4F Maschinentechnik Limpar SP-94 User manual

Operating manual
for
slat scraper
Limpar SP-94
From machine no. FPH-G5 034110
4KM-PH01-a
4 F Maschinentechnik GmbH, 49453 Rehden, Germany

Table of contents
1. General
1.1 Intended use
1.2 Information about the product (manufacturer, designation, data, etc.)
2. Safety
2.1 Basic safety instructions
2.2. Safety instructions for the operator
2.3 Safety instructions for working on the machine
3. Commissioning
3.1 Scope of delivery
3.2 Description of the machine
3.3 Technical data
3.4 Preparations for commissioning
3.5 Operating instructions
4. Service and maintenance
4.1 General instructions (incl. battery)
4.2 Machine settings
4.3 Taking the machine out of service for an extended period
5. Questions and answers
6. EC Declaration of Conformity
7. Appendix (Operating manual for charger, battery info, mounting wheels, electrical
circuit diagram)
1. General
1.1 Intended use
The Limpar SP-94 machine was developed specifically for cleaning slatted floors
in cattle sheds.
Any other use shall be deemed to be non-intended use. The attachment or placing
on additional weights to increase traction is not permitted. The manufacturer
assumes no liability for damage resulting from non-intended use; all liability in this
case shall be borne solely by the user.
Intended use also includes compliance with the operating, service, and
maintenance conditions prescribed by the manufacturer.
1.2 Information about the product
This operating manual is valid for the hand-guided slat scraper
Limpar SP-94
1.2.1 Manufacturer’s address
4F Maschinentechnik GmbH
Am Gasspeicher 6
49453 Rehden, Germany
Phone +49 54 46 / 99 70 40
Fax +49 54 46 / 99 70 42

1.2.2 Type designation Limpar SP-94
1.2.3 Identification
The product is identified by the information on the type plate. The type plate is
located on the rear panel of the machine housing.
We recommend making a note of this data
here, so that it is always to hand:
Purchase date:
Invoice no.:
The entire identification has documentary force, and may not be amended or
rendered illegible.
1.2.4 Information required for enquiries and purchase orders
When ordering attachments and spare parts, please quote the type designation
and machine number of the machine in question.
End-users must obtain spare parts and attachments through specialist dealers.
Repairs must be carried out by specialist repair shops.
The use of attachments and spare parts sourced from other manufacturers is not
intended. In the interest of safety use only original spare parts and attachments
authorised by the manufacturer. The use of parts from other manufacturers may
nullify any liability for resulting damage.
2. Safety
2.1 Basic safety instructions
This operating manual contains basic safety instructions that must be followed
when preparing for operation, during operation, and when servicing the machine.
Therefore, it is absolutely essential that the operator read this operating
manual before starting up and using the machine. It must be available to the
operator at all times.
The general safety instructions listed under this main heading, as well as the
specific safety instructions included elsewhere in the documentation, must be
heeded.
Failure to follow the safety instructions may pose a risk of bodily injury, as well as a
risk to the environment and the machine. Failure to heed the safety instructions
may result in the loss of all claims for damages.

Failure to comply with the instructions can, for example, result in the following
specific hazards:
 Risk of bodily injury due to unsecured work areas
 Failure of important machine functions
 Functional failure of the specified service and maintenance methods
 Risk of bodily injury due to mechanical and chemical effects
The safety instructions detailed in this operating manual, the applicable national
accident prevention regulations, as well as any internal working, company, and
safety instructions issued by the operator, must be observed.
The occupational safety and accident prevention regulations (abbreviated in
German as UVV) issued by the relevant workers’ compensation boards are
binding in the case of commercial use. The owner is responsible for obtaining
information on the above regulations and implementing them.
Identification of warnings in the operating manual
When you see the following symbol in the operating manual, it refers to a
situation in which failure to comply can result in personal injury or
significant material damage.
2.2 Safety instructions for the user / operator
 Before starting work, familiarise yourself with all the equipment and actuating
elements, and their functions.
 Start up the slat scraper only if all safety devices (especially the drive protection) are
fitted and in the safeguard position!
 When operating the slat scraper, wear close-fitting clothing and solid footwear.
 Secure the machine to prevent it from rolling away, and safeguard it against
unauthorised use.
 Keep electrical connections clean! Replace broken or abraded cables, etc.!
 Always adapt the drive speed to the environmental conditions and to the machine's
operating state (if modification is possible).
 If working on a slope, extreme rise, or incline, always take the risk of tipping into
account. When working on a steep incline, there is also a risk of the machine rolling
away. (Drive or park the machine transverse to the slope!)
 Loitering around the work area is prohibited!
 Do not carry passengers on the machine!

