Harbor Freight Tools 69738 Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back of the manual
near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and
the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.
179cc
COMPACT VIBRATOR PLATE
Using an engine indoors
CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
This is a poison you cannot see or smell.
NEVER use inside
a home or garage,
EVEN IF doors and
windows are open.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged.
If any engine parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-800-520-0882 (engine parts) or
1-800-444-3353 (other parts) as soon as possible.
Copyright© 2012 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
Only use OUTSIDE
and far away from
windows, doors,
and vents.
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: tech@harborfreight.com
or engine technical support at: predator@harborfreight.com
ITEM 69738
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Table of Contents
Safety ......................................................... 2
Specifications ............................................. 6
Setup .......................................................... 6
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Operation .................................................... 8
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Maintenance .............................................. 12
Parts Lists and Diagrams .......................... 18
Warranties ................................................. 22
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Read all instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in fire, serious injury, and/or DEATH.
The warnings and precautions discussed in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may
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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Setup Precautions
1. Gasoline fuel and fumes are flammable
and potentially explosive. Use proper fuel
storage and handling procedures. Do not store
fuel or other flammable materials nearby.
2. Have multiple ABC class fire
extinguishers nearby.
3. Operation of this equipment may create sparks
that can start fires around dry vegetation.
A spark arrestor may be required. The operator
should contact local fire agencies for laws or
regulations relating to fire prevention requirements.
4. Set up and use only on a flat, level,
well-ventilated surface.
5. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles,
heavy-duty work gloves, and dust
mask/respirator during set up.
6. Use only lubricants and fuel recommended
in the engine manual or in the
Specifications chart of this manual.
Page 2
For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Item 69738
Operation Precautions
1. CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD
Using an engine indoors CAN KILL
YOU IN MINUTES.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide. This is a poison you cannot
see or smell.
NEVER use inside a home or garage,
EVEN IF doors and windows are open.
Only use OUTSIDE and far away from windows,
doors, and vents.
11. Park the Vibrator Plate on a firm and level surface.
12. Industrial applications must
follow OSHA requirements.
13. Do not leave the equipment unattended when it is
running. Turn off the equipment (and remove safety
keys, if available) before leaving the work area.
14. Wear ANSI-approved safety glasses,
hearing protection, and NIOSH-approved
dust mask/respirator under a full face shield
along with steel-toed work boots during use.
15. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic
fields in close proximity to a heart pacemaker
could cause pacemaker interference or
pacemaker failure. Caution is necessary when
near the engine’s magneto or recoil starter.
16. Use only accessories that are recommended
by Harbor Freight Tools for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one
piece of equipment may become hazardous
when used on another piece of equipment.
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
2. Keep children away from the equipment,
especially while it is operating.
3. Keep hands and feet away from the Compactor
Base (53). Grip the Upper Handle (32) of
the Vibrator Plate firmly with both hands.
Never place tools under the Vibrator Plate.
4. Keep all spectators at least six feet from
the Vibrator Plate during operation.
5. Only use a suitable means of transport and
lifting devices with sufficient weight bearing
capacity when transporting the Vibrator Plate.
6. Only use sturdy loading ramps with sufficient
weight bearing capacity. Secure the Vibrator
Plate on transport vehicles to prevent the
tool from rolling, slipping, and tilting.
7. Keep a safe distance away from the edges
and banks of ditches and use care to prevent
the Vibrator Plate from toppling over.
8. Ascend slopes carefully in a direct path.
9. Pull backwards up steep slopes
to prevent the Vibrator Plate from
toppling over onto the operator.
17. Do not operate in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Gasoline-powered
engines may ignite the dust or fumes.
18. Stay alert, watch what you are doing
and use common sense when operating
this piece of equipment. Do not use this
piece of equipment while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
19. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the equipment in unexpected situations.
20. Use this equipment with both hands only.
Using equipment with only one hand
can easily result in loss of control.
21. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Keep hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
22. Parts, especially exhaust system components,
get very hot during use. Stay clear of hot parts.
23. Do not cover the engine or
equipment during operation.
10. When performing compacting work in the
vicinity of buildings or above pipelines, make
sure to check the affect of the vibrations on
the buildings and pipelines. If necessary,
immediately stop the compacting work.
Item 69738
For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
24. Keep the equipment, engine, and
surrounding area clean at all times.
Page 3
Operation Precautions (cont.)
25. Use the equipment, accessories, etc., in
accordance with these instructions and in the
manner intended for the particular type of
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
equipment, taking into account the working
conditions and the work to be performed. Use of
the equipment for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
26. Do not operate the equipment with known
leaks in the engine’s fuel system.
27. This product contains or, when used,
produces a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm. (California
Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
28. When spills of fuel or oil occur, they must
be cleaned up immediately. Dispose of fluids
and cleaning materials as per any local, state, or
federal codes and regulations. Store oil rags in
a bottom-ventilated, covered, metal container.
29. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Do not reach over or across
equipment while operating.
30. Before use, check for misalignment or
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
and any other condition that may affect
the equipment’s operation. If damaged, have the
equipment serviced before using. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained equipment.
31. Use the correct equipment for the application.
Do not modify the equipment and do not use the
equipment for a purpose for which it is not intended.
Vibration Hazard:
This tool vibrates during use. Repeated or long-term
exposure to vibration may cause temporary or permanent
physical injury, particularly to the hands, arms and
shoulders. To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:
1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an
extended period should first be examined by a
doctor and then have regular medical check-ups
to ensure medical problems are not being
caused or worsened from use. Pregnant women
or people who have impaired blood circulation to the
hand, past hand injuries, nervous system disorders,
diabetes, or Raynaud’s Disease should not use this
tool. If you feel any symptoms related to vibration
(such as tingling, numbness, and white or blue
fingers), seek medical advice as soon as possible.
