Kärcher 520 M User manual

5.960-547 08/02
520 M

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THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING A KARCHER
PRESSURE WASHER
PLEASE READTHIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MACHINE.
WHAT IS A PRESSURE WASHER?
A Pressure Washer is essentially a powerful electric motor driving a set
of pistons that force water through a small nozzle, thus creating a
pressurised jet of water. This provides the cleaning power behind the
Karcher Pressure Washer.
AKarcherPressureWashercanbeusedforanendlesslistofapplications
around the home and garden. It provides an efficient, economical and
labour saving way of cleaning with excellent results.
All Karcher domestic pressure washers are designed to run from a
suitablecoldwatersupplyalthoughsomemodelswillacceptawaterinlet
temperature of between 40 °C and 60 °C.
Environmental Comment - Save water with high pressure.
The Karcher Pressure Washer is environmentally friendly enabling you
to reduce your water consumption compared to a normal garden hose.
A definite advantage with a metered water supply
OR
with the added benefit of suction mode, water can be drawn from an
open container such as a water butt.

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INDEX
1. APPLICATIONS
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3. GETTING STARTED
3.1 Contents
3.2 Water Connection
3.3 Electrical Connection
3.4 Suction Mode
3.5 Detergent
4. OPERATING YOUR PRESSURE WASHER
4.1 High Pressure Operation
4.2 Low Pressure Operation Without Brush
4.3 Low Pressure Operation With Brush
4.4 End Of Operation
5. IMPORTANT – CARE AND MAINTENANCE
6. ACCESSORIES / SPARE PARTS
7. PROBLEM CHECKLIST / TROUBLESHOOTING
8. HELP-LINE
9. TECHNICAL DATA
10. ASSEMBLY

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1. APPLICATIONS
The main applications for this product are DOMESTIC
cleaning tasks:
• Cars, motorbikes, caravans, boats and bicycles
• Patio’s, fences, garden walls, pathways, driveways and house
facades – particularly useful for cleaning block driveways
• Removal of algae and moss from roofs, brickwork and
guttering
• Garden tools and machinery, furniture and barbecues
• Hygienic cleaning of animal pens and their surroundings
With the addition of Karcher accessories, the list
continues .............
• Clearing blocked drains and pipes
• Removal of old paint and rust from garden furniture and gates
• Spraying insecticide onto trees, plants and lawns

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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE STARTING UPYOUR PRESSURE WASHER PLEASE
CHECK YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
We recommend you purchase these items from a reputable store
• RCD plug and socket that will interrupt electrical supply in an
emergency.
• A typical garden hose (minimum length 7.5 metres) with suitable
hoseconnection(Hoselock/Gardena type)tomatchthecoupling
on the machine (hose and connector not supplied).
•The mains voltage and supply indicated on the Rating Plate of the
machine corresponds with that of the power source.
•The insulation of the supply cable is not damaged.
•Only earthed sockets should be used.
•If you are using an extension cable it must be completely unwound
from the cable drum and be the correct diameter:
10 meter length of cable should have a cross section of 1.5
mm²
30 meter length of cable should have a cross section of 2.5 mm²
Safety Assurance
As an added precaution, your pressure washer is fitted with a safety
locking device on the Spray Gun.
AFTER USE, ALWAYS REMOVE THE PLUG FROM THE SOCKET
BEFORE CLEANING YOUR PRESSURE WASHER

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3. GETTING STARTED
3.1 Contents
Upon opening the carton, if you do not
have all the items as detailed please
contact the Customer Helpline.
1 High Pressure Hose
2 Safety Lock Device
3 Spray Gun
4 Spray Lance with Pressure Regulator
5 Wash Brush (only K 520 MB plus)
6 High Pressure Outlet
7 Detergent Suction Tube
8 Transport Bracket
9 Mains Electric Lead with Plug
10 Hosepipe Connector
11 Inlet Water Connection (with Strainer)
12 On/Off Switch
Assembly
see Page 19

