear shaft hardness and LP seals throughout to extend swivel life and reduce down time for repair and maintenance
Check the erosion resistance and temperature capacity of the exterior wear items like the cover and brush
A spray bar assembly to allow the user to match the impingement angle to the surface material (ie. Using a higher angle to reduce impact on softer materials like a wood deck)
All model components should be interchangeable and components modular for ease of repair
Swivel components should be cost effective and readily available when necessary
Unit should be completely field repairable
Should be sufficiently portable, light and easily connected
Have the option of foldable and/or rigid handles, as needed and interchangeable
Insist on two year warrantees and most comprehensive component coverage
Insist on fabrication standards and materials covered by industry or Military Specifications
Check out aftermarket service record of the company including turn time and parts availability

CLEANING WIDTH

The horsepower of the pressure washer being used defines the cleaning capacity of any accessory. The impact force, or mechanical energy, is providing cleaning effect. Therefore, there must be an efficient balance between flow and pressure. The idea is to get as much cleaner flow as possible on the greatest soiled area at the highest attainable pressure to realize the maximum removal.

At any given fluid motive pressure, the longer the swivel arm, the slower the rotation. Slower rotation means fewer passes of the discharge spray over a soiled area. Fewer passes means reduced exposure of a soiled area to the pressurized spray. Then too, larger units are more unwieldy to operate, store and transport.

Wider is better may be true for Pontiacs but is not necessarily true to surface cleaners. (Live Link)

GENERAL CONTRACTOR TIPS

Keep the unit on flat surfaces
Prepare the surface by removing extraneous particulate which can wear or damage moving parts.
Keep sufficient slack in hosing to prevent fitting damage.
Make sure the nozzle angle adjustment is correct to ensure optimum rotation and discharge impingement.

DAMAGE DUE TO IMPROPER USE

Bent swivel arm due to impact with extraneous surface objects can cause excessive vibration
Failure to prepare the surface to be cleaned can result in excessive swivel wear.
Use on steep inclines can stress handles
Failure to maintain nozzle angle adjustments can cause vibration and reduce cleaning effect.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Quick Reference Guide

Issue not listed- Give us a call
#	Trouble	Cause	Solution
1	Insufficient pressure	Pressure set too low Plugged nozzle Nozzle worn Incorrect nozzle size	Increase pressure Clean or replace Replace nozzle Change nozzle
2	Excessive vibration	Clogged Nozzle Rotating bar bent Swivel shaft bent	Clean or replace Replace Replace
3	Spray bar doesn’t spin	Seal malfunction Bearing failure Snap ring dislodge Seal has drag	Replace Replace Reinsert snap ring Allow break-in
4	Streaking pattern	Clogged Nozzle	Clean or Replace
5	Water flowing from swivel by-pass ports	Seal is worn	Replace Seal; Replace rear shaft if required.