High PressureWasher OperatorManualOverview .......................................... 2Important Precautions ................ 3 - 4Assembly Instructions ..................... 4Operating Instructions ..................... 5GFCI Instructions ............................ 6Using the Accessories ..................... 6Working with Detergents ................. 7Shut Down and Clean-Up ............... 8Taking a Break ................................ 8Winterizing and Long-TermStorage ............................................ 8Cleaning Tips ........................... 9 - 10Optional Cleaning Accessories ..... 10Troubleshooting ..................... 11 - 12

SpecificationsOperating pressure, max. .. 1500 PSIWater volume ...................... 1.3 GPMVoltage ..................................... 120 VAmp draw ........................... 10 AMPS

Manual Part No. 5.961-047.0 04/04EN

In USA call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website:www.karcher-usa.com

Part No. 1.421-211.0

K 2.97 M

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6

1

4

13

10

895

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32

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Never point nozzle at people or animals.

Never drink alcohol or use drugs while operating this equipment.

Never operate while standing in water.

Never touch plug with wet hands.

Never let electrical connections rest in water.

Never operate pressure washer without the water turned on

Never use hot water

OVERVIEW

NEVER!

Item DescriptionItem DescriptionItem DescriptionItem DescriptionItem Description1. Power cord with Ground Fault Circuit

Interrupter (GFCI)2. Trigger gun3. Trigger gun safety lock4. High pressure hose5. Water inlet with filter and

garden hose connector6. Retractable handle7. Power cord holder (not

pictured)8. Detergent suction tube

with filter9. High pressure outlet10. On/Off switch11. Wash brush12. Vario Power spray wand13. Rotary spray wand

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IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – Read First!

Safety WarningsWhen using this product, basic precautionsshould always be followed:• Read all the instructions before using

the product.• High pressure jets can be dangerous if

subject to misuse. The jet must not bedirected at persons, animals, electricaldevices, or the machine itself.

• To reduce the risk of injury, do notoperate the machine near children.

• Learn how to stop the machine andrelease pressure quickly. Be thoroughlyfamiliar with the controls.

• Stay alert — watch what you are doing.• Wear safety goggles.• Do not use acids, sol-

vents, or any flammablematerial in this product. These productscan cause physical injuries to theoperator and irreversible damage to themachine.

• Do not operate the product whenfatigued or under the influence ofalcohol or drugs.

• Keep operating area clear of allpersons.

• Do not stand on unstable surfaces.Stand with both feet balanced at alltimes.

• To reduce the risk of electrocution, keepall connections dry and off the ground.Do not touch plug with wet hands.

• The Trigger Gun Safety Lock PRE-VENTS the trigger from accidentallybeing engaged. This safety featureDOES NOT lock trigger in the onposition.

Extension CordsUse a sufficient gauge: Up to 25 ft. = 12/3AWG; 25 to 50 ft. = 10/3 AWG. Use onlyextension cords that are intended for outdooruse. These extension cords are identified bythe marking “Acceptable for use with outdoorappliances; store indoors while not in use.”Use only extension cords having an electricalrating not less than the rating of the product.Do not use damaged extension cords.Examine extension cord before using andreplace if damaged. Do not abuse extensioncord and do not yank on any cord to

disconnect. Keep cord away from heat andsharp edges. Always disconnect the exten-sion cord from the receptacle beforedisconnecting the product from the extensioncord. If you are using an extension cord, itshould always be completely unwound fromthe cable drum.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter(GFCI) ProtectionThis product is supplied with a Ground FaultCircuit Interrupter (GFCI) built into the powercord plug. This device provides additionalprotection from the risk of electric shock. Ifpower is interrupted in the line, the GFCI willautomatically re-close the circuit to the loadafter power is restored. Depending on theGFCI model, it may be necessary tomanually operate the reset button to restorepower to the GFCI load circuit. If replace-ment of the plug or cord is needed useidentical replacement parts.

Grounding InstructionsThis product must be grounded. If it shouldmalfunction or breakdown, groundingprovides a path of least resistance for electriccurrent to reduce the risk of electric shock.This product is equipped with a cord havingan equipment-grounding conductor and agrounding plug. The plug must be pluggedinto an appropriate outlet that is properlyinstalled and grounded in accordance with alllocal codes and ordinances.DANGER- Improper connection of theequipment-grounding conductor can result ina risk of electrocution. Check with a qualifiedelectrician or service personnel if you are indoubt as to whether the outlet is properlygrounded. Do not modify the plug providedwith the product - if it will not fit the outlet,have a proper outlet installed by a qualifiedelectrician. Do not use any type of adapterwith this product.

Caution• Follow the maintenance instructionsspecified in the manual.• This machine has been designed foruse with cleaning detergent supplied orrecommended by the manufacturer. Theuse of other cleaning detergents mayaffect the operation of the machine andvoid the warranty.

