Nobles Typhoon 16B 608817 Product manual

Wet/Dry Battery Vacuum
Typhoon16B
Model No.:
608817
608818 - PAC
Operator and Parts Manual
608819
Rev. 00 (09-99)
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 1-800-365-6625
FAX: [phone]
NOBLES
12875 RANSOM STREET
HOLLAND MI 49424 U.S.A.

OPERATION
2Typhoon16B (07–99)
This manual is furnished with each new machine. It
provides necessary operation and maintenance
instructions and an illustrated parts list.
Read this manual completely and understand the
machine before operating or servicing it.
When ordering replacement parts, use the Parts Lists
in this manual. Before ordering parts or supplies, be
sure to have your machine model number and serial
number handy. Parts and supplies may be ordered by
phone or mail from any Authorized Service Center or
Distributor.
This machine will provide excellent service. However,
the best results will be obtained at minimum costs if:
The machine is operated with reasonable care.
The machine is maintained regularly - per the
maintenance instructions provided.
The machine is maintained with manufacturer’s
supplied or equivalent parts.
MACHINE DATA
ModelNo.-
Install. Date -
Serial No.-
Please fill out at time of installation for future reference.
1999 Tennant Company Printed in the U.S.A.
Nobles is a registered United States trademark of Tennant Company.
Typhoon is a United States trademark of Tennant Company.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MACHINE COMPONENTS 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPTIONAL ACCESSORY KITS 4. . . . . . . . . .
MACHINE INSTALLATION 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MACHINE UNCRATING 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BATTERY INSTALLATION 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SQUEEGEE KIT INSTALLATION 5. . . . . . . . .
MACHINE SETUP 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WET VACUUMING 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRY VACUUMING 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MACHINE OPERATION 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VACUUM MOTOR THERMAL
PROTECTOR 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACCESSORY TOOL OPERATION 7. . . . . . . .
SQUEEGEE OPERATION (OPTION) 8. . . . . .
DRAINING RECOVERY TANK 8. . . . . . . . . . . .
BATTERY CHARGING 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHEN TO RECHARGE BATTERIES 10. . . . .
MAINTENANCE 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DAILY MAINTENANCE 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE 10. . . . . . . . . . . . .
EVERY 250 HOURS OF OPERATION 10. . . .
BATTERY MAINTENANCE 11. . . . . . . . . . . . .
STORING MACHINE 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TROUBLE SHOOTING 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIFICATIONS 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WIRING DIAGRAM 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PARTS LIST
UPPER HOUSING PARTS 14. . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOWER HOUSING PARTS 16. . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPTIONS 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SQUEEGEE KIT BREAKDOWN 18. . . . . . . . .

OPERATION
Typhoon16B (07–99) 3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This machine is intended for commercial use. It is
suited to pick up water or dry debris in an indoor
environment and is not constructed for any other use.
All operators must read, understand and practice the
following safety precautions:
The following safety alert symbols are used throughout
this manual as indicated in their description.
WARNING: To warn of hazards or unsafe
practices which could result in severe personal
injury or death.
FOR SAFETY: To identify actions which must be
followed for safe operation of equipment.
The following information signals potentially dangerous
conditions to the operator or equipment:
FOR SAFETY:
1. Do not operate machine:
– Unless trained and authorized.
– Unless operator manual is read and
understood.
– In flammable or explosive areas unless
designed for use in those areas.
– If not in proper operating condition.
– Without bag and/or filters in place.
2. Before operating machine:
– Make sure all safety devices are in place
and operate properly.
3. When using machine:
– Do not pick up burning or smoking debris,
such as cigarettes, matches or hot ashes.
– Report machine damage or faulty
operation immediately.
4. Before leaving or servicing machine:
– Stop on level surface.
– Turn off machine.
5. When servicing machine:
– Disconnect battery connections before
working on machine.
– Wear protective gloves when handling
batteries or battery cables.
– Avoid contact with battery acid.
– Use manufacturer supplied or approved
replacement parts.
WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire can result. Keep sparks and
open flame away. Keep battery compartment open
when charging.
WARNING: Flammable materials or reactive
metals can cause explosion or fire. Do not pick
up.

