Kärcher K 280 M User manual

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Using the Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
GFCI Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Working with Detergents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Shut Down and Clean-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Taking a Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Winterizing and Long-Term Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Cleaning Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Optional Cleaning Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Specifications
Operating pressure 1400 PSI
Water volume 1.5 GPM
Voltage 120 V
Amp draw 14 AMPS
Model K 280 M Part No. 1.189-205.0
High Pressure Washer Operator Manual
9.139-117 03/01

(1 800-537-4129 page 1
NEVER!
Model K 280 M OVERVIEW
Never point nozzle at people or animals.
Never drink alcohol or use drugs while operating this equipment.
Never operate while standing in water.
Never touch plug with wet hands.
Never let electrical connections rest in water.
Never operate pressure washer without the water turned on
Never use hot water
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4
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Item Description
1. Detergent suction tube
2. Detergent filter
3. Vario spray wand
4. Rotating spray wand
5. Wash Brush
6. Mobile adapter bracket with wheel
(qty. 2)
7. Handle
8. Handle Extension
9. Trigger gun safety lock
10. Trigger gun
11. High pressure hose
12. Hose Reel
13. On/Off switch
14. High pressure outlet
15. Water inlet
16. Package of 10 screws (not pictured)
17. Spray wand extension (not pictured)
18. Power cord with Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI). (not pictured)

Safety Warnings
When using this product basic precautions
should always be followed:
• Read all the instructions before using
the product.
• High pressure jets can be dangerous
if subject to misuse.The jet must not
be directed at persons, animals, electrical
devices, or the machine itself.
• To reduce the risk of injury, do not
operate the machine near children.
• Learn how to stop the machine and
release pressure quickly. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls.
• Stay alert — watch what you are
doing.
• Wear safety goggles.
•Do not use acids, solvents, or any other
flammable material in this product.These
products can cause physical injuries to
the operator and irreversible damage to
the machine.If you have questions
regarding a chemical product to be used
with this machine, please call Kärcher
Customer Support at
800-537-4129.
• Do not operate the product when
fatigued or under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Do not stand on unstable surfaces.
Stand with both feet balanced at
all times.
• To reduce the risk of electrocution,
keep all connections dry and off the
ground. Do not touch plug with wet
hands.
• The Gun Safety Lock PREVENTS
the trigger from accidentally being
engaged.This safety feature DOES NOT
lock trigger in the on position.
Extension Cords
Use a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft = 12/2
AWG; 25 to 50 ft = 10/2 AWG. Use only
extension cords that are intended for out-
door use.These extension cords are identi-
fied by the marking “Acceptable for use with
outdoor appliances; store indoors while not
in use.” Use only extension cords having an
electrical rating not less than the rating of
the product. Do not use damaged extension
cords. Examine extension cord before using
and replace if damaged. Do not abuse
extension cord and do not yank on any cord
to disconnect. Keep cord away from heat
and sharp edges. Always disconnect the
extension cord from the receptacle before
disconnecting the product from the exten-
sion cord. If you are using an extension
cord, it should always be completely
unwound from the cable drum.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Protection
This unit is supplied with a portable GFCI,
UL indicates that the power cord has been
investigated for compliance with the applica-
ble provisions of UL 943, Third Edition
(Standard for Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupters) and other applicable standards.
If power is interrupted in the line, the auto-
matic GFCI will automatically reclose the
circuit to the load after power is restored.
Depending on the GFCI model, it maybe
necessary to manually operate the reset
button to restore power to the GFCI load
circuit.
TEST - Plug the GFCI cord into a powered
outlet. Push the TEST button and attempt to
turn the unit on.This should result in the
machine not running. If the GFCI tests okay,
restore power by pushing the RESET
button.
This Product Is
Double Insulated
In a double-insulated product, two systems
of insulation are provided instead of ground-
ing. No grounding method is provided on a
double-insulated product, nor should a
method for grounding be added to the prod-
uct. Servicing a double-insulated product
requires extreme care and knowledge of the
system, and should be done only by quali-
fied service personnel. Replacement parts
for a double-insulated product must be iden-
tical to the parts they replace. A double-insu-
lated product is marked with the words,
“DOUBLE INSULATED.”
(1 800-537-4129 page 2
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!
Caution
• Follow the maintenance instructions speci-
fied in the manual.
• This machine has been designed for use
with cleaning detergent supplied or recom-
mended by the manufacturer. The use of
other cleaning detergents may affect the
operation of the machine and void the war-
ranty.

