Nilfisk-Advance GWD 255 User manual

CAUTION: This Nilfisk vacuum cleaner is not to be used in explosion-hazardous areas, as
serious injury could result.
Under no circumstances may this vacuum cleaner be used safely for the collection of hazardous
or toxic materials unless equipped with a HEPA filter. Be sure to install the HEPA filter according
to Nilfisk’s written instructions.
Do not use this cleaner for the removal of hazardous substances unless you are licensed and/or
certified for this work by the all authorities having jurisdiction.
EMPTYING: If this vacuum cleaner is used to collect hazardous material, do not attempt to open
or empty its contents without personal protective clothing and respiratory protection. This
procedure must be completed in a contained environment. Contact with the cleaner, filters and
all other accessories used when picking-up hazardous materials must be handled according to
federal (EPA, OSHA), state and local regulations valid for the vacuumed substance.
ATTENTION EMPLOYER: Please ensure these instructions for Use are made available and
understood by your employees or any other persons who may use this equipment.
To list all toxic and hazardous materials would be beyond the scope of these instructions. It is
the Employer’s responsibility to identify, for Employee’s and others’ information, hazardous or
toxic materials which may be collected by this equipment. Such information must be
communicated to your Employees and other potential users of this equipment.
Nilfisk-Advance America Inc.
300 Technology Drive
Malvern, PA 19355
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.pa.nilfisk-advance.com
e-mail: [e-mail]
Instructions/Spare Parts Manual
Nilfisk Model GWD255
Drum Top Vacuum

General Information
BEFORE CONNECTING THE MACHINE TO A POWER SUPPLY, check the electrical rating
plate located on the back of the motor head to see if the rated voltage agrees within 10% of the
voltage available.
DO NOT OIL the motor in this vacuum cleaner. It is permanently lubricated and sealed.
DO NOT OPERATE the vacuum cleaner without any filters. The Dry Filter, Wet/Dry Cartridge
Filter or HEPA filter should be installed to prevent dirt and dust from entering the motors.
This machine is equipped with a thermal breaker to protect the motor and other vital machine
parts from overheating. Should this breaker open, you will have to wait at least 5-10 minutes
before starting the machine again. You must reset the machine by switching the ON/OFF button.
While you are waiting, switch the machine off and unplug it. Check the hose and filters to be sure
that nothing is blocking the flow of air through the machine.
Service Information
UNPLUG THE MACHINE BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE.
To obtain consistent performance over the life of your vacuum, read through these instructions
and keep them handy for future reference. If you require service, contact the dealer from whom
the vacuum was purchased, or the local authorized Service Station. Always refer to your Service
Station for complete service information. For prompt and complete service information, always
refer to the model, type and serial number indicated on the rating plate on the back of the motor
head.
IMPORTANT
The machine is equipped with a specially designed cord which if damaged, must be replaced by
a cord of the same type. This cord is available at authorized service centers and dealers and
must be installed by trained personnel.

Machine Setup
The GWD255 Drum Top Vacuum can be equipped for either dry or wet/dry collection. Follow the
instructions below before attempting to use your new machine to insure that you have assembled
the unit correctly. NOTE: For wet/dry collection, you must purchase the optional float chamber &
wet/dry cartridge filter assembly (5) shown below.
Dry Collection - Install the dry filter support (2) on the underside of the motor head (1). See next
page for installation instructions. Center the drum ring (4) onto a 30 or 55 gallon drum. Place the
dry filter (3) on top of the drum ring. Carefully place the motor head/filter support onto the drum
ring and clamp the entire assembly together using the latches.
The dry filter should be used when collecting dry powders or fine dust. This washable filter is easy
to clean and will dry much faster than the wet/dry cartridge filter. Small amounts of water can be
collected using the dry filter; however, it is best to allow the filter to dry completely before resuming
the collection of dry powder. An optional HEPA filter can be added in place of the filter support
(see HEPA filter installation).
Wet/Dry Collection - [Note: If the machine is configured for dry collection, remove the dry filter
support (2) and dry filter (3) before attempting to install the float chamber and wet/dry cartridge
filter assembly (5)]. Center the drum ring (4) onto a 30 or 55 gallon drum. Place the float chamber
and wet/dry cartridge filter assembly into the drum ring. Carefully place the motor head onto the
drum ring and clamp the entire assembly together using the latches.
The wet/dry cartridge filter is best used for collecting large amounts of water. The float ball inside
the float chamber will restrict the flow of air in the vacuum hose when the drum is approximately
75% full. This will stop the drum from overfilling and will prevent water from entering the motor
head. The vacuum’s motors are cooled by circulating outside air through the motor head and will
continue to run even after the flow of air in the hose has stopped. The wet/dry cartridge filter can
also serve as a dry filter; however, it is best to allow the filter to dry completely before switching to
dry collection. An optional HEPA filter can be added (see HEPA Filter installation).
2
3
5
1
4
Dry
Collection
Wet/Dry
Collection

