Tennant 5280 User manual

5280
Operator and Parts Manual
610168
Rev. 00 (10-00)
Model No.:
610678
610679 PAC
FAX: [phone]
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 1–800-982–7658
TENNANT COMPANY
Commercial Products
12875 RANSOM STREET
HOLLAND MI 49424 U.S.A.
Scrubber

OPERATION
Tennant 5280 (10–00)
2
This manual is furnished with each new 5280 model.
It provides necessary operating and preventative
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
section in this manual. Before ordering parts or
supplies, be sure to have your machine model number
and serial number available. 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
machine maintenance instructions provided.
The machine is maintained with manufacturer
supplied or equivalent parts.
MACHINE DATA
Please fill out at time of installation for future reference.
ModelNo.-
Install. Date -
Serial No.-
2000 Tennant Company Printed in U.S.A.
Specifications and parts are subject to change without notice.

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SAFETY LABELS 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MACHINE COMPONENTS 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS 7. . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTROL PANEL SYMBOLS 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MACHINE INSTALLATION 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UNCRATING MACHINE 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INSTALLING BATTERIES 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MACHINE SETUP 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ATTACHING SQUEEGEE ASSEMBLY 9. . . . .
LEVELING SQUEEGEE 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ATTACHING BRUSH/PAD DRIVER 10. . . . . . . .
REMOVING BRUSH/PAD DRIVER 10. . . . . . . .
ADJUSTING SCRUB HEAD SKIRT HEIGHT 11
FILLING SOLUTION TANK 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MACHINE OPERATION 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PRE–OPERATION CHECKS 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCRUBBING WITH MACHINE 12. . . . . . . . . . . .
OPERATING ES(OPTION) 14. . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHILE OPERATING MACHINE 15. . . . . . . . . . .
CIRCUIT BREAKERS 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPERATING OFF-AISLE WAND (OPTION) 15.
DRAINING AND CLEANING TANKS 17. . . . . . . . . .
DRAINING AND CLEANING
RECOVERY TANK 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRAINING AND CLEANING
SOLUTION TANK 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHARGING BATTERIES 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR 20. . . . . . .
MACHINE MAINTENANCE 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DAILY MAINTENANCE 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE 23. . . . . . . . . . . .
ROTATING OR REPLACING
SQUEEGEE BLADES 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPLACING SCRUB HEAD SKIRT 24. . . . . . . .
MACHINE JACKING 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TRANSPORTING MACHINE 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STORING MACHINE 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RECOMMENDED STOCK ITEMS 25. . . . . . . . . . . . .
TROUBLESHOOTING 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIFICATIONS 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PARTS LIST 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPLACEMENT BRUSHES AND
PAD DRIVER GROUP 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SOLUTION TANK AND
VACUUM MOTOR GROUP 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SOLUTION CONTROL GROUP 34. . . . . . . . . . .
RECOVERY TANK GROUP 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONSOLE GROUP 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONSOLE PANEL GROUP 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MAIN FRAME GROUP 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCRUB HEAD LIFT GROUP 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCRUB BRUSH DRIVE GROUP 46. . . . . . . . . .
SCRUB BRUSH DOWN PRESSURE GROUP 48
SQUEEGEE LIFT GROUP 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SQUEEGEE GROUP 52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BATTERY AND CHARGER GROUP 54. . . . . . .
BATTERY CABLE GROUP 55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPTIONS 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NON–POWER WAND ASSEMBLY 56. . . . . . . . .
POWER WAND ASSEMBLY 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DELUXE POWER WAND ASSEMBLY 58. . . . . .
NON–POWER WAND HOSE ASSEMBLY 59. .
POWER WAND HOSE ASSEMBLY 59. . . . . . . .
ACCESSORY CONSOLE GROUP 60. . . . . . . . .
POWER WAND PUMP PLUMBING GROUP 62
ESPLUMBING GROUP 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SOUND KIT 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OPERATION
Tennant 5280 (10–00)
4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This machine is intended for industrial and commercial
use. It is suited to scrub hard floors in an indoor
environment and is not constructed for any other use.
Use only recommended pads, brushes and cleaning
detergents.
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 operation manual is read and
understood.
– In flammable or explosive areas.
2 Before starting machine:
– Make sure all safety devices are in place
and operate properly.
3 When using machine:
– Go slow on inclines and slippery surfaces.
– Use care when reversing machine.
– Do not carry riders on machine.
– Report machine damage or faulty
operation immediately.
4 Before leaving or servicing machine:
– Stop on level surface.
– Turn off machine.
5 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 of adequate capacity to
lift machine.
– Wear eye and ear protection when using
pressurized air or water.
– 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 covers open when
charging.
WARNING: Flammable materials can cause
an explosion or fire. Do not use flammable
materials in tank(s).
WARNING: Flammable materials or
reactive metals can cause explosion or fire.
Do not pick up.
WARNING: Moving parts. Turn off power
before working on machine.

