Kärcher High-Pressure Washer User Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of Kärcher equipment. Kärcher is a global leader in cleaning solutions, offering products that clean faster, deliver surprising results, and save water compared to conventional hoses. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your high-pressure washer.
General Instructions and Safety Notices
Before using the device for the first time, read all safety notices and the instruction manual carefully. Keep these notices for future reference. Observe general safety and accident prevention rules.
Electric Power Connection
- Ensure the mains voltage matches the machine's voltage rating.
- Protection class I devices must be connected to properly grounded power sources.
- Use a residual current device (RCD) for added safety.
- Only use power cords specified by the manufacturer and ensure they are undamaged.
- Connect to an electrical outlet installed by a qualified electrician according to local standards (e.g., NBR 5410).
- Avoid touching electrical components with wet hands.
- Protect power and extension cords from heat, oil, sharp edges, and crushing.
- Use extension cords with appropriate gauge (1.5 mm² for 1-10m, 2.5 mm² for 10-30m) and ensure they are waterproof and suitable for outdoor use.
- Never use an extension cord that bypasses the grounding pin.
- Do not operate the device at temperatures below 0°C.
- Always turn off the mains disconnect switch when leaving the machine unattended.
Water Connection
- Observe your water supply company’s rules.
- Ensure the supply line and connections are leak-free.
- The high-pressure hose must not be damaged; replace if necessary. Use only manufacturer-recommended hoses and connections.
- Water from backflow preventers may be non-potable. Do not connect to a potable water network without proper backflow prevention.
- Use only manufacturer-recommended hoses, fittings, and couplings for safety.
Handling
- Ensure the device is in good repair before use. Do not use if power cord or critical components are damaged.
- Never vacuum flammable liquids, thinners, acids, or solvents.
- Do not use acetone, undiluted acids, or solvents as they can corrode the device.
- Observe safety regulations when using in hazardous areas (e.g., service stations). Not permitted in explosion-risk areas.
- Place the device on a flat, stable base.
- Wear hearing protection if sound pressure levels exceed 85 dB(A).
- All electrical components within the equipment's range must be protected against water jets.
- The gun trigger cannot be locked when pressed.
- Wear protective clothing and goggles against water or dirt splashes.
- High-pressure jets can be dangerous ❗: Do not direct the jet towards people, animals, live electrical equipment, or the device itself.
- Do not point the jet at yourself or others to clean clothes or shoes.
- Vehicle tires and valves must be washed from a minimum distance of 30 cm to prevent damage.
- Do not wash materials containing asbestos or other hazardous substances.
- Short lances can cause injury; maintain a safe distance from the lance tip.
- When using cleaning products, follow manufacturer instructions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Aerosol inhalation during high-pressure washing can be harmful. Consider using shielded nozzles or a breathing mask (FFP class 2) if applicable.
- Only use Kärcher-approved detergents.
- Store detergents out of reach of children.
- Never open the machine while the engine is running.
- After using hot water, let the device cool down with cold water before storage.
- If interrupting operation for more than 5 minutes, turn off the equipment and depressurize.
Putting the Machine into Operation
Follow these step-by-step instructions for assembly and initial operation:
Assembly
- Wheels: Fit the wheel to the machine chassis. Then, fit the wheel locks (if applicable) or caps until they click into place.
- Handle: Attach the gun holder to the handle side. Secure it by threading the provided screws into the back of the handle (screwdriver not included).
Water Supply Connection
- Thread the quick coupling connector into the machine's water inlet.
- Fit the threaded cover of the quick coupling onto your garden hose (1/2 inch diameter, recommended 5-10m length, not included).
- Carefully fit the quick coupling onto the hose, ensuring the jaws face outward.
- Thread the threaded cap onto the quick coupling clockwise until it locks.
Connecting the Hose and High-Pressure Gun
- Fit the end of the high-pressure hose to the machine's water outlet connection and screw the swivel nut clockwise.
- Fit the high-pressure hose connector to the gun, turning until it clicks into place.
- To disconnect the hose from the gun, press and hold the yellow button and pull the hose.
- Fit the lance into the gun by compressing the spring and rotating it a quarter turn until it locks. To remove, reverse the action.
Starting the Machine
- Turn on the water supply tap.
- Connect the power cord plug to the electrical outlet.
- To remove air from the system: with the washer off, press the trigger until only water flows without air bubbles.
- With the trigger pressed, turn the machine on by setting the switch to “1/ON”.
- Press the trigger to start the pressure washer. The machine turns off when the trigger is released.
Correct Use of the High-Pressure Washer
Use your Kärcher washer at home for cleaning machines, vehicles, tools, and gardening equipment. The washer can only be operated vertically.
Safety Devices
- On-Off Switch: Prevents accidental activation.
- Gun with Safety Lock: Prevents incorrect use by untrained personnel.
- FULL STOP System: The high-pressure pump turns off when the gun trigger is released and turns on again when pressed.
Cleaning Methods with Detergent
- Apply a high-pressure jet to moisten the surface and remove excess dirt.
- Spread the detergent according to the manufacturer's recommendations for dilution and contact time.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with the high-pressure jet to remove dirt and detergent.
Using the Foam Nozzle (Optional Accessory)
- Disconnect the detergent container from the nozzle.
- Fill the container with diluted or undiluted detergent and reconnect it.
- Fasten the foam nozzle to the gun by compressing the spring and turning it a quarter turn until it locks.
