KARCHER K3 Hydraulic High Pressure Washer Instruction Manual
- June 12, 2024
- Karcher
Table of Contents
- General notes
- KÄRCHER Home & Garden app
- Environmental protection
- Intended use
- Accessories and spare parts
- Scope of delivery
- Description of the device
- Safety devices
- Symbols on the device
- Assembly
- Initial startup
- Operation
- Transport
- Care and service
- Troubleshooting guide
- Warranty
- Technical data
- EU Declaration of Conformity
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
KARCHER K3 Hydraulic High Pressure Washer Instruction Manual
General notes
Read these original operating instructions and the enclosed safety instructions before using the device for the first time. Proceed accordingly. Keep both books for future reference or for future owners.
KÄRCHER Home & Garden app
The KÄRCHER Home & Garden app contains:
- Installation and initial startup information
- Information about the areas of application
- Tips & Tricks
- FAQ with detailed troubleshooting
- Connection to the KÄRCHER Service Centre
The app can be downloaded here:
Trademarks
- Google Play™ and Android™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.
- Apple® and App store® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Environmental protection
The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging in
accordance with the environmental regulations.
Electrical and electronic appliances contain valuable, recyclable materials
and often components such as batteries, rechargeable batteries or oil, which –
if handled or disposed of incorrectly – can pose a potential danger to human
health and the environment. However, these components are required for the
correct operation of the appliance. Appliances marked by this symbol are not
allowed to be disposed of together with the household rubbish. Cleaning work
producing in oily waste water, e.g. washing engines, washing undercarriages
etc., may only be performed at washing stations with an oil separator. Working
with detergents may only be performed on watertight surfaces with connection
to the waste water sewage system. Do not allow detergent to enter waterways or
the soil.
Notes on the content materials (REACH)
Current information on content materials can be found at:
www.kaercher.de/REACH
Intended use
Use the high-pressure cleaner in private households only. The high-pressure cleaner is intended for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings, tools, façades, terraces, garden machines etc. using a high-pressure water jet
Accessories and spare parts
Only use original accessories and original spare parts. They ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely. Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com.
Scope of delivery
The scope of delivery for the appliance is shown on the packaging. Check the contents for completeness when unpacking. If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.
Description of the device
The maximum amount of equipment is described in these operating instructions. Depending on the model used, there are differences in the scope of delivery (see packaging). For the illustrations, refer to the graphics
Illustration A
- Transport wheel
- Storage for spray lance
- Storage / parking position for high-pressure gun
- Power Control spray lance dirt grinder for stubborn dirt, pressure level: HARD
- Vario Power Power Control spray lance for the most common cleaning tasks, pressure levels: HARD / MEDIUM / SOFT / MIX
- Power Control high-pressure gun
- Button for separating the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun
- High-pressure gun lever
- Pressure indicator (MIX / 1-SOFT / 2-MEDIUM / 3- HARD)
- High-pressure gun lock
- Trigger “0/OFF” / “I/ON”
- Mains connection with mains plug
- Storage hook for power cord
- Carrying handle
- Transport handle, telescoping
- Quick coupling for high-pressure hose
- Type plate
- High-pressure hose
- Detergent suction hose with detergent filter and cap
- Detergent tank
- Water connection with integrated sieve
- Water connection coupling
- Garden hose with commonly available coupling
- Fabric reinforced
- Diameter of at least 1/2 inch (13 mm)
- Length at least 7.5 m
- Washing brush, suitable for working with detergents
- Foam nozzle for powerful detergent foam
- Detergent container
- optional, ** additionally required
Safety devices
CAUTION
Missing or modified safety devices Safety devices are provided for your own
protection. Never modify or bypass safety devices.
Power switch
The power switch prevents unintentional operation of the device.
High-pressure gun lock
The lock locks the lever of the high-pressure gun and prevents the device from
starting unintentionally
Auto-stop function
If the lever of the high-pressure gun is released, the pressure switch turns
off the pump and the high-pressure jet stops. The pump switches on again when
the lever is pressed.
Symbols on the device
Do not aim the high-pressure jet may at persons, animals, live electrical
equipment orthe device itself. Protect the device against frost.
The device may not be directly connected to the public drinking water network
Assembly
For the illustrations, refer to the graphics page. Fit the supplied loose parts onto the device before starting up the device.
Fitting the wheels
- Fasten and secure the wheels to the device. Illustration B
Installing the handles
- Attach the transport handle.
- Attach the carrying handle. Illustration C
Close the detergent tank
- Close the detergent tank with the cover. Illustration D
Installing the water connection coupling
- Screw the water connection coupling onto the water connection on the device. Illustration E
Initial startup
-
Place the device on a flat and level surface.
-
Insert the high-pressure hose into the quick coupling until it audibly latches into place. Illustration F
-
Insert the high-pressure hose into the high-pressure gun until it audibly latches into place.
Note Take care to ensure the correct alignment of the nipple. Illustration G
-
Check for a secure connection by pulling on the high-pressure hose.
