Northern Industrial Tools 998001 User manual

ELECTRIC CURBING MACHINE
OWNER’S MANUAL
WARNING:
Read carefully and understand all INSTRUCTIONS before
operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic
safety precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Item # 998001

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Thank you very much for choosing a NORTHERN TOOL + EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Product! For
future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Model: _______________ Purchase Date: _______________
Save the receipt, warranty and these instructions. It is important that you read the entire manual
to become familiar with this product before you begin using it.
This machine is designed for certain applications only. Northern Tool + Equipment cannot be
responsible for issues arising from modification. We strongly recommend this machine is not
modified and/or used for any application other than that for which it was designed. If you have
any questions relative to a particular application, DO NOT use the machine until you have first
contacted Northern Tool + Equipment to determine if it can or should be performed on the
product.
For technical questions please call 1-800-222-5381.
INTENDED USE
The Curb machine is an electrically-driven concrete extruder which operates on common household
current of 115 volts. This machine produces continuous concrete edging, borders, and mower strips
without the use of form work or guide rails. It can produce in excess of 500 feet per hour under ideal
conditions with constant feeding. The machine can create circles with a diameter of 36", and will lay
the concrete product as close as 1/4" from an existing structure. The machine can also extrude the
edging in a trench or above the ground as needed.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Item
Description
Electrical Requirements
120V-/60 Hz
Amperage
5.5 (Start-up)/3.2 (No load)
Motor
3/4 HP; 1730 RPM
Power Switch
2-Position (ON/OFF) Side
Power Cord
51/2-ft. Long/14 AWG x 3C(SJT)
Power Plug
3-Prong,Grounded
Wheel Type
Pneumatic/ 8-1/2" Diameter x 2" Wide / 30 PSI Inflation
Rating / 2-Ply
Concrete hopper opening
17-7/8" Long x 9-3/8” Wide
Overall Dimensions
42”L x 19"W x 34H
Accessories
4" x 6" Mower’s Edge Slip Form
4" x 6" Slant Style Slip Form
4" x 6" Curb Style Slip Form
4×6 Mowers Edge Trowel
4×8 Curb Style Trowel
4×7 Slant Style Trowel
Finishing Trowel 90 degrees
Unit Weight
168 lbs.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

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WARNING: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible conditions or situations that could occur. It must be
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into
this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
WARNING: People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before using this
product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to a heart pacemaker could cause
interference or failure of the pacemaker.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
·Keep work area clean, free of clutter and well lit. Cluttered and dark work areas can cause
accidents.
·Do not use your tool where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g. in the
presence of flammable liquids, gasses, or dust. Power tools create sparks, which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
·Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you
to lose control, so visitors should remain at a safe distance from the work area.
·Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes and other mechanical hazards in
your work area, particularly those hazards below the work surface hidden from the operator’s
view that may be unintentionally contacted and may cause personal harm or property damage.
·Be alert of your surroundings. Using power tools in confined work areas may put you
dangerously close to cutting tools and rotating parts.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
WARNING: Always check to ensure the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the
rating plate.
·Do not abuse the cord. Never carry a portable tool by its power cord, or yank tool or extension
cords from the receptacle. Keep power and extension cords away from heat, oil, sharp edges or
moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords may cause a fire and
increase the risk of electric shock.
·Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all codes and ordinances.Never remove the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to
whether the outlet is properly grounded.
·Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other).
This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still doesn’t fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do
not change the plug in any way.
·Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators.
There is an increase risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
·When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W.”
These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.

