TransNorth BIG MIKE Wet User manual

Version 2.0
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
English
Operating Instructions
BIG MIKE Wet & Dry
FOR WET AND DRY USE
For Commercial Use Only
Machine Serial No:

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE BIG MIKE
VACUUM CLEANER.
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the follow-
ing:
WARNING – To reduce the risk fire, electric shock, or injury please follow the points
below:
1. Do not leave the appliance running unattended. Un plug from the electrical outlet when
not in use and before servicing.
2. Do not use out of doors.
3. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used near children.
4. Use only as described in this manual. Use only recommended manufacturer’s
recommended attachments.
5. Do not use with a damage cord or plug. If the appliance is not working as it should, has
been dropped, damaged, left out of doors or dropped in water, then return it to a service centre.
6. Do not pull or carry by cord or use the cord as a handle, close a door on the cord or pull
the cord around sharp edges of corners. Do not run the appliance over the cord and keep the
cord away from heated surfaces.
7. Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug grasp the plug not the cord.
8. Do not handle plug or appliance with wet hands.
9. Do not block up air exhaust openings by inserting objects into the openings. Do not use
with any opening blocked. Keep openings free of dust, lint, hair or anything else that may
reduce airflow.
10. Do not use without dust bag and/or filters in place.
11. Turn off all controls before unplugging.
12. Use extra care when cleaning stairs.
13. Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, or use in areas
where they may be present.
14. Only connect to a properly grounded outlet. (See Grounding instructions.)
15. Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches or hot
ashes.
16. Always apply the parking brake when necessary.
Apply the parking brake when needed.

3
1.0 Grounding Instructions
This machine should be grounded. If the machine should suffer an electrical malfunction or
breakdown, grounding will provide a path of least resistance for the electrical current so reducing the
risk of electric shock. This equipment is equipped with a cord having an equipment grounding
conductor and grounding plug. The plug must be inserted an appropriate electrical outlet that has been
properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
Warning
Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in
electric shock. Check with a qualied electrician or service person if you
are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify
the plug provided with the appliance – if it will not t the outlet have a
proper outlet installed by a qualied electrician.
1.1 Power Consumption of the Equipment
The BIG MIKE Industrial Vacuum Cleaner needs a power supply as detailed below. Please note that
current consumption can vary depending on the load being placed on the motors which can constantly
change during use.
1.1.1 Model 120V
Voltage: 120V Frequency: 60Hz Current: 19A
This appliance is rated at more than 15 amps and is for use on a circuit having a nominal rating of
120V and is factory equipped with a specific electric cord and NEMA 5-20P plug to permit connection
to a proper electric circuit.
Make sure that the appliance is connected to an outlet having the same configuration as the plug. No
adaptor should be used with this appliance. If the appliance must be re connected for use on a
different type of electric circuit, the reconnection should be made by qualified service personnel.
Please note that current consumption can vary depending on the load being placed on the motors
which can constantly change during use.

4
1.1.2 Model 240V
Voltage: 240V Frequency: 60Hz. Current: 12A
This appliance is rated at 12 amps and is for use on a circuit having a nominal rating of 240V and is
factory equipped with a specific electric cord and NEMA 6-15P plug to permit connection to a proper
electric circuit.
Make sure that the appliance is connected to an outlet having the same configuration as the plug. No
adaptor should be used with this appliance. If the appliance must be re connected for use on a
different type of electric circuit, the reconnection should be made by qualified service personnel.
Please note that current consumption can vary depending on the load being placed on the motors
which can constantly change during use.

5
2.0 Manufacturer and Distributor
2.1 Manufactured in the UK by:
Michael Williams Engineering Ltd
Queen’s Business Park
Wilbraham Road
Fulbourn
Cambridge
CB21 5ET
UK
Tel: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.bigbrute.co.uk
2.2 Distributed in Canada by:
Transnorth Ltd
72 Copernicus Blvd, Unit 3
Brantford, ON N3P 1K5
Canada
Tel: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.transnorth.ca

6
3.0 What’s in the Box?
Your BIG MIKE Suck & Blow Industrial Vacuum Cleaner consists of:
1. BIG MIKE Wet & Dry Power Unit and Drum on 4-wheeled cart
2. Suction Hose
3. Floor, Wall and Ceiling Toolkit and Toolbag
4. V39 Primary Filter
5. Overfill Protection Float
6. Scraper Tool