-
Plug the mains plug into a mains socket.
Water supply
For the connection values, see the type plate or chapter Technical data.
Observe the water distribution company regulations.
ATTENTION
Damage through contaminated water Contamination in the water can damage the
pump and the accessories. KÄRCHER recommends using the KÄRCHER water filter
for protection(special accessory, order number 4.730-059).
- Connection to the water line
ATTENTION
Hose coupling with Aquastop on the water connection of the device Damage to the pump Never use a hose coupling with Aquastop on the water connection of the device.
You can use an Aquastop coupling on the tap.
- Plug the garden hose onto the water connection coupling.
- Connect the garden hose to the water line.
- Open the water tap fully. Illustration H
Operation
ATTENTION
Pump running dry
Damage to the device If pressure does not build up in the device after 2
minutes then switch the device off and proceed according to the instructions
in chapter Troubleshooting guide.
Power Control System
The pressure indicator on the high-pressure gun shows the currently set
pressure level when operating with a Power Control spray lance.
Note
The sensitivity of materials can vary greatly depending on age and condition.
The recommendations are therefore not binding.
Note
When operating with surface cleaner and other accessories, the pressure
indicator is not accurate.
Display | Pressure level | Recommended for e.g. |
---|---|---|
__ | HARD | Stone terraces made of pav- ing stones or washed con- crete, |
asphalt, metal surfaces, garden utensils (wheelbarrow, spade, etc.)
| MEDIUM| Cars / motorcycles, brick surfaces, plastered walls, plastic
furniture
| SOFT| Wooden surfaces, bicycle, sandstone surfaces, rattan furniture
__| MIX| Operation with detergent
High-pressure operation
ATTENTION
Damage to painted or sensitive surfaces Surfaces can be damaged when the jet
is too close to the surface or an unsuitable spray lance is used. Maintain a
minimum spray distance of 30 cm when cleaning painted surfaces. Do not clean
car tyres, paint or sensitive surfaces such as wood with the dirt grinder.
-
Insert a spray lance into the high-pressure gun and lock it by turning it 90°. Illustration I
-
Switch the device on (“I/ON”).
-
Unlock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
-
Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
-
Turn the Vario Power Power Control spray lance until the required pressure level is shown on the pressure indicator.
Operation with a washing brush
ATTENTION
Paint damage
Damage to surfaces through a dirty brush Ensure that the washing brush is free
from dirt or other particles before using it.
Note
The device operates at low pressure when using washing brushes. This means
that detergent can be mixed with the water.
- Insert the washing brush into the high-pressure gun and turn by 90° to fasten it.
DANGER
Failure to adhere to the safety data sheet
Incorrect handling of the detergent can seriously damage your health Observe
the safety data sheet of the detergent manufacturer, in particular the
instructions on personal protective equipment.
Note
Detergent can only be mixed into the jet at low pressure.
Note
KÄRCHER detergents ensure fault-free operation. Ask us for a consultation,
request our catalogue or our detergent information sheets.
-
Fill the detergent solution into the detergent tank. Adhere to the dosage specifications on the detergent container. Illustration J
-
Close the detergent tank with the cover. Illustration D
-
Latch the detergent tank in the device.
-
Use the Vario Power spray lance.
-
Turn the spray lance towards “MIX” until “MIX” is displayed on the high-pressure gun. The detergent solution is mixed with the water jet during operation.
-
You can optionally use the foam nozzle.
a Connect the foam nozzle to the detergent bottle. Illustration K
b Insert the foam nozzle into the high-pressure gun and turn by 90° to fasten it.
Recommended cleaning method
- Spray the detergent sparingly on the dry surface and let it work for a while (do not let it dry).
- Rinse off the loosened dirt with the high-pressure jet.
After operation with detergent
- Flush the device with clear water for approx. 30 seconds.
Interrupting operation
-
Release the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches off when the lever is released. The high pressure in the system is retained.
-
Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun. Illustration L
-
Place the high-pressure gun with the spray lance in the parking position.
-
Switch the device off “0/OFF” during work breaks longer than 5 minutes.
Ending operation
CAUTION
Pressure in the system
Injuries from high-pressure water escaping uncontrollably Only disconnect the
high-pressure hose from the highpressure gun or the device when the system is
fully depressurised.
- Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
- Close the water tap.
- Press the lever of the high-pressure gun for 30 seconds. The pressure remaining in the system is discharged.
- Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
- Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
- Disconnect the device from the water supply.
- Switch off the device “0/OFF”.
- Pull the mains plug out of the socket.
Transport
CAUTION
Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage Be aware of the weight of the device during
transportation.
Carrying the device
- Lift up the device by the carrying handle, and carry it.
Pulling the device
- Pull the transport handle out until it audibly latches into place.
- Pull the device via the transport handle.
Transporting the device in a vehicle
- Drain the detergent tank.
- Secure the device against slipping and tipping over. Storage
CAUTION
Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage Be aware of the weight of the device during storage.
