Tennant 6100 User manual

6100
www.tennantco.com
Rider Sweeper
Operator Manual
330250
Rev. 10 (08-2008)
North America / International
(Electric)
*330250*

This manual is furnished with each new model. It provides necessary operation and maintenance instructions.
Read this manual completely and understand the machine before operating or servicing it.
This machine will provide excellent service. However, the best results will be obtained at minimum costs if:
SThe machine is operated with reasonable care.
SThe machine is maintained regularly - per the machine maintenance instructions provided.
SThe machine is maintained with manufacturer supplied or equivalent parts.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Please dispose of packaging materials,
old machine components such as
batteries, hazardous fluids including
antifreeze and oil, in an environmentally
safe way according to local waste
disposal regulations.
Always remember to recycle.
MACHINE DATA
Please fill out at time of installation for future reference.
Model No. --
Serial No. --
Machine Options --
Sales Rep. --
Sales Rep. phone no. --
Customer Number --
Installation Date --
Tennant Company
PO Box 1452
Minneapolis, MN 55440
Phone: [phone] or (763) 513--2850
www.tennantco.com
InstantAccess, Quick Mop, and VCS are US registered and unregistered trademarks of Tennant Company.
Specifications and parts are subject to change without notice.
Original instructions, Copyright E1998--2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 TENNANT Company, Printed in U.S.A.

CONTENTS
1
6100E 330250 (9--04)
CONTENTS
Page
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 3.................
OPERATION 5............................
OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY 5.........
MACHINE COMPONENTS 6.............
SYMBOL DEFINITIONS 7................
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS 8......
OPERATION OF CONTROLS 9..........
DIRECTIONAL PEDAL 9..............
BRAKE PEDAL 10....................
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL 10...........
LARGE DEBRIS TRAP PEDAL 10.......
MAIN BRUSH LEVER 11...............
MAIN BRUSH, VACUUM FAN AND
FILTER SHAKER SWITCH 11.......
POWER KILL SWITCH 11..............
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR 12.
STEERING WHEEL 12................
HOURMETER 12.....................
ON-OFF KEY SWITCH 13..............
HORN BUTTON 13....................
SIDE BRUSH LEVER 13...............
OPERATING LIGHTS SWITCH
(OPTION) 14......................
OPERATING/HAZARD LIGHTS SWITCH
(OPTION) 14......................
FUSES 15..........................
CIRCUIT BREAKERS 15...............
OPERATOR SEAT 16..................
ADJUSTABLE OPERATOR SEAT
(OPTION) 16......................
OPERATOR SAFETY SWITCH 16......
HOPPER 17..........................
HOW THE MACHINE WORKS 18..........
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST 18.........
STARTING THE MACHINE 19.............
OPERATION ON INCLINES 20............
SWEEPING AND BRUSH
INFORMATION 21....................
SWEEPING 23..........................
STOP SWEEPING 25....................
STOPPING THE MACHINE 26............
EMPTYING THE HOPPER 27.............
POST-OPERATION CHECKLIST 28........
OPTIONS 29...........................
VACUUM WAND 29...................
QUICK MOP 31.......................
ROLLOUT BATTERY 33...............
MACHINE TROUBLESHOOTING 37.......
MAINTENANCE 38.........................
MAINTENANCE CHART 38...............
LUBRICATION 40........................
PROPELLING SYSTEM (For machines
below serial number 002363) 40
.......
STEERING GEAR CHAIN (For machines
below serial number 002363) 40.......
STEERING GEAR CHAIN (For machines
serial number 002363 and above) 40...
Page
STEERING CASTOR PIVOT BEARING
(For machines below serial
number 002363) 41...............
STEERING CASTER PIVOT BEARING
(For machines serial number 002363
and above) 41....................
BATTERIES 42..........................
CHARGING THE BATTERIES 43........
ELECTRIC MOTORS 46...................
BELTS AND CHAINS 46...................
VACUUM FAN BELT 46.................
MAIN BRUSH BELT 46.................
PROPELLING CHAIN (For machines below
serial number 002363) 46.............
STEERING GEAR CHAIN (For machines
below serial number 002363) 47.......
STEERING GEAR CHAIN (For machines
serial number 002363 and above) 47...
STATIC DRAG CHAIN 47...............
DEBRIS HOPPER 48......................
INSTANT ACCESS HOPPER FILTER 48..
REMOVING INSTANT ACCESS
FILTER 49..........................
BRUSHES 54............................
MAIN BRUSH 54.......................
REPLACING MAIN BRUSH 54........
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING MAIN
BRUSH PATTERN 55.............
SIDE BRUSH 57.......................
REPLACING SIDE BRUSH 58........
SIDE BRUSH GUARD 58............
SKIRTS AND SEALS 59...................
REAR SKIRT 59.......................
SIDE SKIRTS 59.......................
LARGE DEBRIS TRAP SKIRT 60........
HOPPER SEALS 60....................
BRAKES AND TIRES 61...................
BRAKES (For machines below serial
number 002363) 61..................
BRAKES (For machines serial number
002363 and above) 62...............
TIRES 63............................
PUSHING, TOWING, AND TRANSPORTING
THE MACHINE 64......................
PUSHING OR TOWING THE MACHINE 64
TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE 64.....
MACHINE JACKING 67....................
STORING MACHINE 67...................

