Tennant 6500 User manual

6500
Operator Manual
330270
Rev. 06
*330270*

This manual is furnished with each new TENNANT Model 6500. It provides necessary operating and
preventive 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:
DThe machine is operated with reasonable care.
DThe machine is maintained regularly -- per the maintenance instructions provided.
DThe machine is maintained with TENNANT supplied or approved parts.
Manual Number -- 330270
Revision: 06
Published: 9--02
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING:
Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Copyright E1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 TENNANT, Printed in U.S.A.

CONTENTS
1
6500 330270 (9--02)
CONTENTS
Page
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 3.................
OPERATION 6............................
OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY 6.........
MACHINE COMPONENTS 9.............
CONTROL PANEL SYMBOLS 10..........
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS 12......
OPERATION OF CONTROLS 14..........
DIRECTIONAL PEDAL 14..............
BRAKE PEDAL 15....................
PARKING BRAKE LEVER 15...........
ENGINE CHOKE KNOB 16.............
HORN BUTTON 16....................
MAIN BRUSH AND SIDE BRUSH
LEVER 17.........................
HOPPER DOOR LEVER 18............
HOPPER LIFT LEVER 19..............
MAIN BRUSH POSITION LEVER 20....
MAIN BRUSH DOWN PRESSURE
KNOB 22..........................
MAIN BRUSH ADJUSTMENT KNOB 23..
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH (OPTION) 24...
HOPPER TEMPERATURE LIGHT --
THERMO SENTRYt25............
ENGINE WATER TEMPERATURE
LIGHT 25..........................
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT 26.....
CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT 26........
HOPPER DOOR LIGHT 27.............
CLOGGED FILTER LIGHT 27..........
CLOGGED FILTER LIGHT (OPTION) 27.
LP FUEL LIGHT 28....................
HOURMETER 28.....................
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE 29...............
HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH (OPTION) 30..
OPERATING LIGHTS SWITCH 30......
OPERATING/HAZARD LIGHTS
SWITCH 30........................
VACUUM FAN SWITCH 31.............
FILTER SHAKER SWITCH 31..........
VACUUM FAN/FILTER SHAKER
SWITCH 31........................
ENGINE SPEED SWITCH 32...........
STEERING WHEEL 34................
STEERING COLUMN TILT LEVER 34...
IGNITION SWITCH 35.................
SIDE BRUSH POSITION LEVER 36.....
SIDE BRUSH DOWN PRESSURE
KNOB 37..........................
CIRCUIT BREAKERS 38...............
LATCHES 40.........................
HOPPER SUPPORT BAR 40...........
OPERATOR SEAT 41..................
Page
HEATER KNOB (OPTION) 41..........
AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH
(OPTION) 41......................
WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH
(OPTION) 42......................
DOME LIGHT SWITCH (OPTION) 42....
HEATER SWITCH (OPTION) 42........
PRESSURIZER SWITCH (OPTION) 42..
HOW THE MACHINE WORKS 43..........
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST 43.........
CHANGING AN LPG FUEL TANK 44.......
STARTING THE MACHINE 46.............
SWEEPING AND BRUSH INFORMATION 48
SWEEPING 49..........................
STOP SWEEPING 51....................
EMPTYING THE HOPPER 53.............
STOP THE MACHINE 55.................
POST-OPERATION CHECKLIST 57........
ENGAGING HOPPER SUPPORT BAR 58..
DISENGAGING HOPPER SUPPORT BAR 59
OPERATION ON INCLINES 60............
OPTIONS 61............................
VACUUM WAND 61...................
BLOWER WAND 67...................
HEATER VALVE 68....................
MACHINE TROUBLESHOOTING 69.......
MAINTENANCE 70.........................
MAINTENANCE CHART 70...............
LUBRICATION 72........................
ENGINE 72...........................
REAR WHEEL SUPPORT 72...........
HOPPER BEARINGS 73...............
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS 73.........
HYDRAULICS 74........................
HYDRAULIC FLUID RESERVOIR 74....
HYDRAULIC FLUID 74................
HYDRAULIC HOSES 75...............
PROPELLING MOTOR 75..............
ENGINE 76.............................
COOLING SYSTEM 76................
AIR FILTER INDICATOR 77............
AIR FILTER 77........................
FUEL FILTERS 78.....................
CARBURETOR 78....................
SPARK PLUGS 78....................
VALVE TAPPET CLEARANCE 78.......
CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM 78
BATTERY 79............................
BELTS AND CHAINS 79..................
ENGINE FAN BELT 79.................
STATIC DRAG CHAIN 79..............
DEBRIS HOPPER 80.....................
HOPPER DUST FILTER 80.............
TO REPLACE HOPPER DUST FILTER 81
THERMO SENTRYt83..................