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Please follow these instructions carefully
for troublefree cleaning.
Use the diagram on Page 6 for reference purposes.
3.2 Water Connection
• The minimum length of supply hosepipe advised for maximum user
convenience is 7.5 metres with a diameter of 12.5 mm (1/2") to allow
free flow of inlet water to the machine so avoiding backpressure and
any associated potential damage to your machine.
• Attach your supply hosepipe with its connector to the coupling on the
machine (No.10) and the other end should be connected to a suitable
water supply.
3.3 Electrical Connection
• Ensure the Power Switch (No.12) is in the “OFF” position before
connecting the factory fitted Plug attached to the Mains Electric Lead
(No.9) into an earthed socket. (it is recommended that an RCD plug
socket is used.)
If using an Extension Cable make sure it is completely unwound
from the cable drum and is the correct diameter.
3.4 SuctionMode- anaddedbenefitoftheKarcherPressureWasher
• If you are drawing water from a static water supply such as a water
butt disconnect the high pressure hose from the machine.
• Disconnect the water connection/hosepipe with coupling (No.10)
from the machine and replace with a suction hose and filter (Part
No. 4.440.238) that can be purchased as an accessory.
• Allow the pressure washer to operate without the high pressure hose
fitted until water flows from the high pressure outlet without bubbles.
• Re-connect the high pressure hose to the high pressure outlet.
Dirt in the drawn water could damage your Pressure Washer !
To avoid this risk please use a suitable filter - Part No. 6.414.389.

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3.5 Detergent
Only cleaning agents recommended by Karcher (UK) Ltd.
should be used. Unsuitable detergents could damage your
Pressure Washer and the object being cleaned.
Recommended Detergents
1. The following cleaning agent may be used undiluted:
(But further dilution is practical but trial before application)
Universal Cleaner.............................. Profi RM 555 ASF
2. The following cleaning agents are available as concentrate
and must be diluted with 9 parts of water (1 : 9) before use:
Universal Cleaner.............................. Profi RM 555 ULTRA
Automotive Cleaner........................... Profi RM 565 ULTRA
House & Garden Cleaner.................. Profi RM 570 ULTRA
Boat Cleaner ..................................... Profi RM 575 ULTRA
3. Detergent tablets are also available from some stores.
Karcher Clean Tabs (10 tablets per box):
10 Tablets dissolved in clean water provide 5 litres of cleaning
detergent.
DETAILS OF THE FULL RANGE OF DETERGENTS AND
CHEMICALS ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING THE KARCHER
CUSTOMER HELPLINE ON 0906 6800632

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4. OPERATING YOUR PRESSURE WASHER
If you have followed all the instructions so far, you are
now ready to have fun cleaning the KARCHER way!!!
• Turn on the supply water and press the Spray Gun lever (No.3) until
the water flows freely and removes all air locks from the hoses.
• You may now attach the bayonet fit Spray Lance (No.4) or required
accessory to the Spray Gun.
All accessories are bayonet fit, simply push in and twist
until they click into position !
•Once water is flowing through the machine, you may now switch
on your Karcher Pressure Washer using the Power Switch (No.12)
• You can regulate the working pressure on the spray by turning the
nozzle end of the Spray Lance (No.4) in a “+” or “-” direction.
WHEN USING YOUR KARCHER PRESSURE WASHER ON THE
HIGH PRESSURE SETTING, THE RECOMMENDED WORKING
DISTANCE BETWEEN THE NOZZLE AND THE OBJECT OR
SURFACE TO BE CLEANED IS 30 CM. IT CAN BE CLOSER IF
REQUIRED FOR PATIOS OR MASONERY.
When cleaning painted surfaces, ensure that the paint is sound and
there are no signs or rusting or blistering.
It is your responsibility to check the suitability of the surface to be cleaned.
Karcher (UK) Ltd. cannot be held responsible for any damaged caused.