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 5
SAFETY LABELS
The safety labels appear on the machine in the
locations indicated. Replace labels if they become
damaged or illegible.
BATTERY CHARGING LABEL –
LOCATED NEAR CHARGING
PLUG AND UNDERSIDE OF
RECOVERY TANK.
FOR SAFETY LABEL – LOCATED ON
MACHINE BACK PANEL. FLAMMABLE MATERIALS LABEL –
LOCATED ON RECOVERY TANK
COVER AND UNDERSIDE OF
RECOVERY TANK.
MOVING PARTS LABEL – LOCATED ON THE
SCRUB HEAD ACCESS DOOR.

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00)
6
MACHINE COMPONENTS
A
CD
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
B
C
O
M
N
A. Solution Tank
B. Recovery Tank
C. Scrub Head
D. Scrub Head Access Cover
E. Solution Tank Fill Opening
F. Batteries
G. Recovery Tank Cover
H. Solution Tank Drain Hose
I. Recovery Tank Drain Hose
J. Control Console Panel
K. Recovery Tank Support Stand
L. Squeegee
M. Scrub Head Lift Pedal
N. Scrub Head Release Pedal
O. Squeegee Leveling Knob

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 7
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS
BD
EF
G
HI
J
K
L
M
A
O
A
P
NQ
C
A. Control Grips
B. Battery Discharge Indicator
C. Squeegee Lever
D. Brush Pressure Gauge
E. Machine Power Switch
F. Solution Switch
G. ESPump On Light (Option)
H. ESSwitch (Option)
I. Power Wand Switch (Option)
J. Hourmeter (Option)
K. On-off Key Switch (Option)
L. Circuit Breakers
M. Solution Flow Knob
N. Solution Tank Drain Hose
O. Brush Pressure Knob
P. Brush Pressure Indicator
Q. Recovery Tank Drain Hose
CONTROL PANEL SYMBOLS
Solution Flow Main Power
Circuit Breaker
Battery Discharge
Indicator
Vacuum Motor
Circuit Breaker
Extended Scrub
(Option)
Off-Aisle Wand
(Option)
ESPump Light
(Option)

Main Power Scrub Brush
Circuit Breaker
Key Switch
(Option)
Light Brush
Pressure
Heavy Brush
Pressure
Hour Meter
(Option)

