Galaxy AX500 GALAXY Safety, Operation & Maintenance Instructions

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 1 of 33

Galaxy

CARPET SOIL EXTRACTOR

SAFETY, OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTIONS

MODELS: AX500 GALAXY

CAUTION – READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 2 of 33

MACHINE DATA

MODEL NO.

SERIAL NO.

DATE OF PURCHASE

DISTRIBUTOR NAME

DISTRIBUTOR TEL NO.

MANUFACTURER CONTACT

Prochem Europe Ltd.
Oakcroft Road,
Chessington,
Surrey KT9 1RH, UK
Telephone: + 44 (0)20 8974 1515
Fax: + 44 (0)20 8974 1511
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.prochem.co.uk

All information and specifications in this manual are current at the date of issue. However, because
of Prochem Europe policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at
any time without notice. Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains variations
including accessories used. Therefore, you may find some explanations for variations and options
not installed on your equipment.

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 3 of 33

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

WARRANTY

5

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTI ONS

6

IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

7

GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

8

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SOIL EXTRACTOR

9

ACCESSORIES & CHEMICALS

10

CONDENSED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

11

PRACTICAL CARPET CLEANING

12

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

13

TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION

15

DISASSEMBLY SECTION

21

MACHINE PARTS DIAGRAM & PARTS LIST

23

WAND PARTS LIST

28

PUMP PARTS LIST

29

HAND TOOL PARTS LIST

30

WIRING DIAGRAM

32

CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

33

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 4 of 33

This product is marked according to the European Directive (2002/96/EC) on
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

The symbol on this product indicates that this product must not be disposed of
with normal household waste. Please protect human health and the
environment by disposing of this product responsibly in the correct manner.

For further information regarding the disposal, treatment, recycling and
recovery of this product, please contact:

Prochem Europe Sales Department
Telephone: [phone]

Prochem Europe Ltd. EEE Producer Registration Number: WEE / AJ0044SY

European Directive (2011/65/EU) Restriction of use of certain Hazardous
Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS2).

This equipment does not contain more than the maximum permitted levels by
weight of the following substances:
Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr (Vl)),
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 5 of 33

MACHINE WARRANTY

DATE EFFECTIVE: 1/7/15

As of the above date, this warranty supersedes all previous warranties and forms part of the contract of sale.
Prochem Europe Ltd. (hereafter referred to as “P rochem”) guarantees this machine to be free from defects in m aterials and
workmanship for the relevant time period as shown below, and from the actual date of purchase by the user. Proof of the
purchase date from a Prochem Authorised Distributor will be required for performance of this warranty.

Rotationally moulded polyethylene tanks ……………………………………………………………………………………2 Years
All other parts except maintenance items (see below) …………………………….………………………………………..1 Year

THIS WARRANTY EXCLUDES NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS, including but not limited to HOSES, FILTERS, O-RINGS,

DIAPHRAGMS, VALVES, DRIVE BELTS, GASKETS, CARBON BRUSHES and damage to motors and other components as a
result of failure to replace normal maintenance items. THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.

To obtain performance of this warranty, contact the Prochem Authorised Distributor who supplied the product.

The Prochem Authorised Distributor is responsible as the selling agent for the provision of initial training in the
correct use and application of the machine and approved chemicals. The distributor is also responsible for service
maintenance and repairs during and after the warranty period and the administration of any warranty claims in
conjunction with the Prochem Service Department. Failure of any of these provisions and responsibilities may
invalidate the warranty and the authorised status of the distributor.

If Prochem receives notice of any defec ts during the warranty period, Prochem res erves the right to either repair, or replace
components that prove to be defective. Goods must be returned before the warranty is approved. Goods sent out prior to the
return of faulty items will be invoic ed at current prices , subject to standard pa yment terms (s ee Prochem Standard Terms and
Conditions of Sale). Replacement parts suppl ied under warranty will be guaranteed for the remainder of the original machine
warranty and NOT from the date of instal lation. Spare parts supplied after expiry of machine warranty may be covered by a
manufacturer’s warranty, subject to inspection by Prochem Europe Ltd. and at its sole discretion. Normal maintenance items,
however, are not covered. Replacement or credit of any returned parts will be at the discretion of the Prochem Service
Department. Any subsequent refusal to accept their decision will serve to invalidate this warranty with immediate effect.