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4.1 High Pressure Operation
• Switch on the pressure washer (No.12)
• EnsuretheSpray LancewiththePressure Regulator (No.4)is attached
securely to the Spray Gun (No.3) and the nozzle is set to the required
setting.
• Aim the lance towards the object to be cleaned making sure the
recommended working distance is used (for reference see Page 9).
Release the Safety Lock Device (No.2) on the Spray Gun and
squeeze the lever.
The pressurised water jet alone is capable of fulfiling most
cleaning tasks around the garden or on building work but
detergent and wash brush are advantageous when cleaning
vehicles or other paint finishes.
4.2 Low Pressure Operation without Brush
• Dilute the detergent in a suitable container to the required concentra-
tion before using. (The correct dilution is dependent on the degree of
soiling of surface and is best determined by experience).
• Hang the Detergent Suction Tube (No.7) in the Detergent container.
Always ensure the Spray Gun is closed before changing the nozzle setting
• Set the nozzle to the lowest working pressure setting (-).
• Switch on the pressure washer (No.12)
• Aim the nozzle towards the object to be cleaned, release the Safety
Locking Device on the Spray Gun and squeeze the lever to apply the
detergent to the working area.

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• To rinse the detergent away, close the Spray Gun, increase the
nozzle setting towards “+” setting. No detergent can be drawn in
with a high working pressure. Spray with the required jet spray
setting until no trace of detergent can be found.
We recommend the following cleaning method:
Step 1:
Remove loose dirt by washing over the surface to be cleaned
with the high pressure jet.
Step 2:
Spray on the detergent and leave for 1-4 minutes, so assisting
the easy removal of fine dirt and associated greasy adhesions.
Step 3:
Finally, spray off the loosened dirt with the high pressure spray.
4.3 Low Pressure Operation with Brush (not included)
When cleaning surfaces with a grease contamination - typically car
paintwork that always has a greasy traffic film covering adopt the
following procedure:
• Washing loose dirt away with the clean water high pressure spray.
• Apply the detergent in low pressure mode by setting the bayonet fit
spray lance (No.4) to its lowest (-) setting.
• Leave for 2-4 minutes for the detergent to have maximum effect.
•Remove the bayonet fit spray lance and fit the Wash Brush
(No.5) to the Spray Gun (No.3). The Wash Brush is suitable
for use with a water inlet temperature into the Pressure Washer of
maximum 40 °C.
• With or without the pressure washer switched on, brush down the
surface being cleaned, this physical agitation removes all trace of
traffic film.
• Finally revert to the high pressure operation with the Spray Lance
and complete the wash down.

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4.4 End Of Operation
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO RINSE YOUR PRESSURE WASHER
AFTER USING DETERGENT BY HANGING THE DETERGENT
SUCTION TUBE IN A CONTAINER WITH CLEAN WATER AND
RUNTHE PUMP FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE IN LOW
PRESSURE SETTING.
In the event of a break of 5 minutes in the operation of your
Karcher Pressure Washer, always switch off the pump to
avoid damage due to overheating.
• Switch off the pressure washer by the Power Switch (No.12) and
unplug the Mains Electric Lead (No.9) from the socket.
• Close the water inlet (tap) and disconnect the hosepipe.
•Squeeze the lever to remove all pressure from the machine.
Release the lever and then secure the lever with the Safety
Locking Device to prevent accidental opening.
5. IMPORTANT – CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To ensure prolonged life and trouble-free use of your
Karcher Pressure Washer we strongly recommend
that you always adopt the following procedures:
Water
• Before use, always check the inlet filter for dirt or debris.
• Visually check to see if the nozzle is blocked by dirt or grit, if so,
remove the dirt from the nozzle hole with a needle and rinse with
water from the front.
Failure to do this will seriously damage your machine and
invalidate the warranty.