7
4.0 Introduction to the BIG MIKE Wet & Dry
The purpose of this manual is instruction on the proper use of the BIG MIKE Wet & Dry Industrial
Vacuum Cleaner.
Warning
This manual must be read and thoroughly understood before using the
BIG MIKE Wet & Dry Industrial Vacuum Cleaner. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury and/or damage to the product.
4.1 Standard Dimensions and Weight
4.2 Foreseen Use of the Machine
The BIG MIKE Wet & Dry Industrial Vacuum Cleaner is for wet and dry use.
Danger
DO NOT use to recover volatile, ammable or explosive liquids. DO NOT
use in a zoned area or use for the recovery of explosive vapours.
4.3 Ways in which the BIG MIKE Wet & Dry Must Not Be Used
The BIG MIKE Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner must not be used in the following ways. Failure to adhere
to these precautions could result in personal injury and/or damage to the machine.
• Do not use the machine in Zoned Areas
• Do not use the machine to suck up volatile, flammable or explosive liquids
• Do not overload the drum
• Do not place any part of your body over the end of the suction hose.
• Do not operate continuously for extended periods of time.
Length 1010 mm (40 in.)
Width 600 mm (24 in.)
Height 1310 mm (52 inches)
Empty Weight 76kg (168 pounds)

8
5.0 Setting up the BIG MIKE for use
Caution
Never place your hands or any other part of your body over the end of the
suction hose or inlet spigot while the BIG MIKE is in operation.
Always use the BIG MIKE with the Primary Filters or Overll Protection
Filter in place. Using the BIG MIKE without the Primary Filters or Overll
Protection Filter in place can cause damage to the motors.
The BIG MIKE Wet & Dry consists of:
1. Drum on wheeled cart
2. 2 x Primary Filters (for dry use only)
3. Overfill Protection Filter (for wet use only)
4. Lid
5. Wet & Dry Power Unit
6. Suction hose and cleaning tools
The BIG MIKE Wet & Dry can be set up to suck up dry waste or liquid waste. Never suck up liquids
with the BIG MIKE set up for dry waste.

9
5.1 Setting up the BIG MIKE for dry use
Wet & Dry Power
Unit
Drum on wheeled
cart
Primary Filter #2 -
Fits inside Primary
Filter #1
Lid
Primary Filter #1

10
Fit one Primary Filter inside the top of the drum. Fold the top of the Primary Filters over the top of the
drum lip.
Place the second Primary Filter inside the first. Fold the top of the second Primary Filter over the top
of the drum lip.
Caution
Ensure that the lters are tted with the shaking-handle (sewn onto
the lter) and the writing uppermost. Failure to do so will result in poor
ltration and motor damage.
Never operate the BIG MIKE in Dry Mode without the two Primary Filters
in place.
Fit the Lid inside the Primary Filters. Position the Lid so that the flat bar on its inner frame is next to
the drum entry spigot at the front of the drum. Make sure it doesn’t foul the inlet entry spigot behind
the Primary Filters.
Fit one Primary Filter inside the drum.
Fit the second Primary Filter inside the rst.

11
Place the Power Unit onto the Lid. Position the power unit so that the electrical switch is facing the cart
handles.
Attach the suction pipe to the spigot on the front of the Drum.
The BIG MIKE Wet & Dry is now ready for use in Dry Mode.
Fit the lid with the at bar in the inner frame facing the
front of the drum
Place the Power Unit onto the Lid

12
5.2 Setting up the BIG MIKE for wet use
Overfill Protection Filter
Wet & Dry Power
Unit
Drum on wheeled
cart
Lid

13
Warning
A BIG MIKE Wet & Dry machine full of liquid will be extremely heavy.
Always apply the safety brake to prevent the machine from moving.
Always use appropriate manual handling techniques when moving or
operating a BIG MIKE Wet & Dry.
The Primary Filters are not used when operating the BIG MIKE in wet mode.
Fit the Lid inside the top of the drum.
Position the Lid so that the flat bar on its inner frame is next to the drum entry spigot at the front of the
drum. Make sure it doesn’t foul the inlet entry spigot.
Place the Overfill Protection Filter into the Lid.
Place the Power Unit onto the Lid. Position the power unit so that the electrical switch is facing the cart
handles.
Fit the lid with the at bar in the inner frame facing the
front of the drum
Fit the Overll Protection Filter into the Lid.