CONTENTS
6100E 330250 (9--02)
2
Page
SPECIFICATIONS 68........................
GENERAL MACHINE
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES 68..........
GENERAL MACHINE PERFORMANCE 68...
POWER TYPE 69.........................
STEERING 69............................
BRAKING SYSTEM 69....................
TIRES 69................................
MACHINE DIMENSIONS 70................
INDEX 71..................................

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
3
6100E 330250 (8--08)
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following symbols are used throughout this
manual as indicated in their description:
WARNING: To warn of hazards or
unsafe practices that could result in
severe personal injury or death.
FOR SAFETY: To identify actions that
must be followed for safe operation of
equipment.
The machine is suited to sweep disposable
debris. Do not use the machine other than
described in this Operator Manual. The machine
is not designed for use on public roads.
The following information signals potentially
dangerous conditions to the operator or
equipment:
WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire can result. Keep
sparks and open flame away. Keep
covers open when charging.
WARNING: Brush throws debris. Stop
motor before lifting hopper.
FOR SAFETY:
1. Do not operate machine:
-- Unless trained and authorized.
-- Unless operation manual is read and
understood.
-- In flammable or explosive areas unless
designed for use in those areas.
-- In areas with possible falling objects
unless equipped with overhead guard.
2. Before starting machine:
-- Make sure all safety devices are in
place and operate properly.
-- Check brakes and steering for proper
operation.
3. When starting machine:
-- Keep foot on brake and directional
pedal in neutral.
4. When using machine:
-- Do not pick up burning or smoking
debris, such as cigarettes, matches or
hot ashes.
-- Use brakes to stop machine.
-- Go slowly on inclines and slippery
surfaces.
-- Use care when reversing machine.
-- Do not carry riders on machine.
-- Always follow safety and traffic rules.
-- Report machine damage or faulty
operation immediately.
5. Before leaving or servicing machine:
-- Stop on level surface.
-- Set parking brake.
-- Turn off machine and remove key.
6. When servicing machine:
-- Avoid moving parts. Do not wear loose
jackets, shirts, or sleeves when
working on machine.
-- Block machine tires before jacking up
machine.
-- Jack up machine at designated
locations only. Block machine up with
jack stands.
-- Use hoist or jack that will support the
weight of the machine.
-- Wear eye and ear protection if using
pressurized air or water.
-- Disconnect battery connections before
working on machine.
-- Avoid contact with battery acid.
-- Use cardboard to locate leaking
hydraulic fluid under pressure.
-- Use Tennant supplied or equivalent
replacement parts.
7. When loading/unloading machine
onto/off truck or trailer:
-- Turn off machine.
-- Use truck or trailer that will support
the weight of the machine.
-- Use winch. Do not drive the machine
onto/off the truck or trailer unless the
load height is 380 mm (15 in) or less
from the ground.
-- Set parking brake after machine is
loaded.
-- Block machine tires.
-- Tie machine down to truck or trailer.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
6100E 330250 (8--98)
4
The following safety labels are mounted on the
machine in the locations indicated. If these or any
labels become damaged or illegible, install a new
label in its place.
BATTERY CHARGING LABEL --
LOCATED IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT.
FOR SAFETY LABEL -- LOCATED ON THE
SIDE OF THE OPERATOR COMPARTMENT.
FLYING DEBRIS LABEL -- LOCATED
ABOVE HOPPER.
352182