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• Connect the water supply hose and, without the lance attached,
squeeze the Spray Gun lever to run water through your pressure
washer until the water flow is constant. Then plug in to the electric
supply.
• Unless drawing water from an open water source such as a water
butt, always have a minimum of 10 metres (25 feet) of uncoiled hose
between the water tap and your machine. The internal diameter of
the feed water hose should be 12 mm (1/2”).
• Water Regulations require the use of a back-flow preventer valve at
the tap end of the supply hose.
Only use a full flow connector to connect the hose to the machine.
Electricity
• If using an electrical extension lead it must be rated at a minimum
of 13 amps.
• Always fully uncoil any extension lead when used.
Chemicals
Use of chemicals other than those recommended by Karcher could
cause significant damage which may not be covered by your warranty.
• After using chemicals, always run fresh water through your machine.
• The high pressure hose of your Karcher Pressure Washer should not
be mistreated. It is designed to withstand high pressure operation so
vehicles should NOT run over it, nor should it be pulled across sharp
or abrasive edges. These actions may weaken the hose and cause
ballooning.
IMPORTANT
REMEMBER FROST WILL DAMAGE YOUR KARCHER
PRESSURE WASHER IF IT HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETELY
EMPTIED OF WATER AFTER USE. ALWAYS STORE IN A
FROST FREE AREA.

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6. ACCESSORIES
A wide range of popular accessories are available from your
local store selling Karcher Pressure Washers.
4.763-228 Dirt Blaster/Rotary Jet
A rapidly rotating pencil jet used to remove loose paint, stubborn algae and moss from hard surfaces.
4.760-269 Triple Nozzle Lance
An integral fan jet, pencil jet and low pressure chemical jet in one unit allows optimal nozzle selection.
4.760-212 Underbody Lance
Extended lance with angled end and upward firing jet for cleaning under cars, gutters etc.
6.903-276 Car Wash Brush
Simple bayonet fitting attaches the brush to the hand gun, used in conjunction with RM555.
4.762-065 Rotary Wash Brush
Ideal for car bodywork and windows as the water forces the brush to rotate enhancing cleaning power.
4.760-262 Extension Lance
To add length to the standard lance.
2.637-729 Drain Kit (7.5 m Hose)
2.637-767 Drain Kit (15 m Hose)
A flexible hose with backwards firing high pressure jet to create turbulence and dislodge blockages.
2.637-728 Sandblaster
Used to remove paint, rust and cement from metallic and stone surfaces by using a combination of high pres-
sure water and sand.
4.760-265 Flexi Lance
A lance which can be angled to any degree to clean hard to reach areas such as wheel arches etc.
2.637-755 Floor Cleaning Lance
An extended lance fitted with three shrouded high pressure nozzles to provide a wide area of cleaning power
without any splash back.
4.440-238 Suction Hose and Filter
Used to provide a water supply to the unit where a mains water supply is not available by placing the kit into a water butt.
6.541-040 Trolley
Eliminates the need to carry the pressure washer when the unit has no built in mobility.
6.964-006 Foam Nozzle
A bayonet fit accessory that generates a low pressure detergent foam. This allows longer detergent contact time
on the surface to be cleaned.
2.637-214 Water Pump Kit
9.300-051 25 Kg Grit
6.291-080 RM 555 (5 litre)
6.291-079 RM 555 (6 x 1 litre)

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6. Spare Parts
In the event that your Karcher PressureWasher requires replacement
parts – please refer to the diagram below AND identify the particular
modelofyourmachinebyreferencetothedataplateontheunderside.
Please write, email or fax Karcher (see page 17) with any parts order
you wish to place. A premium rate Help-line Number is available for
telephone enquires of any type.

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7. PROBLEM CHECKLIST
Themachineyouhavechosenisofthehighestquality.Correctlystored
away from frost it should operate without problems. If a problem does
arise, please check the following chart as a solution may be at hand.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
Machine refuses
to start Plug not connected
Defective socket
Fuse blown
Defective extension cable
Wrong mains voltage
Connect plug
Try another socket
Change the fuse
Try without extension cable
Check mains voltage corresponds
to specifications of machine
Pump stops Fuse blown
Overheating due to poor
water Supply
Change fuse and check size of
extension cable
Check inlet water flow rate - hose
should fill a 10 litre bucket in one
minute
Strong pressure
fluctuations Nozzle partly blocked
Inadequate mains water
Clean dirt from nozzle hole with
needle and rinse from the front
Check inlet water flow rate
Machine does
not reach
operating
pressure
Nozzle blocked/worn out
Inadequate mains water
Inlet hose squeezed
Water filter clogged (3.1
item11)
Inlet hose blocked
Clean/replace nozzle
Check inlet water flow rate
Straighten out hose
Clean filter
Check hose for leaks or blockages
No detergent
suction Wrong pressure
Blocked filter in
detergent tank
Set Spray Lance at the minimum
working pressure
Unblock filter
Clean ventilation hole in cover of
Detergent Tank
In the unlikely event that you need to return your machine to your supplier,
please ensure that this is returned, complete with hose, gun and all
accessories.