- Pull the trigger to apply the foam.
Lances and Accessories
- Vario Power Spray Lance: Adjustable flat jet for everyday cleaning. Adjust pressure by turning the nozzle.
- Pencil Jet Lance (Optional): Provides a focused jet for encrusted dirt or a flat jet for larger areas.
- Dirt Blaster Lance: High-pressure lance with a rotating jet for tough dirt in large areas (included on specific models).
- Rotary Brush (Optional): Uses water force to rotate bristles for scrubbing action.
- T-Racer (Optional): Accessory with rotating jets for cleaning flat surfaces without splashing.
- Foam Nozzle (Optional): For applying detergent.
Maintenance and Storage
Conservation
- Clean the water and detergent inlet filters regularly.
- Before performing maintenance, switch off the device and unplug it.
- Depressurize the high-pressure system before any work.
- Repairs should only be performed by Authorized Service Centers or Kärcher technicians.
- Use only original Kärcher accessories and spare parts for safety and fault-free operation.
Storage
If storing the equipment for a long period or in low temperatures:
- Turn on the equipment without the water and high-pressure hoses attached. Let it run for a maximum of 1 minute until no more water is present in the high-pressure connection.
- Disconnect the plug from the electrical outlet.
- Store the power cord, hose, and accessories in the designated holders.
- Ensure the storage location can support the machine's weight and is stable.
Troubleshooting
- Equipment does not work: Check power connection, voltage match, and local power supply. Press the gun trigger.
- Equipment does not reach working pressure: Eliminate air from the system by running the pump without the lance. Check water supply and clean the water inlet filter.
- Equipment does not start (engine roaring): Ensure the gun trigger is pressed before turning the machine on.
- Equipment is oscillating/vibrating: Check for lance clogging or low water supply flow/high temperature.
- Equipment has water leaks: Tighten connections and check for damaged rubber rings. (Up to 3 drops per minute may be permissible).
- For unresolved issues, contact an Authorized Service Center.
Technical Data
Models | K3.98 | K3.98 BLACK | K4 | K3.30 | K5 | K5 BLACK | K5 POWER CONTROL | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Electrical Connection - Voltage (V) | 110 | 120-127 | 220 | 220 | 230 | 110 | 120-127 | 220 | 220 | 230 | 110 | 120-127 | 220 | 220 | 230 | 110 | 120-127 | 220 | 220 | 230 |
Frequency (Hz) | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 50 |
Current (A) | 12 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Power circuit protection (slow-blow) (A) | 16 | 16 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Insulation class | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I |
Protection class | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX5 |
Water Connection - Inlet temperature (max.) (°C) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
Flow (min.) (L/min) (L/h) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) | 10 (600) |
Inlet pressure (min-max.) (MPa) (psi) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) | 0.2-1.2 (30-175) |
Garden Hose (inlet) - Recommended Length (m) | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 | 5 to 10 |
Diameter (inch) | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
Power Data - Rated working pressure (MPa) (psi) | 8.0 (1160) | 8.0 (1160) | 8.0 (1160) | 8.0 (1160) | 8.0 (1160) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 8.7 (1261) | 9.7 (1406) | 9.7 (1406) | 9.7 (1406) | 9.3 (1348) | 9.3 (1348) |
Maximum permissible pressure (MPa) (psi) | 12 (1740) | 12 (1740) | 12 (1740) | 12 (1740) | 12 (1740) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 13 (1885) | 14.5 (2100) | 14.5 (2100) | 14.5 (2100) | 13.9 (2016) | 13.9 (2016) |
Rated water flow rate (L/min) (L/h) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 5.5 (330) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) |
Maximum water flow rate (L/min) (L/h) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.0 (360) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) | 6.3 (380) |
Gun recoil force (N) | <12 | <12 | <12 | <12 | <12 | <13 | <13 | <13 | <13 | <13 | <14 | <14 | <14 | <14 | <14 | <14 | <14 | <14 | <14 | <14 |
Noise level (Sound pressure LpA) (dB(A)) | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 83 |
K uncertainty (dB(A)) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Hand-arm vibration (Total vibration value ah) (m/s²) | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 | <2.5 |
Measures and Weights - Length (mm) | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 | 323 |
Width (mm) | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 | 409 |
Height (mm) | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 | 825 |
Mass (kg) | 14.0 | 14.0 | 13.7 | 13.7 | 13.7 | 14.2 | 14.2 | 13.9 | 13.9 | 13.9 | 14.4 | 14.4 | 14.1 | 14.1 | 14.1 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 14.7 | 14.7 | 14.7 |
Warranty
Kärcher warranty conditions are applicable globally. Device faults due to material or manufacturing defects will be repaired free of charge within the warranty period. Contact your dealer or nearest authorized customer service center with proof of purchase. Find addresses at www.kaercher.com/dealersearch.
Product Disposal and Environmental Protection
This product may contain electronic components, heavy metals, or toxic substances and must not be disposed of in regular waste. Please refer to our website www.karcher.com.br for a list of delivery points. Responsible for disposal: Kärcher Indústria e Comércio Ltda, CNPJ: 47110960/0001-78, Tel: 08000-176111, Via Miguel Melhado Campos, 600, Vinhedo - SP, Postal code: 13288-003.
Packaging materials are recyclable. Do not dispose of packaging in household waste; send it to a recycling facility.