Kärcher K 4, K 4 Premium Manual

Safety devices

Danger of injury!
Serious injuries due to missing, modified or ineffective safety devices.
Do not bypass or remove the safety devices and do not render them ineffective. Safety devices are provided for your own protection.

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.

Motor circuit breaker
The motor circuit breaker shuts off the device if power consumption it too high.

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.

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

Illustration A
Illustration B

1. Spray lance dirt blaster for stubborn soiling
2. 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.
3. High-pressure gun
4. Release button
5. High-pressure gun lock
6. High-pressure gun lever
7. Trigger "0/OFF" / "I/ON"
8. Storage for spray lance
9. Transport handle
10. Hose reel
11. Storage for high-pressure gun
12. Wheel
13. Type plate
14. Clamp for connecting / disconnecting the high-pressure hose
15. High-pressure hose
16. Clip for high-pressure hose
17. Fixing for high-pressure hose
18. Holder for hose reel
19. *Garden hose (fabric reinforced, diameter at least 1/2 inch (13 mm), length at least 7.5 m, with commercially available quick coupling)
20. Water connection coupling
21. **KÄRCHER suction hose for water supply from open containers (order no. 2.643-100)
22. Water connection with integrated sieve
23. Mains connection cable with mains plug
24. Screws
25. Detergent suction hose with detergent filter
26. Storage for high-pressure hose / mains connection cable

* additionally required
** optionally available

Installation

Fit the supplied loose parts onto the device before starting up the device.
Have the included screws and the appropriate screwdriver ready.

Mounting the transport handle

1. Mounting the transport handle:
   Illustration C
   
   1. Attach the transport handle on the device.
   2. Secure the transport handle with 4 screws.

Mounting the storage option for the high-pressure gun

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

Mounting the storage for spray lances

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

Mounting the storage option for the high-pressure hose/mains connection cable

Devices without a hose reel
Illustration F

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 G
   
3. Attach the hose reel.
   The hose reel locks into place.
   Illustration H
   

Installing the water connection coupling

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

Initial startup

1. Place the device on a level, horizontal surface.
2. Unwind the high-pressure hose and eliminate any loops and twists.
   Note
   Devices with a hose reel During operation, the high-pressure hose must be completely unwound from the hose reel.
3. Connect the high-pressure hose to the device.
   Illustration J
   
   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.
4. Insert the high-pressure hose into the high-pressure gun until it audibly latches into place.
   Illustration K
   Note
   Take care to ensure the correct alignment of the nipple.
   
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 connected load, see Technical data or type plate.
Observe the water distribution company regulations.

ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damage to the device and accessories in case of contamination in the water or use of salt water.
Use only clean water and no salt water.

Note
Kärcher recommends the use of an optional Kärcher water filter.

Connection to the water line

ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damage to the pump when using a hose coupling with aquastop on the water connection of the device.
Do not use a hose coupling with aquastop on the water connection of the device.
Use a hose coupling with "aquastop" on the tap only.

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

Suck water from open containers

This high-pressure cleaner with the KÄRCHER suction hose is suitable for sucking in surface water, e.g.from water butts or ponds (for maximum suction height, see chapter Technical data).

1. Unscrew the coupling on the water connection.
2. Fill the suction hose with water.
3. Screw the suction hose onto the water connection of the device and hang it in a water source (e.g. rain barrel).

Vent the device

1. Switch the device on "I/ON".
2. Unlock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
3. Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
4. Allow the device for run a maximum of 2 minutes until the water escaping from the high-pressure gun is free of air bubbles.
5. Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
6. Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.

Operation

ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damaging the pump during dry running.
Switch off the device if it does not build up pressure within 2 minutes.
Proceed according to the instructions in chapter Troubleshooting guide.

High-pressure operation

ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damage to painted or sensitive surfaces if the spray distance is too short or an unsuitable spray lance is used.
Keep at least 30 cm spray distance when cleaning painted surfaces.
Do not clean car tires, paint or delicate surfaces such as wood with the dirt grinder.

1. Insert a spray lance into the high-pressure gun and lock it into position by turning it 90°.
   Illustration M
   
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

Health risk!
Serious damage to health due to improper use of detergents.
Observe the detergent manufacturer's safety data sheet.
Wear the prescribed personal protective gear.

Note
KÄRCHER detergents guarantee trouble-free work. Ask us for a consultation, request our catalogue and our detergent information sheets.

Note
Detergents may only be added at low pressure.

1. Pull the suction hose for the detergent out of the casing to the desired length.
   Illustration N
   
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 O
   
3. Switch the device off "0/OFF" during work breaks longer than 5 minutes.

Ending operation

Danger of injury!
Injuries due to uncontrolled water escaping under high pressure.
Only disconnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun or the device if there is no pressure in the system.

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 in the system is released.
4. Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
5. Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
6. Switch off the device "0/OFF".
7. Disconnect the device from the water supply.
8. Pull the mains plug out of the outlet.

Transport

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

Risk of injury or damage due to the weight of the device!
Injury and damage.
Be aware of the weight of the device during transport and storage.

Storing the device

1. Place the device on a level surface.
2. Disonnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure 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 P
      
   4. Use the high-pressure hose clip to attach the coiled high-pressure hose to the hose reel.
      Illustration Q
      
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 maintenance.

Frost protection

ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damage to the device and accessories due to freezing water.
Completely empty the device and accessories after each use.
Protect the device and accessories from temperatures below or equal to 0°C (32°F).

1. Disconnect the water supply from the device.
2. Remove the high-pressure hose from the device.
3. Switch the device on ("I/ON").
4. Wait for a maximum of 1 minute until no more water escapes from the high-pressure connection.
5. Switch off the device ("0/OFF").
6. Store the device and accessories in a frost-protected room.

Care and maintenance

Danger of death!
Fatal injuries due to electric shock when touching live parts.
Do not touch any live parts.
Switch off the device.
Pull the mains plug out of the mains socket.
The device is maintenance-free, i.e. you do not need to perform periodic maintenance work.

Clean the sieve in the water connection

ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damage to the sieve due to improper cleaning.
Clean the sieve only under running water against its flow direction.
Do not use sharp or hard objects e.g. needles or wire brushes.

ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damage to the device and accessories when operating without a sieve or with a damaged sieve.
Check the sieve for damage before inserting it into the water connection. Replace a damaged sieve immediately.
Do not operate the device without a sieve.
Clean the sieve in the water connection if necessary.

1. Unscrew the coupling on the water connection.
2. Pull out the sieve.
   Illustration R
   
3. Clean the sieve under running water.
4. Insert the sieve into the water connection.

Cleaning the detergent filter

Clean the detergent filter before prolonged storage.
Illustration S

1. Remove the filter from the detergent suction hose.
2. Clean the filter under running water.

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 of death!
Fatal injuries due to electric shock when touching live parts.
Do not touch any live parts.
Switch off the device.
Pull the mains plug out of the mains socket.

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. Ensure that the maximum suction height is not exceeded.

The sieve in the water connection is dirty.

1. Clean the sieve, see chapter Clean the sieve in the water connection.

Air is in the device.

1. Vent the device:
   1. Switch on the device without a connected highpressure hose for a maximum of 2 minutes until the water escaping from the high-pressure connection is free of air bubbles.
   2. Switch off the device.
   3. Connect the high-pressure hose.
   4. Observe the maximum suction height during vacuuming operations, see chapter Technical data.

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.

Register your product
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Documents / Resources

References

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

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