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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Water Supply (Cold Water Only)• Water hose must be at least 3/4 inch in

diameter.• Flow rate of water supply must not fall

below 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).• Flow rate can be determined by running

the water for one minute into an empty5-gallon container.

• The water supply temperature must notexceed 104°F/40°C.

Step 1Insert wheels into side holesat the bottom of the pressurewasher and snap into place.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS – continuedPRECAUTIONS

• Never use the pressure washer to draw inwater contaminated with solvents, e.g.paint thinner, gasoline, oil, etc.

• Always prevent debris from being drawninto the unit by using a clean watersource.

• Save these instructions!

Step 2Place the wheel carriageonto the mounting bracketson the sides of the washerand align the four holes.Snap into place.

Step 3Slide the handle into the topslot of the wheel carriageand snap into place.

Step 4Slide the trigger gun holderinto track of the pressurewasher.

Step 6Pull out the locking slide from the right sideof the trigger gun handle, and insert thesmall end of the high pressure hose intoplace. Push the locking slide back into thetrigger gun to lock the hose in position.

Step 5Attach piece at the bottom ofthe pressure washer.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 3Connect the garden hose to the water inlet.

Step 4Connect garden hose to the cold watersource and turn water on completely.Plug the power cord into the power outlet.

Step 6 Turn on the pressurewasher (I). The motor starts only if thetrigger of the gun is pulled and shuts offwhen the trigger is released.

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/ ON/ ON/ ON/ ON

Step 2Insert the spray wand of your choice into thetrigger gun. Press in against the springtension and twist into the locked position.

Step 1Connect the high pressure hose to the highpressure outlet.

Step 5 Unlock the lock of the triggergun (A). Trigger the gun (B) to eliminatetrapped air, wait for a steady flow of waterto emerge from the spray nozzle.

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GFCI INSTRUCTIONS

USING THE ACCESSORIES

The spray wand allows you to adjust the cleaning pressure. To clean at maximumpressure, the spray wand must be positioned to the high pressure setting (+).To apply detergent, the wand must be positioned to the low pressure setting (-).

Vario power spray wand

For higher pressure turnwand collar in theplus (+) direction.

For lower pressure turnwand collar in theminus (–) direction.

This wand features a 0º pencil jet whichrotates 360º for maximum dirt cutting action,effectively increasing cleaning performanceup to 50%. This wand combines the cleaningperformance of a 0º pencil jet with thesurface coverage of a wide angle nozzle. Notrecommended for soft materials, siding,painted surfaces, decks or autos.

Rotary spray wand

Wash brushThis brush is ideal for removing stubborndirt and stains from finished surfaces. Usewith detergents only.

WarningTO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, NEVERPOINT SPRAY NOZZLE AT YOURSELF,OTHER PERSONS OR ANIMALS

Note:The actualappearanceof the GFCImay bedifferentfrom thisillustration.

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1Plug the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter(GFCI) into a working outlet

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2Press “TEST”, then press “RESET” toassure proper connection to power.

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For best results see Cleaning Tips on pages 9 & 10 for specific information onhow to clean different surfaces.Always Use Karcher Detergents for Best Results.Karcher biodegradable detergents are specially formulated to protect the environment and yourpressure washer. Our special formula won’t clog the suction tube filter and will protect the internalparts of the pressure washer for a longer life. For Karcher Detergents, check your retailer or call:

WORKING WITH DETERGENTS

Step 1 Install the Wash Brush or Vario spray wand. Set the Vario spraywand to the low pressure setting (–) by turning the wand collar. The wand mustbe set in the low pressure (–) position to apply detergents.

Karcher pressure washers operate only at two pressures. The high pressure setting is usedfor cleaning, you cannot apply detergents when working at high pressure. To apply deter-gents the washer must be operating at low pressure (–).

Step 3 Turn on the pressure washer.Pull trigger to operate unit: Liquid detergentis drawn into the unit and mixed with water.Apply detergent to work area. Do not allowdetergent to dry on surface.

Step 2 Fill a container with Kärcherdetergent. Place the filter end of detergentsuction tube into the container.

CautionNever use:

• Bleach, Chlorine products and othercorrosive chemicals

• Liquids containing solvents(i.e., paint thinner, gasoline, oils)

• Trisodium phosphate products• Ammonia products• Acid-based productsThese chemicals will harm the unit andwill damage the surface being cleaned.