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·Extension Cord Use:
A. Use only ‘Listed’ extension cords. If used outdoors, they must be marked “For Outdoor
Use.” Those cords having 3-prong grounding type plugs and mating receptacles are to be
used with grounded tools.
B. Replace damaged or worn cords immediately.
C. Check the name plate rating of your tool. Use of improper size or gauge of extension cord
may cause unsafe or inefficient operation of your tool. Be sure your extension cord is rated
to allow sufficient current flow to the motor. For the proper wire gauge for your tool, see
chart.
CHART FOR MINIMUM WIRE SIZE OF EXTENSION CORD:
CORD LENGTH
Nameplate AMPS
25'
50'
100'
150'
0-6
18 AWG
16 AWG
16 AWG
14 AWG
6-10
18 AWG
16 AWG
14 AWG
12 AWG
10-12
16 AWG
16 AWG
14 AWG
12 AWG
12-16
14 AWG
12 AWG
(NOT RECOMMENDED)
If in doubt, use larger cord.
Be sure to check voltage requirements of the tool to your incoming power source.
·Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase
the risk of electric shock.
·Do not let your fingers touch the terminals of plug when installing to or removing from the
outlet.
·Ground fault circuit interrupters. If work area is not equipped with a permanently installed
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet (GFCI), use a plug-in GFCI between power tool or
extension cord and power receptacle.
PERSONAL SAFETY
·Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
·Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught
in moving parts. Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
·Use safety apparel and equipment. Use safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
which comply with current national standards, or when needed, a face shield. Use as dust mask
in dusty work conditions. This applies to all persons in the work area. Also use non-skid safety
shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection systems, and hearing protection when appropriate.
·Avoid accidental starting. Do not move the machine with your finger on the switch. Ensure the
switch is in the off position before plugging tool into power outlet. In the event of a power failure,
while a tool is being used, turn the switch off to prevent surprise starting when power is restored.
·Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
·Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before connecting to the power supply or turning on the
tool. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal
injury.
TOOL USE AND CARE
·Do not force the curb machine. Tools do a better and safer job when used in the manner for
which they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct tool for the job.

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·Never use a tool with a malfunctioning switch. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired by an authorized service representative before using.
·Disconnect the power from tool and place the switch in the locked or off position before
servicing, adjusting, installing accessories or attachments, or storing. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
·Store idle tools. When tools are not is use, store them in a dry, secure place out of the reach of
children. Inspect tools for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use.
·Maintain your tools. It is recommended that the general condition of any tool be examined
before it is used. Keep your tools in good repair by adopting a program of conscientious repair
and maintenance in accordance with the recommended procedures found in this manual. If any
abnormal vibrations or noise occurs, turn the tool off immediately and have the problem
corrected before further use. Have necessary repairs made by qualified service personnel.
·Cleaning and Lubrication. Use only soap and a damp cloth to clean your tools. Many
household cleaners are harmful to plastics and other insulation. Never let liquid get inside a tool.
·Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may create a risk of injury when used on another
tool.
·Keep guards in place and in working order.
·Never leave tool running unattended. Turn off and unplug the machine before leaving.
·Make sure the curb machine is used on a dry, flat, level, ground surface. Avoid steep inclines
where the curb machine could possibly tip over.
·Maintain labels and nameplates on the curb machine for they carry important information. If
unreadable or missing, contact Northern Tool & Equipment for a replacement.
·Never stand on the curb machine. Serious injury could result if the machine is tipped over.
·Check the hopper and chute of the curb machine for unwanted debris before each use.
·Never attempt to remove material stuck in the moving parts of the curb machine when it is
plugged into an electrical outlet.
·Allow the motor of the curb machine to reach full speed before feeding concrete into the
hopper. When turning off the curb machine, allow the motor to stop on its own.
·Inspect the concrete before feeding it into the hopper of the curb machine. To avoid damaging
the machine, make sure the concrete does not contain metal, large rocks, or any other foreign
material.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: Always make sure the Power Switch (14) for the Curb machine is in its “OFF”
position and the machine is unplugged from its electrical outlet prior to assembling the machine,
adding any accessories, or making adjustments to the machine.
1. The three Pneumatic Tires (9) must be properly filled with air prior to using the Curb
machine. Each tire requires 30 PSI of air pressure. Do not overfill.