OPERATION
4Typhoon16B (07–99)
MACHINE COMPONENTS
31
5
2
7
4
6
9
8
1. Bag Compartment Cover
2. Vacuum Hose Snout
3. Control Grips
4. Squeegee Kit Vacuum Hose (optional)
5. Vacuum Bag Compartment/
Recovery Tank
6. Battery Compartment
3
11
12
10
13
7. Compartment Latches
8. Swivel Casters/300 mm (12 in) Rear Wheels
9. Squeegee Kit (optional)
10. Machine ON/OFF Switch
11. Drain Hose
12. Squeegee Kit Lift Pedal (optional)
13. Charger Plug
OPTIONAL ACCESSORY KITS
To order kit, contact your local distributor and specify
part number:
12
2
1. Squeegee Kits – 660 mm (26 in) #190108,
840 mm (33 in) #190972, 990 mm (39 in) #190958
2. 6–Piece Accessory Tool Kit #16593
3. 3–Piece Accessory Tool Kit #190142
3

OPERATION
Typhoon16B (11–99) 5
MACHINE INSTALLATION
MACHINE UNCRATING
Carefully check carton for signs of damage. Report
damage at once to carrier. Check contents list below
to ensure all standard accessories are included.
Carton Contents:
1 – Battery Hardware Package
1 – 3m (10 ft) Vacuum Hose
1 – Package of Paper Bags
1 – Cloth Bag
Accessory Tools and Squeegee Kits are optional, they
must be ordered separately. To order kits see page 4.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
NOTE: Attach Squeegee Assembly kit prior to
installing batteries. See Squeegee Kit Installation.
Recommended Battery Specifications:
Two 12 volt 105/130 amp hour deep cycle batteries.
Maximum battery dimensions are
180mm (7in)W x 340mm (13.5in) L x 250mm (10in) H.
BATTERY COMPARTMENT SIZE:
340mm(13.5in) L x 360mm(14in) W x 250mm(10in) D
Recommended Battery Charger:
120/230V–15 amp fully automatic battery charger.
WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire can result. Keep sparks and
open flame away. Keep battery compartment open
when charging.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, wear
protective gloves when handling batteries or
battery cables. Avoid contact with battery acid.
1. Turn ON/OFF switch to off.
ATTENTION: Make sure tanks are empty before
opening.
2. Open battery compartment, unlatch lower latches
and carefully tilt upper housing backwards to floor.
Remove loose battery cables at bottom of
compartment (Figure 1.).
FIG. 1.
3. Carefully install batteries into compartment and
arrange battery posts and connect battery cables
to batteries as shown. Red to positive (+) and
black to negative (–) (Figure 2.).
(–) (+)
(–)
(+)
FIG. 2.
ATTENTION: Do not drop batteries into
compartment! Battery and machine housing
damage may result. This damage is not covered
by warranty.
4. Double check all connections before closing
battery compartment.
5. To ensure a full charge for first time use, batteries
may need charging before operating. See
BATTERY CHARGING on page 9.
SQUEEGEE KIT INSTALLATION
NOTE: Kit installation is made easy if batteries are not
installed. However, kit can be installed with batteries in
place.
1. Remove vacuum bags and/or empty recovery
tank.
2. Tip machine on backside. Only if batteries are
removed from machine.
3. Remove two unused squeegee mounting screws
from bottom of machine.

OPERATION
6Typhoon16B (07–99)
4. Install squeegee mounting bracket as shown.
Secure with screw and washers that you removed
(Figure 3.).
FIG. 3.
5. Fasten squeegee bracket to mounting bracket.
Use two (2) clevis and cotter pins provided. Stand
machine upright (Figure 4. ).
FIG. 4.
6. Insert spacer through hole in pedal then position
pedal between two holes in squeegee bracket.
Secure with hardware provided (Figure 5. ).
FIG. 5.
7. Position pedal between two L–brackets at rear of
machine and secure with clevis and cotter pins
(Figure 6. ).
FIG. 6.
8. Attach squeegee assembly to bracket as shown
and secure with two thumb screws (Figure 7. ).
FIG. 7.
9. Connect 1090 mm (43 in) vacuum hose to
squeegee assembly and to cover snout
(Figure 8.).
FIG. 8.

