KARCHER K 4 Universal Edition Pressure Washer Instruction Manual

: June 12, 2024
: Karcher

Table of Contents

Safety
Proper use
Accessories and Spare Parts
Environmental protection
Description of the Appliance
Assembly
Start up
Operation
Transport
Storage
Care and maintenance
Troubleshooting
Warranty
Technical specifications
EU Declaration of Conformity
Support
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

**KARCHER K 4 Universal Edition Pressure Washer Instruction Manual

**

Safety

Please read and comply with these original operating instructions and the enclosed safety instructions. Proceed accordingly. Keep both booklets for future reference or subsequent owners.

Symbols on the machine

The high pressure jet must not be directed at persons, animals, live electrical equipment or at the appliance itself.
Protect the appliance against frost.

The appliance must not be directly connected to the public drinking water network.

Safety Devices

CAUTION
 Safety installations serve the protection of the user and may not be modified or bypassed.

Appliance switch
The appliance switch prevents unintentional operation of the appliance.

Lock trigger gun
This lock locks the lever of the trigger gun and prevents the inadvertent start of the appliance.

Auto-stop function
If the lever on the trigger gun is released, the pressure switch turns off the pump, the high-pressure jet stops. If the lever is pulled the pump is turned on again.

Motor protection switch
The motor protection switch switches off the device if the power consumption is high.

Proper use

This high pressure cleaner is designed for domestic use only.

for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings, tools, facades, terraces, gardening tools, etc. by means of a high-pressure water jet (if necessary, with additional cleaning agents).
with accessories, replacement parts and cleaning agents approved by KÄRCHER. Please observe the information accompanying the cleaning agents.

Accessories and Spare Parts

Only use original accessories and spare parts, they ensure the safe and trouble-free operation of the device.
For information about accessories and spare parts, please visit www.kaercher.com.

Environmental protection

The packaging material can be recycled. Please arrange for the environmentally appropriate disposal of the packaging.

Electrical and electronic devices often contain components which could potentially pose a danger to human health and the environment if handled or disposed of incorrectly. However, these components are necessary for the proper operation of the device. Devices marked with this symbol must not be disposed of with regular household rubbish.
Old appliances contain valuable recyclable materials that should be recycled properly. Batteries and accumulators contain substances that must not enter the environment. Please dispose of old devices and batteries or accumulators in an environmentally friendly way.

Cleaning operations which produce oily waste water, e.g. engine washes, underbody washes, may only be carried out using washing stations equipped with an oil separator.

Work with detergents must only be performed on liquid-tight work surfaces with a connection to the sewer system. Do not let release detergent into waters or earth.

The extraction of water from public waters is prohibited in some countries.

Notes about the ingredients (REACH)
You will find current information about the ingredients at:
www.kaercher.com/REACH

Description of the Appliance

The scope of delivery of your appliance is illustrated on the packaging. Check the contents of the appliance for completeness when unpacking.
In the event of missing accessories or any transport damage, please contact your dealer.
**Illustrations on Page 2

**

High pressure connection
Appliance switch „0/OFF“ / „I/ON“
Storage for trigger gun
Transport handle
Detergent suction hose with detergent filter and lid
Detergent Tank
Storage for high pressure hose
Water connection with integrated sieve
Coupling element for water connection
Hooks for fastening the net
Accessory net
Mains cable with mains plug
Bearing wheel
Trigger gun
Lock trigger gun
Button for detaching the high-pressure hose from the trigger gun
High pressure hose
Spray lance with Dirtblaster
For strong contaminations.
Spray lance with pressure regulation (Vario Power)
Carrying out the most common cleaning tasks.
The working pressure can be continuously increased from “SOFT” to “HARD”. To adjust the working pressure, release the trigger gun lever and turn the spray lance to the desired position. Suitable for use with detergents.
** Additionally required
Fabric-reinforced water hose with commercially available coupling.
- Minimum diameter, 1/2 inches (13 mm).
- Minimum length 7.5 m.

Assembly

Mount loose parts delivered with appliance prior to startup.

Illustration A

Slide the transport handle into the guide and secure it with 2 screws.

Illustration B

Insert holder for trigger gun.

Illustration C

Lock the detergent tank in place on the appliance.

Illustration D

Close the detergent tank with the lid.
Connect the suction hose for detergent to the connection.

Illustration E

Screw the coupling element to the water connection on the appliance.

Illustration F

Hook the accessories net into the hooks shown in the illustration.

Illustration G

Push the high pressure hose into the trigger gun until it locks audibly.
Note: Make sure the connection nipple is aligned correctly.
Check the secure connection by pulling on the high pressure hose.