(1 800-537-4129 page 3
You will need a standard phillips head screw driver
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Water Supply
(Cold Water Only)
• Water hose must be at least 3/4 inch in
diameter.
• Flow rate of water supply must not fall
below 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).
• Flow rate can be determined by running
the water for one minute into an empty
5-gallon container.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continued
• The water supply temperature must not
exceed 104°F/40°C.
• Never use the pressure washer to draw in
water contaminated with solvents, e.g. paint
thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.
• Always prevent debris from being drawn into
the unit by using a clean water source.
Step4 Connect the hose
reel high pressure hose exten-
sion to the unit’s high pressure
outlet.
Step3 Attach the handle
extension to the handle, align
holes.Tighten the 2 smaller
screws.
Step1 Attach the mobile
adapter brackets to the pres-
sure washer. Align holes on
the bottom of the pressure
washer as shown and tighten
the 4 long screws.
Step2 Spread handle sides
apart and align with slotted
areas of mobile adapter brack-
ets and snap into position.
Tighten the 4 long screws.
Step5 Connect the hose
reel high pressure hose exten-
sion to the hose reel fitting.
Step6 Connect the high
pressure hose to the hose reel
outlet.

WHEN OPERATING THE
MACHINE BE SURE TO
UNWIND THE HOSE
COMPLETELY FROM
THE HOSE REEL.
(1 800-537-4129 page 4
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Step2 Connect garden hose to unit’s
water inlet.
Step4 Connect garden hose to the cold
water source and turn water on completely.
Step5 Plug the power cord into the power out-
let. Press “TEST”, then press “RESET” to assure
proper connection to power.Trigger the gun to
eliminate trapped air, wait for a steady flow of
water to emerge from the spray nozzle.
Step6 Turn on the pressure washer.
The motor starts only if the trigger of the
gun is pulled and shuts off when the trig-
ger is released.
Step1 Slide the spray wand extension
into the gun.Turn the wand collar onto the
gun threads until tight.
Step3 Insert the spray wand of your
choice into the wand extension. Press in
against the spring tension and twist into the
locked position.

This brush
is ideal for
removing stubborn
dirt and stains from
finished surfaces.
Use with detergents only.
(1 800-537-4129 page 5
USING THE ACCESSORIES
The pressure washer has two fully automatic pressure settings, depending on the wand or
nozzle installed.
This wand features a 0º pencil jet which rotates 360º for
maximum dirt cutting action, effectively increasing
cleaning performance up to 50%.This wand combines
the cleaning performance of a 0º pencil jet with the sur-
face coverage of a wide angle nozzle. Not recommend-
ed for soft materials, siding, painted surfaces, decks or
autos.
Rotating spray wand
Wash brush WARNING TO AVOID
SERIOUS INJURY,
NEVER POINT SPRAY
NOZZLE AT YOURSELF,
OTHER PERSONS
OR ANIMALS
High/low spray wand
GFCI INSTRUCTIONS
Step1 Plug the Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
into a working outlet.
Step2 Press “TEST”, then
press “RESET” to assure proper
connection to power.
Note:
The actual
appearance
of the GFCI
may be
different from
this
illustration.
For lower pressure turn wand
collar in the minus (-) direction.
For higher pressure turn wand
collar in the plus (+) direction.
The Vario spray wand allows you to adjust the cleaning
pressure.To clean at maximum pressure, the Vario wand
must be positioned to the high pressure setting (+).To apply detergent, the wand must be
positioned to the low pressure setting (-).

(1 800-537-4129 page 6
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS
Karcher Pressure washers operate at two pressures.The high pressure is used for cleaning,
you cannot apply detergents when working at high pressure.To apply detergents you must be
operating at low pressure.
Caution
Never use:
• Bleach, Chlorine products and other
corrosive chemicals
• Liquids containing solvents
(i.e., paint thinners, gasoline, oils)
• Tri-sodium phosphate products
• Ammonia products
• Acid-based products
These chemicals will harm the unit and
will damage the surface being cleaned.
Step2 Fill a container with Karcher
detergent. Place the filter end of detergent
suction tube into the container.
Step3 Turn on the pressure washer.
Pull trigger to operate unit: Liquid detergent
is drawn into the unit and mixed with water.
Apply detergent to work area. Do not allow
detergent to dry on surface.
The following Karcher detergents are
available:
• Vehicle Wash • House Wash
• Degreaser • Deck Wash
• All Purpose Cleaner
In USA Call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website:
www.karcher-usa.com
For best results see Cleaning Tips
on pages 8 & 9 for specific
information on how to clean
different surfaces.
Always Use Karcher
Detergents for Best Results.
Karcher biodegradable detergents are
specially formulated to protect the environ-
ment and your pressure washer. Special
formula won’t clog the suction tube filter
and will protect the internal parts of the
pressure washer for a longer life. For
Karcher Detergents, check your retailer
or call:
Step1 Install the Wash brush or the Vario
spray wand. Set the Vario spray wand to the
low pressure setting (-) by turning the wand
collar. The wand must be set in the low pres-
sure (-) position to apply detergents.