OPERATION
Typhoon16B (07–99) 7
MACHINE SETUP
To ensure a full battery charge before operating,
batteries may need charging (See BATTERY
CHARGING).
WET VACUUMING
WARNING: Flammable materials or reactive
metals can cause explosion or fire. Do not pick
up.
1. Open machine cover and remove vacuum bag
from recovery tank (Figure 9. ).
FIG. 9.
2. Make sure automatic float shut-off screen is in
place (Figure 10. ).
FIG. 10.
ATTENTION: To prevent vacuum motor damage,
automatic float shut-off screen must be in place.
DRY VACUUMING
1. Open vacuum machine cover and install cloth filter
bag, make sure that the bag edge is properly
seated on compartment rim (Figure 11.).
For easy debris disposal and to increase the life of
cloth filter bag, use a paper vacuum bag with the
cloth bag. Place the paper bag inside of cloth bag
and tuck the top of paper bag around outside rim
of cloth bag. Never use paper bag without cloth
filter bag in place. Do not reuse paper bags –
always dispose.
FIG. 11.
ATTENTION: Always make sure that a bag is in
place before dry vacuuming. Operating machine
without bag in place will damage vacuum motor.
This damage is NOT covered by warranty.
2. Close cover and fasten latches.
3. Leave automatic float shut–off screen in place
when dry vacuuming. It can provide limited
vacuum motor protection for a faulty bag.
MACHINE OPERATION
FOR SAFETY: Do not operate machine unless
operator manual is read and understood.
WARNING: Flammable materials or reactive
metals can cause explosion or fire. Do not pick
up.
VACUUM MOTOR THERMAL PROTECTOR
Vacuum motor is thermally protected by a temperature
sensor device. It will trip if motor has an overload. If
motor should quit, wait 20 minutes for motor to cool
and remove obstruction before continuing.
ACCESSORY TOOL OPERATION
1. Connect 3m (10 ft) vacuum hose to machine cover
snout.

OPERATION
8Typhoon16B (07–99)
2. Select desired accessory tool and connect to
vacuum hose (Figure 12.).
FIG. 12.
3. Activate ON/OFF switch and operate accessory
tool as normal.
4. During DRY vacuuming, check bag periodically for
fullness. For best suction performance, empty bag
at 3/4 full.
During WET vacuuming, the float shut-off screen
will automatically stop water intake when recovery
tank becomes full (See DRAINING RECOVERY
TANK).
ATTENTION: If foam develops in recovery tank
during wet vacuuming, use a quality defoamer
chemical to eliminate the foam. Foam buildup will
NOT activate float, and will cause damage to the
vacuum motor. Damage due to foam is NOT
covered by warranty.
SQUEEGEE OPERATION (OPTION)
1. Lower squeegee to floor, lightly kick the pedal
forward to release from transport position
(Figure13.).
FIG. 13.
2. Activate the ON/OFF switch.
3. Begin operating by pushing and pulling machine in
either direction.
4. During operation, the float shut-off screen will
automatically stop water intake when recovery
tank becomes full (See DRAINING RECOVERY
TANK).
ATTENTION: If foam develops in recovery tank
during wet vacuuming, use a quality defoamer
chemical to eliminate the foam. Foam buildup will
NOT activate float, and will cause damage to the
vacuum motor. Damage due to foam is NOT
covered by warranty.
5. To raise squeegee, step downward on pedal until
pedal engages in the transport position
(Figure 14.).
FIG. 14.
NOTE: Squeegee Kit can be used to pick up fine
particles (dust, sand, sawdust, etc...). Squeegee not
recommended for ordinary dry pick up.
DRAINING RECOVERY TANK
1. Push machine to nearest floor drain, if not
available use a bucket to drain machine.
2. Remove drain hose from holder and twist off drain
hose knob and drain. Raise hose to stop flow of
water (Figure 15. ).
FIG. 15.
3. After draining recovery tank, open cover and
thoroughly rinse out tank with clean water.
4. Replace drain hose knob securely and return to
holder.
NOTE: Be certain drain hose knob is secure to
prevent suction loss.

