Bissell Powerlifter Series User manual

Powerlifter®
Powerlifter®Plus Series
■Assembly
■Operation
■Safety
■Storage
■More powerful suction than
upright deep cleaners
■Lightweight wand easily
maneuvers under and around
furniture
User’s Guide
We’re glad you purchased a BISSELL Powerlifter®
deep cleaner. Everything we know about floor care went into
the design and construction of this complete, high-tech home
cleaning system.
Your Powerlifter is well made, and we back it with a
full one-year warranty. We also stand behind it with a
knowledgeable, dedicated Consumer Services department,
so, should you ever have a problem, you’ll receive
fast, considerate assistance.
My great-grandfather invented the floor sweeper
in1876.Today, BISSELL is a global leader in the design,
manufacture, and service of high quality
homecare products like
your Powerlifter.
Thank you once again,
from all of us at BISSELL.
Mark J. Bissell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Thanks for buying a BISSELL Deep Cleaner.

■Use only manufacturer’s recommended
attachments
■Use only cleaning products formulated by
BISSELL for use in this appliance.
■Keep openings free of dust, lint, hair, etc.
■Keep appliance on a level surface
■Turn off all controls before unplugging
■Unplug by grasping the plug, not the cord
■Be extra careful when cleaning stairs
■Pay close attention when working around
children
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS
FORFUTUREUSE.
THIS MODEL IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE
GROUNDED WHEN IN USE.
Grounding provides a safe path of resistance for
electrical equipment, reducing the risk of shock
should the appliance malfunction. The cord has an
equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding
plug. This three-prongplug must only be plugged
into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded
in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
WARNING:Improper connection
of the equipment-grounding conductor can
result in a risk of electrical shock. Check
with a qualified electrician or service person
if you aren’t sure if the outlet is properly
grounded. DO NOT MODIFY THE PLUG. If
it will not fit the outlet, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
This appliance is designed for use on a
nominal 120-volt circuit, and has a
grounding attachment plug that looks like
the plug in the drawing above. Make certain
that the appliance is connected to an
outlet having the same configuration as
the plug. No plug adapter should be used
with this appliance.
When using an electrical appliance,
basic precautions should be observed,
including the following: Read all instructions
before using your Powerlifter. Always connect to a
properly grounded outlet. Unplug from outlet
when not in use and before servicing.
WARNING:To reduce the risk
of electrical shock,use indoors only.
Always install float before any wet
cleaning operation.
■Do not leave machine when it is plugged in
■Do not service machine when it is plugged in
■Do not use with damaged cord or plug
■If appliance is not working as it should, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or
dropped into water, return it to a service center.
■Do not pull or carryby cord, use cord as ahandle,
close door on cord, pull cord around sharp
corners or edges, run appliance over cord, or
expose cord to heated surfaces
■Do not carry the appliance while in use
■Do not unplug by pulling on cord
■Do not handle plug or appliance with wethands
■Do not use without ball and ball cage in place
■Do not use without motor filter in place
■Do not put any object into appliance openings,
use with blocked opening, or restrict air flow
■Do not expose hair, loose clothing, fingers or
body parts to openings or moving parts
■Do not pick up hot or burning objects
■Do not pick up flammable or combustible
materials(lighter fluid,gasoline,kerosene, etc.)
or useinthepresence of explosiveliquidsor vapor
■Donotuseappliancein anenclosedspacefilled
withvaporsgiven off byoilbasepaint,paint
thinner, somemoth proofing substances,
flammabledust,orotherexplosiveor toxic vapors
■Do not pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach,
ammonia, drain cleaner, gasoline, etc.)
■Do not modify the 3-prong grounded plug
■Do not allow to be used as a toy
■Do not use for any purpose other than described
in this User’s Guide
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Grounded
Outlets
Grounding Pin

13.
14.
15.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Ball
Ball Cage
Motor Filter
Measuring
Cup
Tank Unit
Top Power Unit
Aluminum
Wands
Floor Nozzle
Grip/Trigger
Unit
Wand Solution Tube
Small Wand
Clips
Vacuum Flex Hose
Hose with
Threaded
Connectors
Large Vacuum
Flex Hose Clips
Tank Siphon Tube
Casters
3
Tip:
Finger tighten
threaded outlet
connections. Do
not over tighten,
or use pliers or
tools to tighten.

