Viper Shovelnose Wet Vac

Operating Instructions

IMPORTANT!

Operator’s Manual

It is important that you read the operator’s manual before using any machine.

This presentation will only outline a few common issues that pertain to the Viper Shovelnose Wet Vac.

FILTERS

The Viper Wet Vac comes from the factory with two filters—one for WET pick up (BLUE mesh), and one for DRY pick up (WHITE cloth). DO NOT pick up wet material with the WHITE filter placed in the machine. If you only use the machine for wet pick up, it may be in your best interest to discard the WHITE filter.

Filter for WET pick-up

Filter for DRY pick-up ONLY

FILTERS

Place BLUE mesh filter inside tank. The black gasket should rest on the outside edge of the tank, and vacuum head assembly should be placed over the filter.

This filter is designed to keep foam build-up from entering the vacuum motor.

Vac-Motor Assembly

The vac-motor assembly should fit easily over the tank. Latches are often broken if the vac-motor head is not properly seated on the tank.

The latches are easily replaceable with two screws.

Vac-Motor Assembly

Latch

Vac-Motor Assembly

The vac motor assembly should be kept clean and dry at all times. Water should not be allowed to reach the “trumpet” (base). Frequent emptying of the tank will keep the vac motor from being damaged by liquid.

Trumpet

Ball Float Shut-Off

As a preventive measure, a ball float shut-off is in place to keep liquids out of the vacuum motor. When the tank is full of liquid, the ball will rise and you should be able to hear the vac motor “winding up”, like there is a clog. This indicates that the tank is full. However, FOAM BUILD-UP WILL NOT ACTIVATE THE SHUT-OFF!

Ball floatNOTE: “Shut-off” does not mean that the machine will power off. It means that the vac motor air intake will be sealed—at this point you should observe that the machine has lost suction.

When should I empty the tank?

When the machine is about ¾ full, empty the tank and properly dispose of contents. As a rule, do not pick up more than 10-12 gallons of solution at one time.

The red line in the photo shows the approximate maximum fill-level. Once that is reached, the machine will need to be emptied.

NOTE: Remember that FOAM will not activate the ball shut-off. It is recommended by the manufacturer that “defoamer” be used in the tank to dissipate foam from stripper and finish solution.

Excessive Foam Build-Up and Overfilling

The Vacuum Air Intake filter screen should remain free of any obstruction. If it becomes clogged, the vacuum is not going to function properly and the motor will overheat. This can be prevented by proper emptying and using a “defoamer” solution. If the machine is overfilled, the liquid is suctioned through this screen directly into the vacuum motor. At this point, it is likely that damage has occurred.Vacuum Air

Intake Filter Screen

NOTE: If this area is clogged, it will cause the ball float shut-off to activate immediately once the vacuum is powered on.

Ground Plug

Do not operate a wet vac or any other machine when this prong is missing. This plug is most often broken by not unplugging the machine properly. Do not unplug anything by pulling on the cord.

Unplug electrical device by pulling the PLUG from the outlet. If this plug is missing, follow proper procedures to have it replaced immediately.

Ground

Hose Assembly

After each use, remove the coupler from the front of the machine and rinse thoroughly. It is helpful to add a lubricant to the treads so that future removal will be problem-free.

Coupler

Hose Cuff

The hose cuff should be removed after each use and rinsed thoroughly. Floor strippers can cause these to become brittle, and cracking can occur in the cuff. The vacuum will not operate properly when the cuff is not in good condition. These can be easily replaced. The custodial services department has replacement cuffs should you encounter this problem.

Hose Cuff

Maintenance

1. Drain and rinse recovery tank after each use.

2. Clean ball float shut-off after each use.

3. Clean the outside of the machine with a mild cleaner

4. Check the power cord for any damage

5. Rinse the squeegee blades with water and wipe with a cloth.

6. Check the vacuum hose and dump hose for holes or clogs.

7. Lubricate wheels and casters with a water-resistant lubricant every month.

8. Check machine for loose or missing nuts or bolts, and replace when necessary.

9. Clean the BLUE screen after each use to prevent build-up, which will reduce air flow.

Storage

1. Unplug machine from power source

2. Store in upright position in a dry area

3. Store with squeegee OFF the ground

4. Store with the vacuum head off unit so the tank can “breathe”