Start up

Park the appliance on an even surface.

Illustration H

Connect the high pressure hose to the high pressure connection of the appliance.
Insert the mains plug into the socket.

Water supply

For connection values, see type plate/technical data.
ATTENTION
Impurities in the water can damage the high-pressure pump and the accessories. For protection, the use of the KÄRCHER water filter (optional accessory, order no. 4.730-059) is recommended. Observe regulations of water supplier.

Illustration I

Attach the water supply hose to the coupling on the water connection.

Connect the water supply hose to the water supply.
Completely open the water tap.

Drawing in water from open reservoirs

This high-pressure cleaner is suited to work with the
KÄRCHER suction hose with backflow valve (Optional accessory, order no. 2.643-100) to draw in surface water, e.g. from water butts or ponds (see specifications for max. suction height).

Remove coupling from the water connection.
Fill the suction hose with water.
Screw the suction hose into the water connection of the appliance and insert it into the water source (e.g. rainwater drum).

Remove air from appliance before operation.

Turn on the appliance “I/ON”.
Unlock the lever on the trigger gun.
Pull on the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch on.
Let the appliance work until the water exits at the hand spray gun without bubbles (max. 2 minutes).
Release the lever on the trigger gun.
Note: Release the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch off again. High pressure remains in the system.
Lock the lever on the trigger gun.

Operation

ATTENTION
Dry running of more than 2 minutes leads to damage of the high-pressure pump. If the appliance does not build up pressure within 2 minutes, switch the appliance off and proceed in accordance with the instructions in Chapter “Troubleshooting”

High pressure operation

CAUTION
Keep a distance of at least 30 cm when using the jet for cleaning painted surfaces to avoid damage.

ATTENTION
Car tyres, paint or sensitive surfaces such as wood should not be cleaned with the dirt blaster, as there is a risk of damage.

Illustration J

Push the spray lance into the trigger gun and fasten it by a 90° rotation.
Turn on the appliance “I/ON”.
Unlock the lever of the trigger gun.
Pull on the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch on.

Note: Release the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch off again. High pressure remains in the system.

Operation with detergent

Note: Detergent can only be added when the device is operated in low pressure mode.

DANGER
When using detergents, the material data safety sheet issued by the detergent manufacturer must be adhered to, especially the instructions regarding personal protective equipment.

Fill the detergent solution in the detergent tank (observe dosage instructions on the packaging of the detergent).
Close the detergent tank with the lid.
Pull the suction hose for detergent through the cover of the detergent tank until the filter contacts the bottom of the tank.
Lock the detergent tank in place on the appliance.
Use spray lance with pressure regulation (Vario Power).
Turn the spray lance as far as it will go in the direction of “SOFT”.
Note: This will mix the detergent with the water stream.

Recommended cleaning method

Spray the detergent sparingly on the dry surface and allow it to react, but not to dry.
Spray off loosened dirt with the high pressure jet.

After operation with detergent

After operation with detergent: Run the machine for approximately 1 minute for a clear rinse.

Interrupting operation

Release the lever of the trigger gun.
Lock the lever of the trigger gun.
Place the trigger gun into the storage for the trigger gun.
During longer breaks (more than 5 minutes), also turn the appliance off using the “0/OFF” switch.

Finish operation

CAUTION
Only separate the high-pressure hose from the trigger gun or the device when there is no pressure in the system.

Release the lever of the trigger gun.
Turn off the appliance “0/OFF”.
Disconnect the mains plug from the socket.
Turn off tap.
Press the lever on the trigger gun to release any remaining pressure in the system.
Lock the lever of the trigger gun.
Detach the appliance from the water supply.

Transport

CAUTION
Risk of personal injury or damage!
Mind the weight of the appliance during transport

When transporting by hand

Pull the appliance by its transport handle.

When transporting in vehicles

Empty detergent tank.
Secure the appliance against shifting and tipping over.

Storage

CAUTION
Risk of personal injury or damage!
Consider the weight of the appliance when storing it.

Storing the Appliance

Prior to extended storage periods, as during the winter, also observe the instructions in the Care section.

Park the machine on an even surface.
Push the casing of the quick coupling for the high pressure hose toward the rear and disconnect the high pressure hose from the appliance.
Push the disconnect button on the trigger gun and pull the high-pressure hose out of the trigger gun.
Place the trigger gun into the storage for the trigger gun.
Engage the spray lance in its holder.
Stow away the mains cable, the high-pressure hose and accessory on the appliance.

Frost protection

ATTENTION
Appliances and accessories that are not completely drained can be destroyed by frost. Completely drain appliance and accessories and protect them against frost.