PROCHEM AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTORS are res ponsibl e for machine and acc essories s ervice back up during and aft er the
warranty period. Prochem will furnish parts if the warranty is approved, but DISTRIBUTORS will be res ponsible for fitting,
service, labour and related charges including travel, if applicable, and the cost of returni ng the machine or parts to P rochem. If
any chargeable work is undertaken by Prochem for DISTRIBUTORS t he labour, parts (if applicable) and return carri age will be
charged at FULL LIST PRICE. If warranty is approved due to genuine manufacturing defect, then labour charges and carriage
charges may be waived at Prochem’s discretion.

Prochem may send replacement parts to c ustomers suppli ed by a DISTRIBUTOR or directly by Proc hem, subject to the same
conditions of replacement and payment above. The customer, however, will be responsible for fitting, labour and the carriage
costs of returning repaired parts. Alternatively, Prochem will undertake warranty work at Chess ington, subject to the same
conditions, but the customer will be responsible for all carriage charges.

Any of the following circumstances involving the machine will serve to invalidate this warranty:-

NORMAL WEAR, ACCIDENTS, USE OF THE MACHINE FOR A PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT FOR WHICH IT WAS
INTENDED, INCORRECT MAINTE NANCE, THE USE OF CHEMICALS O THER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED OR A PPROVED
BY PROCHEM, INCORRECT INSUFFICIENT OR NON-USE OF DEFOAMER, EXPOSURE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES
OR CONDITIONS, INCORRECT INSTALLATION OR REPAIR & UNAUTHORISED INTERVENTION.

Your Prochem unit is designed to give you many years of reliable service. If a problem should arise during or after the warranty
period, contact the Prochem Authorised Di stributor or the Prochem Service Departm ent, for details of the services available.
Only the original purchaser of the new equipm ent may seek performance of t his warranty – these rights cannot be transferred
to a third party.

Prochem Europe Ltd.
Oakcroft Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1RH, ENGLAND
Telephone: + 44 (0)20 8974 1515 Fax: + 44 (0)20 8974 1511 Machine Warranty Issue 10 1/7/15

Liability is excluded for the following:-

All forms of damage and special damage founded in tort (apart from death and personal injury) and contract law including
but not limited to consequential l oss, l oss of i ncome and losses incurred in reliance of the contract; service, labour or third
party charges and the cost of returning the machine or defective parts to Prochem or Prochem’s Authorised Distributor.
As against a person dealing as a c onsumer, this warranty c reates specif ic rights in addit ion to any st atutory rights , which
are unaffected. As against a person dealing otherwise than as a c onsumer, however, this warranty excludes any im plied
term that the machine will correspond with a description or a product sample.
With the exception of some specific products which are labelled and intended t o be used by a consumer, all equipment,
machinery, accessories, products, servic es and advice supplied by Prochem is int ended for professional and industrial

use only.

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 6 of 33

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (!!)
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE
INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

!! CAUTION

Read the instruction manual before using the
appliance.

!! SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL

The sound pressure of this machine, when in use,
does not exceed 85 dB (A).

!! APPLIANCE SUITABILITY

This appliance is suitable for commercial use, for
example, in hotels, schools, hospitals, factories,
shops, offices and rental businesses.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons
(including children) with reduced physica l, sen sory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or
knowledge, unless they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the
appliance by a person responsible for their safety.

!! CHILDREN should be supervised to ensure the y
do not play with the appliance.

!! FOR MAINS POWERED APPLIANCES during
cleaning and maintenance – the plug is to be
removed from the outlet socket.

!! TRAINING

You must be trained in the operation of this
machine before use. Please read this manual
carefully and obtain operating instruction from your
Prochem Distributor or authorised representative in
the correct use of this equipment and suitable
chemicals before attempting to clean.

!! REPAIRS

Should any repairs, including supply cord
replacement be required, we recommend that the
appliance be returned to an authorised dealer.

!! ELECTRICAL CABLE INSPECTION &
REPLACEMENT

This machine must be earthed while in use to
protect the operator from electric shock. It is
equipped with a sealed and approved EC three
conductor cable and three-prong 13A plug. If the
supply cord is damaged it must be replaced by a
special cord or assembly available from the
manufacturer or its service agent. Dur ing opera t ion
a hazard may occur when running the machine over
the power supply cord. The power supply cord
should be regularly inspected for signs of damage.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be
replaced.

!! RCD CIRCUIT BREAKER

In common with other household and commercial
electrical equipment, an 'RCD' circuit breaker plug
device is strongly recommended for this type of
equipment.

!! EXTENSION CABLES

Avoid using extension cables with this machine. If
an extension cable is used it should be of a suitable
rating and no longer than 30 metres. Use only
three wire CE approved extension cable with CE
approved three-prong earthed plugs and three pole
receptacles that accept the machine 13 amp plug.