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00)
8
MACHINE INSTALLATION
UNCRATING MACHINE
1. Carefully check carton for signs of damage.
Report damages at once to carrier.
2. Check Carton Contents list, contact distributor for
missing items.
Carton Contents:
– Machine
– Battery Tray
– Battery Cable
– 4 Battery Post Covers
– 2 Battery Cable Rubber Boots
– 2 Bumper Wheels
– Battery Spacer
– Squeegee Assembly
Batteries, battery charger and pad driver are
included with Machine Pac 610679. Scrub brushes
and pads must be purchased separately (See
PARTS LIST section).
3. To uncrate machine, unbolt scrub head from
shipping pallet, remove shipping straps and
carefully lift machine with assistance or use a
ramp to remove from pallet.
ATTENTION: Do not roll machine off pallet,
machine damage may occur.
ATTENTION: To prevent possible machine
damage, install batteries after removing machine
from shipping pallet.
4. Install bumper wheels on scrub head.
INSTALLING BATTERIES
WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire can result. Keep sparks and
open flame away. Keep covers open when
charging.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, wear
protective gloves when handling batteries and
battery cables. Avoid contact with battery acid.
Recommended Battery Specifications:
Two 12 volt, deep cycle, 130 Amp hour batteries.
Maximum battery dimensions are 178 mm (7 in) W x
381 mm (15 in) L x 372 mm (14.63 in) H.
1. Hinge open recovery tank to access battery
compartment (Figure 1).
FIG. 1
NOTE: Drain recovery tank before accessing battery
compartment.
2. Carefully install batteries into battery compartment
tray with battery posts positioned as shown.
Secure batteries with battery stop (Figure 2).
Machine
Front RED
BLACK
BATTERY STOP
1
3
2
FIG. 2
ATTENTION: Do not drop batteries into
compartment, battery and machine housing
damage may result. This damage is not covered
by warranty.
3. Before connecting battery cables, make sure
terminals and posts are clean. Use a post cleaner
and wire brush to clean posts and terminals.
4. Apply a light coating of non-metallic grease or
protective spray on the cable connections to
prevent battery corrosion.
5. Connect cables to battery posts in numerical order
as labeled, RED TO POSITIVE & BLACK TO
NEGATIVE, use battery post covers and rubber
boots supplied (Figure 2).
6. Check battery discharge indicator. Machine must
be in full operation for accurate reading (See
MACHINE OPERATION). Charge batteries if
necessary.

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 9
MACHINE SETUP
ATTACHING SQUEEGEE ASSEMBLY
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
1. Pull squeegee lever outward and to the right to
lock the squeegee pivot bracket in the raised
position (Figure 3).
FIG. 3
2. Place squeegee under pivot bracket, line up
mounting studs with squeegee slots and tighten
thumbscrews (Figure 4).
FIG. 4
3. Connect vacuum hose to squeegee assembly
(Figure 5).
FIG. 5
6. Lower squeegee, push machine forward and
check that the blade has even contact the full
length of the squeegee (Figure 6). If blade is not
even, leveling is required (See LEVELING
SQUEEGEE).
FIG. 6
LEVELING SQUEEGEE
Leveling of squeegee assures even contact the length
of squeegee blade. Make sure floor is level when
making adjustments.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
1. Lower squeegee to floor.
2. Push machine forward to deflect squeegee blade
(Figure 6).
3. Turn the squeegee leveling knob counter–
clockwise to decrease deflection at squeegee
ends or clockwise to increase (Figure 7).
FIG. 7
4. Push machine forward again to check blade
deflection, readjust squeegee leveling knob as
necessary.

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00)
10
ATTACHING BRUSH/PAD DRIVER
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
1. Cleaning pads must be placed on pad drivers
before attaching pad driver. Secure cleaning pad
to pad driver with center lock (Figure 8).
FIG. 8
2. Turn machine power off.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
3. Raise the scrub head with the scrub head lift pedal
(Figure 9).
FIG. 9
1. Open access cover on front of scrub head. Turn
drive plate until pin slot is visible (Figure 10).
FIG. 10
5. Place scrub brush under scrub head. Make sure
one of brush drive pins is facing front (Figure 11).
FIG. 11
6. Align brush drive pin with the drive pin slot on
drive plate. Lift scrub brush and turn brush
counter-clockwise to engage drive pins into drive
slots (Figure 12).
FIG. 12
7. Check the brush to make sure it is securely
mounted on the brush drive hub. Close the scrub
head access cover.
REMOVING BRUSH/PAD DRIVER
1. Turn machine power off.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
2. Raise the scrub head with the scrub head lift pedal
(Figure 9).
FIG. 13