Storing the device
- Place the device on a level surface.
- Disconnect the spray lance from the high-pressure gun.
- Press the separation button on the high-pressure gun and disconnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun.
- Disconnect the high-pressure hose from the device.
- Store the high-pressure hose on the device.
- Store the mains connection cable and accessories on the device.
Observe the additional notes before storing the device for a long period of time, see chapter Care and service.
Frost protection
ATTENTION
Danger of frost
Incompletely emptied devices can be destroyed by frost. Completely empty the
device and accessories. Protect the device from frost.
The following requirements must be satisfied:
- The device is disconnected from the water supply.
- The high-pressure hose is removed.
- Switch the device on “I/ON”.
- Wait for a maximum of 1 minute until no more water escapes from the high-pressure connection.
- Switch off the device.
- Store the device in a frost-protected room, together with all accessories.
Care and service
DANGER
Danger of electric shock
Injuries due to touching live parts Switch off the device. Remove the mains
plug. The device is maintenance-free, i.e. you do not need to perform any
maintenance work.
Clean the sieve in the water connection
ATTENTION
Damaged sieve in the water connection Damage to the device through
contaminated water Check the sieve for damage before inserting it in the water
connection.
If necessary, clean the sieve in the water connection.
-
Remove the water connection coupling.
-
Pull the sieve out using flat pliers.
-
Clean the sieve under running water. Illustration M
-
Insert the sieve into the water connection.
Clean the detergent filter
Clean the detergent filter before longer periods of storage.
- Pull the filter off the detergent suction hose.
- Clean the filter under running water. Illustration N
Troubleshooting guide
Malfunctions often have simple causes that you can remedy yourself using the following overview. When in doubt, or in the case of malfunctions not mentioned here, please contact your authorised Customer Service.
DANGER
Danger of electric shock Injuries due to touching live parts Switch off the
device.
Remove the mains plug.
Device not running
- Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
- Check that the voltage specified on the type plate corresponds to the voltage of the power source.
- Check the mains connection cable for damage. Device does not reach required pressure
The water supply is too low
- Open the water tap fully.
- Check the water inlet for an adequate flow rate.
The sieve in the water connection is dirty.
- Pull the sieve in the water connection out using flat pliers.
- Clean the sieve under running water.
Air is in the device.
- Vent the device:
a Switch on the device without a connected spray lance for a maximum of 2 minutes.
b Press the high-pressure gun and wait until the water escaping from the high-pressure gun is free of air bubbles.
c Connect the spray lance.
Strong pressure fluctuations
-
Clean the high-pressure nozzle:
a Use a needle to remove dirt from the nozzle drill.
b Rinse the high-pressure nozzle from the front with water. -
Check the water supply volume.
Device leaking
- The device leaks a small amount for technical reasons. If the leak is severe, request authorised Customer Service.
Detergent is not sucked in
- Use the Vario Power spray lance and turn it to “MIX”.
- Clean the filter on the detergent suction hose.
- Check the detergent suction hose for kinks.
Warranty
The warranty conditions issued by our relevant sales company apply in all countries. We shall remedy possible malfunctions on your appliance within the warranty period free of cost, provided that a material or manufacturing defect is the cause. In a warranty case, please contact your dealer (with the purchase receipt) or the next authorised customer service site. (See overleaf for the address)
Technical data
Input temperature (max.) | °C | 40 |
---|---|---|
Input amount (min.) | l/min | 8 |
Device performance data | ||
Operating pressure | MPa | 8 |
Max. permissible pressure | MPa | 12 |
Water flow rate | l/min | 5,5 |
Maximum flow rate | l/min | 6,3 |
Detergent flow rate | l/min | 0,3 |
EU Declaration of Conformity
We hereby declare that the machine described below complies with the relevant basic safety and health requirements in the EU Directives, both in its basic design and construction as well as in the version placed in circulation by us. This declaration is invalidated by any changes made to the machine that are not approved by us.
Product: High-pressure cleaner
Type: 1.676-xxx
Currently applicable EU Directives
2000/14/EC
2014/30/EU
2006/42/EC (+2009/127/EC)
2011/65/EU
Harmonised standards used
EN 50581
EN 55014-1: 2006+A1: 2009+A2: 2011
EN 55014-2: 2015
EN 60335-1
EN 60335-2-79
EN 61000-3-2: 2014
EN 61000-3-3: 2013
EN 62233: 2008
Conformity evaluation procedure used
2000/14/EC: Appendix V
Sound power level dB(A)
Measured: 87
Guaranteed: 90
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-Str. 28 – 40
71364 Winnenden (Germany)
Ph.: +49 7195 14-0
Fax: +49 7195 14-2212
Winnenden, 2020/04/01
References
- Cher - Official Site
- Cleaning equipment and pressure washers | Kärcher International
- Dealer Search | Kärcher International
- Home and Garden Warranty Registration USA - Kärcher
- Reinigungsgeräte und Hochdruckreiniger | Kärcher