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Figure 1. Different styles of included slip forms.
MOWER’S EDGE (1A) CURB STYLE (1C) SLANT STYLE (1B)
2. The curb machine comes with three different styles of slip forms: The Mower’s Edge (1A),
the Curb Style (1C), and the Slant Style (1B) (See Figure 1). To install a Slip Form, align the
mounting holes in the slip form with the mounting holes located in the front/bottom of the
Body (13). Then secure the slip form in place, using the Bolts (5), Spring Washers (4), Flat
Washers (3), and Lock Nuts (2).
GETTING FAMALIAR WITH THE CURB MACHINE
1. It is recommended that you test the curb machine in your driveway or garage before actual
use. Experiment by running concrete sand or mortar sand (slightly moist and without cement)
to get an idea of how to run the curb machine. This experiment is done without risk since it

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will not set up or need to be troweled.
2. Make sure the Power Switch (14) is in its “OFF” position (See Figure E).
3. Make sure the following parts are properly attached to the machine and adjusted:
a. The Rear Wheel Brackets (28) (See Figure E).
b. The desired Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C) (See Figure 1).
c. The Compaction Ram (64) (See exploded diagram).
4. Plug the Power Cord (19) into an appropriate electrical outlet.
5. Turn the Power Switch (14) to its “ON” position. Then, check to make sure the Compaction
Ram (64) is moving back and forth in the bottom of the Hopper without scraping or binding
on either edge. By pulling the Shield (12) out of the Hopper, you can observe the inner
workings of the machine and make any necessary adjustments.
WARNING: ALWAYS turn the Power Switch (14) to its “OFF” position and unplug the curb
machine from its electrical outlet prior to making any adjustments inside the Motor and Gear Box
compartment (See Figure E, and exploded diagram).
6. To produce curbing, the Front Pneumatic Tire (9) should be installed upside down or
removed, leaving the front of the Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C) on the ground (See Figure E).
7. Adjust the two Rear Wheel Brackets (28) so that the front of the Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C) is on
the ground and the back of the Slip Form is raised about 1/4 inch above the ground (See
Figure E).
8. As a test, use slightly wet sand and shovel one shovel-full at a time into the Hopper. When
the sand starts to come out of the Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C), place your foot in front of the
sand to force compaction. The curb machine will now start to propel itself as the sand
becomes compacted and starts to extrude a temporary curb.
9. When finished with the experiment, make sure to turn the Power Switch (14) to its “OFF”
position and unplug the machine from its electrical outlet (See Figure E.)
OPERATION
WARNING: Avoid accidental cuts. Keep hands and fingers away from the Hopper and
Chute areas of the curb machine.
1. Make sure the Power Switch (14) is in its “OFF” position (See Figure E).
2. Wheel the curb machine to the starting point, and install the Front Pneumatic Tire (9) upside
down or remove (See Figure E).
3. Place the front end of the Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C) on the prepared ground where you desire
the curb to begin (See Figure E).
4. Move the Rear Pneumatic Tires (9) so that the left Tire is in the trench (See Figure E).
5. Adjust the Wheel Brackets (28) so that the curb machine is level and the Slip Form (1A, 1B,
1C) is at the proper height. The front of the Slip Form should be on the ground and the rear
approximately 1/4 inch above the ground (See Figure E.)
6. Plug the Power Cord (19) into an appropriate electrical outlet.
7. Turn on the curb machine, and feed the concrete mix by shovel into the Hopper. Do not
allow the mix to stack up in the Hopper. The curb machine will propel itself against the
concrete and will stop when the Hopper is empty.
8. The operator should be aware of the following:
a. That he steers the curb machine where it should be going. He can see the inside of the
Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C) through the small window above the Motor and Gear Box.

