This book has important information for the use and safe operation of this machine. Failure to read this
book prior to operating or attempting any service or maintenance procedure to your Clarke machine
could result in injury to you or to other personnel; damage to the machine or to other property could occur
as well. You must have training in the operation of this machine before using it. If your operator(s) cannot
read English, have this manual explained fully before attempting to operate this machine.
Si Ud. o sus operadores no pueden leer el Inglés, se hagan explicar este manual completamente antes
de tratar el manejo o servicio de esta máquina.
All directions given in this book are as seen from the operator’s position at the rear of the machine.
For new books write to: Clarke
Form No. 70720A 2/06Clarke® Printed in the USA
®
, 2100 Highway 265, Springdale, Arkansas 72764.
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions............................................................................................................ 3
Parts List #2 Brush Housing Assembly ............................................................................................23
Parts List #3 Hose Wand and Handle Assembly .............................................................................. 24
2 Clarke
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNINGAVERTISSEMENTADVERTENCIA
For the safe operation of this machine, read and understand all dangers, warnings and
cautions. Look for these symbols:
DANGER:If you do not follow the instructions in a DANGER, severe bodily injury or death can occur to
the operator and/or other personnel.
WARNING:If you do not follow the instructions in a WARNING, injury can occur to you or to other
personnel.
CAUTION:If you do not follow the instructions in a CAUTION, damage can occur to the machine.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:
1. You must have training in the operation of this machine before using it. READ THE
INSTRUCTION BOOK.
2. Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
3. Do not leave vacuum cleaner unattended when plugged in. Turn off the switch and unplug the
electrical cord when not in use and before servicing.
4. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near
children.
5. Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer's recommended attachments.
6. Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If vacuum cleaner is not working as it should, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a service center.
7. Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord, or pull a cord around
sharp edges or corners. Do not run vacuum cleaner over cord. Keep cord away from heated
surfaces.
8. Connect to a properly grounded outlet only (refer to Grounding Instructions).
9. Do not use extension cords or outlets with inadequate current carrying capacity.
10.Turn off all controls before unplugging.
11.Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
12.Do not handle plug or vacuum cleaner with wet hands.
13.Do not put any objects into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked, keep free of
dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce airflow.
Clarke
14.This vacuum cleaner creates suction and contains a revolving brush. Keep hair, loose
clothing, fingers and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
15.Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches or hot
ashes.
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18 3
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:
16.Belt pulleys can become hot during normal use. To prevent burns, avoid touching the belt
pulley when servicing the drive belt.
17.Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, or use in areas
where they may be present.
18. Unplug the machine before servicing the belt or brush. The brush may start suddenly and
cause injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
4 Clarke
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18
INTRODUCTION
The D14 and D18 are upright vacuums for cleaning carpet. These machines are used to remove dry material from
carpet. These machines are intended for commercial use.
MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS
Model D14 D18
Power Supply120V-60 Cycle120V-60 Cycle
230V-50/60 Cycle230V-50/60 Cycle
Vacuum Motor1050 Watts1050 Watts
Brush RPM4300 rpm4300 rpm
Cord50 ft. 3-wire50 ft. 3-wire
Wheels (2)2.7" x 1.25"2.7" x 1.25"
Wand21" extends to 33.5"21" extends to 33.5"
Hose1.5" x 18.5"1.5" x 18.5"
extends to 72"extends to 72"
Agitator BrushChevron Brush PatternChevron Brush Pattern
Cleaning Width14"18"
Filter Bags6 lt, 2-ply disposable6 lt, 2-ply disposable
Weight (less power
cord)20 lbs.20.5 lbs.
Shipping Weight26 lbs26.75 lbs
Vacuum Dimensions10.5 x 14.25 x 46.510.5 x 14.25 x 46.5
WarrantyOne YearOne Year
Clarke
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18 7
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
Preparation:
The following are instructions for connection to the
power supply and the electrical ground.
