The provided document is an instruction manual for the "NINJA" cleaning equipment manufactured by Ashbys Cleaning Equipment. This manual details the operation, maintenance, and safety procedures for the device, which appears to be a professional-grade water extraction cleaning machine, potentially with hot solvent capabilities.
Function Description
The NINJA is a water extraction cleaning machine designed for professional use in cleaning carpets, upholstery, and rugs. Its primary function is to inject a cleaning solution into the surface and then extract the soiled water, leaving the cleaned area as dry as possible. The machine is equipped with a pump system, vacuum motors, and, in some configurations, a heating system to enhance cleaning effectiveness.
The core operation involves filling a solution tank with water and a suitable liquid detergent. The pump then delivers this solution under pressure through a hose to a cleaning tool, which sprays it onto the surface. Simultaneously, the machine's vacuum motors create suction to recover the soiled water from the surface into a separate recovery tank. This process effectively removes dirt, grime, and cleaning agents from the material.
A key feature of the NINJA is its adaptability to different cleaning needs. It can perform standard water extraction cleaning, and certain models are equipped for hot solvent extraction cleaning. The hot solvent capability allows for specialized cleaning tasks, particularly for materials that require solvent-based solutions or benefit from elevated temperatures for more effective stain removal and faster drying.
The machine's design emphasizes efficiency and user control. It includes features like a flow control valve to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the cleaning solution, allowing operators to tailor the cleaning process to the specific type of carpet or upholstery being treated. The vacuum system is robust, often featuring multiple motors to ensure powerful suction and efficient water recovery, which is crucial for minimizing drying times and preventing re-soiling.
For models fitted with a heating system, such as a 3 Kw Adjustable Tank Heater or an Internal V2 SteamMate, the machine can heat the cleaning solution. This hot water or steam significantly improves cleaning performance, especially on heavily soiled areas or for sanitization purposes. The adjustable thermostat allows operators to select the desired temperature, optimizing the cleaning process for different materials and soil levels. The SteamMate, in particular, can generate very hot water under pressure, suitable for deep cleaning and sanitization when used with appropriate high-heat-rated hoses and tools.
The NINJA also incorporates safety features to protect both the operator and the machine. These include RCD (Residual Current Device) protection recommendations for electrical connections, low water level safety cut-offs for heating elements, and clear instructions on handling hot water and solvents. The design also considers the practical aspects of professional cleaning, such as the ability to easily empty soiled water and the recommendation for using dedicated clean water buckets to prevent pump damage.
Usage Features
The NINJA is designed for straightforward operation, with clear steps outlined for both water and hot solvent extraction cleaning.
For Water Extraction Cleaning:
- Solution Tank Filling: The operator fills the solution tank with clean water. If hot water cleaning is desired and the machine has a heater, hot water can be used, or the machine's internal heater can warm the water. The manual strongly advises using only liquid detergents to prevent pump damage from undissolved powder.
- Hose and Tool Connection: A suitably rated solution hose and cleaning tool are connected to the machine.
- Power Activation: The green mains switch is turned on, activating the cooling fan, switch panel, vacuum, and pump systems.
- Pump and Vacuum Activation: The water pump is switched on, allowing recirculation, followed by the vacuum motors (No 2 then No 1).
- Pressure and Flow Adjustment: The brass pressure control valve is turned clockwise to its maximum setting, and the flow control is adjusted to achieve the desired flow rate and pressure for cleaning.
- Cleaning Commencement: Once set up, the operator can begin the cleaning process.
For Hot Solvent Extraction Cleaning (if fitted with a 3 Kw Tank Heater):
- Water Filling and Heating: The solution tank is filled with water (preferably hot) above the copper coil heat exchanger, ensuring the heater element's low-level float switch is covered. Both white and black mains leads are plugged into separate 13 amp RCD-protected sockets. The heater is switched on, and the temperature is dialed up to 60°C.
- Solvent System Setup: While water heats, the solvent intake tube is connected to the machine's rear via a brass coupling. A 5 Ltr container of solvent cleaning fluid (e.g., Dry Clean Extra or Supreme Dry Clean) is placed in a cage hooked to the Ninja's rear handle, and the open end of the intake tube is placed into the solvent container.
