Powerhorse 49438 User manual

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
20 Inch Surface Cleaner
Owner’s Manual
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions, warnings, and cautions before using this
product. Failure to follow the instructions, warnings, and cautions may result in serious personal
injury and/or property damage.
Item # 49438

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Thank you very much for choosing a Powerhorse product!
For future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Serial Number/Lot Date Code: ________________________________
Purchase Date: ____________________________________________
Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual.
This surface cleaner is designed for certain applications only. Northern
Tool and Equipment cannot be responsible for issues arising from
modification or use of this product in an application for which it was not
designed. We strongly recommend that this product not be modified
and/or used for any application other than that for which it was designed.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381.

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Table of Contents
Intended Use..........................................................................................................................................4
Technical Specifications......................................................................................................................4
Important Safety Information...............................................................................................................4
Specific Operation Warnings...............................................................................................................6
Assembly ...............................................................................................................................................7
Before Each Use....................................................................................................................................8
Operating Instructions..........................................................................................................................9
After Each Use.......................................................................................................................................9
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................10
Replace the Hose...........................................................................................................................10
Replace a Nozzle............................................................................................................................10
Replace the Swivel Complete Fixture.............................................................................................11
Replace the Swivel Filter................................................................................................................12
Replace the Swivel O Rings...........................................................................................................12
Parts Diagram......................................................................................................................................13
Parts List..............................................................................................................................................14
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................15
Replacement Parts..............................................................................................................................15
Limited Warranty.................................................................................................................................16

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Intended Use
This surface cleaner is designed for high-pressure cleaning of variety of outdoor surfaces such as
concrete, asphalt, paving stone walkways pool decks etc. The cleaner connects to a pressure washer
and is rated up to 3600 PSI, 6 GPM with fluid temperatures up to 200º F.
Technical Specifications
Property
Description
Cleaning Width (in)
20
Max. PSI
3600
GPM
6
Material
Stainless-steel
Caster Type
Swivel
Temperature Capacity (°F)
200
Weight
36 lbs.
Important Safety Information
•Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury
or property damage.
•The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or
situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this tool. Always be
aware of the environment and ensure that the tool is used in a safe and responsible manner.
•Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the product until they have read this manual and
have developed a thorough understanding of how it works.
•Do not modify this product in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function and/or
safety and could affect the life of the product. There are specific applications for which the product
was designed.
•Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger
industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this equipment was designed. It will
do the job better and more safely at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use this
equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended.
•Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements.

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WORK AREA SAFETY
•Inspect the work area before each use. Keep work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit.
Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury. Using the product in confined work areas
may put you dangerously close to other cutting tools and rotating parts.
•Do not use the product where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g., in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. The product can create sparks, which may ignite
the flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
•Do not allow the product to come into contact with an electrical source. The tool is not insulated
and contact will cause electrical shock.
•Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the tool. Do not allow
children to handle the product.
•Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your
work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury
and/or property damage if contacted.
PERSONAL SAFETY
•Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the tool. Do not
use the tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating the tool 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 on the tool often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
•Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant
safety goggles (not safety glasses) with side shields, or when needed, a face shield. Use a dust
mask in dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection
systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all persons in the work area.
•Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
•Do not use the tool when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
•Remove keys or wrenches before connecting the tool to an air supply, power supply, or turning on
the tool. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may cause personal
injury.
•Secure the work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand when practical. This safety precaution
allows for proper tool operation using both hands.

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CLEANER USE AND CARE
•Do not force the cleaner. 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.
•Check for damaged parts before each use and before connecting the cleaner to a pressure
washer. Carefully check that the cleaner will operate properly and perform its intended function.
Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never operate the cleaner with a damaged part.
•Store the cleaner when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children.
Inspect the cleaner for good working condition prior to storage and again before re-use.
•Use only replacement parts that are recommended by the distributor. Parts that may be suitable
for one cleaner may create a risk of injury when used with another cleaner. Never use a part that
has a lower operating pressure than the cleaner itself.
•Do not leave the cleaner unattended when it is pressurized.
•Do not turn the cleaner over when it is pressurized by connection to an operating pressure
washer to avoid high-pressure spraying water that could cause personal injury.
Specific Operation Warnings
•DO NOT exceed the rated PSI capacity.
•Keep body parts clear of nozzle heads and away from skirt while operating machine.
•DO NOT lift machine from surface or point nozzle heads at people while operating.
•Wear the proper safety gear including ANSI Z87.1 approved safety glasses.
•Use only on hard level surfaces.
•No altercations shall be made to this product.
•Only attachments and/or adapters supplied by the manufacturer shall be used.
•Not for use by or around children.

