ChemDry PowerHead User manual

Chem-Dry® PowerHead
Table of Contents Page
Introduction.............................................................. 1
Machine Specifications .............................................. 2
Assembly Instructions ............................................... 3
Operation ................................................................. 4
Cleaning Information ................................................. 6
Machine Maintenance ................................................ 8
Machine Assembly Parts ........................................... 11
Repair..................................................................... 18
Troubleshooting ....................................................... 19
Limited Warranty Plan............................................... 21
Machine Serial Number
Copyright©1999
700-041-012
No part of this manual may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means (i.e. graphic, electronic,
pjhotocopying or electronic retrieval systems) without the express written permission of Harris Research,
Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised 11/22/99

Chem-Dry® PowerHead Page 1
Harris Research, Inc. 11/22/99
Congratulations,
You now own a piece of equipment that incorporates the latest in carpet cleaning
technology. The Chem-Dry PowerHead’s features will almost certainly increase the produc-
tivity of you and your business, while decreasing the fatigue factor that may have prevented
you from going after some of the large cleaning jobs that are available to carpet cleaners and
maintenance professionals today. With competition as strong as it is in most communities,
you have invested in not only a cleaning tool, but a marketing tool that will enhance your
professional image in every way.
The Chem-Dry PowerHead is REVOLUTIONARY. Your foresight in purchasing this
ultimate “cleaning machine” will be rewarded with the knowledge that you care enough to
give your customer the maximum cleaning effectiveness.
Using the PowerHead in your business will turn you into a professional carpet clean-
ing operator, rather than a professional laborer.
Once again, congratulations to another Chem-Dry cleaning professional who will not
wait for tomorrow, and who will not have to compete against the PowerHead. The compe-
tition will have to compete with you!
An Evolution That Had To Happen
Your new PowerHead has been precision engineered to bring you to the state-of-the-
art in carpet cleaning. In the past, a wand technician had to supply all the pressure and
motion to do the cleaning. The Powerhead’s weight distribution and rotary motion enable the
technician to maneuver the unit easily with less fatigue and without back strain.
The PowerHead’s electric motor drives its precision transmission which, in turn,
rotates the cleaning head assembly. The Natural® cleaning solution is injected through the
center of the stainless steel gearbox shaft directly to the five spray jets. Soiled solution is
then extracted from the carpet by five extraction cleaning heads and drawn through the
aluminum exhaust manifold to the HCU recovery tank.
Construction
The base, manifolds, handle, gearbox housing, and cleaning heads are all cast or
molded aluminum. Other parts are either metal, stainless steel or high impact plastic.

Page 2 Chem-Dry® PowerHead
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11/22/99
Machine Specifications
Chem-Dry PowerHead AX
Length:
Base Width:
Height:
Weight:
Motor:
Gearbox:
Oil Capacity:
23"
15"
43"
115 V, 1/2 HP TEFC
1725 RPM Input
130 RPM Output
Permanently Lubricated
Helical Gear Drive
14 oz
70 lbs

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To prepare your machine for use, follow these instructions:
a) Remove the machine from the packaging. Inspect the machine carefully
for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. If any oil spillage
is noted, be sure to check the gearbox lubricant level (see instructions).
b) Now, attach the cleaning head to the base. Lean the machine back and
rest it on the handle. Thread the cleaning head onto the exposed shaft
remembering to go in a counterclockwise direction (left-handed threads).
Important: Remove the gearbox cover and replace the solid shipping plug from
the top of the gearbox with the vented plug provided before operating the
machine. Reattach the cover back onto the PowerHead.
Your machine is now ready to operate.
Assembly Instructions