 Before carrying out cleaning, repair, or inspection tasks, ensure that all moving parts
have come to a complete standstill.
 Never leave the machine unsupervised while the motor is running.
2.2.1 Personnel qualifications and instruction
The following stipulations apply for commercial use: The operator's area of
responsibility, competence, and supervision must be precisely specified by the
owner. If the operator does not have the requisite skills, he must be trained and
instructed. Furthermore, the operator must ensure that the personnel have fully
comprehended the contents of the operating manual.
Persons under the age of 16 may not use the machine.
2.3 Safety instructions for working on the machine
 Before carrying out cleaning, repair, or inspection tasks, ensure that all moving parts
have come to a complete standstill.
 Only the service, maintenance, and assembly tasks specified in this operating manual
may be executed by the owner/operator. Any other work must be carried out by an
authorised specialist repair shop.
 If safety devices (in particular V-belt guards) are removed, the belt drives and moving
machine parts may pose a crushing risk.
3. Commissioning and use
3.1 Scope of delivery
The slat scraper is delivered boxed.
Contents: - Main unit – slat scraper
- Scraper tool plus spring connector
- 1 set of wheels (3.50-6)
- Items included separately: screws for fastening the steering arm
- Special charger 24 volt
- Operating Manual Limpar SP-94
The machine is already assembled to the greatest extent possible. Only a few
actions are required to make the machine ready for use.

3.2 Description
3.3 Technical data
Machine Limpar SP-94
Working width (cm) 90
Implement height (cm) 15.5
Travel speed (km/h) approx. 3 km/h (depending on the charge level of the batteries)
Weight (kg) 128
Motor 24 Volts DC
3.4 Preparations for commissioning
After removing the machine from its
packaging, swing the steering arm into its
working position and fix it in place by fitting
the bolts in one of the holes in the side
connection pieces. Trapezoid tappets are
welded to the rims of the wheels.
These fit into recesses on the freewheel
mechanism. Pay attention to the direction of
the raised tyre tread! (see illustration to the
right)
Spring
connector
Adjustment for
im
p
lement an
g
le
Handle
Switch lever
(traction
drive)
Main unit
Charger
connection
24 V
Scraper
implement
Floor
blades Main
electrical
switch
Safety device
(Working
current,
max. 20 A)
Bowden control cable
Height adjustment for
steering arm
View from rear
Use only the original
charger, otherwise the
batteries can be
damaged!
Steering arm
Bolt for
fastening the
steering arm