4
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Casters. Locate 4 casters inside plastic packaging in
collection tank. Turn tank unit upside down. Insert
four casters and push until they snap into place.
Ball. Place ball on raised area of
recovery tank bottom. [NOTE: Ball
may have an unusual color due to
recycled high density polyethylene
(HDPE) used in its manufacture].
Ball Cage. Position ball cage over
ball and press cage firmly onto
raised area.
Motor Filter. Locate motor filter
and insert it into cavity on the
underside of the top power unit.
Motor filter must be in place at
all times.
Tank Unit. Flip carrying handle
down over filling cavity on tank unit.
Top Power Unit. Place top power unit on tank unit.
Twist top power unit until in drops into
place on tank unit. Flip up carrying handle to
lock units.
Aluminum Wands. Fit bottom wand section into top
aluminum wand section. [NOTE: Wands are identical
and interchangeable. Buttons must be on upper end
of wands for proper assembly. Aluminum wands fit
together snugly.] Latch button pops through hole to
lock sections together.
Floor Nozzle. Fit floor nozzle over bottom wand and
lock with latch button.
This User’s Guide has been designed to help you
get the utmost satisfaction from your Powerlifter
Deep Cleaner. You’ll find assembly instructions for all
cleaning tasks, safety precautions, pre-cleaning tips,
andmaintenanceandtroubleshooting instructions.
Please read this Guide thoroughly before assembling
your Powerlifter.
How to use this guidelean carpet
Pay particular attention to the assembly diagram,
assembly instructions, and part names. Locate and
organize all parts before assembly. Familiarize
yourself with the parts and where they go. Following
the Guide will greatly enhance your ability to get
the best performance from your Powerlifter for
many years.
How to put it together
Tip:
Several parts are
packed inside
the collection
tank/tank unit.
Separate tank
unit from top
power unit to
find these parts.
Also, match
the number
on the written
instructions to
the number on
the assembly
picture to better
understand each
assembly step.
Ball Cage
Tank Unit
Top Power Unit
Motor Filter
Ball

5
Special attachments for easy clean-up
Index
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . .2
Product view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
How to put it together . . . . . . .4
Special attachments . . . . . . . . .5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
How to begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Deep cleaning carpet . . . . . . . .7
Cleaning upholstery
& small areas . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Cleaning bare floors . . . . . . . .9
Wet vacuuming . . . . . . . . . . .10
Putting it away . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . .12
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Consumer service . . . . . . . . . .14
See individual sections for proper usage of all accessories
10.
9.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Make sure the power and tank
units are properly aligned and
locked with the carrying handle
before pulling up siphon tube
assembly and inserting it into
power unit.
For Wet/Deep Cleaning
Small Area Cleaning Nozzle
Floor Nozzle Brush
Grip/Trigger
Unit
Cap
Valve
Power Unit
Tank Unit
Siphon Tube
Bare Floor Attachment (included with
PLUS Series)
Grip/Trigger Unit. Fit grip/trigger
unit into top wand lock with latch
button.
Wand Solution Tube. Connect
wand solution tube to spray tip
on floor nozzle and to wand
solution tip on grip/trigger unit.
Small Wand Clips. Secure tube
to wand with two small
aluminum wand clips.
Vacuum Flex Hose. Connect vacuum flex hose to grip/
trigger unit and lock with latch buttons. Insert vacuum
flex hose into inlet on top power unit and lock in place.
Hose with Threaded Connectors. Attach hose with
threaded connectors to threaded outlet on grip/trigger unit.
Finger tighten only. Press hose into molded slot under
grip/trigger unit. Attach other end to threaded outlet on
power unit. Finger tighten only.
Vacuum Flex Hose Clips. Hold vacuum flex hose and hose
with threaded connectors together. Snap three large vacuum
flex hose clips in place at three clip bands on flex hose.
Tank Siphon Tube. Pull up tank
siphon tube next to filling cavity
on tank unit. Insert firmly into
opening on power unit.
Assembly is now complete.
Wand Solution Tube
Vacuum Flex Hose
Hose with Threaded Connectors