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11/22/99
Operation
requires a one and a half inch (1-½”)
I.D. and a two (2”) O.D. vacuum hose
for proper air flow.
IMPORTANT: The vacuum hose must
be in good condition to ensure maxi-
mum airflow.
3. Electrical Cord Hook-Up: The 50
foot electrical cord on your Power-
Head is a detachable three-prong
grounded line requiring a three-
prong, 15 amp receptacle. A three-
prong to two-prong adapter may
be used, providing its ground wire
is properly attached to a grounded
terminal.
♦CAUTION ♦
Do not, under any circumstances, re-
move the ground prong from your Pow-
erHead power cord. Serious injury or
death may result.
Operating Instructions
1. Control Functions: There are
control triggers located on each
side of the handle under the
rubber hand grips. As you operate
the PowerHead, the trigger on your
right-hand side controls the elec-
tric motor that drives the cleaning
heads. The Safety switch located
on the top of the handle must be
Preparation
1. Handle Adjustment: Push the clamp
forward to loosen the linkage.
Adjust the handle to a comfortable
height. Pull clamp back to lock in
place.
NOTE: Most technicians have found
better control and less fatigue when the
handle is in a low position-- just around
the hip line. There is an ideal position
for each person which will ensure the
PowerHead will do the work for you.
2. Solution and Vacuum Hose Hook-
Ups: Your PowerHead is equipped
with two 440 S/S male quick
connects for the dual solution hose
and an one and a half inch (1-½”)
vacuum hose inlet (refer to the above
photo). A dual solution hose with
the two 440 female quick connects
is required. The vacuum inlet

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depressed while the trigger is pulled.
Once the motor is running, the
safety switch can be released. This
must be done each time the trigger
is released and the motor is re-
started. This lockout will prevent
accidental starting of the motor. On
the left hand side, the trigger con-
trols the low pressure carbonating
solution spray. The air flows con-
stantly while the PowerHead is in
operation.
2. Maneuvering Your PowerHead:
Your PowerHead maneuvers like a
buffer. To move the PowerHead to
the right, lift the handle slightly.
The more you lift or lower the
handle, the faster the PowerHead
will move.
To move forward and backward,
position the handle so that the unit
remains stationary, then push
forward or pull back. To familiarize
yourself with your PowerHead,
practice on an open carpeted area.
Depress both the solution trigger
and motor trigger and move the
PowerHead slowly in a three to five
foot arc, as shown in Cleaning
Patterns on the following page.
♦CAUTION ♦
Do not operate your PowerHead on dry
carpets The friction generated by the
revolving cleaning heads may damage
fibers in the carpet.
Once you have become familiar with the
speed and movement of the machine,
practice making it hover in one spot.
(The hovering ma-
neuver is useful for
removing stubborn
stains, as well as
removing furniture
indentations.)
Do not tilt machine
sideways while
moving forward
and backward. A
loss of control may
result in damage to
the unit or location.
3. Using the Crevice Tool:
The crevice tool is located on the
front right-hand side of the Power
Head. To remove, pull the crevice
tool upward until the alignment
pin matches the large diameter of
the key hole slot. Pull the tool away
from the PowerHead and it is ready
to use. When attaching it back
onto the machine, rest the end of
the tool on the lower elbow and
slide the pin into the key hole slot.
Gently push the crevice tool into the
elbow until it is snug.

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Cleaning Information
Damage to both the molding and the
cleaning head will result.
2. DO NOT operate your PowerHead on
hardwood floors.
3. DO NOT operate your PowerHead
over loose or unraveled carpet
seams. The cleaning head may catch
and cause further damage.
4. DO NOT operate your PowerHead on
concrete floors. It will develop sharp
edges on the extraction heads that
will damage carpet fibers.
5. DO NOT clean over the edge of a
loose carpet. Instead, clean only up
to the edge. Damage may occur
should the extraction heads catch
the loose carpet.
Special Information
During the cleaning of some plush car-
pets, you may notice a “pilling” effect.
With an PowerHead, loose yarns form
balls and are kicked aside as the clean-
ing heads revolve. This is normal when
aggressive cleaning or even normal
vacuuming takes place, as evidenced by
a number of dead, loose yarns in the
vacuum cleaner bag. These loose yarns,
in most cases, are short staple yarns or
filler yarns used to give the carpet
a denser appearance. Because your
PowerHead weighs approximately
Cleaning Patterns
For regular carpet cleaning, use an over-
lapping arc pattern, two times over the
same area (one pass with solution and
one pass for drying). When cleaning
carpets, first clean in circular pattern,
then use the overlapping arc pattern to
dry the area.
Note: Dirtiest areas may require two
or more cleaning passes. Using either
pattern, you should develop a comfort-
able rhythm. To obtain maximum per-
formance from your PowerHead, move
it slowly and deliberately with a 50%
overlap, giving it time to clean and ex-
tract. (Unlike a manual wand, the Pow-
erHead is doing the work you had to do
in the past) A steady pace rather than
a frenzied one will increase efficiency
and production and decrease fatigue.
The Following Cautions Should
Be Observed While Cleaning:
1. DO NOT operate your PowerHead
over metal floor moldings.