OPERATION
5
6100E 330250 (8--98)
OPERATION
OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY
-The operator’s responsibility is to take care
of the daily maintenance and checkups of
the machine to keep it in good working
condition. The operator must inform the
service mechanic or supervisor when the
maintenance intervals are required as stated
in the MAINTENANCE section of this
manual.
-Read this manual carefully before operating
the machine. View the operation video
supplied with the machine.
FOR SAFETY: Do not operate machine,
unless operation manual is read and
understood.
-Check the machine for shipping damage.
Check to make sure the machine is
complete per shipping instructions.
-Keep your machine regularly maintained by
following the maintenance information in this
manual. We recommend taking advantage
of a regularly scheduled service contract
from your Tennant representative.
-Order parts and supplies directly from your
authorized Tennant representative. Use the
parts manual provided when ordering parts.
-After operation, follow the recommended
daily and hourly procedures stated in the
MAINTENANCE CHART.
07324

OPERATION
6100E 330250 (9--04)
6
MACHINE COMPONENTS
B
C
D
A
EF
H
G
A. Instrument panel
B. Steering wheel
C. Operator pedals
D. Operator seat
E. Batteries
F. Hopper
G. Instant Access filter
H. Brush door

OPERATION
7
6100E 330250 (8--98)
SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
These symbols identify controls, displays, and
features on the machine:
On Operating lights
Off Hazard light
Main brush down Start
Main brush up Vacuum Fan
Circuit breaker #1 Main brush on
Circuit breaker #2 Filter shaker
Circuit breaker #3 Side brush down and on
Circuit breaker #4 Side brush up and off
Circuit breaker #5 Horn
Circuit breaker #6 Battery charging system

OPERATION
6100E 330250 (8--98)
8
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS
AB
L
CD
K
N
O
P
M
J
I
H
E
G
F
A. Main brush, vacuum fan and filter shaker switch
B. Operating/Hazard light switch (option)
C. Hourmeter
D. Power kill switch
E. On/Off key switch
F. Main brush lever
G. Battery discharge indicator
H. Horn button
I. Directional pedal
J. Circuit breaker panel
K. Brake pedal
L. Parking brake pedal
M. Operator’s seat
N. Large debris trap pedal
O. Steering wheel
P. Side brush lever

OPERATION
9
6100E 330250 (8--98)
OPERATION OF CONTROLS
DIRECTIONAL PEDAL
The directional pedal controls the direction of
travel and the propelling speed of the machine.
Change the speed of the machine with the
pressure of your foot on the pedal; the harder you
press the faster the machine travels.
Use the brake pedal to stop the machine.
Forward: Press the top of the directional pedal
with the toe of your foot.
NOTE: The machine will not travel unless the
operator is sitting in the operator’s seat.
Reverse: Press the bottom of the directional pedal
with the heel of your foot.
Neutral: Take your foot off the directional pedal
and it will return to the Neutral position.
NOTE: The machine may coast when the foot is
taken off the directional pedal. Be prepared to
step on the brake pedal when removing foot from
directional pedal.

