Alfa Network A500 Operator's Manual

ENGLISH

WALK-BEHIND FLOOR SCRUBBER

OPERATOR MANUAL

Brazil

For the latest Parts manuals and other
language Operator manuals, visit:

www.alfa.com/manuals

www.alfatennant.com.br

R

9015591

Rev. 00 (07- 2017)

*9015591*

INTRODUCTION

INTENDED USE

This manual is furnished with each new model.
It provides necessary operation and maintenance

instructions.

Read this manual completely and
understand the machine before
operating or servicing it.

This machine will provide excellent service. However,
the best results will be obtained at minimum costs if:

S The machine is operated with reasonable care.

S The machine is maintained regularly - per the

maintenance instructions provided.

S The machine is maintained with manufacturer

supplied or equivalent parts.

To view, print or download manuals online visit
www.tennantco.com/manuals

PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

Please dispose of packaging materials and
used machine components such as
batteries in an environmentally safe way
according to your local waste disposal
regulations.

The A500 walk-behind floor scrubber is intended for
commercial use, for example in hotels, schools,
hospitals, factories, shops, offices and rental
businesses. It is designed to scrub hard floor surfaces
(concrete, tile, stone, synthetic, etc.) in an indoor
environment. This machine is not intended for cleaning
carpets or sanding wood floors. Use only
recommended pads/brushes and commercially

available floor cleaning detergents. Do not use this

machine other than described in this Operator Manual.

MACHINE DATA

Please fill out at time of installation
for future reference.

Model No. -

Serial No. -

Installation Date -

SERIAL NUMBER LABEL LOCATION

Always remember to recycle.

Alfa, uma empresa Tennant

Rua Barão de Campinas, 715
CEP: 01201- 902 - São Paulo - SP
Tel.: [phone]

www.alfatennant.com.br

Specifications and parts are subject to change without notice.

Original Instructions. Copyright ©2017 Tennant Company.
All rights reserved.

UNCRATING MACHINE

Carefully check machine for signs of damage. Report
damages at once to carrier. Contact distributor or

Tennant for missing items.

To uncrate the machine, remove straps, wheel blocks
and shipping brackets. Using the supplied ramp
carefully back the machine off the pallet. Make sure

scrub head is in the raised position.

ATTENTION: Do not remove machine from pallet
without using ramp, machine damage may occur.

2

ALFA A500 (07-2017)

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2............................

INTENDED USE 2............................

MACHINE DATA 2............................

SERIAL NUMBER LABEL LOCATION 2......

UNCRATING MACHINE 2.....................

SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 5.......

SAFETY LABELS 7...........................

OPERATION

MACHINE COMPONENTS 8...................

MACHINE COMPONENTS 9...............

CONTROL PANEL COMPONENTS 9...........

MACHINE SYMBOLS 9.......................

INSTALLING BATTERIES 10...................

HOW THE MACHINE WORKS 10...............

BRUSH AND PAD INFORMATION 11............

MACHINE SETUP 11..........................

ATTACHING SQUEEGEE ASSEMBLY 11.....

INSTALLING DISK BRUSHES/PADS

(Disk Scrub Head Model) 12.................

FILLING SOLUTION TANK 13...............

ec-H2O WATER CONDITIONING CARTRIDGE

(ec-H2O MODEL) 13........................

CONTROL PANEL OPERATION 14.............

1-STEP BUTTON 14........................

BRUSH PRESSURE BUTTON 14............

SOLUTION FLOW BUTTON 14..............

ec-H2O INDICATOR (Option) 14.............

SERVICE INDICATOR 15...................

BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR 15......

MACHINE OPERATION 15.....................

PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST 15...........

OPERATING MACHINE 15..................

EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF BUTTON 16.......

WHILE OPERATING MACHINE 16...........

CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL 17..............

HOUR METER 17..........................

DRAINING TANKS 17..........................

DRAINING RECOVERY TANK 17............

DRAINING SOLUTION TANK 18.............

SERVICE INDICATOR CODES 19...............

ec-H2O SYSTEM SERVICE INDICATO R CODES

- OPTION 20..............................

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE CHART 21.....................

MACHINE MAINTENANCE 22..................

AFTER DAILY USE 22......................

AFTER WEEKLY USE 23...................

AFTER EVERY 50 HOURS OF USE 23.......

ELECTRIC MOTORS 24....................

BATTERIES 24................................

MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERIES 24.......

FLOODED (WET) LEAD-ACID BATTERIES 24
CHECKING CONNECTIONS / CLEANING 25..

CHARGING BATTERIES 25.................

BATTERY CHARGER SETTINGS 26.........

SQUEEGEE BLADE REPLACEMENT 26.........

ec-H2O WATER CONDITIONING CARTRIDGE

REPLACEMENT 27............................

MACHINE JACKING 28........................

TRANSPORTING MACHINE 28.................

STORING MACHINE 29........................