Also observe the sequence of the washers when fitting the wheels – see the
attached leaflet or the Appendix to this operating manual.
The scraper implement is to be inserted as per the illustration in section 3.2, with
its shaft positioned in the socket of the main unit and fixed by the spring cotter.
Slotted holes for the upper bolts of the socket allow adjustment if the floor blades
do not rest flat on the ground.
Finally, the batteries must be made operational.
Before the first use, the charger supplied must be connected to the
machine, and the batteries must be charged until "Battery full" is displayed.
Read through the operating manual for the charger, and become
familiar with how to use it. The charger should always be connected. It
keeps the batteries in good condition, and when these are fully charged, no
power is consumed.
Important: Never use a conventional charger designed for car batteries! If the
charging current is too high, the batteries may explode.
The charger supplied is a so-called "intelligent charger", which because of its
electronics, works completely differently to a charger for starter batteries.
See the brief instructions under point 7
3.5 Operating instructions
3.5.1 Starting the motor
Turn the main electrical switch clockwise, until it engages. The electrical motor
should now be audible.
3.5.2 Stopping the motor
Turn the main electrical switch anticlockwise, until it is horizontal. The electrical
motor should now no longer be audible. Remove the key and take it with you when
you leave the machine. In this way you ensure that the machine cannot be used
without permission.
3.5.3 Drive mechanism
The drive mechanism is actuated by pulling the switching lever on the right hand
steering arm. Since this is a so-called "dead man's circuit" you must hold the lever
in place for as long as you wish to continue moving. Once the lever is released,
the drive mechanism will be switched off.
If you would prefer to press the lever from above, release the holding clip, and
twist the lever round to the desired position.
Important: the switching lever must always be pulled right against the steering
arm. Letting the clutch "slip" can cause damage from overheating to the
flat clutch belt. (See item 4.1 - Changing the flat belt)
It is forbidden to fix the lever in position. The motor must always be running before
the drive mechanism is activated.

3.5.4 Adjusting / folding the handlebars
At its lower end, each steering arm has small plates on the side with 3 holes. For
use, a bolt is screwed through one of the holes into a threaded bore on the side of
the housing. According to the hole selected, the handle end of the steering arm is
positioned higher or lower. To adjust or fold over the steering arm, completely
unscrew the bolts. To save space when parking the machine or transporting it in a
car, the steering arm can be folded completely forward. Take care not to kink the
Bowden cable.
3.5.5 Accessories
Plastic side plates can be ordered as accessories. These plates are screwed on
at the sides of the scraper implement and can be used either as wall protectors or
as scrapers.
With a feed blade the slat scraper can also be used to move lightweight feed.
4. Service and maintenance
4.1 General instructions
In principle, the slat scraper is maintenance-free. This means: There are no tasks
which need to be performed on a regular basis.
However, in order to maintain the machine’s functionality and value, the user
should pay attention to the following points:
Parking up: Although all external machine parts are made from non-rusting steel
or are hot-galvanised, it is still recommended to select a storage space where the
machine does not lie directly over a slatted floor. Do not leave the starter key in
place. Replacement keys can be re-ordered or purchased from your vehicle
electronics service point.
Battery: AGM batteries (entirely black) are fully sealed. It is not possible to top
them up with water. For machines with drive batteries (they look like auto starter
batteries) the acid level must be checked every 2 weeks. If fluid is lacking only top
up with battery water (de-mineralised water). Never use battery acid to top up! It is
important to ensure that the batteries are always well charged. The charger
ensures this if it is always connected when the machine is not in use. Note: Always
replace the batteries in pairs!
Overload protection: The slat scraper is equipped with an automatic circuit
breaker. If the working current rises beyond the permitted value during use, the
protection is triggered, and the working circuit is switched off. The stud under the
plastic cover on the control panel jumps out. After 15 to 20 seconds you can push
it back in (it engages), and can continue with your work.
Charging current protection: The charging current circuit is protected with a
"flying" fuse (10 amp). To replace this fuse, the upper cover must be unscrewed
from the main unit. (4 Allen key bolts M6). This fuse is in the rubber housing of the
red cable, close to the rear panel of the unit.