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Make sure not to get the machine hung up on roots or the sod (See Figure E).
b. That he keeps the curb machine level by constant observation of the Leveler (4) (See
Figure E).
c. That he keeps the Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C) at the proper height (See Figure E).
Feeding the Hopper:
·It is not necessary or advisable to completely fill the Hopper with concrete. It is most efficient to
tap the bottom of the Hopper with a shovel at the end of the Compaction Ram (64) stroke to
keep the curb machine moving. If the machine extrudes at every stroke, it can produce over 500
feet per hour.
·It is not recommended to use a small mouth shovel to stamp down the concrete, as it could
become jammed by the Compaction Ram (64) resulting in damage to the Gear Box or Drive
Arm.
Hand Troweling:
·The concrete finishing work should be performed before the concrete begins to dry or set up.
·All of the curbing should be hand troweled as soon as possible after the curb is laid. You should
go over each section lightly at least once, but do not over trowel.
·Some areas, especially tight curves and circles, will leave cracks in the surface which can be
filled and finished with a finishing hand trowel. On tight circles, a slightly wetter mix will help
alleviate some of the cracking.
·When finishing the work, keep firm but light pressure on the rear of the finishing hand trowel so
that it does not gouge the concrete.
Installing Curbing in a Straight Line:
1. Mark the installation with a string line set 1/4 inch from the desired curb edge.
2. Run the curb machine with the left side (the “straight” side) along the string.
3. After the section has been extruded, remove the string and place it in line directly over the
curb. Portions which are still not straight can be pushed into place with the back of a
shovel.
Installing Curved Curbing:
·It is important for the control of the curb machine, as well as for the protection of the landscape,
that you do not make curves too tight. Gentle curves look best, and will allow you to be more
efficient with the curb machine.
·If you have a tight curve or circle, make sure to allow for the curb machine to operate properly
by digging the trench a little wider. The extra clearance will allow the Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C) to
make it around the curve (See Figure G).
Installing Circles:
1. The most critical part of a circle is a good radius or trench.
2. Pull a string line from the center point of the circle, and mark the outside of the circle with
spray paint or chalk.
3. Dig the trench, and place the curb machine in the circle.
4. As the concrete is extruded, help pull the curb machine around the circle so the back of the
Slip Form (1A, 1B, 1C) doesn’t catch on the sod. Most circles smaller than 6 feet in diameter
will “break up” as you drive the machine.
5. As you reach the end of the circle, move the Rear Pneumatic Tires (9) more towards the
middle of the circle and you will be able to extrude the concrete almost on top of the
beginning of the circle. You may wish to cut off and remove the first foot or two of curbing,
as it is likely the machine will move inward as you follow this process. As you trowel the
outside of the circle, use your hand on the inside to keep the concrete together. Then, finish

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with an inside trowel (not included).
Finishing Into a Solid Object:
When installing curbing into a wall or other existing structure, the last two or three feet will need to
be finished by hand. To do so, stop the curb machine and remove it from the curb line. Shovel
some concrete onto the ground, hand pack it, and then shape it with a finishing hand trowel.
Cutting Control Joints:
1. Control joints should be cut every 3 feet. If you are in an area where there is a lot of ground
movement or freezing in the winter, control joints should be cut every 3 feet for the Mower’s
Edge Style Slip Form (1A) and every 4 feet for the Curb Style Slip Form (1C). This is done
with a heavy bladed butcher knife (not included).
2. With a butcher’s knife, cut about halfway through the concrete before it sets, pulling the
knife carefully out the front or back (usually within 15 to 30 minutes) after the concrete is
poured.
3. It is also recommended that on sharp turns a control joint be cut on the sharpest portion of
the curve to relieve the pressure in case of ground movement. The purpose of this control
joint is to allow the concrete to move with the ground rather than forcing hairline cracks in
the concrete.
Sealing:
Once the job is finished, you may to apply a concrete sealer. Sealers aid the concrete in curing
and seal out water and other concrete damaging elements.
When the Job Is Finished:
1. Turn off the machine, unplug it, and remove its Slip Form.
2. Clean the Hopper, Chute, Slip Form, and exterior Body of the curb machine thoroughly with
water.
3. Clean excess cement off the front edge of the curb, off the grass and other vegetation.
4. Once the concrete is stable, the front and back edges of the curb can be filled in with soil.
Caring For the New Curbing:
1. Most cement products require approximately 28 days to totally cure. During the first 24
hours, take extra precaution to protect the cement from damage. During the first 24 hours,
the new curbing will be “soft,” and it can crumble slightly or become scratched if sharp
objects come in contact with it or excessive weight or pressure is put on it.
2. Some fertilizers and chemicals will stain the new curbing. Alert those using fertilizers and
chemicals to avoid spraying on the curbing. If fertilizers and chemicals come in contact with
the new curbing, immediately hose it down thoroughly.
3. During the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid direct sprinkler impact on the curbing. After 24 hours, a
fine mist will not cause any damage.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Make sure the Power Switch (14) of the Curb machine is in its “OFF” position
and the machine is unplugged from its electrical outlet before performing any inspection,
maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
1. Before each use, inspect the general condition of the Curb machine. Check for loose
screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, damaged
electrical wiring, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation. If abnormal noise
or vibration occurs, have the problem corrected before further use. Do not use damaged
equipment.

