The Priority Manufacturing Prospector PE220 is a professional-grade wet cleaning machine designed for commercial and industrial applications such as hotels, schools, hospitals, and offices. It is not intended for personal housekeeping. This robust unit is engineered for efficient and thorough cleaning, featuring a powerful pump, dual vacuum motors, and an integrated heater to deliver hot water for enhanced cleaning performance.
Function Description:
The Prospector PE220 operates as a wet extractor, designed to inject a cleaning solution into a surface (typically carpet or upholstery) and then immediately extract the dirty solution, leaving the surface clean and damp. The machine's primary function is to provide deep cleaning by combining the action of a high-pressure pump, hot water, and strong vacuum suction. Users fill the solution tank with clear water (or a pre-mixed detergent solution), connect the hoses and cleaning tool, and then activate the pump, heater, and vacuum motors to begin the cleaning process. The integrated heater rapidly heats the water, improving the effectiveness of the cleaning solution, especially on tough stains and grime. The dual vacuum motors ensure powerful suction for efficient recovery of the dirty water, minimizing drying times. An auto vacuum shut-off feature, controlled by a ball float in the recovery tank, prevents overfilling and potential damage to the machine.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: Prospector PE220 120V
- Pump: 220 psi diaphragm pump with an internal pressure switch. This high-pressure pump ensures effective solution delivery for deep cleaning.
- Vacuum: Dual 2-stage vacuum motors, providing 145 inches of lift and 97 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) for strong suction and efficient water recovery.
- Heater: 1750 watt heater, designed to provide nearly instant hot water for improved cleaning efficacy.
- Solution Tank Capacity: 15 Gallons, allowing for extended cleaning operations without frequent refills.
- Recovery Tank Capacity: 15 Gallons, matching the solution tank capacity for balanced operation.
- Vacuum Shut-off: Ball Float mechanism, which automatically stops suction when the recovery tank is full to prevent overflow.
- Dimensions: 36-3/4" H x 23-1/2" W x 32" L, indicating a relatively compact yet substantial unit for professional use.
- Weight: 89 lbs, making it manageable for transport and maneuverability, especially with its integrated wheels and casters.
- Power Cords: Two 25 ft power cords (Part No. 40-00020) are supplied, along with two pigtail power cords (Part No. 40-00016), suggesting the need for two separate power outlets for full operation, likely one for the vacuum motors and one for the pump/heater.
Usage Features:
The Prospector PE220 is designed for user-friendly operation with several key features:
- Easy Setup: The manual outlines a straightforward setup process, including connecting hoses, filling the solution tank, and plugging into grounded outlets.
- Instant Hot Water: The 1750-watt heater provides hot water almost instantly, which is crucial for effective cleaning. The machine recommends using clear water in the solution tank, as warm water can increase heater proficiency. However, it explicitly warns against using water above 120°F (49°C) in the solution tank.
- Dual Vacuum Motors: The presence of two vacuum motors ensures powerful suction, leading to faster drying times and more thorough extraction of dirty solution.
- Solution Tank and Recovery Tank Access: Both tanks are easily accessible for filling, emptying, and cleaning. The recovery tank features a clear, screw-on lid for monitoring water levels and a drain hose for convenient emptying.
- Wand Holder: An integrated wand holder (Hook & Loop Strap, Wand Holder, Part No. 41-00017) provides convenient storage for the cleaning tool when not in use.
- Maneuverability: Equipped with 12-inch wheels (Part No. 52-00006) and 3-inch casters (Part No. 39-00019), the machine is designed for easy movement across various surfaces.
- Safety Features: Critical safety information and cautions are provided, emphasizing the importance of proper grounding, avoiding explosive environments, and not using solvents. The auto vacuum shut-off feature prevents overfilling of the recovery tank.
- Chemical Compatibility: The machine is designed to work with detergents, recommending chemicals with a pH between 5 and 10 to protect the pump and seals. Users are advised to follow chemical label instructions for dilution.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of the Prospector PE220:
- Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, users should inspect the machine, hoses, and cleaning tool for cleanliness and completeness. This includes ensuring spray nozzles are tight and the ball float in the recovery tank is clean and operational.
- Tank Cleaning: The solution tank should be emptied and cleaned after each job, and the recovery tank should be drained and cleaned regularly. Running a few gallons of clean water through the system after use helps flush out residual chemicals.
- Defoamer Use: The manual strongly recommends using defoamer in the recovery tank to prevent foaming, which can damage the motor or other components and interfere with the ball float's operation.
- Filter Maintenance: The pump inlet filter (Part No. 41-00069) should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent blockages and ensure proper pump function.
- Cord and Plug Inspection: Users are advised to inspect the power cord and plug for damage and replace them immediately if the ground prong is compromised.
- Storage: The machine should be stored in a heated location and used indoors to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, rain, or snow.
- Component Replacement: The manual emphasizes using original equipment replacement parts for repairs. A detailed parts list with item numbers, part numbers, quantities, and descriptions is provided for easy identification and ordering of components.
- Warranty: The machine comes with a comprehensive warranty structure:
- 10-Year Limited Housing Warranty: Covers manufacturing defects, workmanship, and material defects for the rotationally molded housing and tanks.
- 2-Year Major Components Warranty: Covers pumps, heaters, and vacuum motors against defects, excluding wear and tear, water damage, freezing, chemical build-up, and abuse. This warranty covers replacement parts, shipping of new parts, and labor.
- 90-Day Wear Parts Limited Warranty: Covers replacement of wear parts such as gaskets, wheels, cords, switches, filters, and O-rings, which are consumables due to normal usage. This warranty covers the cost of replacement parts, labor, and shipping.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A troubleshooting section helps users diagnose common issues such as low pressure, no spray, pump not running, low suction, no suction, low heat, and no heat, providing possible causes and guiding users on when to contact a distributor for service. It also explicitly states to always unplug the machine before disconnecting or connecting any wires or components.