General Rip-R-Stripper FCS16 Operator's Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Safety, Operation & Service Information

RIP-R-STRIPPER Floor Covering Stripper

Model: FCS16
Form: GOM4240301EU, Version 1.0, Original Instructions

• Do not discard this manual.

• Keep manual readily available for reference during operation or when servicing product.

• Before operation, read and comprehend operator manual content.

• Customer Service: 001 507 451 5510

• Customer Service Telefax: 001 507 451 5511

Note: There is no charge for Customer Service.
Internet Address: http://www.generalequip.com

•

Email: [e-mail]

•

Mailing Address:

•

General Equipment Company, 620 Alexander Dr. S.W., P.O. Box 334, Owatonna, MN 55060, USA

EUROPEAN REPERESENTATIVE

• Customer Service: ( + 31) 5 23 63 82 86

• Internet Address: http://www.eurogate-international.com

Email: [e-mail]

•

• Mailing Address: Eurogate International, Galilieistraat 6, 7701 SK Dedemsvaart, The Netherlands

Product covered by this manual complies with mandatory requirements o f 2006/42/EC.
Copyright 2016, General Equipment Company, All rights reserved.

FCS16 RIP-R-STRIPPER FLOOR COVERING STRIPPER

Symbol

Meaning

Symbol

Meaning

Warning,
Material

Warning,
Material

OPERATIONAL DISCLAIMER

specific floor covering from any specific work surface.

damage, personal injury and/or death.

FORM GOM4240301EU, VERSION 1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ……………………….…………… 1
2 SAFETY SYMBOLS………………………..……….. 1
3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ………….……………… 1
4 MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS ………….………….. 3
5 STANDARD PRODUCT & ACCESSORIES ……... 3
6 MACHINE SET-UP .……………………….………… 4
7 APPLICATION THEORY & TECHNIQUES ……… 5
8 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ………….…………. 7
9 MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ………………… 8
10 TROUBLESHOOTING ……………………………… 8
11 STORAGE ……………………………………………. 9
12 END OF LIFECYCLE ……………………………….. 9
13 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ………………. 9

Wear Ear
Protection

Wear Eye
Protection

Wear
Protective
Gloves

Wear Safety
Shoes

Wear Breathing
Protection

Disconnect
From Power

No Open
Flame

No Smoking

No Active
Mobile Phone

No Food Or
Drink

Flammable

Explosive

Warning, Toxic
Material

Warning,
Electricity

Warning, Body
Entrapment

Warning, Sharp
Element

Warning, Floor
Level Obstacle

Warning, Drop
Off

Warning, Slippery
Surface

1 INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your decision to purchase a General Equipment light
construction product. From our humble beginnings in 1955, it has been a
continuing objective of General Equipment Company to manufacture
equipment that delivers uncompromising value, service life and investment
return. Because of this continuous commitment for excellence, many products
bearing the General name actually set the standard by which competitive
products are judged.

When you purchased this product, you also gained access to a team of
dedicated, knowledgeable, support personnel that stand willing and ready to
provide field support assistance. Our team of sales representatives and in­house factory personnel are available to ensure each General product delivers
the intended performance and product s afety you expect. Our personnel can
readily answer your questions or concerns regarding proper applications,
service requirements and w ar ra nt y rela ted pr oblem s .

The RIP-R-STRIPPER is intended for use in removing VCT and linoleum tiles,
soft sheet materials (PVC, rubber, linoleum, etc.), glued carpet, adhesives,
mastics and material residues from dry wood and cement surfaces in a
nonexplosive atmosphere. It is not intended to remove ceramic tile. The
machine is operated by one adult of proper operator e xperience/skill/ common
sense, height, weight, strength and physical condition.

If you have any questions or concerns about this product, please feel free to
contact our European Representative or Customer Service Department during
normal business hours using the contact information located on the front cover
of this manual.

Sincerely,

The General Equipment Team

2 SAFETY SYMBOLS

The following safety alert symbols identify important safety messages in this
manual. When you see these symbols, be alert to the possibility of personal
injury and carefully read the message that follows. Always utilize correct blades
or extension cords for use with the RIP-R-STRIPPER.

SAFETY SYMBOLS & MEANINGS

Action
Required

Read Manual

English-EN 1

No Trash
Containers

General Warning

The manufacturer of this RIP-R-STRIPPER makes no warranty or
guarantee it is merchantable and/or suitable for a specific job application
and that it will have the capability and power required to remove any

3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• These safety instructions provide guidelines to promote safety

and efficiency with the RIP-R-STRIPPER.

• No warranty, guarantee or representation is made by

manufacturer as to abs olute c or r ect ne ss or suf fic ie nc y of an y
information or statement.

• Safety instructions are intended to deal with common practice s

and condition s en countered in use o f RIP-R-STRIPPER and are
not intended to be all inclusive.

• Not following instructions in this manual can result in property

BEFORE OPERATING

1. BEFORE operating RIP-R-STRIPPER, read this manual and view
applicable Safety/Operational Video to familiarize each operator with
correct operating procedures.