The following Karcher detergents areavailable:

--------------------------------------------------One Gallon ready to useOne Gallon ready to useOne Gallon ready to useOne Gallon ready to useOne Gallon ready to use• Vehicle Wash • Degreaser• All Purpose Cleaner • House Wash• Deck Wash-------------------------------------------------Detergent Concentrate TDetergent Concentrate TDetergent Concentrate TDetergent Concentrate TDetergent Concentrate Tabletsabletsabletsabletsablets:(10 Pack; makes 1 1/4 gallon RTU product)• All Purpose • Degreaser• Deck and patio • Windows and Siding-------------------------------------------------

In USA call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website:www.karcher-usa.com

8

Step 6Disconnect the high pressurehose from the high pressureoutlet.

Step 1Release trigger (A)and engage gunsafety lock (B).

1. Disconnect all water connections.2. Turn on the machine for a few seconds,

until the water which had remained inthe pump exits. Turn off immediately.

3. Do not allow high pressure hose tobecome kinked.

SHUTTING DOWN & CLEANUP

Step 1Remove detergent suctiontube from container andinsert into 1 gallon of freshwater. Siphon water at lowpressure for one minute.

Step 2Turn the switch tooff (O) position andunplug cord fromoutlet.

Step 3Turn off the watersource.

Step 4Press trigger torelease waterpressure.

Step 5Disconnect the gardenhose from the water inleton the unit.

Step 2Turn pressure washerto off (O) position.

WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE

TAKING A BREAK... five minutes or more

4. Store the machine and accessories ina room which does not reach freezingtemperatures.

Caution: Failure to follow the abovedirections will result in damage to thepump assembly and accessories.

OFF/

OFF/

A

B

Step 7Release trigger (A) andengage gun safety lock(B).

A

B

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Deck Cleaning(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse deck and surrounding area withfresh water. If using Kärcher Deck and PatioCleaner, place detergent suction tubedirectly into cleaning solution and apply tosurface at low pressure. For best results,limit your work area to smaller sections ofapproximately 25 square feet. Allow KärcherDeck and Patio Cleaner to remain onsurface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow detergentto dry on surface. Rinse at high pressure ina long sweeping motion keeping the spraynozzle approximately 3-6 inches from thecleaning surface. Always clean from top tobottom and from left to right. When movingon to a new section of the cleaning surface,be sure to overlap the previous section toeliminate stop marks and ensure a moreeven cleaning result.Caution: Do not use rotary spray wandon wood surfaces as it may causedamage.

House Siding(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.If using Kärcher House or Window andSiding Cleaner, place detergent suctiontube directly into cleaning solution andapply to surface at low pressure (for bestresults, limit your work area to sections ofapproximately 6 feet and always applydetergent from bottom to top). AllowKärcher House or Window and SidingCleaner to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.Do not allow detergent to dry on surface, ifsurface appears to be drying, simply wetdown surface with fresh water. If needed,use special Wash Brush Attachment toremove stubborn dirt. Rinse at highpressure from top to bottom in an evensweeping motion keeping the spray nozzleapproximately 6 inches from the cleaningsurface.Caution: Do not use rotary spray wandon siding as it may cause damage.

CLEANING TIPS

Cement Patios, Brick and Stone(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.If using Kärcher Deck and Patio or AllPurpose Cleaner, place detergent suctiontube directly into cleaning solution andapply to surface at low pressure. For bestresults, limit your work area to smallersections of approximately 25 square feet.Allow Kärcher Deck and Patio or All PurposeCleaner to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.Rinse at high pressure in a sweepingmotion keeping the spray nozzle approxi-mately 3-6 inches from the cleaning surface.Always clean from top to bottom and fromleft to right.For removing extremely stubborn stains,use the rotary spray wand.

Cars, Boats & Motorcycles(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse vehicle with fresh water. If usingKärcher Vehicle or All Purpose Cleaner,place detergent suction tube directly intocleaning solution and apply to surface atlow pressure. For best results, clean oneside of vehicle at a time and always applydetergent from bottom to top, do not allowdetergent to dry on surface. If needed, usespecial Wash Brush Attachment to removestubborn dirt. Rinse at high pressure in asweeping motion keeping the spray nozzleapproximately 6-8 inches from the cleaningsurface (distance should increase whenrinsing pin-striping or other sensitivesurfaces). Always clean from top to bottomand from left to right. For best results, wipesurface dry with a chamois or soft dry cloth.Caution: Do not use the rotary spraywand on vehicles as it may causedamage.

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Barbecue Grills, Outdoor PowerEquipment & Gardening Tools(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse cleaning surface with fresh water.If using Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner orDegreaser, place detergent suction tubedirectly into cleaning solution and applydetergent at low pressure. Allow Kärcherdetergent to remain on surface 1-3 minutes.Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.Rinse at high pressure keeping the spraynozzle approximately 3-6 inches from thecleaning surface. For removing extremelystubborn dirt, it may be necessary to movethe spray nozzle even closer to the surfacefor greater dirt cutting action.Caution: Do not use rotary spray wandon cloth, plastic or other sensitivesurfaces as it may cause damage.