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70 pounds and rests on five four-inch
cleaning heads, the yarns are not sucked
up into the vacuum heads as they are
with a vacuum cleaner or old-style clean-
ing wand.
♦CAUTION ♦
The PowerHead may cause further dam-
age to older, rubber-backed, glued down
carpets that may be delaminating with
age. When in doubt, DO NOT use your
PowerHead.
Cleaning Hints
A. Most cleaners customarily clean their
way out of an area or room. With
the PowerHead, it is possible to clean
into an area or room, as shown in
the illustration below, so that the
hoses are dragged behind you dur-
ing the cleaning process rather than
kicked out of the way as you back
out of an area. The “cleaning into”
method works especially well in
hallways or confined areas.
B. The PowerHead is a very aggres-
sive carpet cleaning machine and
will leave the carpet with a freshly-
cleaned appearance. The carpet
should be brushed or groomed after
the cleaning process to remove any
swirl marks left behind.
The PowerHead has been very sucess-
ful in restoring badly matted traffic lanes
in front of doorways and sofas. Even
pivot areas can be brought back to life
again, in most cases. “Cornrowing” in
hallways can also be eliminated with
minimal effort.

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11/22/99
Machine Maintenance
Good care and regular maintenance of
your PowerHead will result in a long, de-
pendable life for the unit. Keep in mind
that your PowerHead will be in full view
of your customer. A PowerHead that is
dirty and unkempt in appearance can
cause your image to suffer. You are
offering your customer the latest in
cleaning technology. Therefore, it is im-
portant that your company image reflect
your desire to give your customer THE
BEST.
The surface finish on your PowerHead
is a durable, baked on epoxy coating and
is easily cleaned with a damp cloth. To
further protect the finish, a light coat of
good silicon base polish should be ap-
plied periodically.
Lubrication and maintenance play a key
role in the life of your PowerHead.
Hence, the following daily and periodic
maintenance steps must be followed.
Train yourself to maintain your unit on a
regular schedule until it becomes ha-
bitual.
Daily Maintenance
1. Inspect the power cord for cuts,
breaks, etc. Repair as needed.
2. Inspect the vacuum hoses for
breaks or tears. Repair or replace
as necessary.
3. Visually inspect your PowerHead for
water leaks, damage to the clean-
ing heads, etc. Repair as neces-
sary.
4. Check the jet spray for evenness.
An uneven spray will cause im-
proper flow of the cleaning solution.
5. Remove the cleaning head. It
unscrews in the same direction it
turns during
operation (or
clockwise
when looking
at it from the
underside).
Once you
have loosened
the assembly,
spin it off with your hands. If the
cleaning head is difficult to remove,
you may use a ¾ inch socket
wrench on the exposed center nut
located under the gearbox cover. To
prevent the gearbox from turning,
remove the gearbox cover to expose
the output shaft.

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The output shaft will accept a 5/
8
inch wrench just below the rotary
union. Wash the cleaning heads
and shroud assembly with a garden
hose, being careful not to wet the
electric motor assembly. Clean any
lint buildup from the cleaning heads
and vacuum hoses (lint buildup will
restrict proper air flow and prolong
drying time). Before cleaning the
cleaning head assembly, place the
rubber stopper (available in the
Service Kit, Part No. E2000-SK)
inside the threaded bore of the hub.
This will prevent debris from enter-
ing the solution lines and clogging
the spray jets.
♦CAUTION ♦
6. Clean off any debris that may have
accumulated on the gearbox shaft
or the inside threaded bore of the
hub. An accumulation of debris
here, if not removed, may damage
the gearbox oil seal. This will result
in loss of oil in the gearbox. If the
gearbox is operated without oil,
severe damage may occur.
7. Lubricate the felt vacuum seal on
top of the hub with a quality, 30
weight SAE motor oil. Also, put
a few drops into the hub threads.
8. Coat the shaft with Pennz-Guard or
a similar lubricant. Reinstall the
vacuum head assembly onto the
shaft by rotating it counter-clock-
wise.
IMPORTANT: While rotating the
vacuum head assembly in the counter-
clock wise position, make sure that it
spins freely all the way down. If it
begins to require the slightest finger tip
pressure, unscrew it and brush off the
threads. All it takes is the slightest grain
of dirt or sand to obstruct the threads.
If you turn too far onto a grain of dirt,
the hub may become locked onto the
shaft of the gearbox.