To avoid damage:

Completely drain all water from the appliance:
Switch the appliance on with detached high pressure hose and detached water supply (max. 1 minute) and wait, until no more water exits at the high pressure connection. Turn off the appliance.
Store the appliance and the entire accessories in a frost free room.

Care and maintenance

DANGER
Risk of electric shock.

Prior to all work on the appliance, switch off the appliance and pull the power plug.

Clean the sieve in the water connection

Clean the sieve in the water connection regularly.
ATTENTION
The sieve must not be damaged.

Remove coupling from the water connection.

Illustration K

Pull the sieve out (e.g. using flat pliers), clean under running water and then reinsert it.

Cleaning the detergent filter

Prior to longer periods of storage, e.g. in the winter:

Remove filter from suction hose for detergent and clean under running water.

Troubleshooting

You can rectify minor faults yourself with the help of the following overview.
If in doubt, please consult the authorized customer service.

DANGER
Risk of electric shock.

Prior to all work on the appliance, switch off the appliance and pull the power plug.

Appliance is not running

Push the lever of the trigger gun, the device will switch on.
Check whether the voltage indicated on the type plate corresponds to the voltage of the mains supply.
Check the mains connection cable for damages.

Pressure does not build up in the appliance

Check water supply for adequate delivery rate.
Pull out the sieve in the water connection using flatnose pliers and clean under running water.
Appliance ventilation: Switch the appliance on with the high-pressure hose detached and operate (max. 2 minutes) until the water exits the high-pressure connection without bubbles. Switch off appliance and reconnect high-pressure hose.
Suction height of 0.5 m when vacuuming from open container has been exceeded.

Strong pressure fluctuations

Clean high-pressure nozzle: Remove dirt and debris from the nozzle bore, using a needle and rinse through with water from the front.
Check water flow quantity.

Appliance is leaking

Slight leakage from the appliance pump is normal. If the leakage increases contact the authorized customer service.

No detergent infeed

Use spray lance with pressure regulation (Vario Power).
Turn the spray lance as far as it will go in the direction of “SOFT”.
Clean the detergent suction hose filter.
Check the detergent suction hose for kinks.

Warranty

The warranty terms published by the relevant sales company are applicable in each country. We will repair potential failures of your appliance within the warranty period free of charge, provided that such failure is caused by faulty material or defects in manufacturing. In the event of a warranty claim please contact your dealer or the nearest authorized Customer Service centre. Please submit the proof of purchase.

Addresses can be found under:
www.kaercher.com/dealersearch

Technical specifications

Electrical connection

Voltage: 220-240 V
1~50-60 Hz
Connected load: 1,8 kW
Type of protection: IPX5
Protective class: II
Mains fuse (slow-blow): 10 A

Water connection

Max. feed pressure: 1,2 MPa
Max. feed temperature: 40 °C
Min. feed volume: 8 l/min
Max. Suction height: 0,5 m

Performance data

Working pressure: 11 MPa
Max. permissible pressure: 13 MPa
Water flow rate: 5,2 l/min
Max. flow rate: 7,0 l/min
Detergent flow rate: 0,3 l/min
Recoil force of the trigger gun: 13 N

Dimensions and weights

Length: 297 mm
Width: 310 mm
Height: 865 mm
Weight, ready to operate with accessories: 7,3 kg

Values determined as per EN 60335-2-79

Hand-arm vibration value
Uncertainty K: m/s2
Sound pressure level LpA: 76 dB(A)
Uncertainty KpA: 3 dB(A)
Sound power level LWA + Uncertainty KWA: 92 dB(A)

Subject to technical changes.

EU Declaration of Conformity

We hereby declare that the machine described below complies with the relevant basic safety and health requirements of the EU Directives, both in its basic design and construction as well as in the version put into circulation by us. This declaration shall cease to be valid if the machine is modified without our prior approval.

Product: High pressure cleaner
Type: K 4 Universal Edition
Relevant EU Directives
2006/42/EC (+2009/127/EC)
2011/65/EU
2000/14/EC

Applied harmonized standards
EN 60335–1
EN 60335–2–79
EN 62233: 2008
EN 55014–1: 2017
EN 55014–2: 2015
EN 61000–3–2: 2014
EN 61000–3–3: 2013
EN 50581

Applied conformity evaluation method
2000/14/EC: Appendix V
Sound power level dB(A)
Measured: 89
Guaranteed: 92

The signatories act on behalf of and with the authority of the company management.

Documentation supervisor:
S. Reiser

Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Alfred-Kärcher-Straße 28-40
71364 Winnenden (Germany)
Tel.: +49 7195 14-0
Fax: +49 7195 14-2212
Winnenden, 2020/01/01