Kärcher K3, K3 Premium - Pressure Washer Manual

Intended use

Use the high-pressure cleaner in private households only.
The high-pressure cleaner is intended for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings, tools, faсades, 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

K 3

Illustration A

K 3 Premium

Illustration B

1. Water connection coupling
2. Water connection with integrated sieve
3. Detergent suction hose
4. Mains connection cable with mains plug
5. Hose reel
6. Holder for hose reel
7. Fixing for high-pressure hose
8. Storage for high-pressure gun
9. Vario Power spray lance for 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. Detergent can be added to the water jet when the spray lance is turned all the way in the SOFT direction.
10. Spray lance dirt blaster for stubborn soiling
11. High-pressure gun
12. Clamp for connecting / disconnecting the high-pressure hose
13. High-pressure gun lever
14. High-pressure gun lock
15. High-pressure hose
16. Storage for spray lance
17. Transport handle
18. Storage for high-pressure hose / mains connection cable
19. Transport wheel
20. Trigger "0/OFF" / "I/ON"
21. High-pressure connection
22. Type plate
23. Screws
24. Clip for high-pressure hose
25. **Garden hose (fabric reinforced, diameter at least 1/2 inch (13 mm), length at least 7.5 m, with commercially available quick coupling)

** additionally required

Safety devices

Missing or modified safety devices!
Safety devices are provided for your own protection. Do not bypass, remove or render ineffective any 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 or the device itself. Protect the device against frost.

The device may not be connected to the public drinking water network.

Installation

Fit the supplied loose parts onto the device before starting up the device.
Place the screws provided and matching screwdriver at the ready.

Installing the wheels

1. Install the wheels on the device so that they latch into place.
   
   Illustration C

Mounting the transport handle

Illustration D

1. Attach the transport handle.
2. Secure the transport handle with 4 screws.

Mounting the storage option for the high-pressure gun

Illustration E

1. Push in the storage option for the high-pressure gun into the holder on the device.
2. Hold the storage option in the end position and secure it using a screw.

Mounting the storage option for spray lances

Illustration F

1. Push in the storage option for the spray lances into the holder on the device.
2. Hold the storage option in the end position and secure it using a screw.

Mounting the storage option for the highpressure hose / mains connection cable

Devices without a hose reel

Illustration G

1. Push in the storage option for the high-pressure hose / mains connection cable into the holder on the transport handle.
2. Hold the storage option in the end position and secure it using a screw.

Mounting the high-pressure hose reel

Devices with a hose reel

1. Attach the holder for the hose reel.
2. Secure the holder using 2 screws.
   
   Illustration H
3. Attach the hose reel.
   The hose reel locks into place.
   
   Illustration I

Installing the water connection coupling

1. Screw the water connection coupling onto the water connection on the device.
   
   Illustration J

Initial startup

1. Place the device on a flat and level surface.
2. Unwind the high-pressure hose and eliminate any loops and twists.

Note:
Devices with a hose reel
During operation, the highpressure hose must be completely unwound from the hose reel.

3. Connect the high-pressure hose to the device.
   1. Pull up the clamp on the coupling.
   2. Insert the high-pressure hose into the coupling.
   3. Press down the clamp on the coupling.
      
      Illustration K
      
4. Connect the high-pressure hose to the high-pressure gun.
   1. Squeeze the clamp.
   2. Pull out the clamp.
   3. Insert the high-pressure hose.
   4. Press the clamp in until it latches into place.
      
      Illustration L
      
5. Check for a secure connection by pulling on the high-pressure hose.
6. 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.

1. Plug the garden hose onto the water connection coupling.
2. Connect the garden hose to the water line.
   
   Illustration M
   
3. Open the water tap fully.

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 blaster.

1. Insert a spray lance into the high-pressure gun and lock it by turning it 90°.
   
   Illustration N
2. Switch the device on ("I/ON").
3. Unlock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
4. Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.

Operation with detergent

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
KÄRCHER detergents ensure fault-free operation. Ask us for a consultation, request our catalogue or our detergent information sheets.

Note
Detergent can only be mixed into the jet at low pressure.

1. Pull the desired length of the detergent suction hose out of the casing.
   
   Illustration O
   
2. Hang the detergent suction hose in a container with detergent solution.
3. Use the Vario Power spray lance.
4. Turn the spray lance all the way into the "SOFT" position.
   The detergent solution is mixed with the water jet during operation.

Recommended cleaning method

1. Spray the detergent sparingly on the dry surface and let it work for a while (do not let it dry).
2. Rinse off the loosened dirt with the high-pressure jet.

After operation with detergent

1. Flush the device with clear water for approx. 30 seconds.

Interrupting operation

1. 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.
2. Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
   
   Illustration P
   
3. Switch the device off "0/OFF" during work breaks longer than 5 minutes.

Ending operation

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.

1. Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
2. Close the water tap.
3. Press the lever of the high-pressure gun for 30 seconds.
   The pressure remaining in the system is discharged.
4. Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
5. Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
6. Disconnect the device from the water supply.
7. Switch off the device "0/OFF".
8. Pull the mains plug out of the socket.

Transport

Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during transportation.

Pulling the device

1. Pull the device via the transport handle.

Transporting the device in a vehicle

1. Secure the device against slipping and tipping over.

Storage

Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during storage.

Storing the device

1. Place the device on a level surface.
2. Disonnect the high-pressure hose from the highpressure gun.
3. Disconnect the spray lance from the high-pressure gun.
4. Stow both spray lances and the high-pressure gun in the appropriate storage options.
5. Disconnect the high-pressure hose from the device.
6. Stowing the high-pressure hose.
   Devices without a hose reel
   Store the high-pressure hose on the device.
   Devices with a hose reel

1. Insert one end of the high-pressure hose into the opening at the front of the hose reel.
2. Turn the crank to wind up the high-pressure hose.
3. While doing so, guide the high-pressure hose with the second hand.
   
   Illustration Q
4. Use the high-pressure hose clip to attach the coiled high-pressure hose to the hose reel.
   
   Illustration R

7. Stow the mains connection cable on the device. Observe the additional instructions before storing the device for a longer 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.
  1. Switch the device on "I/ON".
  2. Wait for a maximum of 1 minute until no more water escapes from the high-pressure connection.
  3. Switch off the device.
  4. Store the device in a frost-protected room, together with all accessories.

Care and service

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.

1. Remove the water connection coupling.
2. Pull the sieve out.
3. Clean the sieve under running water.
   
   Illustration S
   
4. Insert the sieve into the water connection.

Clean the detergent filter

Clean the detergent filter before longer periods of storage.

1. Pull the filter off the detergent suction hose.
2. Clean the filter under running water.
   
   Illustration T

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 of electric shock
Injuries due to touching live parts Switch off the device.
Remove the mains plug.

Device not running

1. Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
2. Check that the voltage specified on the type plate corresponds to the voltage of the power source.
3. Check the mains connection cable for damage.

Device does not reach required pressure

The water supply is too low.

1. Open the water tap fully.
2. Check the water inlet for an adequate flow rate.
3. Check the setting at the spray lance.

The sieve in the water connection is dirty.

1. Pull the sieve in the water connection out using flat pliers.
2. Clean the sieve under running water.
   (Illustration S)

Air is in the device.

1. Vent the device:
   1. Switch on the device without a connected spray lance for a maximum of 2 minutes.
   2. Press the high-pressure gun and wait until the water escaping from the high-pressure gun is free of air bubbles.
   3. Connect the spray lance.

Strong pressure fluctuations

1. Clean the high-pressure nozzle:
   1. Use a needle to remove dirt from the nozzle drill.
   2. Rinse the high-pressure nozzle from the front with water.
2. Check the water supply volume.

Device leaking

1. The device leaks a small amount for technical reasons. If the leak is severe, request authorised Customer Service.

Detergent is not sucked in

1. Use the Vario Power spray lance and turn it all the way in the "SOFT" direction.
2. Clean the filter on the detergent suction hose.
3. Check the detergent suction hose for kinks.

Technical data

		K 3 Premium	K 3
Electrical connection
Voltage	V	220-240	220-240
Phase	~	1	1
Frequency	Hz	50-60	50-60
Current consumption	A	6	6
Degree of protection		IPX5	IPX5
Protection class		II	II
Power protection (slowblowing)	A	10	10
Water connection
Feed pressure (max.)	MPa	1,2	1,2
Input temperature (max.)	°C	40	40
Input amount (min.)	l/min	8	8
Device performance data
Operating pressure	MPa	8,0	8,0
Max. permissible pressure	MPa	12,0	12,0
Water flow rate	l/min	5,5	5,5
Maximum flow rate	l/min	6,3	6,3
Detergent flow rate	l/min	0,3	0,3
High-pressure gun recoil force	N	12	12
Dimensions and weights
Typical operating weight	kg	5,6	5,2
Length	mm	309	242
Width	mm	285	285
Height	mm	805	805
Determined values in acc. with EN 60335-2-79
Hand-arm vibration value	m/s2	1,7	1,7
Uncertainty K	m/s2	0,7	0,7
Sound pressure level LpA	dB(A)	74	74
Uncertainty KpA	dB(A)	3	3
Sound power level LWA + uncertainty KWA	dB(A)	90	90

Subject to technical modifications.

Register your product www.kaercher.com/welcome

Documents / Resources

References

• Home and Garden Warranty Registration USA | Kärcher
• Cleaning equipment and pressure washers | Kärcher International
• Home and Garden Warranty Registration USA | Kärcher

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