FREEZE PROTECTION 29..................

TROUBLESHOOTING 30.......................

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL MACHINE
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/PERFORMANCE 32.

MACHINE DIMENSIONS 33....................

ALFA A500 (07-2017)

3

CONTENTS

4

ALFA A500 (07-2017)

SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

The following warning precautions are used throughout
this manual as indicated in their description:

WARNING: To warn of hazards or unsafe

practices which could result in severe personal
injury or death.

FOR SAFETY: To identify actions which must be
followed for safe operation of equipment.

The following information signals potentially
dangerous conditions to the operator. Know when
these conditions can exist. Locate all safety devices on
the machine. Report machine damage or faulty
operation immediately.

WARNING: To Reduce the Risk of Fire,

Explosion, Electric Shock or Injury:

- Read manual before operating machine.

- Do not use or pick up flammable materials or
reactive metals.

- Do not use near flammable liquids, vapors or
combustible dusts.

This machine is not equipped with an
explosion proof motor. The electric motor will
spark upon start up and during operation
which could cause a flash fire or explosion if
machine is used in an area where flammable
vapors/liquids or combustible dusts are
present.

- Batteries emit hydrogen gas. Explosion or fire
can result. Keep sparks and open flame away
when charging.

- Disconnect battery cables and charger cord
before cleaning and servicing machine.

- Do not charge batteries with damaged cord. Do
not modify plug.

If the charger supply cord is damaged or
broken, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly
qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.

- Do not use outdoors. Store indoors.

- Spinning pad/brush, keep hands away.

FOR SAFETY:

1. Do not operate machine:

- Unless trained and authorized.

- Unless operator manual is read and

understood.

- Unless mentally and physically capable of

following machine instructions.

- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

- While using a cell phone or other types of

electronic devices.

- If not in proper operating condition.

- In outdoor areas. This machine is for

indoor use only.

- In areas where flammable vapors/liquids or
combustible dusts are present.

- With pads or accessories not supplied or
approved by Tennant. The use of other
pads may impair safety.

- In areas with possible falling objects.

- In areas that are too dark to safely see the
controls or operate machine.

2. Before operating machine:

- Check machine for fluid leaks.

- Make sure all safety devices are in place
and operate properly.

3. When operating machine:

- Use only as described in this manual.

- Report machine damage or faulty operation
immediately.

- Wear closed-toe, non-slip work shoes.

- Reduce speed when turning.

- Go slowly on inclines and slippery
surfaces.

- The machine may only be operated on
gradients up to 2%.

- Follow site safety guidelines concerning
wet floors.

- Follow mixing, handling and disposal
instructions on chemical containers.

- Do not carry passengers on machine.

- Use care when reversing machine.

- Keep children and unauthorized persons
away from machine.

- Do not allow machine to be used as a toy.

4. Before leaving or servicing machine:

- Stop on level surface.

- Set the parking brake, if equipped.

- Turn off machine and remove key.

5. When servicing machine:

- Disconnect battery connection and charger
cord before working on machine.

- All work must be done with sufficient
lighting and visibility.

- All repairs must be performed by trained
personnel.

- Use Tennant supplied or approved
replacement parts.

- Do not modify the machine from its original
design.

- Block machine tires before jacking machine
up.

- Jack machine up at designed locations
only. Support machine with jack stands.

- Use hoist or jack that will support the
weight of the machine.

- Avoid moving parts. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry and secure long hair.

ALFA A500 (07-2017)

5

SAFETY

- Do not disconnect the off-board charger's
DC cord from the machine's receptacle
when the charger is operating. Arcing may
result. If the charger must be interrupted
during charging cycle, disconnect the AC
power supply cord first.

- Do not use incompatible battery chargers
as this may damage battery packs and
potentially cause a fire hazard.

- Inspect charger cord regularly for damage.

- Keep work area well ventilated.

- Avoid contact with battery acid.

- Keep all metal objects off batteries.

- Do not power spray or hose off machine.
Electrical malfunction may occur. Use
damp cloth.

- Use a hoist or adequate assistance when
lifting batteries.

- Battery installation must be done by trained
personnel.

- Only use distilled water when filling the
automatic battery watering tank.

- Wear personal protection equipment as
needed and where recommended in this
manual.

6. When loading/unloading machine onto/off
truck or trailer:

- Drain tanks before loading machine.

- Use a ramp that can support the machine

weight and operator.

- The machine may only be operated on

gradients up to 2%.

- Lower the scrub head and squeegee before

tying down machine.

- Turn machine off and remove key.

- Set parking brake (if equipped).

- Block machine wheels.

- Use tie-down straps to secure machine.

For Safety: wear protective gloves.

For Safety: wear eye protection.

6

ALFA A500 (07-2017)

SAFETY

SAFETY LABELS

The safety labels appear on the machine in the locations indicated. Replace labels if they are missing or become
damaged or illegible.