CONTENTS
6500 330270 (9--01)
2
Page
BRUSHES 84............................
MAIN BRUSH 84......................
TO REPLACE MAIN BRUSH 85......
TO CHECK AND ADJUST MAIN
BRUSH PATTERN 87............
SIDE BRUSH 91......................
TO REPLACE SIDE BRUSH 92......
SIDE BRUSH GUARD 92..............
SKIRTS AND SEALS 93..................
HOPPER LIP SKIRTS 93...............
HOPPER SIDE SKIRT 93..............
BRUSH DOOR SKIRTS 93.............
REAR SKIRTS 94.....................
SIDE BRUSH DUST CONTROL
SKIRTS (OPTION) 94...............
BRUSH DOOR SEALS 94..............
HOPPER SEALS 95...................
HOPPER INSPECTION DOOR SEAL 95.
HOPPER DOOR SEALS 95............
HOPPER COVER SEAL
(Metal Hoppers) 96.................
HOPPER DUST SEAL
(Metal Hoppers) 96.................
HOPPER VACUUM FAN SEAL
(Metal Hoppers) 96.................
HOPPER FILTER SEALS 96............
BRAKES AND TIRES 97..................
SERVICE BRAKES 97.................
PARKING BRAKE 97..................
TIRES 97............................
REAR WHEEL 97.....................
PUSHING, TOWING, AND TRANSPORTING
THE MACHINE 98.....................
PUSHING OR TOWING THE MACHINE 98
TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE 98....
MACHINE JACKING 101..................
STORING MACHINE 101.................
SPECIFICATIONS 102......................
GENERAL MACHINE
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES 102........
GENERAL MACHINE PERFORMANCE 102.
POWER TYPE 103.......................
STEERING 103..........................
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM 103................
BRAKING SYSTEM 103..................
TIRES 103..............................
MACHINE DIMENSIONS 104.................

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
3
6500 330270 (9--02)
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions 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 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: Engine emits toxic gases.
Severe respiratory damage or
asphyxiation can result. Provide
adequate ventilation. Consult with your
regulatory authorities for exposure
limits. Keep engine properly tuned.
WARNING: Raised hopper may fall.
Engage hopper support bar.
WARNING: Lift arm pinch point. Stay
clear of hopper lift arms.
WARNING: Moving belt and fan. Keep
away.
FOR SAFETY:
1. Do not operate machine:
-- Unless trained and authorized.
-- Unless operator manual is read and
understood.
-- If it is not in proper operating
condition.
-- 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:
-- Check for fuel, oil, and liquid leaks.
-- Keep sparks and open flame away
from refueling area.
-- 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:
-- Use brakes to stop machine.
-- Go slow on inclines and slippery
surfaces.
-- Use care when reversing machine.
-- Move machine with care when hopper
is raised.
-- Make sure adequate clearance is
available before raising hopper.
-- Do not carry passengers 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.
-- Block machine tires before jacking
machine up.
-- Jack machine up 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 when
using pressurized air or water.
-- Disconnect battery connections before
working on machine.
-- Avoid contact with battery acid.
-- Avoid contact with hot engine coolant.
-- Allow engine to cool.
-- Keep flames and sparks away from
fuel system service area. Keep area
well ventilated.
-- Use cardboard to locate leaking
hydraulic fluid under pressure.
-- Use TENNANT supplied or approved
replacement parts.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
6500 330270 (9--02)
4
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
5
6500 330270 (5--98)
The following safety labels are mounted on the
machine in the locations indicated. If these or any
label becomes damaged or illegible, install a new
label in its place.
HOPPER LIFT ARMS LABEL -- LOCATED
ON BOTH HOPPER LIFT ARMS.
HOPPER SUPPORT BAR LABEL -- LOCATED
ON THE HOPPER SUPPORT BAR AND ON
BOTH HOPPER LIFT ARMS.
ENGINE FAN AND BELT LABEL --
LOCATED ON THE RADIATOR SHROUD.
EMISSIONS LABEL -- LOCATED ON THE SIDE
PANEL OF THE OPERATOR COMPARTMENT.
07748
FOR SAFETY LABEL -- LOCATED ON
THE SIDE PANEL OF THE OPERATOR
COMPARTMENT.