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This will blow all water from the valve,
solution line, rotary union and jet as-
sembly. Open and close the valve sev-
eral times to ensure that all water is
removed.
Periodic Maintenance
Check the oil level in the gearbox on a
monthly basis. This is a permanently
lubricated gearbox. You do not need to
change the oil. However, maintaining
the proper oil level is important. To
check the oil level, remove the vent plug
and look into the gearbox. Turn the
cleaning head until you can see the in-
spection hole in the gear. With the Pow-
erHead sitting flat on a table or the floor,
the oil level should be up to, but not
above, the middle of the gear. If oil
needs to be added, use a quality 80-90
weight gear oil.
NOTE: When checking the oil level in
the gearbox, you can use a toothpick
as a dip stick. The oil level should read
3/8of an inch.
Transport and/or Storage
Whenever your PowerHead is trans-
ported or stored, it is recommended that
the cleaning head be removed. The ma-
chine will then sit flat on the floor and
remain more stable, especially during
transport.
Freeze Warning and Protection
Your PowerHead can sustain damage
from freezing, as can any equipment
that functions with the use of water.
Care must be taken to protect this tool
from freezing just as you do your other
equipment. To protect it from freezing,
simply blow air from a gas station air
hose through the solution quick connect
with the valve open.

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Machine Assembly Parts
Figure 1 PowerHead Handle Assembly
Additional parts
shown on pgs 16,17

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11/22/99
Figure 2 PowerHead Base Assembly

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PowerHead Parts List
ITEM PART NO DESCRIPTION QTY
1 015-066 Bracket, Hood 1
2 015-139 Bracket, Handle Brace 1
7 139-009 Ring, Snap Ring (E-Clip) x ½"2
8 139-010 Ring, Snap Ring (E-Clip) x 5/
16"4
9 141-004 Axle, Wheel 1
10 141-005 Rod, Handle Arc 1
11 141-007 Rod Assy, Handle Adjusting 1
12 020-004 Collar, 3/8" Set 1
13 041-014 Cover, Handle Access 1
16 061-001 Handle, Foam Grip 2
19 068-127 Hose, Solution Valve to Rotary Union 1
20 094-010 Nut ¼"-20 s/s Hex 1
21 094-021 Nut, Wire - Yellow 1
22 107-096 Handle Arc 2
23 107-103 Trigger Pivot 1
24 108-012 Protector, Power Cord Relief Grip 1
25 108-014 Shield, Micro Switch 1
26 143-002 Screw, ¼"-20 x 1" HHC s/s 3
27 143-048 Screw, 6-32 x 1" Rnd Hd Mach s/s 2
28 143-336 Screw, 10-32 x ¼" s/s Pan Head 1
29 157-032 Switch, Micro 1
30 167-009 Trigger, o/s Brass Solution Valve 1
31 167-010 Trigger, Power 1
32 177-001 Wheel, 8" 2
33 178-004 Cord, 14/3 x 50' Gray - Power 1
36 052-506 Nipple, ¼" x 9/16—18 JIC s/s 1
38 169-047 Valve, s/s Solution 1
39 094-030 Nut, Adjusting 1
40 103-012 Pin, ¼x 7 /
8" Clevis 2
41 103-013 Pin, 3/32 x ½" s/s Cotter 2
42 107-097 Link 4