WARNING LABEL ­Flammable
materials or
reactive metals can
cause an explosion
or fire. Do not pick
up.

Located near control
console.

WARNING LABEL ­Flammable
materials can cause
explosion or fire. Do
not use flammable
materials in tank(s).

Located on backside
of solution tank cover.

FOR SAFETY
LABEL - Read
manual before
operating
machine.

Located near
control console.

WARNING LABEL ­Batteries emit
hydrogen gas.
Explosion or fire
can result. Keep
sparks and open
flameawaywhen
charging.

Located near control
console and bottom
side of recovery tank.

WARNING LABEL ­Spinning brush.
Keep hands away.

Located on scrub
head.

WARNING LABEL ­Do not charge
batteries with
damaged cord.
Electric shock can
result. Disconnect
charger cord before
servicing.

Located near control
console.

WARNING LABEL - Electrical
Hazard. Disconnect battery
cables before servicing
machine.

Located on circuit board panel.

ALFA A500 (07-2017)

7

OPERATION

MACHINE COMPONENTS

20

21

25

23

13

10

22

14

3

4

30

7

28

8

2026

29

11

12

24

27

2

1

5

6

9

8

18

16

19

15

31

17

32

ALFA A500 (07-2017)

MACHINE COMPONENTS

1. Control handle

2. Control handle start bail

3. Control panel

4. Forward/Reverse lever

5. Speed control knob

6. USB port (Service only)

7. Key switch

8. ec-H2O on/off switch (option)

9. Emergency shut-off button

10. Hour meter

11. Solution tank rear hose fill-port

12. Solution tank level/drain hose

13. Recovery tank drain hose

14. Circuit breaker panel

15. Off-board battery charger receptacle

16. Squeegee lower/lift foot pedal

CONTROL PANEL COMPONENTS

OPERATION

17. Squeegee assembly

18. Squeegee vacuum hose

19. Squeegee debris/drip tray

20. Recovery tank

21. ec-H2O module (option)

22. ec-H2O water conditioning cartridge

23. Battery compartment

24. Solution tank

25. Solution tank front bucket fill-port

26. Scrub head

27. Scrub head skirt

28. Pad release plunger

29. Wall rollers

30. Transport tie-down bracket

31. Recovery tank lid

32. Recovery tank float shut-off screen

1

2

3

6 7 8

MACHINE SYMBOLS

1. 1-Step button

4

2. Brush pressure button

3. Brush pressure indicator

4. Solution flow button

5. Solution flow indicator

6. Service Indicator

7. Battery discharge indicator (BDI)

5

8. ec-H2O indicator (option)

Read Manual

Fast speed

Slow speed

Forward / Reverse

ALFA A500 (07-2017)

Key On

Key Off

ec-H2O scrubbing
(option)

Battery charge

No detergent
(ec-H2O option)

Water temperature
(ec-H2O option)

Circuit breaker

9

OPERATION

INSTALLING BATTERIES

WARNING: Batteries emit hydrogen gas.

Explosion or fire can result. Keep sparks and open
flame away when charging.

FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, wear
appropriate personal protection equipment as

needed. Avoid contact with battery acid.

3. Using the supplied battery post boots, connect the
cables to battery posts, RED TO POSITIVE (+) &
BLACK TO NEGATIVE (-) (Figure 3).

FOAM SPACER

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

Requires four 6 volt deep-cycle batteries, ≤ 260 Ah @
20 hr.

Contact distributor or Tennant for battery
recommendations.

FOR SAFETY: Before leaving or servicing machine,
stop on level surface, turn off machine, remove key

and set parking brake if equipped.

1. Lift the recovery tank to access the battery
compartment (Figure 1).

FIG. 1

2. Carefully install the batteries into the battery
compartment tray and arrange the battery posts as
shown (Figure 2). Position foam spacer between
batteries as shown.

FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, use a
hoist or adequate assistance when lifting batteries.

RED

BLACK

FIG. 3

IMPORTANT: Before charging batteries, make sure
the battery charger and the machine's battery
discharge indicator are properly set for battery
type. Failure to properly set will result in battery
damage. See BATTERY CHARGER SETTINGS.

ATTENTION: Do not disconnect battery cables
while charger is plugged in, circuit board damage
may result.

HOW THE MACHINE WORKS

Conventional scrubbing:

When using the conventional scrubbing mode, water
and detergent mixture from the solution tank flows to
the floor and the rotating brush(es)/pad(s) scrub the
floor clean. As the machine moves forward, the
squeegee with vacuum suction picks up the dirty

solution from the floor into the recovery tank.

ec-H2O NanoClean Technology (option):

When using the ec-H2O NanoClean technology,
normal water passes through a module where it is
electrically converted into a cleaning solution. The
electrically converted water attacks the dirt, allowing
the machine to easily scrub away the suspended soil.
The converted water then returns to normal water in
the recovery tank.

10

FIG. 2

ALFA A500 (07-2017)