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 11
2. Open access cover on scrub head and turn brush
until drive pin is visible (Figure 14).
FIG. 14
3. Press down on the brush lock pin and turn brush
clockwise. The brush will drop off drive plate
(Figure 15).
FIG. 15
ADJUSTING SCRUB HEAD SKIRT HEIGHT
1. Place machine on a level surface and turn off
machine.
2. Lower scrub head with pad/brush installed.
3. Check to see if skirt height is 1.5 mm (.062 in) from
floor all away around scrub head (Figure 16).
1.5 mm
(.062 in)
FIG. 16
4. Adjust skirt height by sliding skirt up or down by
hand. Skirt band clamp should only be slightly
tightened to allow for easy hand adjustment
(Figure 17).
FIG. 17
5. If skirt band is too tight, slightly loosen clamp at rear
of scrub head (Figure 18).
FIG. 18
FILLING SOLUTION TANK
1. Push machine to filling site and turn off machine.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
2. Remove solution tank cover and pour the proper
amount of cleaning detergent into tank. Solution
tank capacity is 45L (12 gal). Then fill solution tank
up to screen with clean water, 60°C (140°F)
maximum temperature (Figure 19).
WARNING: Flammable materials can cause
an explosion or fire. Do not use flammable
materials in tank(s).

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00)
12
FIG. 19
FOR SAFETY: When using machine, follow mixing
instructions on chemical containers.
ATTENTION: Use only recommended cleaning
detergents, DO NOT use substitutes. Consult an
authorized distributor for cleaning detergent
recommendations.
3. If your machine is equipped with ESoption, you
can add up to 19L (5 gal) of clean water to the
recovery tank (Figure 20).
NOTE: Make sure to turn ES  switch on when
operating machine (See OPERATING ES  OPTION).
FIG. 20
MACHINE OPERATION
PRE–OPERATION CHECKS
1. Sweep floor and pick up any material which could
become wrapped around scrub brush.
2. Check battery discharge indicator. For accurate
reading, machine must be in operation.
3. Check that pads/brushes are installed (See
MACHINE SETUP).
4. Check squeegee for proper deflection (See
MACHINE SETUP). Check blade for wear,
rounded corners, nicks or cuts.
5. Check that scrub head skirt is approximately 1.5
mm (.062 in) from the floor all the way around
scrub head.
SCRUBBING WITH MACHINE
FOR SAFETY: Do not operate machine, unless
operation manual is read and understood.
1. Adjust control console to a comfortable operating
height. To adjust height, pull control console
trigger, move console up or down, then release
trigger (Figure 21).
FIG. 21
2. Push machine to area to be scrubbed. Make sure
scrub head and squeegee are raised off floor.

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 13
3. Turn on machine power switch, and key switch if
equipped (Figure 22).
FIG. 22
4. Lower squeegee to floor with squeegee lever. This
lever will also turn on vacuum system (Figure 23).
FIG. 23
5. Turn solution switch on. The solution will not flow
until control grips are rotated (Figure 24).
FIG. 24
6. Lower scrub brush by stepping down on scrub
head release pedal (Figure 25).
FIG. 25
7. Rotate control grips in either direction and push
machine forward to begin scrubbing. The scrub
brush will assist in propelling the machine forward
(Figure 26).
FIG. 26
WARNING: Flammable materials or
reactive metals can cause explosion or fire.
Do not pick up.
8. Adjust solution flow rate. Turn solution flow knob
counter–clockwise to increase flow or clockwise to
decrease (Figure 27).
FIG. 27

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00)
14
9. Turn brush pressure knob to adjust pressure for
cleaning application. The indicator below the knob
shows if brush pressure is increasing or
decreasing (Figure 28).
FIG. 28
10. Observe brush pressure gauge. The brush
pressure gauge should be operated in the GREEN
zone. Operating machine with gauge in the RED
zone will cause scrub brush circuit breaker to trip
(Figure 29).
FIG. 29
11. To stop scrubbing, release control grips, raise
scrub head and squeegee.
12. After scrubbing, perform the Daily Maintenance
procedures (See MACHINE MAINTENANCE).
OPERATING ES(OPTION)
ESOption extends scrubbing time by reusing
recovered water. The recovered water is filtered and
recycled back into the solution tank for reuse.
1. Pour up to 19L (5 gal) of clean water, 60°C
(140°F) maximum temperature, into recovery tank
when filling solution tank (Figure 30).
WARNING: Flammable materials can cause
an explosion or fire. Do not use flammable
materials in tank(s).
FIG. 30
2. Turn ESswitch on when ready to begin
scrubbing. The ESindicator light will
automatically turn on when recovery tank reaches
its recycling level (Figure 31).
FIG. 31
NOTE: If ES  indicator light remains on, drain tanks
and clean ES  filter located in recovery tank.
3. Drain and flush recovery and solution tanks as
needed (See DRAINING TANKS).