Replacing the flat belt
The machine is coupled with a flat belt. This proven machine component usually
does not wear out during the lifetime of the slat scraper. However, it may be
necessary to replace the flat belt due to incorrect use (e.g. pulling the drive
mechanism lever only partially = "slipping clutch").
This job should be carried out by a specialist workshop!
Remove the upper cover from the machine. Pull the left wheel off its axle, and
remove the large PVC cap which lies partially behind it.
Mark the install position of the outer cast flange bearing and dismount it. If the
shaft has seized due to rust, the two threaded pins (M6) on the motor-side end of
the drive shaft must be unscrewed. The drive shaft and flange bearing can now be
pulled away outwards (attention: remove the threaded studs completely!) Then
unscrew the M8 bolts (SW13) on the rear of the machine, and pull the guide for the
rear flat belt pulley upwards and out. The new flat belt can now be inserted.
Rebuilding takes place in the reverse order. Make sure that the washers are
inserted in the correct order when fitting the wheel.
Adjusting the flat belt:
This job should be carried out by a specialist workshop!
First, the bearing cap, on which on the flange bearing is located on the outside left,
must be removed. Use a foil knife to cut through the perimeter silicone bead. Do
not apply silicone or acrylate between the surfaces when mounting!
The drive shaft must be mounted cleanly. First the Bowden cable must be adjusted
in such a manner that when engaging the clutch, the spring at its lower end is
pulled approx. 3-5 mm. The tensioner with the barrel-shaped roller is split.
Unscrew the two M8 nuts on the separating plane. Let the drive of the propped-up
machine run. With a socket spanner, on the axle of the barrel roller, it can now be
pivoted horizontally and thus it influences the track of the flat belt. After
1-2 revolutions of the rear pulley, it should run stable. In other words it should find
a track with which it still has space, right and left, to the large sheet metal pulley.
After the tensioner has again been bolted, release the activation lever several
times and re-engage the clutch until you are sure that the adjustment is right.
If required, the tensioner can be shifted to the inside or outside on its bearing pin
by moving the washers.
The bearing cap must be mounted very carefully. If the cap is mounted twisted,
this will damage the motor shaft! Loosen the flange bearing and move it several
times. Clean the inner ring and the shaft end. Slide the bearing cap with the
permanently mounted flange bearing into position. Align the fastening holes and
turn screw 1 only 2 turns. With plastic hammer, now knock the inner ring of the
flange bearing until the bearing cap rests in place and the shaft turns easily. Next,
screw down the bearing cap. Knock the inner ring of the bearing again. Now, you
should be able to firmly hold the inner ring with one hand and turn the motor shaft
with the other hand. Use the threaded pin to fix the shaft in the bearing.
The edge of the flange cap must be sealed with silicone or acrylate. Before closing
the housing, check the adjustment again under load.
Make sure that the washers are inserted in the correct order when fitting the
wheel.
Cleaning the machine: The machine should be cleaned by washing it with a
gentle water jet, a sponge, and car cleaning products. High pressure cleaners and
high-pressure jets are prohibited, since they may cause damage to the seals and
maintenance-free ball bearings. Additionally, water may get into the housing.

If it is necessary to clean the scraper implement thoroughly, separate it from the
basic device. As a separate part, you can clean it without qualms using a high
pressure jet or steam.
Floor blades: These parts are made of high quality plastic which has proven itself
in agriculture. If the blades are worn, the rear one can be turned once. The rear
scraper is turned on its head. The front scraper must be replaced, as it is
unsymmetrical.
When screwing the "fresh edges" tight, place the implement on a level surface.
4.2 Machine settings
Check the Bowden cable for ease of movement. (If necessary, lubricate with
normal penetrating oil.) The operating lever must be securely disconnected by the
restoring forces of the drive mechanism. If the Bowden cable needs adjustment,
this should be done on the adjustment element mid way along the cable.
The Bowden cable is correctly adjusted if the machine allows itself to be pulled
back easily, and if at activation the springs on the lower end are extended approx.
3-5 mm.
Scraper implement: Both floor blades must make full contact when the floor is
level. The upper bolts in the implement socket are located in slotted holes, and
allow the main unit to tilt relative to the implement.
Tyre pressure: The slat scraper's wheels are equipped with car valves. The
correct tyre pressure is approx. 1.8 bar.
4.3 Taking the machine out of service for an extended period
Please consult your specialist dealer if the slat scraper will not be used for an
extended period. S/he will suggest the appropriate steps.
5. Questions and answers
5.1 Q: The motor does not run; what could be the reason?
A: Battery is flat; connect the charger and check the battery status.
See point 7.
A: The overload fuse has tripped (point 3.2 and 4.1) after 15 s press button in.
5.2 Q: Why does the machine not pull correctly anymore?
A: The batteries are no longer sufficiently charged. Possibly spent?
See point 7.
A: The Bowden cable must be adjusted. If resetting does not solve the
problem, consult your specialist repair shop.

