GAS-POWERED CONCRETE SCREED OWNER S MANUAL WARNING: Read carefully and understand all INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety precautions may result in serious personal injury. Item # 998002
Thank you very much for choosing a NORTHERN TOOL + EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Product! For future reference, please complete the owner s record below: Model: Purchase Date: Save the receipt, warranty and these instructions. It is important that you read the entire manual to become familiar with this product before you begin using it. This machine is designed for certain applications only. Northern Tool + Equipment cannot be responsible for issues arising from modification. We strongly recommend this machine is not modified and/or used for any application other than that for which it was designed. If you have any questions relative to a particular application, DO NOT use the machine until you have first contacted Northern Tool + Equipment to determine if it can or should be performed on the product. For technical questions please call 1-800-222-5381. INTENDED USE The Power Screed is designed for leveling and settling freshly poured cement in a form. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Item Gasoline Engine Maximum Beam Length Screed Spreaders Clutch Design Drive Type Overall Dimensions Net Weight Description Robin 127cc engine 15' with Spreaders 7-1/8" L x 21-1/8" W Centrifugal Clutch A-710 V-belt Drive 21-1/8" W x 34-7/8" L x 44-5/8" H 116 Lbs. GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible conditions or situations that could occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator. WARNING: Only operate the engine in a well ventilated area. Carbon Monoxide produced by the engine during use can kill. Do not use indoors or in other sheltered areas. WORK AREA SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS Keep work area clean, free of clutter and well lit. Cluttered and dark work areas can cause accidents. Do not use your tool where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g. in the presence of flammable liquids, gasses, or dust. Power tools create sparks, which may ignite the dust or fumes. Page 2 of 9
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control, so visitors should remain at a safe distance from the work area. Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes and other mechanical hazards in your work area, particularly those hazards below the work surface hidden from the operator s view that may be unintentionally contacted and may cause personal harm or property damage. Be alert of your surroundings. Using power tools in confined work areas may put you dangerously close to cutting tools and rotating parts. INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE SAFETY WARNING: Internal combustion engines present special hazards during operation and fueling. Read and follow the warning instructions in the engine Owner s Manual and the safety guidelines below. Failure to follow the warnings and safety standards could result in severe injury or death. DO NOT run the machine indoors or in an enclosed area such as a deep trench unless adequate ventilation, through such items as exhaust fans or hoses, is provided. Exhaust gas from the engine contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas; exposure to carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. DO NOT smoke while operating the machine. DO NOT smoke when refueling the engine. DO NOT refuel a hot or running engine. DO NOT refuel the engine near an open flame. DO NOT spill fuel when refueling the engine. DO NOT run the engine near open flames. ALWAYS refill the fuel tank in a well-ventilated area. ALWAYS replace the fuel tank cap after refueling. ALWAYS check the fuel lines and the fuel tank for leaks and cracks before starting the engine. Do not run the machine if fuel leaks are present or the fuel lines are loose. PERSONAL SAFETY Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided. Use safety apparel and equipment. Use safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields which comply with current national standards, or when needed, a face shield. Use as dust mask in dusty work conditions. This applies to all persons in the work area. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. Avoid accidental starting. Make sure the engine power switch is in the OFF position while transporting. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before connecting to the power supply or turning on the tool. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury. Page 3 of 9