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 15
WHILE OPERATING MACHINE
WARNING: Flammable materials or
reactive metals can cause explosion or fire.
Do not pick up.
1. Overlap each path by 50 mm (2 in).
2. Keep machine moving to prevent damage to finish
or floor.
3. Avoid floor obstructions, such as grates, to
prevent pad damage.
4. Periodically observe recovery tank for excessive
foam. Pour a recommended foam control solution
into recovery tank if excessive foam appears.
ATTENTION: Do not allow foam or water to enter
float shut-off screen, vacuum motor damage will
result; not covered by warranty. Foam will not
activate float shut-off screen.
5. For heavily soiled areas, double scrubbing is
recommended. First scrub area with squeegee up,
let solution set for 15–20 minutes, then scrub area
a second time with squeegee down.
ATTENTION: Do not operate machine with pad
pressure meter in red zone, circuit breakers will
trip and floor damage may occur.
6. Change or turn pads over when worn.
7. If squeegee leaves streaks, raise and wipe blades
with a cloth. Pre-sweep area to prevent streaking.
8. Observe battery discharge indicator. When needle
drops to the red zone, stop scrubbing and
recharge batteries (Figure 32).
ATTENTION: Do not operate machine with battery
discharge indicator in this red zone, battery
damage will result.
FIG. 32
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The machine is equipped with three resettable circuit
breakers. They are designed to stop current flow in the
event of a circuit overload. If a circuit breaker should
trip during operation, determine cause, allow breaker
to cool and then manually reset breaker. Circuit
breaker panel is located at rear of machine
(Figure 33).
– 7 A Main Circuit Breaker
– 17 A Vacuum Motor Circuit Breaker
– 35 A Brush Motor Circuit Breaker
FIG. 33
OPERATING OFF-AISLE WAND (OPTION)
The off–aisle wand allows you to scrub/vacuum areas
that the machine is unable to reach.
1. Turn machine power off.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface, and turn off
machine.
2. Disconnect squeegee vacuum hose from
squeegee assembly (Figure 34).
FIG. 34

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00)
16
3. Connect wand’s vacuum hose using hose adapter
supplied with wand (Figure 35).
FIG. 35
4. If machine is equipped with Off–Aisle Wand Pump
Option, connect solution hose to quick disconnect
coupler located behind left wheel (Figure 36).
FIG. 36
5. Attach vacuum hose and solution hose to wand
(Figure 37).
FIG. 37
6. Turn machine power and wand pump switch on
(Figure 22).
FIG. 38
7. Lower squeegee to turn on vacuum system
(Figure 39).
FIG. 39
8. Squeeze lever on wand and spray solution on
floor. Scrub floor with brush side of wand and
vacuum up solution with squeegee side of wand
(Figure 40).
WARNING: Flammable materials or
reactive metals can cause explosion or fire.
Do not pick up.
FIG. 40

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 17
9. Hard Floor Wand Option: If wand is hard to push,
or has poor pick up, turn black adjustment knob to
adjust roller wheel (Figure 41).
FIG. 41
10. When finished, turn off machine power and wand
pump switch, and raise squeegee to shut off
vacuum system. Disconnect hoses and reattach
squeegee hose.
DRAINING AND CLEANING TANKS
The recovery tank must be drained:
– After each use and cleaned.
– Between solution tank refills.
– When squeegee starts trailing water.
– When solution flow stops.
– When float shut-off screen, located inside
recovery tank, is activated.
– If ESOption indicator light remains on.
– When transporting or servicing machine.
The solution tank must be drained:
– After each use and cleaned.
– If ESOption is used.
– When transporting or servicing machine.
DRAINING AND CLEANING RECOVERY TANK
1. Push machine next to a floor drain or sink.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
2. Remove recovery tank drain hose from hose hook
(Figure 42).
FIG. 42
3. Turn drain hose plug counter-clockwise and pull
plug out while holding hose up (Figure 43).
FIG. 43
4. Flush out inside of recovery tank with clean water
(Figure 44).
NOTE: Do not use water hotter than 60 ° C (140 ° F) or
tank damage may occur. Do not use steam to clean
tank.
FIG. 44
5. Remove and clean float shut-off screen located in
recovery tank (Figure 45).