6
1. Vacuum carpet.
2. Decide where to begin — and end — your job. Clean in
3’ X 4’ sections, starting in areas farthest from exit. Plan to
leave a path open to empty collection tank and replenish
filling cavity.
3. Carpet will dry in two to four hours, depending on carpet
style and air circulation in room. A floor fan speeds drying.
4. Plan activities to give carpet time to dry.
5. Replace furniture on damp carpet by placing waxed paper
under legs until floor dries completely.
How to begin...
Deep cleaning carpet
1. Check manufacturer’s tag before cleaning. “W” or “WS” on
the tag means you can use your Powerlifter. If tag is coded
with an “S” (with diagonal strike-through), or says “Dry
Clean Only,” do not proceed.
2. If manufacturer’s tag is missing or not coded, check with
your furniture dealer.
3. If possible, check upholstery stuffing. Colored stuffing may
bleed through fabric when wet.
1. The Powerlifter is not recommended for cleaning wood floors.
2. Use only Bissell Floor Cleansing Formula™on no-wax floors.
Never use a Bissell Fiber Cleansing Formula™or other carpet
cleaners on bare floors.
3. Sweep before starting.
4. Remove old wax before cleaning.
5. Leave an exit path.
6. Allow at least 1/2 hour drying time.
Deep cleaning upholstery
Cleaning bare floors
Always vacuum before you clean.
If possible, move larger furniture
aside. But if it’s not possible to
move your furniture, don’t worry
- your Powerlifter features a
cleaning wand that easily
maneuvers under and around
furniture.
Tip:
Deep cleaning
carpet and
upholstery
regularly can
reduce dust and
allergens in
your home.

How to deep clean carpet
Getting ready
1. Remove formula measuring cup from filling cavity on side
of tank unit.
2. Pour two gallons of hot tap water (temperature should not
exceed 120° F/48° C) into filling cavity until level
reaches bottom of three vertical lines in tank unit.
3. Shake bottle of Fiber Cleansing Formula. Fill measuring
cup to fill line (10 ounces). Empty measuring cup into
filling cavity and replace measuring cup.
4. Plug power cord into approved grounded outlet.
Pre-treating
1. Pre-treat highly soiled areas: Press on pump/spray switch,
hold floor nozzle 4” - 6” above soiled carpet, and pull
trigger to spray cleaning solution.
2. Wait 3-5 minutes. Scrub tough stains with floor
nozzle brush.
Deep cleaning
1. Press on pump/spray and vacuum/suction switches. Place
floor nozzle directly on carpet at arm’s length. Pull trigger
to spray cleaning solution while pulling wand toward you.
2. Repeat, keeping floor nozzle firmly against carpet surface.
Continue until no more dirt can be removed.
Do not overwet.
3. Release spray trigger. Suction area until no more
cleaning solution can be removed.
4. Continue to clean entire carpet, working in 3’ x 4’ sections.
5. If the machine loses suction, or motor noise rises in pitch,
empty the tank [see WHEN YOU’RE DONE, below].
Failure to empty tank will damage unit.
6. If floor nozzle stops spraying, turn off pump immediately
and check cleaning solution level. Never run pump dry.
When you’re done
1. Press off pump/spray and vacuum/suction switches.
Unplug from outlet.
2. Remove tank siphon tube, flip down carrying handle and
lift top power unit from tank unit.
3. Carry tank unit to a toilet or sink to empty. With carrying
handle in one hand, place other hand in gripping slot
under filling cavity on tank unit. Lift and pour to empty.
4. Make sure ball and ball cage are firmly seated on
raised area. Replace power unit and lock in place with
carry handle.
5. See PUTTING IT AWAY on page 11.
7
Tip:
Use only BISSELL
Fiber Cleansing
Formulas in this
appliance. Use of
chemicals which
contain lemon
or pine oil may
damage this
appliance and
void warranty.
Tip:
Deep cleaning
stairs and high
traffic areas on
a regular basis
can prolong
carpet life.
Vacuum/suction switch
Pump/spray switch
Measuring
Cup
Remove Measuring Cup
From Filling Cavity
Filling Cavity