14
Attach the suction hose to the spigot on the front of the Drum.
The Big Brute Wet & Dry is now ready for use in Wet Mode.
Place the Power Unit onto the Lid

15
6.0 Filters
6.1 Filters for Dry Use
The BIG MIKE Wet & Dry is supplied with two V39 Primary Filters for dry use. Always use both
Primary Filters together in Dry Mode.
Caution
Never operate the BIG MIKE with damaged lters. If in doubt, replace the
lters.
6.1.1 The Primary Filters
Your Primary Filters are vitally important!
The Primary Filters keep dirt and dust out of the power unit and its motors. Operating the BIG MIKE in
Dry Mode without both Primary Filters in place will cause damage to the motors and will void your
warranty.
Waste material sucked up while cleaning is deposited inside the drum. The air then passes through
the Primary Filters, which filter out the fine dust. The air then passes through the turbines and then
through the motors to cool them.
Caution
Ensure that both Primary Filters are tted with the fabric shaking-handle
(sewn inside the lter) and the writing uppermost. Failure to do so will
result in poor ltration.
Never wash the Primary Filters as this will destroy them.
6.1.2 Fitting the Primary Filters
Caution
Never operate the BIG MIKE in Dry Mode without both Primary Filters in
place.
The Primary Filters fit inside the top of BIG MIKE drum. Make sure the Primary Filters aren’t inside out
- they’re designed to work only one way. Fit the Primary Filters so that the writing and the shaking-
handle (sewn onto the filter) are uppermost.
V39 Standard Primary Filter
Approx.
13"
330mm
V39 Standard Primary Filter
Filter Shaker Handle

16
Fold the elasticated edge of the filter over the rim of the drum. Ensure that the filter covers the rim of
the drum all the way round. Ensure that the filter extends 2” (50mm) down the outside of the drum.
Fit the second Primary Filter inside the first and fold over the top of the drum as above.
If, whilst using the BIG MIKE in Dry Mode, you notice the Primary Filters aren’t in place, switch the
BIG MIKE off immediately. Refer to the section “If the BIG MIKE has been used without the Primary
Filters in place”.
6.1.3 Cleaning the Primary Filters
Clean the Primary Filters regularly and each time the drum is emptied. The Primary Filters can be
cleaned by shaking them. Remove the power unit from the top of the drum but leave the suction hose
in place to prevent dust escaping from the drum when you shake the filters clean.
Clean the uppermost Primary Filter by grasping the shaking-handle sewn onto the filter and shaking it
up and down to dislodge any dust and dirt on the underside.
Carefully remove and repeat for the second Primary Filter underneath.
To clean the Primary Filters more thoroughly, shake them clean as above and carefully remove them.
We recommend vacuuming the filter clean (separate Primary Filters can be purchased for this
purpose) or by beating them clean in a suitable area out of doors.
6.1.4 Checking the Primary Filters for Damage
Always inspect the Primary Filters for damage each time you clean them. Ensure they are free of holes
and show no signs of damage or wear.
If you’ve any doubt about the state of your Primary Filters, please replace them.
6.1.5 If the Primary Filters Get Wet
The Primary Filters are intended only for use in dry mode. Never use the Primary Filters in wet mode.
If the Primary Filters do get wet, clean them by shaking as described above. Carefully remove the
filters and allow them to naturally air dry. Vacuum or beat the filters clean and refit them before using
the BIG MIKE in dry mode again.
Warning
Always ensure the Primary Filters are dry before using in the BIG MIKE.
Fit the Primary Filters inside the
top of the drum.

