KARCHER K 4 Compact UM Pressure Washer Instruction Manual

: June 3, 2024
: Karcher

KARCHER K 4 Compact UM Pressure Washer

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.

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.

Extraction of water from public waterways is not permitted in some countries.

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 ma-chines, 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 page Illustration A

Transport wheel
Storage for high-pressure hose and mains connection cable
Storage for spray lance
Storage for high-pressure gun
Spray lance with dirt grinder for stubborn soiling
Vario Power spray lance for common cleaning
tasks. The working pressure can be continuously in-creased from “SOFT” to “HARD”. To adjust the working pressure, release the high-pressure gun le-ver and turn the spray lance to the desired position. Detergent can be added to the water jet when the spray lance is turned all the way in the SOFT direc- tion.
High-pressure gun
Button for separating the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun
High-pressure gun lever
High-pressure gun lock
High-pressure hose
Mains connection cable with mains plug
Trigger “0/OFF” / “I/ON”
Carrying handle
Transport handle, telescoping
Coupling for high-pressure hose
Type plate
Water connection with integrated sieve
Suction hose for detergent (with filter)
Water connection coupling
**Garden hose (fabric reinforced, diameter at least 1/2 inch (13 mm), length at least 7.5 m, with commercially available quick coupling)
**KÄRCHER suction hose for water supply from open containers (order no. 2.643-100.0)
*Foam nozzle with detergent container: The detergent is sucked out of the container to produce a strong detergent foam.
24 Rotating washing brush (e.g. for washing cars) 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 per-sons, animals, live electrical equipment or the device itself.
Protect the device against frost.
The device may not be 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 water connection coupling

Screw the water connection coupling onto the water connection on the device. Illustration C

Initial startup

Place the device on a flat and level surface.
Connect the high-pressure hose to the device.
- Pull out the clamp on the coupling.
- Insert the high-pressure hose into the coupling.
- Insert the clamp into the coupling.
  Illustration D
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 E
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 F

Sucking water from open containers
When used with the KÄRCHER suction hose with check valve (special accessory, order number 2.643-100) this high-pressure cleaner is suitable for sucking up surface water, e.g. from rain barrels or ponds (for the maximum suction height see chapter Technical data).
The water connection coupling is not required for vacuuming operation.

Fill the suction hose with water.
Screw the suction hose onto the device water connection and hang it in a water source (e.g. water butt).

Vent the device

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.
Allow the device for run a maximum of 2 minutes until the water escaping from the high-pressure gun is free of air bubbles.
Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.

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.

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 G
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.

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.

Operation with detergent

DANGER
Failure to adhere to the safety data sheet Incorrect handling of the detergent can seriously dam-age your health
Observe the safety data sheet of the detergent manufacturer, in particular the instructions on personal protective equipment.
Note
KÄRCHER detergents ensure fault-free operation. Ask us for a consultation, request our catalogue or our detergent information sheets.

Pull the desired length of the detergent suction hose out of the casing.
Illustration H
Hang the detergent suction hose in a container with detergent solution.
Use the Vario Power spray lance.
Turn the spray lance all the way in the “SOFT” direction.
The detergent solution is mixed with the water jet during operation.
You can optionally use the foam nozzle.
- Fill the detergent solution into the detergent tank.
- Adhere to the dosage specifications on the deter-gent container.
- Connect the foam nozzle to the detergent container.
- Insert the foam nozzle into the high-pressure gun and turn by 90° to fasten it.
  Illustration I

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 J
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 high-pressure gun or the device when the system is fully depressurized.

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

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 K
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 L

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 authorized 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:
Switch on the device without a connected high pressure hose for a maximum of 2 minutes until the water escaping from the high-pressure connection is free of air bubbles.
Switch off the device.
Connect the high-pressure hose.
Observe the maximum suction height during suction operation (see chapter Technical data).

Strong pressure fluctuations

Clean the high-pressure nozzle:
- Use a needle to remove dirt from the nozzle drill.
- 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 authorized Customer Service.

Detergent is not sucked in

Use the Vario Power spray lance and turn it all the way in the “SOFT” direction.
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 authorized customer service site.
(See overleaf for the address)

Technical data

Subject to technical modifications.

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: 1.639-xxx

Currently applicable EU Directives
2000/14/EC
2014/30/EU
2006/42/EC (+2009/127/EC)
2011/65/EU

Harmonized standards used
EN IEC 63000:2018
EN 55014-1: 2017
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: Annex V
Sound power level dB(A)
Measured: 89
Guaranteed: 92
The undersigned act on behalf and under the power of attorney of the company management.

Chairman of the Board of Management
Director Regulatory Affairs & Certification

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, 2020/10/01