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ITEM PART NO DESCRIPTION QTY
43 107-101 Plunger 2
44 139-006 Ring, 5/
8" Snap 2
45 037-016 Terminal, #10 Ring - 16 AWG 1
46 178-039 Cord, 14/3 x 6' Gray 1
47 006-009 Base Assembly
48 061-027 Handle, Base - Lift 1
49 052-522 Rotary Union, 1/8" NPT s/s 1
50 078-108 Kit, Roto Shroud Bumper and Rivet 1
51 105-008 Plate, Cast Base - Seal 1
52 106-014 Plug, PowerHead Gearbox Vent 1
53 143-166 Screw, 10—24 x 3/
8" s/s Btn Hd Cap 2
54 604-052-005 Motor/Gearbox Assemby 1
54A 604-052-006 Elect. Motor Assembly 1
54B 059-001 Gearbox Complete, Spur 1
54C 604-052-010 Elect. Motor Assy, WDR 1
55041-123 Cover, 1/2 HP TEFC Motor 1
56 143-096 Screw, 3/
816 x ¾" s/s Btn Hd 3
57 052-515 Nipple, 1/8” x 4" s/s 5
58 052-513 Elbow, 1/8” s/s Female 5
59 057-047 Gasket, Felt Hub 1
60 064-022 Head, New Skid Assy Complete 5
61 068-174 Hose, Vac Hub/Skid 1
62 064-011 Head, New Cast Skid-Weldment 1
63 107-049 Skid Bottom, New Style Shoe 1
64 076-037 Jet, H 1/8VV 80015 SS-STD 5
Optional:
076-052 Jet, 1) 2 Piece Set Twist Out 5
076-058 Jet, 1) 2 Piece Brass #8001 5
65 094-009 Nut, 5/
16 —18 s/s Nylock Half 5
66 107-040 Hub with Ring, Double Lead Thread s/s 1
67 107-089 S/S Heat Treated Star 1
68 143-012 Screw, 5/
16 —18 x ¾" s/s HHC 5

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ITEM PART NO DESCRIPTION QTY
69 143-162 Screw, 5/
16 x 1" Stripper - 1/4-20 s/s 5
70 143-166 Screw, 10-24 x 3/
8" s/s Btn Hd Cap 4
71 143-065 Screw, 10-24 x 1 ¾" s/s Btn Hd Cap 5
72 174-049 Washer, 5/
16" s/s Flat 3
73 015-009 Bracket, Handle Brace 1
Not Shown:
094-036 Nut, NPT Pipe Plastic used w/ Item No. 24 1
143-096 Screw, 16 x 1" HHC s/s used with
Item No. 54 3
174-055 Washer, Latch Pivot used with Item No. 54 3
174-057 Washer, 3/
8” s/s Lock used with Item No. 54 3

Page 16 Chem-Dry® PowerHead
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Figure 3 Handle Assembly-Detail

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Figure 4 Handle Assembly-Detail

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Repair
Removal of Components
Felt Vacuum Seal Replacement:
A worn or unlubricated seal will not form
a proper seal. Lack of a proper seal will
impair the vacuuming capabilities of the
unit and therefore leave behind more
water in the carpet than is desirable.
First, remove the vacuum head assembly
as previously described. Using a pocket
knife, carefully pry the seal up and lift it
out. If the seal appears worn or glazed
so that it will not lubricate well, try turning
it over. If that does not work, or if it is
damaged, replace it with a new one. We
recommend changing the felt seal after
10 hours of use. Replace it with a spare,
soaked seal. Press the seal in place and
saturate it with a quality 30 weight SAE
motor oil. Always
place the flattened,
used seal in an oil
bath to rejuvenate.
NOTE: A tuna fish
can is the right size
and shape and does
not require a large
amount of oil (a
plastic container for this purpose is
included in the Service Kit, Part No.
E2000-SK) This seal and its condition
play an important part in the optimum
performance of your PowerHead.
High Pressure Valve Assembly:
The valve assembly’s moving parts will
eventually wear out in time. Its repair or
replacement is a relatively simple
operation.
1. Remove the 440 male quick connect
(A) with a wrench.
2. Remove the five allen head screws
(B) in the back plate on the handle
and lift the back panel off.
3. Disconnect the stainless steel hose
(C) from the bottom of the valve
assembly.
4. Remove the bolt (D) holding the
trigger.
5. Remove the two bolts (E) holding the
valve assembly in the handle and pull
out.
6. The valve may now be rebuilt or re-
placed.
♦CAUTION ♦
If the valve has been frozen, inspect it
for leakage before reinstalling the back
plate.