1. Disconnect wand solution tube and aluminum wands from
grip/trigger unit.
2. Moisten O-ring at base of cap valve with soapy water.
3. Align small area cleaning nozzle with cap valve and
vacuum tube on grip/trigger unit.
4. Press latch button on vacuum tube and slide small area
cleaning nozzle on until latch button locks in place.
5. Check manufacturer’s tag and/or test fabric in an
inconspicuous place.
How to clean upholstery and small areas
Getting ready
8
1. Press on vacuum/suction and pump/spray switches.
2. Depress trigger and pull small area cleaning nozzle
toward you.
3. Release trigger and repeat action to extract excess moisture.
4. Repeat until area is clean.
5. See WHEN YOU’RE DONE, page 7 and PUTTING IT AWAY,
page 11.
Cleaning
To clean upholstery, disconnect
wand solution tube and aluminum
wand from grip/trigger unit.
Moisten O-ring at base of cap
valve with soapy water. Align the
Small Area Cleaning Nozzle
with the cap valve and vacuum
tube on grip/trigger unit, then
press latch button on vacuum
tube and slide together until latch
button locks in place.
Tip:
Check upholstery
stuffing before
cleaning.
Colored stuffing
may bleed
through fabric
when wet.
Vacuum/suction switch
Pump/spray switch

Getting ready
Note: The bare floor attachment is included with the PLUS Series
only. It may be ordered as an additional accessory by contacting
Consumer Services.
1. Attach bare floor attachment to bottom of floor nozzle with
rubber and brush strips facing out. Align front edges and
snap together.
2. Fill formula measuring cup twice with Floor Cleansing
Formula and empty into filling cavity.
3. Pour two gallons of hot tap water, not to exceed 120°F/48°C,
into filling cavity. Water level should reach the bottom
of three vertical lines in tank unit.
Cleaning
1. Press vacuum/suction and
pump/spray switches on.
2. Depress trigger and pull floor nozzle toward you.
3. Release trigger and repeat action to extract excess moisture.
4. Disconnect bare floor attachment. Turn off machine,
hold floor nozzle away from you, push bare floor tool off
with thumbs.
5. See WHEN YOU’RE DONE, page 7 and PUTTING IT AWAY,
page 11.
9
How to clean bare floors
To clean bare floors, attach
Bare Floor Attachment to
bottom of Floor Nozzle with
the rubber and brush strips
facing out. Align front edges
and snap together.
Floor Nozzle
Bare Floor
Attachment
Vacuum/suction switch
Pump/spray switch

Getting ready
1. Remove dry filter bag from ball cage.
2. Place ball on raised area on bottom of tank unit.
3. Position ball cage over ball and press firmly onto
raised area.
4. Insert tank siphon tube in tank unit.
5. Attach bare floor tool to floor nozzle.
Cleaning
1. Press on vacuum/suction switch.
Do not press on pump/spray switch
or pump damage may occur.
2. Place Powerlifter in a dry area of
the floor.
3. Suction as usual.
4. If the machine loses suction and/or motor noise rises in
pitch, empty the tank [see WHEN YOU’RE DONE]. Failure
to empty tank will damage unit.
5. See WHEN YOU’RE DONE, page 7 and PUTTING IT AWAY,
page 11.
How to wet vacuum
10
Tip:
Clean water
spills can be
picked up from
surfaces directly.
No cleaning
solution is
necessary.
Vacuum/suction switch

11
After deep cleaning/wet vacuuming
1. Rinse filling cavity with clean water. Leave about 1/2
gallon of clean water in filling cavity.
2. Hold floor nozzle over bucket or sink.
3. Press on pump/spray switch, pull trigger for 30 seconds,
and empty power unit.
4. Empty filling cavity of excess water.
5. Drain solution hoses.
6. Empty and rinse collection tank.
7. Rinse and dry collection tank, ball cage, ball, wands,
and tools.
8. Remove tank siphon tube from opening on power unit.
9. Remove filter from end of tank siphon tube, clean filter
under running water, then replace filter in end of tank
siphon tube.
10. Replace tank siphon tube in opening in power unit.
11. We recommend that you air dry before closing unit
for storage.
Putting it away
Tip:
Always clean
floor nozzle
spray tip and
tank siphon
tube filter
before storing
appliance.
Siphon
tube filter