OPERATION
6100E 330250 (8--98)
10
BRAKE PEDAL
The brake pedal stops the machine.
Stop: Remove your foot from the directional pedal
and let it return to the Neutral position. Step on
the brake pedal to prevent the machine from
rolling.
NOTE: Machine may roll a slight distance when
turned off. Keep foot on brake until machine stops
moving.
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL
The parking brake pedal sets and releases the
front wheel brake.
Set: Hold the brake pedal with the right foot.
Press on the parking brake pedal with the left foot
to lock the parking brake pedal in place.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or
servicing machine, stop on level
surface, set parking brake, turn off
machine, and remove key.
Release: Press down on the brake pedal until the
parking brake releases.
LARGE DEBRIS TRAP PEDAL
The large debris trap pedal opens the trap flap in
front of the main sweeping brush.
Open: Press on the trap pedal when sweeping up
larger debris. The flap in front of the main
sweeping brush will open.
Close: Release the pedal and the flap will close,
trapping larger debris into the hopper.

OPERATION
11
6100E 330250 (9--04)
MAIN BRUSH LEVER
The main brush lever controls the position of the
main brush.
Main brush down: Pull the lever to the right and
back into the Main brush down position.
Main brush up: Push the lever up and to the left
into the Main brush up position.
MAIN BRUSH, VACUUM FAN AND
FILTER SHAKER SWITCH
The main brush, vacuum fan and filter shaker
switch controls the vacuum fan, rotation of the
main brush and the VCS Vibrating Comb Shaker
system filter shaker.
Vacuum and main brush on: Press the top of the
switch to the Main brush and vacuum fan on
position.
Vacuum and main brush off: Press the switch to
the middle off position.
Activate VCS system filter shaker: Press the
bottom of the switch and hold it for eight to ten
seconds.
WARNING: Brush throws debris. Stop
motor before lifting hopper.
POWER KILL SWITCH
The power kill switch halts all power to the
machine.
Halt: Push the power kill switch in.
Restart: Turn off the machine power. Turn the
power kill switch to the right to release the switch.
Turn on the machine power.

OPERATION
6100E 330250 (8--98)
12
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR
The battery discharge indicator shows the charge
level of the batteries. It displays the charge level
when the machine is operating.
When the batteries are fully charged, the indicator
on the far right is lit. As the batteries discharge,
the indicator will move along the display to the
left. Recharge the batteries when the indicator
flashes.
NOTE: The reading on the battery discharge
indicator is not accurate when the machine is first
powered on. Operate the machine a few minutes
before reading the charge level of the batteries.
NOTE: The battery discharge indicator will not
reset from the flashing indicator unless the
batteries have been fully charged.
STEERING WHEEL
The steering wheel controls the machine’s
direction. The machine is very responsive to the
steering wheel movements.
Left: Turn the steering wheel to the left.
Right: Turn the steering wheel to the right.
HOURMETER
The hourmeter records the number of hours the
machine has been operated. The hourmeter
displays the number of hours in tenths of an hour.
Use this information to determine machine
maintenance intervals.

OPERATION
13
6100E 330250 (8--98)
ON-OFF KEY SWITCH
The on-off key switch controls machine power
with a key.
On: Turn the key clockwise all the way.
Off: Turn the key counterclockwise.
NOTE: The machine will not travel unless the
operator is sitting in the operator’s seat.
HORN BUTTON
The horn button operates the horn.
Sound: Press the button.
SIDE BRUSH LEVER
The side brush lever controls the position and the
power of the side brush.
Side brush down and on: Pull the lever left and
forward into the Side brush down and on
position. The brush will automatically start
rotating.
Side brush up and off: Pull the lever back and to
the right into the Side brush up and off position.