(1 800-537-4129 page 7
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE
1. Disconnect all water connections.
2.Turn on the machine for a few seconds,
until the water which had remained in
the pump exits.Turn off immediately.
3. Do not allow high pressure hose to
become kinked.
4. Store the machine and accessories in
a room which does not reach freezing
temperatures.
Caution: Failure to follow the above
directions will result in damage to the
pump assembly and accessories.
TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more
Step1 Remove de-
tergent suction tube from
container and insert into
1 gallon of fresh water.
Siphon water at low pres-
sure for one minute.
Step2
Turn the switch to
off position and
unplug cord from
outlet.
Step3
Turn off the water
source.
Step4
Press trigger to
release water
pressure.
Step5 Disconnect the
garden hose from the water
inlet on the unit.
Step2
Turn pressure
washer to off
position.
Step6 Disconnect the hose reel hose extension from the
high pressure outlet, wind the gun hose on the reel and
engage the gun safety lock.
Step1
Engage gun
safety lock.

(1 800-537-4129 page 8
CLEANING TIPS
Deck Cleaning
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area with
fresh water. If using Kärcher Deck Wash,
place detergent suction tube directly into
cleaning solution and apply to surface at low
pressure. For best results, limit your work
area to smaller sections of approximately 25
square feet. Allow Kärcher Deck Wash to
remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow
detergent to dry on surface. Rinse at high
pressure in a long sweeping motion keeping
the spray nozzle approximately 3-6 inches
from the cleaning surface. Always clean
from top to bottom and from left to right.
When moving on to a new section of the
cleaning surface, be sure to overlap the pre-
vious section to eliminate stop marks and
ensure a more even cleaning result.
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray
wand on wood surface as it may cause
damage.
House Siding
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.
If using Kärcher House Wash, place deter-
gent suction tube directly into cleaning solu-
tion and apply to surface at low pressure
(for best results, limit your work area
to sections of approximately 6 feet and
always apply detergent from bottom to top).
Allow Kärcher House Wash to remain on
surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow detergent
to dry on surface, if surface appears to be
drying, simply wet down surface with fresh
water. If needed, use special Wash Brush
Attachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse
at high pressure from top to bottom in an
even sweeping motion keeping the spray
nozzle approximately 6 inches from the
cleaning surface.
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray
wand on siding as it may cause damage.
Cement Patios,
Brick and Stone
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.
If using Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner, place
detergent suction tube directly into cleaning
solution and apply to surface at low pres-
sure. For best results, limit your work area
to smaller sections of approximately 25
square feet. Allow Kärcher All Purpose
Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.
Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.
Rinse at high pressure in a sweeping
motion keeping the spray nozzle approxi-
mately 3-6 inches from the cleaning surface.
Always clean from top to bottom and from
left to right. For removing extremely stub-
born stains, use Kärcher Rotating Nozzle
Spray Wand.
Cars, Boats & Motorcycles
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If using
Kärcher Vehicle Wash, place detergent suc-
tion tube directly into cleaning solution and
apply to surface at low pressure. For best
results, clean one side of vehicle at a time
and always apply detergent from bottom to
top, do not allow detergent to dry on sur-
face. If needed, use special Wash Brush
Attachment to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse
at high pressure in a sweeping motion keep-
ing the spray nozzle approximately 6-8 inch-
es from the cleaning surface (distance
should increase when rinsing pin-striping
or other sensitive surfaces). Always clean
from top to bottom and from left to right. For
best results, wipe surface dry with a
chamois or soft dry cloth.
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray
wand on vehicles as it may
cause damage.