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00)
18
FIG. 45
6. If equipped with ESOption, remove and clean
ESfilter located inside recovery tank.
(Figure 46).
FIG. 46
7. Replace drain hose plug and ES filters
securely after draining.
DRAINING AND CLEANING SOLUTION TANK
1. Push machine next to a floor drain or sink.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
2. Remove solution tank drain hose from hose clip
(Figure 47).
FIG. 47
3. Release retainer tab on hose plug and pull out
plug while holding hose up (Figure 43).
FIG. 48
4. If equipped with ESOption, hinge open recovery
tank to access solution tank. Lift solution tank
cover and flush out solution tank with clean water.
Rinse filter at bottom of solution tank (Figure 49).
NOTE: Do not use water hotter than 60 ° C (140 ° F) or
tank damage may occur. Do not use steam to clean
tank.
FIG. 49
5. Replace drain hose plug securely after draining.

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00) 19
CHARGING BATTERIES
The following charging instructions are intended
for chargers supplied with machine. Use a battery
charger with the following specifications to
prevent battery damage.
NOTE: Recharge batteries ONLY after a total of 30
minutes of use or more. This will prolong battery life.
BATTERY CHARGER SPECIFICATIONS:
OUTPUT VOLTAGE - 24 VOLTS
OUTPUT CURRENT - 12 AMPS for 130 AH Batteries
OUTPUT CURRENT - 20 AMPS for 215 AH Batteries
AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF CIRCUIT
FOR DEEP CYCLE BATTERY CHARGING
NOTE: For optimum machine operation, keep
batteries charged at all times. Never leave batteries
discharged for lengthy periods.
WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire can result. Keep sparks and
open flame away. Keep covers open when
charging.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, wear
protective gloves when handling batteries and
battery cables. Avoid contact with battery acid.
1. Push machine to a well–ventilated area for
charging.
2. Park machine on a level surface and turn machine
power off.
FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing
machine, stop on level surface and turn off
machine.
3. Hinge open recovery tank to access battery
compartment (Figure 50).
NOTE: Drain recovery tank prior to accessing batteries.
FIG. 50
4. Before charging batteries, check electrolyte level
in all battery cells. If battery plates (B) are
exposed, add just enough distilled water to cover
plates, level (A). Never add acid to batteries. DO
NOT OVERFILL. The batteries can overflow
during charging due to expansion. Do not charge
batteries unless fluid is slightly above battery
plates (Figure 51).
NOTE: Make sure battery caps are in place before
charging.
A
B
FIG. 51
5. Prop up recovery tank, using tank support stand,
before charging batteries (Figure 52).
WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire can result. Keep sparks and
open flame away. Keep covers open when
charging.
FIG. 52
6. With charger’s power supply cord unplugged,
connect battery charger to machine (Figure 53).
FIG. 53

OPERATION
Tennant5280 (10–00)
20
7. Plug battery charger cord into a grounded wall
outlet (Figure 54).
Grounded
Grounding
Edge/hole
Grounded
3 Hole Outlet
Ground Pin
(120V) (230V)
Outlet
FIG. 54
NOTE: Once battery charger is connected, machine
becomes inoperable.
8. Charger will automatically start charging and shut
off when batteries are fully charged.
9. After charger has turned off, unplug charger from
wall outlet first then from machine.
10. After charging batteries, check electrolyte level (A)
in each battery cell. Add just enough distilled water
to bring electrolyte level (A) up to 1cm (0.38 in.)
from bottom of fill rings (B). DO NOT OVERFILL
(Figure 55).
A
B
FIG. 55
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR
Battery discharge indicator shows charge level of
batteries. The needle should be far right of green zone
when batteries are fully charged. As batteries are
discharged, the needle will move to the left red zone.
Recharge batteries when needle reaches the red zone
(Figure 56).
FIG. 56