OPERATION
6100E 330250 (8--98)
14
OPERATING LIGHTS SWITCH (OPTION)
The operating lights switch powers on and off the
headlights and taillights option.
On: Press the top of the operating lights switch.
Off: Press the switch to the middle position.
OPERATING/HAZARD LIGHTS SWITCH
(OPTION)
The operating/hazard lights switch powers on and
off the headlights and taillights option and the
hazard light option.
Operating lights on: Press the top of the
operating/hazard lights switch.
Operating/Hazard lights on: Press the bottom of
the operating/hazard lights switch.
Off: Press the operating/hazard lights switch in
the middle position.

OPERATION
15
6100E 330250 (8--08)
FUSES
Fuses are one-time protection devices designed
to stop the flow of current in the event of a circuit
overload. Never substitute higher value fuses than
specified.
The fuse is located in the control box.
Fuse Rating Circuit Protected
FU-1 40 A Main
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The circuit breakers are resettable electrical
circuit protection devices. Their design stops the
flow of current in the event of a circuit overload.
Once a circuit breaker is tripped, it must be reset
manually. Press the reset button after the breaker
has cooled down. The circuit breakers will not
reset until they have had a chance to cool down.
If the overload that caused the circuit breaker to
trip is still there, the circuit breaker will continue to
stop current flow until the problem is corrected.
Circuit breakers 1 through 6 are located above
the foot pedals. Numbers 7 through 10 are
located back under the left side panel.
The chart lists the circuit breakers and the
electrical components they protect.
Circuit Breaker Rating Circuit Protected
CB-1 5A Main Power
CB-2 5A Main Power
CB-3 10 A Sweeping
CB-4 10 A Horn / Vac Wand
CB-5 15 A Back Alrm / Lights
CB-6 15 A Option
CB-7 10 A Side Brush
CB-8 25 A Main Brush
CB-9 25 A Vac Fan Motor
CB-10 25 A Vac Wand (Option)
CB-10 40 A Dual Motor, Vac
Wand (Option)
1
3
5
2
4
6
10 987

OPERATION
6100E 330250 (8--98)
16
OPERATOR SEAT
The operator seat is a stationary fixed back style.
ADJUSTABLE OPERATOR SEAT (OPTION)
This operator seat is a fixed back style with a
forward-backward adjustment.
Adjust: Pull the lever in, slide the seat backward
or forward to the desired position, and release the
lever to lock the seat in place.
OPERATOR SAFETY SWITCH
The operator seat has a safety switch that stops
the machine from propelling unless the operator is
sitting in the operator’s seat.

OPERATION
17
6100E 330250 (8--98)
HOPPER
The hopper is located in the rear of the machine
under the battery compartment. The hopper rolls
in and out of position and rests in grooves that
hold the hopper in place.
The hopper is held in operating position with a
retaining clip.
NOTE: Check that the hopper retaining clip is
securely in place each time before operating
machine.

OPERATION
6100E 330250 (9--04)
18
HOW THE MACHINE WORKS
The steering wheel controls the direction of
machine travel. The directional pedal controls the
speed and forward/reverse direction. The brake
pedal slows and stops the machine.
The side brush sweeps debris into the path of the
main sweeping brush. The main brush sweeps
debris from the floor into the hopper. The large
debris trap pedal opens and closes the large
debris trap, kicking large debris into the hopper.
The vacuum system pulls dust and air into the
hopper through the Instant Access filter.
When sweeping is finished, clean the Instant
Access filter and empty the hopper.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
-Check the hydraulic fluid level. (if applicable)
-Check the battery fluid and charge level.
-Check the skirts and seals for damage and
wear.
-Check the condition of the sweeping
brushes. Remove any string, banding,
plastic wrap, or other debris wrapped
around them.
-Check the sweeping brush patterns for
adjustment.
-Check the condition of the hopper dust filter
and seals. Clean as required.
-Check the brakes and steering for proper
operation.
-Empty the debris hopper.
-Check the service records to determine
maintenance requirements.