OPERATION
Typhoon16B (11–99) 9
BATTERY CHARGING
The following charging instructions are intended for
manufacturer supplied 24V chargers. Use the
following recommended charger specifications to
prevent battery damage.
CHARGER SPECIFICATIONS:
OUTPUT VOLTAGE - 24 VOLTS
OUTPUT CURRENT - 15 AMPS
AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF CIRCUIT
FOR DEEP CYCLE BATTERY CHARGING
NOTE: For optimum machine operation, keep
batteries charged at all times. Do not let batteries set
in a discharge condition.
ATTENTION: Do not continue to run machine
when pick–up performance begins to decrease,
battery damage may result.
WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire can result. Keep sparks and
open flame away. Keep battery compartment open
when charging.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, wear
protective gloves and shield eyes when handling
batteries or battery cables. Avoid contact with
battery acid.
1. Turn On/Off switch to off.
2. Push machine to a well ventilated area for
charging.
ATTENTION: Make sure tanks are empty before
opening.
3. Open battery compartment, unlatch lower latches
at front of machine and carefully tilt upper housing
backwards to floor (Figure 16.).
FIG. 16.
4. Check electrolyte level ‘‘A” in each battery cell. Do
not charge batteries unless level is slightly
covering battery plates ‘‘B”. If needed, add just
enough distilled water to slightly cover plates. DO
NOT overfill. Batteries can overflow during
charging due to expansion. Replace cell caps
before charging (Figure 17.).
A
B
FIG. 17.
5. With the charger DC outlet plug disconnected from
batteries, plug charger power supply cord into a
grounded wall outlet (Figure 18.).
Grounded
Grounding
Edge/hole
Grounded
3 Hole Outlet
Ground Pin
(120V) (230V)
Outlet
FIG. 18.
6. Connect charger to charger receptacle located at
rear of machine. The charger automatically
begins charging and will shut off at a full charge
(Figure 19.).
FIG. 19.
7. Charger will automatically begin charging batteries
and shut off when fully charged.
8. After charger has turned off, disconnect charger
from batteries before unplugging charger from wall
outlet.
9. Recheck battery electrolyte level after charging. If
needed, add distilled water to bring level to bottom
of sight tubes. Be certain to replace cell caps
securely and to wipe off the top of batteries with a
clean cloth.

OPERATION
10 Typhoon16B (07–99)
WHEN TO RECHARGE BATTERIES
To prolong the life of your batteries:
Recharge batteries after every 4 hours of run time.
Do not charge batteries after every short time use.
Wait until a total of 4 hours of run time.
Do not continue to run machine when pick–up
performance begins to decrease.
Check electrolyte level before charging.
Never let batteries sit discharged for more than a
few days.
Always follow proper charging instructions.
MAINTENANCE
To keep machine in good working condition, simply
follow machines daily, weekly and monthly
maintenance procedures.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine,
disconnect batteries before working on machine.
DAILY MAINTENANCE
1. Drain and rinse out recovery tank after wet
vacuuming.
2. Clean squeegee blades with a cloth. Replace
blades when they become worn.
3. Check bag for fullness, empty bag at 3/4 full.
4. Clean machine housing with a non–abrasive,
non-solvent cleaner.
5. Recharge batteries if needed.
WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire can result. Keep sparks and
open flame away. Keep battery compartment open
when charging.
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
1. Remove and clean the float shut–off screen from
recovery tank (Figure 20.).
FIG. 20.
ATTENTION: Always have float shut–off screen in
place before operating. During wet operation, the
float shut–off screen protects the vacuum motor
from water. During dry vacuuming, the float
shut–off screen can provide limited protection for
a faulty filter bag.
2. Check electrolyte level in battery cells
(See BATTERY MAINTENANCE).
3. Clean battery tops of corrosion.
4. Check for loose or corroded battery cables.
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE
1. To maintain maximum performance, wash cloth
filter bag by hand with a mild detergent. Let bag
dry thoroughly before replacing.
2. Lubricate axle grease fittings with a water resistant
grease.
3. Lubricate front swivel casters with a silicone spray.
4. Check machine for loose nuts and bolts.
EVERY 250 HOURS OF OPERATION
Check motor for carbon brush wear, replace brushes if
worn to 10 mm (0.38 in) or less.