!! DO NOT use a multiple adaptor socket to connect
the machine and heating units or other devices to a
single extension cable.

!! DO NOT stand the machine in water to operate
such as during flood extraction.

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY RESULT IF
MACHINE IS IMMERSED IN WATER!

!! DO NOT pull the machine by the power cable or

hoses.
!! DO NOT use this machine with or near flammable

vapours. These machines can ignite flam m able
vapours such as fuels, solvents or thinners. Do not
use where oxygen or anaesthetics are used.

!! DO NOT operate the machine unless it is
completely assembled.

!! DO NOT attempt repairs or maintenance unless
you are suitably qualified or experienced. Repairs
and maintenance should only be performed by
qualified personnel and the machine should be
tested for electrical safety before re-use.

!! SPRAY LIQUID ejection could be hazardous as a
result of its temperature, pressure or chemi cal
content.

!! IF FOAM or liquid comes from the exhaust switch
off immediately.

!! ALWAYS disconnect machine from mains supply
when left unattended, when emptying the waste
container or cleaning the appliance.

!! WHEN CLEANING THE WASTE TANK use a
broad spectrum disinfectant cleaning agent to
prevent contamination from any infectious material.

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 7 of 33

IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCT IONS

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (!)
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE
INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT.

! DO NOT expose the machine to rain or freezing
temperatures. Drain solution system and store
indoors when not in use.

! DO NOT operate the machine without solution and
waste tank filters.

! DO NOT use boiling water or temperature in
excess of 76

O

C.

! DO NOT use chemicals in the machine other than
those manufactured or recommended by Prochem
Europe.

! DO NOT use the machine for dry vacuuming. The
vacuum must only be used for wet extraction in
conjunction with the spray system.

! DO NOT run the solution pump and/or heating unit
dry. Always switch off and disconnect the machine
and/or heating unit electrical supply when re-filling
with solution.

! ALWAYS use a clean bucket to fill the solution
tank. Do not overfill the solution tank.

! AFTER USE flush solution system and rinse the
waste tank with clean water and remove loose
fibres from the vacuum filter.

! ALWAYS observe directions and safety
precautions on chemical products.

! ALWAYS pre-test carpet or fabric for colour
fastness and suitability with ready-to-use cleaning
solution before proceeding.

! ALWAYS use defoamer in the waste tank to
control foaming from previous shampoo residues in
the carpet.

! IF POWDERED CHEMICALS are used, always
premix in a separate bucket before adding to
solution tank. If not properly dissolved, powdered
cleaning solution may result in damage to the
solution pump.

! USE ONLY genuine replacement parts for this
machine, supplied by an authorised Prochem
Distributor.

! DO NOT use this machine for any purpose other
than for its intended design function. Any deviation
from its proper use or purpose and any
consequential damage that may occur is the sole
responsibility of the user.

! ALWAYS discharge soiled solution to a sewage
drain linked to a sewage treatment facility.

! DO NOT discharge soiled solution into roadside
storm drains.

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 8 of 33

GENERAL OPERATING INST RUCTIONS

BEFORE OPERATING THE
MACHINE

Read the manual carefully and completely before
attempting to operate the unit. This manual has
important information for the use and safe operation
of the machine and should be kept available at all
times. This machine will ensure years of
satisfactory service if operated and maintained
according to recommendations in this manual. If
additional help or information is needed, please
contact your distributor or Prochem.

Prochem carpet soil extraction machines hav e been
designed with the operator in mind. Provided you
read the instructions relating to the care of your
machine and follow them carefully and take
advantage of the helpful hints and advice that we
have passed on, you will achieve excellent cleaning
results and very quickly pay for your investment. A
detailed operational guide is given in the following
sections, however, the following important points
must be emphasised.

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS MAY SERIOUSLY
AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF
THE MACHINE AND INVALIDATE
THE WARRANTY

• Connection instructions - The 220 - 240V AC
models have been fitted with the appropriate
EC type sealed power cable and 3 prong 13
amp plug for the UK market. Ensure the
machine is connected to a 13 amp socket
outlet having the same configuration as the
plug. No adapter should be used with this
machine. Any modification to the plug type may
be dangerous and will void the warranty.

• This equipment is intended for commercial use
only.

• The machine was designed for use on carpet
and upholstery extraction applications as per
instructions and recommendations written in
this manual. Any deviation from its proper use
or purpose and the consequential damage that
may occur is the sole responsibility of the end
user.

• Disconnect the power cord from outlet before
servicing. Do not leave machine connected to
an electrical outlet when unattended.

• Do not immerse or use this machine in
standing water. Such use may cause electric
shock.