TOOL USE AND CARE Never touch the engine or muffler while the engine is on or immediately after it has been turned off. These areas get hot and may cause burns. Never use accessories or attachments that are not recommended by the manufacturer. Damage to equipment and injury to the user may result. Never operate the machine with the belt guard missing. Exposed drive belt and pulleys create potentially dangerous hazards that can cause serious injuries. Never leave the machine running unattended. Always be sure operator is familiar with proper safety precautions and operation techniques before using machine. Always close fuel valve on engines when machine is not being operated. Always operate machine with all safety devices and guards in place and in working order. DO NOT modify or defeat safety devices. DO NOT operate machine if any safety devices or guards are missing or inoperative. Do not force the tool. Tools do a better and safer job when used in the manner for which they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct tool for the job. Never use a tool with a malfunctioning switch. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired by an authorized service representative before using. Store idle machines. When machine is not in use, store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children. Inspect machine for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may create a risk of injury when used on another tool. Never use a tool with a malfunctioning switch. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired by an authorized service representative before using. Always make sure the engine s power switch is in the OFF position, the spark plug wire is disconnected from the engine, and the engine is completely cool performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning of the plate compactor and/or engine. Maintain your tools. It is recommended that the general condition of any tool be examined before it is used. Keep your tools in good repair by adopting a program of conscientious repair and maintenance in accordance with the recommended procedures found in this manual. If any abnormal vibrations or noise occurs, turn the tool off immediately and have the problem corrected before further use. Have necessary repairs made by qualified service personnel. ASSEMBLY Your Power Screed is shipped assembled, except for attachment of the handle. 1. Attach the Lower Handles (31) to the Upper Handle (27) using Hex Bolts (30) and Locking Hex Nuts (17). Make sure the bolts are securely tightened. 2. Attach the Handle Assembly to the Handle Brackets (34), using Hex Bolts (32), Hex Washers (33) and Hex Lock Nuts (20). 3. Install Spreader Boards (not included) into the Frame (1). For most applications, use standard 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 boards of equal length. Specially shaped boards or spreaders of other material can be fabricated and used as required for special circumstances. The Spreader Boards should be installed in the U Channels of the Frame (1), and centered overall in the Vibratory Screed tool. Tighten the boards into place using the L Bolts (3) and Page 4 of 9
Wing Nuts (2) installed on the Frame (1). 4. Check the installation of the Screed Boards on a flat surface to be sure they are level. You may have to adjust them before beginning work. 5. Recheck all bolts and fasteners periodically during work to ensure the assembly remains stable, safe and level. STARTING THE SCREED the engine. WARNING: To prevent accidental starting, remove the spark plug wire before working on WARNING: Only operate the engine in a well ventilated area. When running, gasoline engines produce Carbon Monoxide, a deadly, odorless and colorless gas which is highly toxic. WARNING: Do not add gasoline while engine is running or is hot. Gasoline is extremely flammable. Spilling gasoline on a hot engine may cause fire or explosion. 1. Before every use, remove the Oil Cap and check oil level. You can read the oil level on the dip stick. If the oil level is low, add oil until the level is in the correct range on the dip stick. DO NOT OVERFILL. In warm weather, use SAE 30 weight oil. In cold weather, use SAE 5W20 multi-grade oil. Follow instructions in engine manufacturer s owner s manual for specific oil maintenance. 2. Check to see that there is gasoline in the fuel tank. If the fuel level is low, fill with clean, regular gasoline. Do not add oil to the gasoline. NOTE: The engine supplied with your Vibratory Screed is the Robin EX13 model. This engine has a manual choke, manual throttle control and centrifugal clutch. This is a 4-cycle engine which runs on regular gasoline and does not require oil to be mixed in the gas. In addition to the recommendations below, follow the instructions for starting and operating the engine as well as all safety instructions provided by the engine manufacturer. 3. Close the manual choke all the way. 4. Pull the starting cord 3 or 4 times to introduce gasoline vapor into the cylinder. 5. Move the manual choke to its 1/2 closed position. 6. Gently pull on the starting cord until tension is felt, then ease up on the cord to allow it to retreat fully. Pull hard on starting cord. The engine should start with the first or second pull. 7. Once the engine is started, let it warm up. As it warms, gradually open the choke until it is fully open. You may then begin to use the tool. NOTE: If the engine does not start or run properly following these procedures, check the troubleshooting section in the engine manufacturer s owners manual OPERATION WARNING: Prolonged exposure to vibration can lead to personal injury (which may include hand, wrist and arm injury). If you experience discomfort or pain after using this tool, you should contact your physician prior to further use of the tool. 1. The site must be properly designed and prepared according to the intended use, local Page 5 of 9