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Assembly
1. Check the contents of the shipping carton against the parts list to ensure all parts are present.
2. Attach the three casters to the housing as shown below. After tightening the bolts check that the
casters swivel and the wheels turn smoothly.
3. Attach the swivel complete fixture (6) to the center hole of the housing (this may already be done
at the factory). Push the fixture up from underneath the housing and attach the large screw.
4. Insert the handle (1) to the frame (shown below left) and secure it with bolts (14) and spring clips
(15), then attach the side handle (handlebar; 10) with screws (12) and butterfly nuts (11) (shown
below right).

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5. Connect the bottom of the hose to the swivel piping (shown below) and the top to the handle (1),
shown above).
Before Each Use
Perform the following inspections before each to ensure the cleaner is working properly.
•Check for any worn or damaged parts. Replace any such part before using the cleaner.
•Check that all the parts are tightly fastened. Tighten any that are loose.
•Check that the casters swivel and roll smoothly. Repair or replace any that don’t function
properly.
•Check that the swivel and sprayer arm rotate smoothly.
•Use a low-pressure water connection to check that the sprayer nozzles are clear and spray
correctly. If either nozzle doesn’t, replace or clean the non-working nozzle (see maintenance
section for the steps).

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Operating Instructions
1. After before-use inspections, place the cleaner at the edge of the surface to clean.
2. Bring a pressure washer to the area.
Do not use the surface cleaner with a pressure washer that has a fluid delivery greater than 3600 PSI,
6 GPM, and 200º F. Fluid delivery above these parameters may overload the cleaner and cause
damage to components and possibly personal injury.
3. Connect the surface cleaner hose at the handle to the pressure washer hose.
4. With one hand on the surface cleaner handle, start the pressure washer.
Do not tilt the surface cleaner up off any of the casters while in use. The operating pressure is very
high and wildly spraying fluid can easily cause personal injury and property damage.
5. Slowly walk behind the surface cleaner watching for good cleaning action.
6. When cleaning is complete, stop the pressure washer. When fluid pressure is released through
the sprayer nozzles, disconnect it from the surface cleaner.
After Each Use
Perform the following inspections after each use to clean the cleaner and ready it for the next use.
•Clean out any dirt or foreign material from under the housing and the casters. If necessary, use a
cloth or sponge to wash the surface cleaner and rinse it with tap water.
•Check for loose parts and any damage.

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Maintenance
Disconnect the surface cleaner from a pressure washer and ensure that the cleaner is not pressurized
before performing any inspections, maintenance or adjustments to avoid any wildly spraying fluid that
may cause personal injury and property damage.
Maintain your tool in good repair by adopting a program of conscientious repair and maintenance in
accordance with the recommended procedures found in this manual.
For general inspections, see the Before Each Use section.
Replace the Hose
Disconnect the bottom of the hose from the swivel piping and the top from the handle, as shown
below, then reconnect a new hose to these connections.
Hose-Swivel Connection
Replace a Nozzle
To replace a clogged, worn, or damaged nozzle, simply unscrew it from the sprayer and screw on a
new or cleaned replacement nozzle.
Plugged nozzles can be easily cleaned with a needle or small paper clip.

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Replace the Swivel Complete Fixture
1. Remove the hose bottom connection (shown below, left)) then remove the swivel piping from the
top of the housing (below right).
2. Support the swivel fixture from below the housing with a rolled up cloth to avoid the fixture
dropping onto the floor, possibly damaging it.
3. Lift the housing off the swivel fixture.
Install a new swivel fixture by reversing the above procedure. Check the nozzles on the old swivel as
they may be reusable.

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Replace the Swivel Filter
1. Remove the swivel piping from the cleaner:
a. Disconnect the hose connection from the top of the swivel.
b. Remove the swivel piping from the fixture in the housing.
2. Remove the bottom piece of the swivel piping.
3. Gently push a small screwdriver up into the bottom the swivel to dislodge the internal components
(shown below).
.
4. Clean the filter screen and check the O ring for wear or damage. Replace either defective
component.
5. Replace the O ring, filter screen and sieve holder in the top of the swivel as shown above.
6. Re-install the swivel piping and reconnect the hose.
Replace the Swivel O Rings
1. Disconnect the hose connection from the top of the swivel piping.
2. Remove the swivel piping from the swivel fixture in the housing.
3. Remove the bottom piece of the swivel as shown below.
4. Replace the O rings with replacements from the Easy Repair Kit.
5. Reinstall the bottom piece in the swivel piping.
6. Reinstall the swivel piping in the housing fixture.
7. Reconnect the hose to the swivel piping.