OPERATION
6500 330270 (5--98)
6
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
required maintenance intervals occur as
stated in the MAINTENANCE section of this
manual.
-Read this manual carefully before operating
this machine.
FOR SAFETY: Do not operate machine,
unless operation manual is read and
understood.
-Check the machine for shipping damage.
Check to make sure machine is complete
per shipping instructions.
-Check the hydraulic fluid level in the
hydraulic reservoir.
-Check the engine oil level.
07324
07750
07751

OPERATION
7
6500 330270 (9--01)
-Check the radiator coolant level.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine,
avoid contact with hot engine coolant.
-Gasoline powered machines: Fill the fuel
tank.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine,
keep flames and sparks away from fuel
system service area. Keep area well
ventilated.
07752
07753

OPERATION
6500 330270 (9--01)
8
-LPG powered machines: Install the LPG fuel
tank on the machine. See CHANGING AN
LPG FUEL TANK.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine,
keep flames and sparks away from fuel
system service area. Keep area well
ventilated.
-After the first 50 hours of operation, follow
the recommended procedures stated in the
MAINTENANCE CHART.
-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.

OPERATION
9
6500 330270 (5--98)
MACHINE COMPONENTS
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
07748
A. Operator Seat
B. Steering Wheel
C. Engine Cover
D. Engine Side Door
E. Main Brush Access Door
F. Hopper Cover
G. Hopper Access Cover
H. Side Brush
I. Instrument Panel

OPERATION
6500 330270 (9--01)
10
CONTROL PANEL SYMBOLS
These symbols identify controls and displays on
the machine:
Main and Side Brushes On Charging System
Main Brush On Engine Oil Pressure
Hopper Door Open Engine Water Temperature
Hopper Door Close Hopper Temperature -- Thermo Sentryt
Hopper Down Hopper Temperature --Thermo Sentryt
Hopper Up Filter Clogged
Horn Hopper Door Closed
Main Brush Down Pressure Light Fuel
Main Brush Down Pressure Heavy Hourmeter
Main Brush Float Hazard Light
Main Brush Down Filter Shaker
Main Brush Up Operating Lights
Side Brush Down Pressure Light Fan
Side Brush Down Pressure Heavy Engine Speed

OPERATION
11
6500 330270 (9--01)
Side Brush Down Circuit Breaker 9
Side Brush Up Circuit Breaker 10
Circuit Breaker 1 Windshield Wiper Slow
Circuit Breaker 2 Windshield Wiper Fast
Circuit Breaker 3 Dome Light
Circuit Breaker 4 Heater
Circuit Breaker 5 Cab Pressurizer Slow
Circuit Breaker 6 Cab Pressurizer Fast
Circuit Breaker 7 Engine speed (fast)
Circuit Breaker 8 Engine speed (slow)