Possible Causes Remedies
Vacuum is not operating Check electrical plug
Vacuum/switch on?
Call BISSELL Consumer Services
(see page 14)
Collection tank unit is full Empty collection tank
Dirty filter(s) See PUTTING IT AWAY (see page 11)
Power unit improperly attached Reposition top power unit on tank unit
Carrying handle in place to lock
tank unit and top power unit?
Kink/blockage in hoses/tubes Straighten hoses/tubes
Check aluminum wands/vacuum
flex hose/solution hose and tube
for obstructions
Possible Causes Remedies
Tank siphon tube filter clogged See PUTTING IT AWAY Steps 9-11
(see page 11)
Filling cavity empty Refill filling cavity
Spray tip clogged See PUTTING IT AWAY Step 8
(see page 11)
Tank siphon tube/Solution hose/ Tighten loose connections
Wand solution tube kinked/ Relax kinks in solution tubes/hoses
disconnected
Pump is not operating Check electrical plug
Pump/spray switch on?
Call BISSELL Consumer Services
(see page 14)
Connections not tight Finger tighten all connections
(do not use pliers or other tools)
Troubleshooting
Weak or no suction / Motor suddenly runs louder / Motor runs hot
Reduced spray or no spray / Leaking connections
12
WARNING:
To reduce the risk
of fire, electric
shock or injury
unplug from outlet
before servicing.

Part numbers and descriptions
13
Item Part No. Part Name
1 010-4706 Vacuum flex hose
2 013-2477 Large vacuum flex
hose clips (3)
3 010-4697 Hose with threaded
connectors
4 016-4181 Grip/trigger unit
5 603-1659 Cap valve assembly
6 010-9464 Wand solution tube
7 013-2453 Small wand clips (2)
8 015-9151 Small area
cleaning nozzle
9 010-9654 Aluminum wands
(2, interchangeable)
10 603-2922 Top power unit
11 017-3533 Motor filter
12 013-1525 Ball cage
13 013-3004 Measuring cup
14 013-0330 Ball
15 014-9089 Tank unit (includes
(Grey/Blue) filling cavity,
014-9011 collection tank,
(Grey/Red) and handle)
16 603-2669 Tank siphon tube
and filter
17 011-3529 Tank siphon tube filter
18 010-2283 Caster (individual)
19 015-6150 Spray tip
20 016-6965 Floor nozzle
21 010-1181 Floor nozzle brush
22 013-0471 Bare floor attachment
19
10
9
12
5
67
8
16
4
3
13
14
2
15
11
20
1
21
22
17
18

Bissell Consumer Services
©1998 BISSELL Inc
Grand Rapids, Michigan
All rights reserved. Printed in USA
Part Number 010-5910
Rev. 2/98
14
About your warranty
If you need information about repairs or replacement parts, or
questions about your warranty, call:
BISSELL Consumer Services
1-800-237-7691
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. — 7 p.m. EST
Saturday 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. EST
Or write:
BISSELL INC
PO Box 3606
Grand Rapids MI 49544
ATTN: Consumer Services
When contacting BISSELL, have model number of unit available.
Please record your Model Number: ___________________
Please record your Purchase Date: ___________________
NOTE: Please keep your original sales receipt. It is your warranty.
Tape or staple here for easy reference.
Or visit our Web Site:
http://www.bissell.com
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which may vary from state to state. If you need additional instruction
regarding this warranty or have questions regarding what it may cover, call
BISSELL Consumer Services.
One Year Warranty
BISSELL Inc., upon receipt of the product, will repair or replace, free of charge,
any part which is defective or malfunctioning within one year of the purchase
date, provided that it is used for personal and not commercial or rental service.
If the deep cleaner cannot be repaired, BISSELL Inc. will replace the product or
refund the full price, at your option.
This warranty does not cover filters.
If your BISSELL product should require service:
1. Call BISSELL Consumer Services at 1-800-237-7691 and we willgive
youthenameofanauthorizedBISSELLService Centerin yourarea.
2. If there is not an authorized BISSELL Service Center in your
area, a BISSELL Consumer Services Representative will issue you
a Return Authorization Number and a pre-paid mailing label to
return the unit to BISSELL for warranty repair.
—The machine should be returned with a photocopy of
your proof of purchase. (Your dated sales receipt is your
warranty - do not send original.)