2. Visually inspect RIP-R-STRIPPER per MAINTENACE INSTRUCTIONS
STEPS 5 through 9 of this manual.

3. Determine RIP-R-STRIPPER is in original, factory configuration and has

4. Always start and stop RIP-R-STRIPPER according to instructions to

Physical Exertion/Body Strain

Operating RIP-R-STRIPPER requires proper physical stamina, mental
alertness and is strenuous. Take work breaks to maintain stamina an d
alertness. If you have condition(s) that might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with doctor BEFORE operating.

not been modified in any manner. If questions arise about possible
modifications, contact the European Representative or Customer Service
Department BEFORE utilization. There is no charge for this service.

minimize possibilit y of un e xpect ed or u nc o ntr oll ed blade/accessory
movement. Know how to stop unit in an emergency.

FCS16 RIP-R-STRIPPER FLOOR COVERING STRIPPER
FORM GOM4240301EU, VERSION 1.0

Vibration

Prolonged use of RIP-R-STRIPPER (or other, similar machines) exposes
operator to vibrations which may produce Whitefinger Disease (Raynaud's
Phenomenon). Continuous and regular users should closely monitor condition
of hands and fingers. After each pe riod of use, exercise to restore normal blood
circulation. If any symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately.

Noise

RIP-R-STRIPPER and actual floor covering removal process creates exposure
to high noise emission levels that can result in hearing loss or damage. Hearing
protection is required while operating or when near operating equipment.
Continuous and regular operators should have their hearing checked regularly.

Clothing

Clothing must be sturdy, snug fitting, but allow complete freedom of movement.
Never we ar loose fitting jackets, scarves, neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed
pants or anything that could become caught on controls or moving parts.
Properly secure eyeglasses, hearing aid devices and other medical related
devices. Wear long pants to protect legs. Protect hands and improve grip with
heavy duty, nonslip gloves. Wear and properly lace sturdy boots with nonslip
soles. Steel-toe d safet y sh oes ar e mandatory. Wear approved safety hard hat
where there is dang er of head injuries and/or appr ove d bre at hing mask where
danger of airborne foreign particulate contamination is present.

Flying Debris

Floor covering removal process can result in flying debris. Eye protection and
appropriate safety apparel is required when near or operating RIP-R­STRIPPER. DO NOT operate unit with onlo okers or animals close by.

Back Care & Proper Lifting Procedures

Operators will be required to lift RIP-R-STRIPPER as demanded by specific job
applications. When lifting, three or more people are required. Maximum lifting
weight per person is 23 Kg (50.7 lbs) per NIOSH standards. Utilize proper lifting
techniques to minimize fatigue and back-related injuries.

TRANSPORTATION

1. When transporting RIP-R-STRIPPER, remove extension cord and store.
Remove accessory blade from machine and store per INSTALLING &
REMOVING ACCESSORY BLADES in MACHINE SET-UP section of this
manual when in following operating conditions:

a) To and from jobsite.

b) Longer distances while being repositioned on jobsite.

c) Traversing up and down stairways.

d) Performing maintenance and/or repairs.

e) Lifting/lowering from transportation vehicle.

2. To use personnel to lift/lower machine, use handles as shown and/or side
handles near rear of unit. FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

NOTE: This location may not always be the exact center of gravity for the
machine. DO NOT use lift device until device limitations and operation are
understood by all applicable personnel.

4. To reduce storage area and minimize damage, transport RIP-R­STRIPPER in normal upright position with operator handle folded relative
to main frame. Refer to MACHINE SET-UP section of this manual.

a) DO NOT allow operator handle and main frame direct contact

with each other while transporting. Provide proper protection
between RIP-R-STRIPPER components and vehicle.

b) DO NOT drop unit directly against exciter plate. Provide

support block under main frame to prevent direct contact
and/or damage to exciter plate and related components.

5. All equipment must be secured in/on vehicles with suitable strapping or
tie downs.

DETERMINATION OF POTENTIAL SUBSURFACE HAZARDS IN
PROPOSED FLOORING REMOVAL LOCATION(S)

RIP-R-STRIPPER operator handle grips are constructed of non-metallic
composite material and do not guarantee operators will be properly insulated
from contact with charged electrical cables. RIP-R-STRIPPER and related
accessories are not classified as insulated.

BEFORE attempting to remove any floor covering materials, identify/mark all
potential subsurface hazards in proposed flooring removal location(s). Many
utilities/other agencies will perform these tasks at minimal or no cost.
Subsurface hazards may include, but may not be limited to the following:

1. Buried debris, rotted timbers or wood planking.

2. Buried pressurized pipelines (e.g. natural gas, propane, etc.)

3. Buried electrical cables.

DETERMINATION OF POTENTIAL ABOVE SURFACE HAZARDS IN
PROPOSED FLOORING REMOVAL LOCATION(S)

FIGURE 1

3. To use mechanical device to lift/lower machine, attach chain and suitable
attachme nt device to lifting bail area behind electric motor. FIGURE 2

English-EN 2

Normal RIP-R-STRIPPER use is on level surfaces. Avoid other surface
conditions which can be dangerous. Special care must be exercised on
slippery, and/or difficult/uneven surfac e s. Watch for cracks, high spots/other
surface irregularities or drop offs to lower floor levels. Remove any trip/fall
hazard BEFORE operating RIP-R-STRIPPER. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.

OPERATIONAL HAZARDS

1. RIP-R-STRIPPER is designed to substantially enhance machine control
and reduce operator fatigue provided accessory tool does not directly
contact larger, protruding obstructions (anchor bolts, pipes, nail heads,
columns, openings, large cracks, utility outlets, material variances, etc., or
any objects protruding from work surface). Such contact can result in
rapid and jerky movement of machine and/or loss of machine control.