Buffalo Tools PPWASH20

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Summary

Introduction and General Information

Product Identification and Support

Identifies the product as PPWASH20 and provides customer service contact details.

Important Usage Warning

Stresses reading all instructions and warnings before operating the product.

Safety Guidelines and Symbols

Understanding Safety Alerts

Explains the meaning of Warning and Caution safety alert symbols used in the manual.

Essential Safety Rules

Outlines critical safety rules covering work area, electrical hazards, and general operation.

Additional Safety Precautions

Provides further safety guidance on contact with grounded surfaces and proper tool usage.

Product Specifications

Key Features and Dimensions

Details the product's features, capacity, construction, and overall dimensions.

Assembly Procedures

Lower and Middle Shelf Assembly

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the lower and middle shelves.

Tank Mounts and Tank Installation

Guidance for attaching tank mounts and correctly installing the main tank.

Final Assembly Tightening

Instructions for fully tightening all hardware after initial assembly.

Operation and Maintenance

Component Mounting and Setup

Details on mounting the pump, washboard, and castors before operation.

Operating the Parts Washer

Safe procedures for filling, operating, and turning off the parts washer.

Routine Maintenance and Cleaning

Safety measures for maintenance and general cleaning advice.

Replacing Cleaning Solution

Steps for safely draining, disposing, and refilling the cleaning solution.

Cleaning Flexible Pipe and Impeller

Procedures for cleaning internal parts like the flexible pipe and pump impeller.

Accessories and Usage

Recommended Accessories

Guidance on using recommended accessories and extension cords.

The PPWASH20 is a portable 20-gallon parts washer designed for cleaning various components using a solvent-based system. It is intended for consumer use and not for professional applications.

Function Description:

The primary function of the PPWASH20 is to provide a mobile and efficient solution for cleaning dirty parts. It utilizes a pump to circulate cleaning solvent from a main tank through a flexible nozzle, allowing users to direct the flow onto parts placed on a washboard or drying shelf. The system is designed to recirculate the solvent, filtering out debris and extending the life of the cleaning solution. A lid with a fusible link mechanism is included for safety, allowing the lid to close automatically in case of fire. The unit's portability, facilitated by four castors, allows it to be moved easily around a workspace.

Important Technical Specifications:

Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (total), 12 gallons (solvent capacity)
Rated Voltage: 120V / 60 Hz
Pump Type: Water pump
Max. Pump Output (with flexible pipe): 192 GPH (gallons per hour)
Max. Pump Output (without flexible pipe): 318 GPH
Recirculation Rate: 0.8-0.95 GPM (gallons per minute) of solvent
Overall Dimensions (L x W x H): 30 1/2" x 21 1/4" x 34 5/8"
Tank Dimensions (L x W x H): 28" x 19" x 10 2/5"
Construction: Heavy-duty steel with powder coat paint finish
Safety Features: Fusible link arm and steel lid

Usage Features:

The PPWASH20 is designed for user convenience and safety during operation.

Portability: Equipped with four castors, the unit can be easily moved to different locations within a garage or workshop.
Flexible Nozzle: A chrome-plated flexible nozzle allows for precise direction of the cleaning solution, ensuring full coverage of parts.
Washboard and Drying Shelf: Parts can be placed on the washboard for active cleaning or on the middle (parts drying) shelf to allow excess solvent to drain back into the tank.
Drainage Container: A dedicated drainage container is included, likely for collecting used solvent during tank drainage or for temporary storage.
Power Switch: An ON/OFF switch controls the pump, allowing users to start and stop the flow of cleaning solution as needed.
Solvent Compatibility: The manual explicitly states to use only non-corrosive water-based solvents and warns against using volatile, flammable, or combustible solvents (e.g., gasoline, diesel, toluene) or chlorinated solvents (e.g., 1-1-1 Trichloroethane, Methylene Chloride) due to explosion risks and potential damage to aluminum components.
Safety Warnings: The manual emphasizes several safety precautions, including keeping the work area clean and well-lit, avoiding operation in explosive atmospheres, keeping bystanders away, using appropriate safety gear (goggles, dust masks, respirator), and ensuring proper ventilation. It also highlights the importance of using a polarized plug and appropriate extension cords.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the PPWASH20.

Cleaning Solution Replacement: The cleaning solution should be replaced when it becomes dirty. The process involves draining the old solution into an empty container placed on the lower shelf by removing a drain plug from the bottom of the tank. Proper disposal of used cleaning solution is stressed, advising against draining it into street or house drains or into the earth, and recommending contact with local waste management officials.
Flexible Pipe and Impeller Cleaning: If the cleaning solution flow is reduced or stopped, the flexible pipe and pump impeller may need cleaning. This involves disconnecting the power, removing the flexible pipe to clear debris, and removing the pump housing cover to clean the impeller. Compressed air can be used to clear the flexible pipe.
Pump Immersion: The pump must always be immersed in liquid during operation to prevent damage.
General Cleaning: The parts washer should be cleaned regularly to avoid hazardous conditions.
Cord Maintenance: The power cord should be kept in good condition, free from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts, and replaced immediately if damaged.
Hardware Tightening: All lock nuts on the bolts should be fully tightened during assembly and checked periodically.
Qualified Service: Any service or repair beyond basic maintenance should be performed by a qualified repair technician using identical replacement parts to prevent electric shock or injury.