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8. HELP - LINE
Karcher(UK) Limitedoperate a help-line allowing customers to discuss
any problems experienced with our products.
The help-line operates during normal business hours, if you have diffi-
culty getting through, please understand that there are peak periods
during the day when our consultants are unable to take all calls coming
in.Inthese circumstances wewouldask that youtryto contact usagain
later in the day.
The help-line number is 0906 6800632.
It helps us if you have the model number and data plate details to
handbeforemakingyourcallasthereareverymanydifferentmodelsof
Karcher Pressure Washers in use.
Alternatively you may write or e-mail to the address below:
Karcher (UK) Limited
Karcher House
Beaumont Road
Banbury
Oxon, OX16 1TB
FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

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9. TECHNICAL DATA
Power Connection
Voltage .............................................................230-240 V (AC)
Current...................................................................1~50 Hz
Connected/Load .......................................................2.0 KW
Mains Fuse ................................................................13 AMP
Water Connection
Supply Temperature (Max)........................................60 °C
Supply Rate (Min)....................................................600 litres per hour
Supply Pressure (Max)..............................................12 bar
Supply Hose Length .................................................7.5 metres
Diameter..............................................1/2 inch
Suction Height from open tank
at Water Temperature 20 °C .......................................1 metre
Performance Data
Operating Pressure ............................................20-120 bar
Flow Rate ................................................................450 litres per hour
Detergent Intake .....................................................0-25 litres per hour
Optimum Working Distance on High Pressure..........30 cm
Hand-transmitted vibration (ISO 5349) ....................0,8 m/s²
Sound pressure level LPA(EN 60704-1) .....................74 dB(A)
Sound power level LWA(2000/14/EC) .........................96 dB(A)
Dimensions
Length......................................................................508 mm
Width .......................................................................255 mm
Height ......................................................................284 mm
Weight .......................................................................14 Kg
Circuit Diagramm
C1 Running capacitor
F1 Temperature fuse
M1 Motor
S1 Appliance switch
S2 Pressure-operated switch

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10.ASSEMBLY

EU Declaration of Conformity
We hereby declare that the equipment described below conforms to the relevant fundamental
safety and health requirements of the appropriate EU Directives, both in its basic design
and construction as well as in the version marketed by us.This declaration will cease to
be valid if any modifications are made to the machine without our express approval.
Product: High-pressure cleaner
Model: 1.069-xxx
Relevant EU Directives:
EU Machinery Directive 98/37/EC
EU Low-Voltage Equipment Directive 73/23/EEC (+ 93/68/EEC)
EU Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility 89/336/EEC
(+ 91/263/EEC, 92/31/EEC, 93/68/EEC)
EU Directive on Noise 2000/14/EC
Harmonised standards applied:
DIN EN 55014–1:2000 + A1:2001
DIN EN 55014–2:1997
DIN EN 60335–1
DIN EN 60335–2–79
DIN EN 61000–3–2:2000
DIN EN 61000–3–3:1995 + A1:2001
Conformity assessment procedure followed:
Annex V
Sound power level
Measured: 91 dB(A)
Guaranteed: 96 dB(A)
Appropriate internal measures have been taken to ensure that series-production units
conform at all times to the requirements of current EU Directives and relevant standards.
The signatories are empowered to represent and act on behalf of the company management.
Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co.
Cleaning Systems
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28–40
P.O. Box 160
D-71349 Winnenden
Tel.: ++ 49 71 95 14-0
Fax: ++ 49 71 95 22 12
Dr. B. Graf
5.957-406 01/02
S. Reiser
H. Jenner