• This equipment is not designed to handle or
use combustible/volatile substances such as
gasoline or kerosene, in, on, or near the
machine. The use of such materials will cause
an extreme hazardous condition.

• Use defoamer at all times to prevent damage to
the vacuum motor(s).

• Do not use water in excess of 170°F (76°C).

• To prevent seal damage and chemical build-up

to the pump system, run clean water through
the solution lines after each days use.

• All repairs must be carried out by an authorised
Prochem distributor.

• Repairs should only be carried out by a
qualified person.

• Do not use replacement parts other than
genuine manufacturers parts as specified in the
parts list.

• Do not use chemicals in the machine other
than those supplied or approved by Prochem
Europe limited.

• Do not use the machine as a 'dry' vacuum.
Always pre-vacuum carpets thoroughly with a
separate 'dry' vacuum cleaner.

• Keep the solution tank and filter clean. Always
use a clean bucket to fill the solution tank.

• Clean the waste tank, vacuum filter and fall-out
tube daily. Do not allow the vacuum shut-off
filter to clog and do not restrict the free
movement of the ball float (where fitted).
Empty recovery tank regularly during use, do
not wait for it to fill up and cut the vacuum
motor out.

• Clean the drain valve regularly. Lubricate the
valve shaft, slide and PVC elbow connection
with suitable oil or maintenance spray. Do not
drain the waste tank completely until the end of
each job, as this will tend to clog the seal with
debris and sediment.

• After use, flush through the pump, solution
lines and waste tank with at least two gallons of
hot water.

• Do not allow the machine, hoses or tools to
freeze. Freezing may seriously damage the
pump and fittings. Always drain solution and
store indoors when not in use. When in transit
during freezing weather, insulate and cover
machine, wand and hoses. To prevent hose
cuffs splitting in cold conditions, immerse them
in warm water before use.

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 9 of 33

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SO IL EXTRACTOR

OVERVIEW

Extraction machines generally consist of two
mechanical parts, a solution pump and fan type
vacuum motor(s) - both operated by independent
electrical switches located on the main housing.
The pump forces a cleaning solution under pressure
from a housing tank to the face fibre of the carpet
via a solution feed hose and carpet wand. The
carpet wand has a spray jet system that is
compatible with the pressure from the pump and
delivers just the right amount of solution to the
carpet. The solution has a short amount of time to
be forced into the fibres and emulsify the soil
particles before it is extracted by the powerful
suction of the vacuum motor. Because both these

functions take place at the carpet wand, it will
soon be realised that the speed at which the
operator moves the wand is an important factor.

RECOVERY SYSTEM

The recovery tank has a built-in shut-off system that
works on the principle of a rising ball. As the waste
water or foam level rises and comes in contact with
the ball (which in turn is secured in a filtered
container) the ball floats and eventually is sucked
into the aperture of the vacuum pipe and seals the
air flow.

It is important to understand that shut-off devices
where fitted are there to act as a precautionary

measure. Care should be taken to empty the
recovery tank frequently and to use a defoamer

if heavy foam build-up occurs due to previo us
shampoo residue in the carpet. Emptying of the
recovery tank is either by way of a positive drain
valve or removable bucket. Where fitted, care
should be exercised when opening the valve,
particularly when the tank is full as the force of dirty
water may overshoot the bucket. The drain valve
should be cleaned and kept free of soil sediment
regularly.

Do not let the recovery tank overfill and cut out
the vacuum motor.

At the same time do not completely empty the
recovery tank until the job is finished as this may
leave abrasive sediment in the drain valve rubbers.
A suggested method is to drain 10 litres of dirty
water regularly and at the same time refill with clean
hot solution using a separate bucket. By using
this technique, the solution tank is kept topped up
and the recovery tank is always below warning level
all in one journey.

• The filter in the recovery tank should be kept
clean and this should be carried out at the end
of each carpet cleaning session when cleaning
out the recovery tank.

When cleaning out the recovery tank, follow
these steps -

Place an empty bucket under drain valve and open
drain valve slowly. Empty tank and replace bucket
leaving drain valve open. Rinse tank with at least 10
litres of hot water, or Prochem deodorising solution.
If there is unused solution in solution tank, close
drain valve, then switch on the vacuum. With the
vacuum hose connected to recovery tank, place the
open end of vacuum hose in the solution tank and
extract all clean solution into recovery tank. This
will clean the inside of vacuum hose as well as
finally rinsing out the recovery tank. Remember to
leave the vacuum running for a few minutes after
you have extracted, as this will help dry out the
hose and avoid dripping hoses.