OPERATION
6500 330270 (3--99)
12
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
KL
M
N
O
P
Q
RST
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
AA
BB
CC
DD
For machines below serial number 020000
08047
A. Directional Pedal
B. Brake Pedal
C. Parking Brake Lever
D. Horn Button
E. Engine Choke Knob
F. Main Brush And Side Brush Lever
G. Hopper Door Lever
H. Hopper Lift Lever
I. Main Brush Position Lever
J. Main Brush Down Pressure Knob
K. Turn Signal Switch (Option)
L. Hopper Temperature Light -- Thermo Sentryt
M. Engine Water Temperature Light
N. Engine Oil Pressure Light
O. Charging System Light
P. Hopper Door Light
Q. Clogged Filter Light
R. Fuel Level Gauge
S. Hourmeter
T. Hazard Light Switch (Option)
U. Operating Light Switch
V. Vacuum Fan Switch
W. Engine Speed Switch
X. Filter Shaker Switch
Y. Steering Wheel
Z. Side Brush Position Lever
AA. Ignition Switch
BB.Side Brush Down Pressure Knob
CC.Steering Column Tilt Lever
DD.Circuit Breakers

OPERATION
13
6500 330270 (9--02)
A
B
C
D
F
G
H
IJ
E
LMNO
P
Q
S
W
For machines with serial number 020000 and above
R
T
UV
X
Y
Z
AA
BB
CC
A. Directional Pedal
B. Brake Pedal
C. Parking Brake Lever
D. Horn Button
E. Engine Choke Knob
F. Main Brush And Side Brush Lever
G. Hopper Door Lever
H. Hopper Lift Lever
I. Main Brush Position Lever
J. Main Brush Down Pressure Knob
K. Turn Signal Switch (Not Pictured)
L. Hopper Temperature Light -- Thermo Sentryt
M. Engine Water Temperature Light
N. Engine Oil Pressure Light
O. Charging System Light
P. Hopper Door Light
Q. Clogged Filter Light (Option)
R. LP Fuel Light (LP Machines Only)
S. Hourmeter
T. FuelGauge(GasMachinesOnly)
U. Operating/Hazard Lights Switch
V. Vacuum Fan/Filter Shaker Switch
W. Engine Speed Switch
X. Steering Wheel
Y. Side Brush Position Lever
Z. Ignition Switch
AA.Side Brush Down Pressure Knob
BB.Circuit Breakers
CC.Steering Column Tilt Lever (Option)

OPERATION
6500 330270 (5--98)
14
OPERATION OF CONTROLS
DIRECTIONAL PEDAL
The directional pedal controls direction of travel
and the propelling speed of the machine. You
change the speed of the machine with the
pressure of your foot; the harder you press the
faster the machine travels.
Forward: Press the top of the directional pedal
with the toe of your foot.
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.
07790
07791
07792

OPERATION
15
6500 330270 (9--01)
BRAKE PEDAL
The brake pedal stops the machine.
Stop: Take your foot off the directional pedal and
let it return to the neutral position. Step on the
brake pedal.
PARKING BRAKE LEVER
The parking brake lever sets and releases the
front wheel brakes.
Set: Pull the parking brake lever up.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or
servicing machine; stop on level
surface, set parking brake, turn off
machine and remove key.
Release: Push the parking brake lever down.
07754
07794
07793

OPERATION
6500 330270 (9--01)
16
ENGINE CHOKE KNOB
The engine choke knob controls the engine choke
on gasoline powered machines.
On: For cold starting, pull the engine choke knob
out.
Off: Push the engine choke knob in.
HORN BUTTON
The horn button operates the horn.
Sound: Press the button.

OPERATION
17
6500 330270 (9--01)
MAIN BRUSH AND SIDE BRUSH LEVER
The main brush and side brush lever controls the
main brush and side brush rotation.
Main Brush and Side Brush On: Push the main
brush and side brush lever into the On position.
Main Brush and Side Brush Off: Pull the main
brush and side brush lever into the middle
position.
Main Brush On: Pull the main brush and side
brush lever into the On position.
NOTE: Always raise the main brush when the
machine is not being operated for some time. This
prevents the main brush from getting a flat spot.

OPERATION
6500 330270 (9--01)
18
HOPPER DOOR LEVER
The hopper door lever opens and closes the
hopper door and dust door. Open the hopper door
when sweeping. Close the hopper door when
emptying the hopper to control debris and dust.
Open: Push the hopper door lever into the Open
position and leave it there.
Hold: Release the hopper door lever into the
middle position.
Close: Pull and hold the hopper door lever into
the Close position.
NOTE: The hopper door will not close if the main
brush, side brush, and vacuum fan are operating.