building codes, and characteristics of the site. 2. The ground must be dug out, leveled or sloped appropriately, and the form created with 2 x 4 or 2 x 6. The form must be level or slightly sloped as desired, and the screed will ride along the upper surface of the form. The Form must be sturdy and properly staked into position. 3. If the Screed Boards exceed a length of 15', use the Spreaders (37 and 38) to keep the Screed Boards apart. 4. Pour in and spread the underlayment, which may be sand or gravel. If needed, use rebar or mesh reinforcements. Expansion bars may also be positioned if needed. 5. Pour in the cement mixture, and spread it with shovels to fill the form and somewhat smooth the concrete. 6. Place the Screed on one end of the form and start the engine. 7. Once the engine has warmed up, increase engine speed to engage the Clutch (25) and start vibrating the tool. 8. The Screed may be pulled or pushed along the form using the Handle (27). It may also be pulled along the form using Ropes and Grips (35, 36). 9. The Screed will level the concrete mixture even with the top of the form. During the Screed operation, use a shovel to fill in any gaps in the concrete. It may be necessary to make more than one pass along the form to create a smooth and level surface. NOTE: In addition to leveling the concrete, the vibration of the Screed improves the characteristics of the concrete mixture. The vibration causes heavier aggregate elements to sink lower in the mixture, and smaller elements to come to the top. This results in a smoother surface which is easier to properly finish. 10. Once the concrete mixture is properly leveled and desired surface is achieved, shut the engine off by turning engine switch to OFF. Remove the Screed from the form and proceed with standard concrete finishing operations. 11. Allow the Engine to cool. 12. After each use of the Screed, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove cement from Wing Nuts (2) L Bolts (3), and any other parts that may be damaged by cement accumulation. Wipe down the machine and store it properly. Avoid splashing water on the engine and the gasoline cap. MAINTENANCE Keep the Screed clean and dry. Periodically lubricate the Wing Nuts (2) and L Bolts (3). Periodically check the Drive Belt (4).Be sure it is tight and in good condition. Replace the belt if it is cracked or damaged. To replace the belt, remove the four Engine Mount Bolts (24). Rotate the engine on the Eccentric (11). Pull off the Drive Belt (4). Replace the belt, rotate the engine back on the eccentric, and replace the engine mount bolts. Tighten securely. Check the oil level every time before using the engine. Fill oil if necessary. If oil leaks are detected, or the engine is using excessive oil contact a qualified service technician. Drive Belt Adjustment: tighten or loosen the Drive Belt by loosening the four Engine Mount Bolts (24), adjusting the position of the Engine and retightening the bolts. Never operate the engine while the Engine Mount Bolts are loose. Have a qualified service technician periodically service the Gasoline Engine (23). Page 6 of 9
DIAGRAM & PARTS LIST Part# Description Qty. Part# Description Qty. 1 Frame 1 20 Hex Lock Nut m12 20 2 Wing Nut m12 10 21 Pin 1 3 L-bolt 10 22 O-ring m8 8 4 Drive Belt A710 1 23 5 Sheave 1 24 6 Hex Lock Screw m8x10 Page 7 of 9 Gasoline Engine Robin EX13 Engine Mount Bolts m8x45 1 25 Clutch 1 7 Hex Bolt m8x20 4 26 Bracket 1 8 Eccentric Guard 1 27 Upper Handle 1 9 Pillow Block with Bearing UELP205 2 28 Hex Bolt m8x25 4 10 Pin 1 29 Belt Guard 1 11 Eccentric 1 30 Hex Bolt m8x30 4 1 4
12 Flat Washer m10 4 31 Lower Handle 2 13 Lock Washer m10 4 32 Hex Bolt m12x35 2 14 Hex Bolt m10x40 4 33 Washer m12 6 15 Nut Plate 2 34 Handle Bracket 2 16 Shock Mount 8 35 Grip 2 17 Hex Lock Nut m8 9 36 Rope 2 18 Washer 4 37 Left Spreader 1 19 Motor Base 1 38 Right Spreader 1 For replacement parts and technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381. Page 8 of 9
WARNING Engine exhaust contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects, or other reproductive harm. WARNING Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are: lead from lead-based paints, crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber. Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles. Northern Tool + Equipment Co., 2800 Southcross Drive West P.O. Box 1499 Burnsville, MN 55337-0499 Made in China. Page 9 of 9