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2. After each use, clean the Hopper, Chute, Slip Form, and exterior Body of the Curb machine
thoroughly with water. Do not introduce water into the Motor compartment of the machine.
3. To replace the V-belt, loosen the four Bolts (48) at the base of the Motor (25). Move the
Motor towards the Gear Box (24). Slip the V-belt (20) off the two Pulleys (21, 23). Install a
new V-belt (size A500) onto the two Pulleys. Move the Motor back to its original position.
Then, firmly retighten the four bolts (See exploded diagram).
EXPLODED DIAGRAM

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PARTS LIST
Part
#
Description
Qty
Part
#
Description
Qty
1
Slip Form
1
34A
Handle
2
2
Self-Lock Nut M10
8
35
Bolt Pin 2
2
3
Flat washer 10
10
36
Bearing GE10E
2
4
Spring washer 10
4
37
Turning Ball Head
2
5
Bolt M10X25
4
38
Oil Cup M6
2
6
Locking Grip Q
5
39
Nut M10
2
7
Front Wheel Rod Assembly
1
40
Stand Assembly
1
8
Shaft Sleeve
3
41
Cross Head Twist Bolt M3X10
2
9
Wheel
3
42
Balancer
1
10
Open Pin 4X30
3
43
Steering Rod
1
11
Protection Rim
2
44
Square Block S
1
12
Shield
1
45
Handrail Sleeve
1
13
Body Assembly
1
46
Steering Handle
1
14
Switch
1
47
Wheel Bracket II
1
15
Upper Cover Plate
1
48
Bolt M8X25
4
16
Grommet
1
49
Flat Washer 8
15
17
Cross Head Twist Bolt M5X10
10
49A
Cover
2
18
Flat Washer 5
8
50
Spring Washer 8
4
19
Cable A
1
51
Self-Lock Nut M8
6
20
V-belt A500
1
52
Bolt M10X35
4
21
Pulley
1
53
Crank Arm
1
22
Concave Head Screw M8X10
3
54
Link Arm
1
23
Pulley
1
55
Bearing 61900
2
24
Gear Box
1
56
Bolt Pin 1
1
25
Motor
1
57
Bolt Pin 3
1
26
Nut M5
2
58
Bearing 6001
4
27
Cross Head Twist Bolt M5X16
2
59
Push/Pull Assembly
1
28
Wheel Bracket I
1
60
Inner Hex Screw M8X55
1
30
Washer
2
61
Lower Cover Plate
1
31A
Bolt M6X30
2
62
Cross Head Twist Bolt M8X20
2
32A
Handle Pin
2
63
Track
1
33A
Plastic Grip
2
64
Compaction Ram
1

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WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment,
such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
Northern Tool + Equipment Co.,
2800 Southcross Drive West
P.O. Box 1499 Burnsville, MN 55337-0499
Made in China.