6 Declaration of Conformity
Pursuant to EC Directive 2006/42/EC
We
4F Maschinentechnik GmbH
Am Gasspeicher 6
D-49453 Rehden, Germany
declare in exclusive responsibility that the product
Limpar SP-94
starting from machine no. FPH-G5 034110
to which this declaration refers, satisfies the applicable safety and health
requirements set forth in EC Directive 2006/42/EC and in the other applicable EC
Directive EMC 2004/108/EC.
DIN EN ISO 12100 T1 and T2 were referenced for relevant implementation of the
safety and health requirements cited in the EC directives.
Rehden, Germany, 03/02/2010

7. Appendix:
Charger
A high-quality charger is delivered with the slat scraper. Please read the operating
manual!!
If the information in the manual is not complied with battery damage can occur. Such
damage is the responsibility of the operator.
Brief instructions for avoiding gross operator error:
1. Connect the coloured terminals of the charger to the machine. (red to red, black to
black).
2. Connect the power cable of the charger to the 220 V building electrical system. (If the
24 V = terminals of the machine are disconnected / are connected, the power cable
should not be in the electrical socket! )
3. First only a green diode is illuminated, which shows that 220 V is applied.
4. (Lead-acid batteries with a capacity of 50 Ah are installed in the slat scraper.)
Press 1x on the MODE so that indicator light B for normal charging lights up.
Now the charging process runs through automatically. Refer to the Ctek manual for information
concerning the different stations.
If an indicator light is flashing, after you have activated normal charging, refer to the Ctek
manual.
Only select the charging phases "Snowflake" and particularly "RECOND", if you
really desire these functions as specified in the Ctek manual.
Comply with the safety instructions in the Ctek manual.
The charger is protected against incorrect polarity.
Protect the device from moisture! Do not submerge the charger connection in water!
Battery service life  Charge cycles:
The service life of a battery essentially depends on the charge and discharge cycles.
1 cycle is defined as follows:
The discharging of a (full) battery to 20% of its capacity and subsequent recharging to
100%.
If the battery is only discharged 40%, and then recharged, this is a half-cycle; a discharge
of 20% and subsequent charging is a ¼ cycle.
Depending on its design and construction, batteries have a specific number charge cycles
as expected service life. For current numbers please check the Internet. After reaching the
specified number or cycles 80% of the battery capacity still remains.
At this point the battery is considered to be spent, which however does not mean that it
must strictly be replaced. If a machine works for 100 minutes, for example, with new
batteries, then with spent batteries it will only run for approx. 80 minutes. This value
continues to drop.

Filling batteries with acid
If your slat scraper has been delivered with "dry, pre-charged batteries", these must still be
filled with acid. This task requires knowledge of how to handle battery acid and
consequently it must be performed by a specialist workshop. The applicable safety
regulations must be complied with. Never handle acid without protective clothing and
protective goggles. Important: After filling the battery with acid, and when charging,
explosive gases occur!
Guarantee performance for charger or battery
Guarantee claims relative to the charger or the batteries must be processed directly with
the respective manufacturer. The addresses are available on the Internet or request the
addresses from the manufacturer of the slate scraper (operating manual, point 6).

Circuit diagram
The circuit diagram for the slat scraper is in also in the Spare Parts List.