This machine must be connected to the electrical ground to
protect the operator from electrical shock. The machine has
an approved power cord with three conductors and a plug
with three terminals. Connect the plug to a receptacle that
has three holes and is connected to the electrical ground.
The green (or green and yellow) conductor in the cord is the
ground wire. Never connect this wire to any terminal other
than the ground pin terminal.
DANGER:Improper connection of
the equipment-grounding conductor can result
in risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified
electrician or service person if you are in doubt
as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with the
appliance. If it will not fit the outlet, have a
proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
Grounding Blade
is longest of the
three blades
Grounded
Outlet Box
FIGURE A
This machine is for use on a 1 10 to 120 V olt AC 60 cycle
electric circuit. Make sure you have the correct frequency
and voltage before connecting the power cord to an outlet.
The machine has a plug as shown in figure A.
WARNING: Always use this machine with an AC
three-conductor electrical system connected to
the electrical ground. Replace any worn, cut or
damaged cords. Replace any damaged plugs,
receptacles or connector bodies.
WARNING: Do not cut, remove, or break the
ground terminal. Do not try to fit a three-terminal plug into a receptacle or connector body
that does not fit the plug, see your Authorized
Clarke Dealer to get an authorized person to
make the connection.
WARNING: Do not move the machine over an
electrical cord. Always lift the cord over the
machine.
EXTENSION CORDS:
Use only an approved extension cord with three conductors,
a plug with three terminals and a connector body with three
holes. This machine has a power cord with wire size 18
AWG (A WG means American Wire Gauge).
WARNING: If you use an extension cord, use an
extension cord with minimum wire size 16 AWG.
Do not use an extension cord longer than 50
feet. Do not join two extension cords.
8 Clarke
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18
HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE MACHINE
To assemble the machine, follow this procedure:
1. Remove the brush housing, vacuum bags, hose,
wand, handle assembly, canister housing, and
tools from the carton.
2. Remove the canister housing and the brush
housing from the plastic bags.
3. Install the canister housing on the brush housing.
To install the canister housing, follow this procedure:
a.Position canister housing over brush housing
(see figure 2).
b.Align pivot airway (A) and canister support
pivot (B) with openings (C and D) in bottom of
canister housing (see figure 2).
c.Lower canister housing completely onto brush
housing until pin clicks into place and latches
(see figure 3).
4. Install the handle assembly to the canister housing. To install the handle assembly, follow this
procedure:
C
A
Figure 2
D
B
a.Insert handle tube in the upper canister
housing (see figure 4).
b.Lower handle completely into canister housing
until mark on handle tube is below flush (see
figure 5, item A). This insures the handle is
properly seated.
c.Push handle latch into lock position (see
figure 5, item B).
A
B
Figure 3
Mark on
handle tube.
Figure 5
10 Clarke
Figure 4
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18
5. Install the wand assembly in the right rear canister
housing (see figure 6, item A).
6. Position wand handle so that handle is towards
the front of the machine (see figure 7, item A).
7. Attach hose to wand and canister (see figure 7).
To attach hose properly, depress lock on canister
(see figure 7, item B).
8. Snap the crevice (B) and upholstery (C) tools into
the tool retainer on rear of canister housing (see
figure 6).
C
A
B
Figure 6
Clarke
B
A
B
Figure 7
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18 11
THE CONTROLS
The Handle Release Pedal (See figure 8, item A)
The handle release pedal is on the lower left side of the
machine. Press the pedal to release the handle and start
the brush motor. The brush motor will not run unless the
ON/OFF switch is in the "I" position.
The ON/OFF Switch (See figure 9)
The ON/OFF switch is on handle. Put the switch in the
"I" position to start the vacuum motor. Put the switch in
the "O" position to stop the vacuum motor. Putting the
switch in the off position will also shut off the brush
motor.
The Height Adjustment (See figure 8, item B)
The height adjustment is located on the lower right side
of the machine. Press the front of the pedal with your
foot when vacuuming shorter carpet. Press the back of
the pedal with your foot when vacuuming thicker, longer
carpet.