WARNING - Do not use extraction
machines for dry vacuuming

The vacuum motor on your soil extractor is not
protected by a dry dust filter. You should only use
the vacuum in conjunction with the solution spray.
Any pre-dry vacuuming operation should be carried
out using a normal dry vacuum machine.

SOLUTION SYSTEM

The quick connectors on each end of the solution
hose are connected to the machine and the carpet
wand, completing the solution circuit from the
solution tank via the pump to the wand head. The
female connectors incorporate a pull-back release
ring which houses steel ball bearings. These
should be lubricated regularly otherwise connection
may become difficult. The carpet wand heads are
made from stainless steel. Do not attempt to use
the carpet wand on hard floor surfaces or concrete,
which may result in damage to the wand head.

• Always check that the filter in the solution
tank is in good condition. Remember that

the filter is there to protect the pump from dirt
and fibres and it is a lot easier and cheaper to
replace the filter than it is the pump!

• Always use a clean bucket when you

replenish your solution tank. This help will
prevent soil and sediment from entering the
cleaning solution tank and pump system!

Galaxy Manual 1/7/15 Page 10 of 33

ACCESSORIES & CHEMICALS

ACCESSORIES

STAINLESS STEEL UPHOLSTERY TOOL

A lightweight stainless steel cleaning tool that, with
care, will not give the problems of the softer alloy
materials or plastics, the rough edges of which
could damage fine fabric. Suitable for use on all
wet-cleanable fine fabrics with an ultra-fine spray tip
to avoid over-wetting. This tool is essential for
upholstery cleaning.

CARPET & STAIR HAND TOOLS

Larger and heavier hand tool designed for
extraction cleaning stair carpet ing, edge s, sma ll
rugs and inaccessible areas. Also ideal for rinse
extracting stains after treatment with an appropriate

Prochem spotting agent. These tools are NOT
recommended for upholstery cleaning.

VACUUM & SOLUTION HOSES (EXTENSION)

Extension hose assemblies may be used provided
they conform to the high pressure solution hose
requirements and do not exceed the maximum
recommended length for the vacuum configuration.
The maximum recommended length of hose for
single 3-stage vacuum models is 15m (50ft).

CHEMICALS

Prochem specialise in manufacturing chemical

products for the soft furnishing cleaning industry,
including carpets, floor coverings, upholstery fabrics
and curtains. This section refers only to the basic
Prochem chemicals for general on-site carpet
cleaning using the hot water extraction method.

S775 EXTRACTION PLUS

A wide use carpet cleaning formula containing a
high concentration of non-resoiling detergents,
builders and brighteners for effective cle aning of
synthetic and natural fibre carpets. S775 has an
approximate pH of 8.5 and should be diluted with
hot water at the rate of 10 ml. per litre (1 to 100).

S709 MULTI PRO

A concentrated pre-spotter and traffic lane cleaner
for treating spots, stains and heavily soiled traffic
areas prior to extraction cleaning. Dilute with warm
water at 1 - 4 to 1 - 8 and apply by sprayer. For
best results, brush into pile using Prochem carpet
pile brush before following up with extraction
cleaning process. S709 has a diluted pH of 10.5,
therefore always pre-test fibres for colour fastness
before use.

B109 FIBRE & FABRIC RINSE

A mild acidic concentrate for use as a
cleaning/stabilising rinse to restore correct pH to the
fibre. B109 will help to stabilise fugitive dyes and
reduce the possibility of 'jute browning' caused by
over-wetting or the use of alkaline cleaning
solutions. B109 can be used in place of S775 in the
extraction machine solution tank, or applied by
sprayer after cleaning. Dilute 10 ml. per litre of
warm water through your machine. B109 is
normally only used when a dye test suggests the
possibility of dye bleed or on light coloured carpets
when JUTE is part of the construction and may
cause BROWNING.

S760 LIQUID DEFOAMER

Always use S760 especially when foam problems
from soapy residue left from previous shampoo
cleaning are encountered. Mix 20 ml. of S760 with
500ml of cold water and add to vacuum hose and
recovery tank. As you drain off to empty the
recovered soiled solution, you simply add more
S760 as necessary. Remember, it is only
necessary to add S760 when extraction cleaning
previously shampooed carpets, so always check the
recovery tank for foam at the start of each job.

STAIN REMOVERS, SPOTTERS, PROTECTORS
& DEODORISERS

Speciality products such as those listed above are
available from the Prochem range. Refer to the
chemical section of the Product Catalogue for more
details. Individual Product Safety Data Sheets on
all products are available direct from Prochem or
Authorised Prochem Distributors.