Patio & Lawn Furniture(with or without detergent)Pre-rinse furniture and surrounding areawith fresh water. If using Kärcher AllPurpose Cleaner, place detergent suctiontube directly into cleaning solution andapply to surface at low pressure. Allow

Optional cleaning accessories are available to further enhance your cleaning capabilities: Seeaccessories order form for product descriptions and ordering instructions.

CLEANING TIPS – continuedcontinuedcontinuedcontinuedcontinued

Kärcher All Purpose Cleaner to remain onsurface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow detergentto dry on surface. If needed use specialWash Brush Attachment to remove stubborndirt. Rinse at high pressure in a sweepingmotion keeping the spray nozzle approxi-mately 3-6 inches from the cleaning surface.For best results, clean from top to bottomand from left to right. Caution: Do not userotary spray wand on patio or lawnfurniture as it may cause damage.

Recommendations• Before cleaning any surface an incon-

spicuous area should be cleaned to testspray pattern and distance for maximumcleaning results.

• If painted surfaces are peeling orchipping, use extreme caution aspressure washer may remove the loosepaint from the surface.

• While using on surfaces which mightcome in contact with food, flush surfaceswith plenty of drinking water.

OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES

• Vario Spray Wand• House Washing Wand• Extension Wand, 20 inches• Flexible Spray Wand• Underbody Spray Wand• 4 Piece Extension Wand, 66 inches

• Wet Sandblasting Attachment• Pipe Drain Cleaner• Water Suction Hose With Filter• Extension Hose 25’• Rotating Wash Brush• T-Racer

In USA call:1-800-537-4129

or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com

11

TROUBLESHOOTING

Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any repair.

Symptom

Motor will not start

Unit does not reach highpressure.

Output pressure varieshigh and low.

Cause

On/Off switch is in the “OFF” (O)position.

Power cord is not plugged in.

Extension cord is too long.Extension cord is not proper gauge.Extension cord is damaged.

Electrical outlet does not supplyadequate power.

Tripped circuit breaker

Diameter of garden hose is toosmall.

Water supply is restricted.

Not enough inlet water supply.

Water inlet filter is clogged.

Spray wand is in low pressureposition.

Not enough inlet water supply.

Pump is sucking air.

Water inlet filter is clogged.

Discharge nozzle is obstructed.

Calcified gun, hose or spray wand.

Solution

Turn switch to the “ON” (I) position

Plug in power cord.

Replace extension cord with eithera 25 ft. 12/3 gauge cord or a 50ft. 10/3 gauge cord.

Try a different outlet.

Reset breaker (power supply) orground fault circuit interrupter.

Replace with a 3/4 inch gardenhose.

Check garden hose for kinks,leaks and blockage.

Open water source full force.

Remove filter and rinse out inwarm water.

Turn spray wand to high pressureposition.

Turn water on full force. Checkgarden hose for kinks, leaks orblockage.

Check that hoses and fittings areair tight. Turn off machine andpurge pump by squeezing triggergun until “a steady flow of wateremerges through the nozzle.

Remove filter and rinse out inwarm water.

Blow out or remove debris with afine needle.

Run distilled vinegar throughdetergent suction tube.

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TROUBLESHOOTING – continuedcontinuedcontinuedcontinuedcontinued

If you encounter any additionaldifficulties not listed, please call ourservice center for help.Karcher Customer Support USA

In USA Call: 1-800-537-4129or visit our website: www.karcher-usa.com

Solution

Check connection.

Dilute detergent, for best resultsuse Kärcher detergent.

Run warm water through filter toremove debris.

Remove obstruction or replacedetergent suction tube.

Turn spray wand tip to lowpressure position.

Blow out or remove debris withfine needle.

Tighten fittings.

Insert new washer.

Insert the spray wand into the trig-ger gun. Carefully press in againstthe spring tension and twist intothe locked position.

Call Kärcher customer servicehotline and order repair kit (partno. 2.883-111.0).

Check that hoses and fittings areair tight. Turn off machine andpurge pump by squeezing triggergun until a steady flow of wateremerges through the nozzle.

Check that all fittings are tight.

Call service center.

Call service center.

Symptom

No detergent.

Garden hoseconnection leaks.

Spray wand leaks.

Pump is noisy.

Water leaks from pump (upto 10 drops per minute ispermissible).

Oil Drip.

Cause

Detergent suction tube not properlyconnected to the machine.

Detergent is too thick.

Filter on detergent suction tube isclogged.

Damaged or clogged detergentsuction tube.

Spray wand is in high pressureposition.

Discharge nozzle is obstructed.

Loose fittings.

Missing/worn rubber washer.

Spray wand not properly attached.

Broken o-ring or plastic insert.

Pump is sucking air.

Loose fittings.

Water seals are damaged or worn.

Oil seals are damaged or worn.