C
B
A
Figure 8
The Wand (See figure 8, item C)
The wand is in the holder in the back of the canister
housing. The wand has a telescoping feature (see figure
11). The crevice tool and the upholstery tools fit the end
of the wand. The wand has a suction control sleeve (see
figure 10). For normal vacuuming keep suction control
sleeve closed. To reduce suction, when cleaning drapes
or furniture, open suction control sleeve.
Figure 9
Figure 11
12 Clarke
Figure 10
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18
Canister Door (See figure 12, item A)
The canister door release is in the upper part of the
canister housing. Lift to open door.
NOTE: Door will not close without a properly mounted
filter bag. See page 15 for filter bag mounting instructions.
The Vacuum Indicator Light (See figure 12, item B)
The vacuum indicator light is on the top of the canister
housing. The indicator light comes on when the airflow to
the vacuum motor is obstructed.
NOTE: See page 17 for intructions on how to remove an
obstruction.
The Cord Storage Hooks (See figure 13)
The cord storage hooks are on the back of the canister
housing. The lower cord hook is also a carrying handle.
The lower cord hook rotates to provide a quick cord
release and to ease cord removal.
B
A
Figure 12
Clarke
Figure 13
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18 13
HOW TO OPERATE THE MACHINE
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the machine,
do not allow large objects to be pulled into the
lower housing or the attachments.
NOTE: The machine comes with a filter bag installed
in the canister housing.
Use the D14 & D18 as a carpet cleaner or as an upholstery
cleaner. To operate the machine as a carpet cleaner,
follow this procedure:
1. Remove the power cord from the cord storage
hooks, by rotating the lower cord hook 180° (see
figure 14).
2. Connect the electrical plug to the electrical
outlet.
3. Put the ON/OFF switch in the "I" position (see
figure 9).
4. Press the handle release pedal (see figure 8,
item A).
Figure 14
5. Pull the handle toward you to the best operating
position.
6. Move the machine forward and backward over the
carpet.
To operate the machine as an upholstery cleaner, follow
this procedure.
1. Make sure the ON/OFF switch is in the "O"
position.
2. Push the handle forward until it locks in position.
NOTE: the machine comes with a crevice tool
attachment and an upholstery tool attachment.
Select the tool needed for the cleaning operation.
3. Remove the wand from the canister housing.
4. Connect an accessory tool to the end of the
wand, or directly to the hose (see figures 15 and
16).
Figure 15
NOTE: Push button on wand handle to release
the hose from the wand (see figure 16, item A).
5. Put the ON/OFF switch in the "I" position.
A
6. Move the tool over the area to be cleaned.
14 Clarke
Figure 16
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: To prevent injury, always remove
the electrical plug from the electrical outlet
before doing any maintenance or repairs to
the machine.
WARNING: Maintenance and repairs must be
done by authorized personnel only. Use only
genuine Clarke parts.
How To Change The Filter Bag
The machine uses a disposable paper filter bag. To change
the paper filter bag, follow this procedure:
1. Make sure the ON/OFF switch in the "O"
position and that the machine is disconnected
from the power supply.
2. Open the front of the canister housing. To open
the canister housing, lift the release handle (see
figure 17).
3. Grasp cardboard inlet on both sides of the bag
(see points A and B on figure 19) and slightly
rotate and pull bag out.
Figure 17
5. Install a new filter bag. To install a new filter bag,
follow this procedure:
a. Unfold the filter bag.
b. Hold the bag by the cardboard inlet.
c. Place the bottom of the cardboard inlet into
the slot under the bag adaptor (see figure 18,
item A)
d. Put the opening of the cardboard inlet over the
bag adapter (see figure 18, item B).
e. Make sure the cardboard is pushed all the way
on the bag adapter (figure 19) or the door will
not latch.
f. Close the canister housing.