Dry Filter Support / Optional HEPA Filter
The dry filter support is used to prevent the dry filter from collapsing under vacuum pressure.
The dry filter support and the optional HEPA filter are mounted in the same location under the
motor head. If the optional HEPA filter is used, the dry filter support must be removed. Once
installed, the HEPA filter will serve as the support for the dry filter. If the HEPA filter is removed
from the machine, be sure to reinstall the dry filter support before continuing to use the dry filter.
Installation / Removal of Dry Filter Support
1. To install the dry filter support, align the arrow on the support with the arrow on the underside
of the motor head. Twist the support clockwise until you feel it lock into place.
2. To remove the dry filter support, twist the support counterclockwise until it unlocks from the
motor head. Remove the support and inspect the condition of the foam motor gasket
underneath. If gasket is dirty or damaged, replace it.
Installation / Removal of Optional HEPA Filter
EMPTYING: If this vacuum cleaner is used to collect hazardous material, do not attempt to open
or empty its contents without personal protective clothing and respiratory protection. This
procedure must be completed in a contained environment. Contact with the cleaner, filters and
all other accessories used when picking-up hazardous materials must be handled according to
federal (EPA, OSHA), state and local regulations valid for the vacuumed substance.
1. Before installing the optional HEPA filter, make sure the dry filter support has been removed
from the underside of the motor head. Align the arrow on the HEPA filter with the arrow on the
motor head and twist the HEPA filter clockwise until you feel it lock into place.
2. To remove the HEPA filter, twist the filter counterclockwise until it unlocks from the motor
head. Remove the HEPA filter and inspect the condition of the foam motor gasket underneath. If
gasket is dirty or damaged, replace it.
Underside of GWD255
motor head
Dry Filter
Support
Optional
HEPA
Filter

Installation / Removal of Optional Wet/Dry Cartridge Filter
EMPTYING: If this vacuum cleaner is used to collect hazardous material, do not attempt to open
or empty its contents without personal protective clothing and respiratory protection. This
procedure must be completed in a contained environment. Contact with the cleaner, filters and
all other accessories used when picking-up hazardous materials must be handled according to
federal (EPA, OSHA), state and local regulations valid for the vacuumed substance.
1. To remove the wet/dry cartridge filter, place the float chamber and filter assembly upside-
down on a flat working surface and remove the wing nut and washer that secures the filter to the
float chamber assembly. Hold the filter by the end cap and gently twist the filter back and forth to
separate the gasket from the float chamber. Lift the filter off of the threaded stud and inspect the
float ball cavity underneath to insure that the float ball moves freely. Make sure the filter sealing
surface is clean before installing a new filter.
2. To install the wet/dry cartridge filter, carefully place the filter down over the threaded stud and
center the filter on the float chamber assembly. Reinstall the washer and wing nut. Tighten the
wing nut by hand until the filter bottoms out on the lock nut underneath. The position of the lock
nut is set at the factory and is designed to provide the proper amount of gasket compression for
the filter. Use the figure below to check the position of the lock nut and to readjust the nut if
necessary.
1” to 1-1/8”
Lock
Nut

Cleaning the Dry Filter and Wet/Dry Cartridge Filter
The dry filter is washable. To clean the filter, remove it from the machine and shake off all excess
debris. Wash the filter gently in water. A mild detergent can be used. Allow the filter to dry
thoroughly before reusing. To reduce drying time, replace the filter inside the machine and turn
the vacuum on. The incoming air created by the vacuum will help to dry the filter. Do not collect
any material while the filter is drying.
The wet/dry cartridge filter is also washable. To clean the filter, remove it from the float chamber
assembly and tap against the end caps to remove any loose debris. Hold the filter underneath a
faucet at and angle so that the stream of water falls directly against the wire screen surface on
the inside of the filter. The force of the water should dislodge the dirt from between the folds of
filter. Rotate the filter underneath the stream of water and continue rinsing until the filter is clean.
Be careful not to puncture or damage the filter material. Do not use compressed air to remove
dirt or to dry the filter as this could damage the filter material. Allow the filter to dry thoroughly
before collecting any dry material. To reduce drying time, replace the filter inside the machine
and turn the vacuum on. The incoming air created by the vacuum will help to dry the filter.
The HEPA filter is not washable and no maintenance should be performed on the HEPA filter.
Once the HEPA filter becomes clogged it should be disposed of in accordance with federal (EPA,
OSHA), state and local regulations.

Parts Explosion - Motor head Assembly

Parts List for Motor head Assembly
Filter support (for dry filter only)
M90023 2 Latch Keeper (uses #6 x ¼” screw)
2
2
Filter support (for dry filter only)
M90023 2 Latch Keeper (uses #6 x ¼” screw)
2
2