17
6.1.6 If the BIG MIKE has been used without the Primary Filters in place
If the BIG MIKE has been used in Dry Mode without the Primary Filters in place, switch off the BIG
MIKE immediately.
Examine the Primary Filters thoroughly to ensure they are clean and in good order.
Refit both Primary Filters before using your BIG MIKE again.
Be aware that the motors may have been damaged. If you suspect any motor damage has occured
(e.g. adverse noises or smells from the motors or any reduction in performance) switch off the BIG
MIKE immediately and do not use. Contact your distributor for further advice.
6.2 Filters for Wet Use
Caution
Never use the V39 Primary Filters when operating in Wet Mode.
The Overfill Protection Filter must be fitted before using the BIG MIKE in wet mode.
Before fitting the Overfill Protection Filter, check that:
• the perforations in the Overfill Proection Filter are clean, undamaged and aren’t blocked
• the rubber gasket is fitted to the rim of the Overfill Protection Filter and that it is in good
condition.
• the ball float inside the Overfill Protection Filter is free to move up and down.
Do not use if the Overfill Protection Filter shows any signs of damage.
Overll Protection Filter for use in wet mode

18
7.0 Power Unit and Motors
Danger
Never place your hands or any other part of your body over the end of
the suction hose or inlet spigot while the BIG MIKE is in operation. The
powerful suction could cause injury.
7.1 Power Unit
7.2 The motors are housed inside the metal box on top of the lid. In order to safely maintain the power
unit and its motors see the Safety Instructions and Grounding Notes.
The power unit contains 3 motors that can be switched on or off one at a time.
7.3 Switching On The Motors
The BIG MIKE has a 4-position switch which switches each motor on and off individually. Position 0 is
off. Position 1 switches the first motor on; Position 2 switches the second motor on; Position 3
switches the third motor on. This is known as a “soft start” and prevents surges on your power supply.
Caution
Always switch all three motors on before using the BIG MIKE to clean up.
Never operate the BIG MIKE with just 1 or 2 motors running.
7.4 Thermal Cut-Outs
The motors are fitted with overheat protection thermal cut out units. If the motors cannot cool
themselves adequately, the thermal cut-outs will automatically shut the motors down to protect them.
This can occur if the flow of air up the suction pipe is very hot, or the flow is obstructed in the pipe or
the drum is full.
If the thermal cut-outs shut the motors down, turn the power switch to Position 0 and unplug the
appliance from the power supply. The thermal cut-outs will automatically allow the motors to restart
once they have cooled sufficiently.
Warning
NEVER leave an overheated appliance connected to the electrical supply
with the power switch at Position 1, 2 or 3. Always switch the power
switch to Position 0 and unplug the appliance from the power supply.
This will prevent the appliance restarting itself in your absence once the
motors have cooled sufciently.
4-position switch for turning on the motors

19
8.0 Floor Wall & Ceiling Hand Tool Kit
The Floor, Wall and Ceiling Hand Tool Kit is a selection of long reach stainless steel and aluminium
tools that enable you to cover large areas, reach up walls, reach into roofs and to poke into small
confined places.
8.1 The Floor Brush and Floor Squeegee
For general floor cleaning, use the V29 Floor Brush, when cleaning up dry waste, or V29A Floor
Squegee, when cleaning up liquid waste.
Connect the V29 Floor Brush or V29A Floor Squeegee to the end of a V27 Stainless Steel Tube.
Connect another V27 Stainless Steel Tube. Connect to the V26 Stainless Steel Crank. Connect this to
the V25 Adaptor. Connect to the end of the BIG MIKE suction pipe:
Using the Floor Brush/Squeegee
The kit comprises:
1 V25 38mm to 63mm adaptor
1 V26 stainless steel crank.
2 V27 470mm stainless steel tubes
2 V28 1220mm aluminium tube.
1 V29 355mm wide adjustable floor brush on
wheels
1 V30 152mm round brush
1 V31 305mm stainless steel crevice tool
1 V41 Tool bag that fits onto the BIG MIKE cart.
BIG
MIKE
Pipe
V25
V28 High reach
aluminium
extension
tube
V29
Tool Bag
V30
V27
V26
V31 - Fits to a V25 Adaptor
& V28 Extension Tube
V27
V29A

20
For extra comfort, particularly for taller operators, extend the suction hose further by attaching the
Floor Brush or Floor Squeegee to a V28 Aluminium Extension Tube.
For best cleaning results, ensure that you adjust the bristle height on the Floor Brush or blade height
of the Floor Squeegee to its optimum position. Adjust the height of the bristles or blade by turning the
knob on the rear of the Floor Brush or Floor Squeegee. The bristles or blade are in the correct position
when they lightly sweep over the floor:
Adjusting the brush or blade height