A
B
A
Figure 18
B
Clarke
Figure 19
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18 15
How To Change The Filter Cartridge
Change the filter cartridge whenever it is dirty or suction
performance decreases. To change the filter cartridge,
follow this procedure:
1. Make sure the ON/OFF switch is in the "O"
position and the machine is disconnected from
the power supply.
2. Open the canister door.
3. Remove the filter bag.
4. Remove the filter cartridge (see figure 20).
5. Replace filter cartridge and filter bag (see figure
21).
CAUTION: Check the filter cartridge while
changing the paper bag. Replace the filter
cartridge when dirty or when the vacuum
suction performance drops off even with a
clean filter bag.
How To Replace The Brush
WARNING: To prevent injury, unplug machine
before cleaning or replacing brush. Brush
may start suddenly and cause injury.
1. Put the machine on its side.
2. Turn the knobs which secure the nozzle plate.
See figure 22.
3. Lift the nozzle plate up to remove it.
4. Lift the brush assembly up to remove it.
5. Install the new brush assembly.
Figure 20
Figure 21
6. Install the nozzle plate.
7. Put the machine on its wheels.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from
moving parts, unplug before servicing.
16 Clarke
Figure 22
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18
How To Change the Drive Belt
WARNING: To prevent injury, unplug machine
before cleaning or replacing brush. Brush
may start suddenly and cause injury.
To change the drive belt, follow this procedure:
1. Put the machine on its side.
2. Lift the nozzle plate up to remove it.
3. Lift the brush assembly up to remove it (see
figure 23).
4. Remove the drive belt from the brush pulley.
5. Remove the drive belt from the motor shaft.
6. Put one end of the new drive belt around the
motor shaft.
7. Put the other end of the drive belt around the
brush pulley.
8. Install the brush assembly in the brush housing.
9. Install the nozzle plate.
10.Put the machine on its wheels.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from
moving parts, unplug before servicing.
The Vacuum Indicator Light
If the vacuum indicator light (1) comes on, (see figure
24) or the motor stops, do the following:
1. Put the ON/OFF switch in the "O" position (2).
2. Remove the electrical plug from the electrical
outlet.
Figure 23
3. Check the vacuum hose for an obstruction. If
there is an obstruction in the vacuum hose,
remove the obstruction.
4. Check the brush assembly in the lower housing.
If there is an obstruction in the brush assembly,
remove the obstruction.
5. Check the filter bag. If the filter bag is over 1/2
full, change or empty the bag.
6. Check the filter cartridge. If the filter is dirty,
change the filter.
Thermal Overload
A thermal overload is used to protect the vacuum motor.
If the motor over heats, the thermal overload will stop
the motor. If the motor stops, let the motor cool before
restarting the machine. Check filters. If the motor
continues to stop, consult an authorized service person.
Clarke
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Operator's Manual - D14 & D18 17
Figure 24
BRUSH PERFORMANCE INDICATOR LIGHTS
The D14 and D18 upright vacuums have 3 brush performance indicator lights (see figure 25). They are GREEN,
YELLOW and RED. They work in the following manner:
Normal Operation:
• The GREEN light is on when the brush drive motor is
on and the brush height setting is correct for the
carpet.
NOTE: It is normal for the red or yellow light to intermittently turn on and off as high or low surfaces are
encountered.
Brush Height Too High:
• The YELLOW light will continue to stay on when the
brush height is too high for the carpet. Lower the
brush height setting.
Brush Height Too Low or Brush Has Jammed:
• The RED light will continue to stay on when the brush
height setting is too low for the carpet. Raise the
brush height setting. The RED light will come on if the
brush is jammed.
Figure 25
• If the RED light is on continuously for 10 seconds, the
electronic safety stop will protect the brush motor by
turning it off.
• To reset the brush drive motor, put the operating
handle in the upright position. Turn the ON/OFF
switch to the off position. Restart the machine.
• If the brush height was too low, raise the brush height
setting.
• If the brush was jammed, unplug the vacuum and clear
the brush.