- Solvent Recirculation: The solvent re-circulation hose is connected to the Ninja via double brass connections, and the other end is connected to the solvent cleaning tool.
- System Bleeding (if dry/contaminated): If the solvent system is dry or contaminated, the solvent bleed hose can be used to bleed the system until clean solvent is pumped through.
- Solvent Pump Activation: Once the system is primed, the female socket of the recirculation hose is connected to the male return on the machine, and the solvent pump is turned on. Solvent will then circulate through the hose and copper coil heat exchanger.
- Venting and Vacuum Connection: The solvent exhaust venting hose is connected to the vacuum exhaust spigot, and the lightweight solvent vacuum hose is connected to the Ninja vacuum intake spigot and the solvent tool. Proper ventilation (open windows/doors, airmover) is crucial.
- Cleaning Commencement: Once the solvent reaches the desired working temperature, both vacuums are switched on (the solvent pump is already active), and solvent cleaning can begin.
Emptying Soiled/Dirty Water:
When the recovery tank is full, a float ball shut-off system will stop the vacuum. Operators are instructed to turn off vacuum motors (No 1 then No 2) and empty the soiled water via the dump valve into a dedicated dirty water bucket, then dispose of it into a sewage sluice. It is explicitly stated not to contaminate rainwater drains.
Emptying after Hot Solvent Extraction Cleaning:
- Switch off vacuums and solvent pump.
- Drain solvent from the recovery tank via the black Dump Valve.
- Drain residual water from the solution tank by pumping it into the vacuum tank using the red Pump-Out Hose.
- Empty water from the recovery tank and rinse it with fresh water.
- Run both vacuum motors with the recovery tank lid open for 2-3 minutes to dry them.
- Drain solvent from the re-circulating system by disconnecting the return hose, attaching it to the Solvent Bleed Hose, placing the open end in the solvent container, lifting the Solvent Intake Hose from the container, and switching on the solvent pump until dry.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines several "Good Practices" that serve as maintenance guidelines to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the NINJA cleaning equipment.
- Regular Servicing: It is recommended that the equipment be serviced every six months at Ashbys premises. This proactive maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring the machine remains in good working order.
- Clean Water Usage: Always use a completely clean bucket to fill the solution tank. This prevents grit and debris from entering the pump system, which can cause significant damage, especially to piston-headed pumps.
- Detergent Type: Only use liquid detergents in the solution tank. Powdered detergents, if not thoroughly dissolved, can cause abrasion and damage to the pump head. If powdered detergents are used, they must be thoroughly pre-dissolved.
- Hose Storage: Vacuum and solution hoses should be kept in hose bags. This protects them from damage, keeps them clean, and prevents kinks or wear that could affect performance.
- Vacuum Tank Drying: After each use, the vacuum tank lid should be left open overnight to allow for hygienic drying. This prevents bacterial build-up and unpleasant odors, maintaining a sanitary environment within the machine.
- Float Ball Cage Cleaning: The wire mesh of the float ball cage should be wiped clean regularly. This ensures the float ball mechanism functions correctly, preventing overfilling of the recovery tank and protecting the vacuum motors.
- General Cleanliness: Keep the machine clean. Regular external cleaning prevents dirt and grime from accumulating, which can affect components and overall appearance.
- Freeze Protection: Do not allow the machine to freeze. Freezing temperatures can damage internal components, especially those containing water, such as pumps, hoses, and tanks.
- Pump-Out Hose Use: Always use the Pump-Out Hose to empty clean water from the solution tank. This is a specific tool designed for this purpose, ensuring efficient and safe water removal.
- Vacuum Motor Drying: At the end of each job, run both vacuum motors with the recovery tank lid open for 2-3 minutes. This helps remove damp air from the vacuum motors, preventing moisture-related damage and prolonging their lifespan.
- Controlled Water Suction: When sucking out the last remnants of water from the solution tank, only use Vacuum No2. Using both vacuums simultaneously in this scenario may cause water to be sucked through the vacuum motors, leading to damage. This controlled flow prevents excessive stress on the motors.
These maintenance practices are crucial for the long-term reliability and efficiency of the NINJA cleaning equipment, ensuring it continues to perform effectively and safely.
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