(1 800-537-4129 page 9
CLEANING TIPS – continued
Barbecue Grills, Outdoor Power
Equipment &
Gardening Tools
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water. If
using Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner or
Degreaser, place detergent suction tube
directly into cleaning solution and apply
detergent at low pressure. Allow Kärcher
detergent to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.
Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.
Rinse at high pressure keeping the spray
nozzle approximately 3-6 inches from the
cleaning surface. For removing extremely
stubborn dirt, it may be necessary to move
the spray nozzle even closer to the surface
for greater dirt cutting action.To remove
caked on mud from garbage cans, lawn
mower blades, wheel barrels or other
non-sensitive metal surfaces, you may
want to use the Karcher Rotating Nozzle
Spray Wand.
Caution: Do not use rotating nozzle spray
wand on cloth, plastic or other sensitive sur-
faces as it may cause damage.
Patio & Lawn Furniture
(with or without detergent)
Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding area with
fresh water. If using Kärcher All Purpose
Cleaner, place detergent suction tube direct-
ly into cleaning solution and apply to surface
at low pressure. Allow Kärcher All Purpose
Cleaner to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.
Do not allow detergent to dry on surface. If
needed use special Wash Brush Attachment
to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse at high pres-
sure in a sweeping motion keeping the spray
nozzle approximately 3-6 inches from the
cleaning surface. For best results, clean from
top to bottom and from left to right. Caution:
Do not use rotating nozzle spray wand on
patio or lawn furniture as it may cause dam-
age.
Recommendations
• Before cleaning any surface an inconspicu-
ous area should be cleaned to test spray
pattern and distance for maximum cleaning
results.
• If painted surfaces are pealing or chipping,
use extreme caution as pressure washer
may remove the loose paint from the
surface.
OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES
• Wash Brush
• House Washing Wand
• Extension Wand
• Dirtblaster®Wand
• Flexible Spray Wand
• Underbody Spray Wand
• Telescopic Spray Wand
• Pipe Drain Cleaner
• Detergent Foamer Attachment
• Water Suction Hose
• Extension Hose 25’
• Rotating wash brush
Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities:
See accessories order form for product descriptions and ordering instructions.
In USA Call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com

(1 800-537-4129 page 10
TROUBLESHOOTING
Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any repair.
Symptom Cause Solution
Motor will not start
Unit does not reach
high pressure.
Output pressure
varies high and low.
Extension cord is too long.
Extension cord is not prop-
er gauge.
Extension cord is damaged.
Replace extension cord with either
a 25 ft. 12/2 gauge cord or a 50 ft.
10/2 gauge cord.
Electrical outlet does not
supply adequate power. Try a different outlet.
GFCI or circuit breaker
tripped Reset breaker (power supply) or
ground fault circuit interrupter.
Diameter of garden hose
is too small. Replace with a 3/4 inch garden hose.
Water supply is restricted. Check garden hose for kinks, leaks
and blockage.
Not enough inlet water supply. Open water source full force.
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in warm
water.
Not enough inlet water supply. Turn water on full force. Check garden
hose for kinks, leaks or blockage.
Pump is sucking air. Check that hoses and fittings are air
tight.Turn off machine and purge
pump by squeezing trigger gun until
a steady flow of water emerges
through the nozzle.
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in warm
water.
Discharge nozzle is
obstructed. Blow out or remove debris with a fine needle.
Calcified gun, hose or
spray wand. Run distilled vinegar through detergent suction tube.
On/Off switch is in the
“OFF” position. Turn switch to the “ON” position
Power cord is not plugged in. Plug in power cord.
Wash brush is attached. Attach vario spray wand

(1 800-537-4129 page 11
TROUBLESHOOTING – continued
Symptom Cause Solution
No detergent.
Garden hose
connection leaks.
Pump is noisy.
Water leaks from
pump (up to 10 drops
per minute
is permissible).
Oil Drip.
Detergent is too thick. Dilute detergent, for best results
use Kärcher detergent.
Filter on detergent suction
tube is clogged. Run warm water through filter to
remove debris.
Damaged or clogged
detergent suction tube. Remove obstruction or replace
detergent suction tube.
Discharge nozzle is
obstructed. Blow out or remove debris with fine
needle.
Loose fittings. Tighten fittings.
Missing/worn rubber washer. Insert new washer.
Spray wand extension not
properly attached.
Broken o-ring or plastic
insert.
Check that hoses and fittings are air
tight.Turn off machine and purge
pump by squeezing trigger gun until
a steady flow of water emerges
through the nozzle.
Loose fittings. Check that all fittings are tight.
Call service center.
Water seals are damaged
or worn.
Call Kärcher customer service
hotline and order repair kit
(part no. 2.883-111.0).
Pump is sucking air.
Oil seals are damaged or
worn. Call service center.
Spray wand or Spray
wand
extension leaks.
Spray wand not properly
attached. Insert the spray wand into the spray
wand extension. Carefully press in
against the spring tension and twist
into the locked position.
Slide the spray wand extension into
the gun.Turn the wand collar clock-
wise onto the gun threads until tight.
Detergent suction tube not
properly connected to the
machine.
Check connection.
If you encounter any additional difficulties not
listed, please call our service center for help
.
Spray wand is on high
pressure setting. Adjust the spray wand to low pres-
sure setting.
In USA Call:
1-800-537-4129
or visit our website:
www.karcher-usa.com