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Parts Diagram

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Parts List
Item #
Part #
Description
Quantity
1
49438.1
Handle
1
2
49438.2
Hose
1
3
49438.3
Housing
1
4
49438.4
Caster complete component
3
5
49438.5
Easy repair kit
1
6
49438.6
Swivel complete
1
7
49438.7
Soft handle
1
8
49438.8
2 x nozzles
2
9
49438.9
High pressure filter
1
10
49438.10
Side handle
1
11
49438.11
Butterfly nut
2
12
49438.12
Screw
2
13
49438.13
M 22 x 1,5 nipple
1
14
49438.14
Bolt
2
15
49438.15
Spring clip
2
16
49438.16
Frame complete
1
17
49438.17
Bearing
6
18
49438.18
Cap nut
3
19
49438.19
Washer
3
20
49438.20
Sealing lip
1

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Troubleshooting
Please check the list below before addressing the problems to servicing personnel including the local dealer. If
the problem continues after the following troubleshooting, please call your local dealer for future assistance.
Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
Nozzle blocked (not spraying)
Dirty nozzle
Twist the nozzle off and
clean by needle or paperclip
Both nozzles not spraying
Dirty filter
Clean or replace filter
(see Maintenance section)
Spray outward from sealing lip
Damaged sealing lip
Replace the sealing lip 49438.20
Caster won’t roll or swivel
Dirt in caster
Clean the caster
Replacement Parts
•For replacement parts and technical questions, please call Customer Service at 1-800-222-5381.
•Not all product components are available for replacement. The illustrations provided are a
convenient reference to the location and position of parts in the assembly sequence.
•When ordering parts, the following will be required: model number, serial number/lot date code,
and description.
•The distributor reserves the rights to make design changes and or improvements to product lines
and manuals without notice.

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Limited Warranty
Northern Tool and Equipment Company, Inc. ("We'' or '"Us'') warrants to the original purchaser only
("You'' or “Your”) that the Powerhorse product purchased will be free from material defects in both
materials and workmanship, normal wear and tear excepted, for a period of 2 years from date of
purchase. The foregoing warranty is valid only if the installation and use of the product is strictly in
accordance with product instructions. There are no other warranties, express or implied, including the
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. If the product does not comply with this
limited warranty, Your sole and exclusive remedy is that We will, at our sole option and within a
commercially reasonable time, replace product components without charge to you. No returns will be
accepted. This limited warranty is not transferable.
In addition to the normal warranty, Powerhorse shall warrant any normal wear item from defects in
material or workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase by user. Normal wear
items include, but are not limited to, nozzles, quick connect fittings, seals, hoses, springs, brushes,
and O-rings.
Limitations on the Warranty
This limited warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect,
misuse, or as a result of any accident or in any other manner; (c) damage from misapplication,
overloading, or improper installation; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alteration
in any manner by anyone other than Us, with the sole exception of alterations made pursuant to
product instructions and in a workmanlike manner. Not included are consumable components such as
nozzles.
Obligations of Purchaser
You must retain Your product purchase receipt to verify date of purchase and that You are the original
purchaser. To make a warranty claim, contact Us at 1-800-222-5381, identify the product by make
and model number, and follow the claim instructions that will be provided. The product and the
purchase receipt must be provided to Us in order to process Your warranty claim. Any returned
product that is replaced or refunded by Us becomes our property. You will be responsible for return
shipping costs or costs related to Your return visit to a retail store.
Remedy Limits
Product replacement or a refund of the purchase price is Your sole remedy under this limited warranty
or any other warranty related to the product. We shall not be liable for: service or labor charges or
damage to Your property incurred in removing or replacing the product; any damages, including,
without limitation, damages to tangible personal property or personal injury, related to Your improper
use, installation, or maintenance of the product or product component; or any indirect, incidental or
consequential damages of any kind for any reason.
Assumption of Risk
You acknowledge and agree that any use of the product for any purpose other than the specified
use(s) stated in the product instructions is at Your own risk.
Governing Law
This limited warranty gives You specific legal rights, and You also may have other rights which vary
from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations or exclusions on implied warranties or
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to You. This limited
warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to rules pertaining to
conflicts of law. The state courts located in Dakota County, Minnesota shall have exclusive jurisdiction
for any disputes relating to this warranty.

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Distributed by:
Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Inc.
Burnsville, Minnesota 55306
www.northerntool.com
Made in Germany