2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces
the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.
3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.
4. Use tools with the lowest vibration when there
is a choice between different processes.
5. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping
safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.
7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as
explained in this manual. If any abnormal
vibration occurs, stop use immediately.
Page 4
For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Item 69738
Maintenance Precautions
1. Before service, maintenance, or cleaning:
a. Turn the engine switch to its “OFF” position.
b. Allow the engine to completely cool.
c. Then, remove the spark plug wire(s)
from the spark plug(s).
2. Keep all safety guards in place and in
proper working order. Safety guards include
muffler, air cleaner, mechanical guards,
and heat shields, among other guards.
3. Do not alter or adjust any part of the
equipment or its engine that is sealed by the
manufacturer or distributor. Only a qualified
service technician may adjust parts that may
increase or decrease governed engine speed.
4. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles,
heavy-duty work gloves, and dust
mask/respirator during service.
5. Maintain labels and nameplates on
the equipment. These carry important
information. If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
6. Have the equipment serviced by a qualified
repair person using only identical replacement
parts. This will ensure that the safety of the
equipment is maintained. Do not attempt any service
or maintenance procedures not explained in this
manual or any procedures that you are uncertain
about your ability to perform safely or correctly.
7. Store equipment out of the reach of children.
8. Follow scheduled engine and
equipment maintenance.
Refueling:
1. Do not smoke, or allow sparks, flames,
or other sources of ignition around the
equipment, especially when refueling.
2. Do not refill the fuel tank while the
engine is running or hot.
3. Do not fill fuel tank to the top.
Leave a little room for the fuel to expand as needed.
4. Refuel in a well-ventilated area only.
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Item 69738
For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 5
Specifications
Operating Speed 0-82 FPM
Maximum Shock Force 3,000 lb
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Note: Additional specifications found in the TECHNICAL ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS chart in this manual.
The emission control system for this Vibrator’s
Engine is warranted for standards set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. For warranty
information, refer to the last pages of this manual.
Vibration Frequency 5,500 Vibrations Per Minute
Maximum Performance 350 m
Engine Type 179cc
Plate Size 16-1/2″ x 22″
Weight 176 lbs.
2
/hr
At high altitudes, the engine’s carburetor,
governor (if so equipped), and any other parts that
control the fuel-air ratio will need to be adjusted by
a qualified mechanic to allow efficient high-altitude
use and to prevent damage to the engine and
any other devices used with this product.
Setup
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the equipment off, wait for the engine to cool, and unplug the
spark plug wire(s) before assembling or making any adjustments to the tool.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL FIRES:
Operate only with proper spark arrestor installed. Operation of this equipment may create sparks
that can start fires around dry vegetation. A spark arrestor may be required. The operator should
contact local fire agencies for laws or regulations relating to fire prevention requirements.
Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to Parts Lists and Diagrams on page 18.
Handle Setup
1. Loosen the Knob Handle (31) on each
side of the Upper Handle (32).
Knob
Handles (31)
2. Swing the Upper Handle until it points
straight out from the Lower Handle (29).
3. Tighten both Knob Handles (31) securely.
Page 6
For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Upper
Handle (32)
Lower
Handle (29)
Item 69738
Engine Controls
Air Filter
Fuel Cap
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Starter
Handle
Muffler
Choke
Oil Drain Plug
Fuel Valve
Dipstick
Engine
Switch
Serial
Number
Location
(Write on front
cover of manual.)
Item 69738
Speed
Control
Lever
For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 7
Operation
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual
including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Pre-Start Checks
1. Inspect engine and equipment looking for
damaged, loose, and missing parts before set
up and starting. If any problems are found,
do not use equipment until fixed properly.
2. IMPORTANT: CHECK HARDWARE TIGHTNESS
BEFORE EVERY USE. The strong vibrations created
during use will cause some hardware to loosen.
3. Firmly attach the Upper Handle (32) BEFORE use.
Checking and Filling Engine Oil
NOTICE: Your Warranty is VOID if the engine’s
crankcase is not properly filled with oil before
each use. Before each use, check the oil level.
Do not run the engine with low or no engine oil.
Running the engine with no or low engine oil
WILL permanently damage the engine.
1. Make sure the engine is stopped and is level.
2. Close the Fuel Valve.
3. Clean the top of the Dipstick and the area around it.
Remove the Dipstick by threading it counterclockwise,
and wipe it off with a clean lint free rag.
Checking and Filling Fuel
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM FIRE:
Fill the fuel tank in a well-ventilated area
away from ignition sources. If the engine is
hot from use, shut the engine off and wait
for it to cool before adding fuel.
Do not smoke.
1. Clean the Fuel Cap and the area around it.
2. Unscrew and remove the Fuel Cap.
3. If needed, fill the Fuel Tank to about 1 inch
under the fill neck of the Fuel Tank with
87 octane or higher unleaded gasoline.
Note: Do not use gasoline containing more than
10% ethanol (E10). Do not use E85 ethanol.
Note: Do not use gasoline that has been stored in a
metal fuel container or a dirty fuel container. It can
cause particles to enter the carburetor, affecting
engine performance and/or causing damage.
4. Then replace the Fuel Cap.
Full level
4.
Reinsert the Dipstick without threading it in and
remove it to check the oil level. The oil level
should be up to the full level as shown above.
5. If the oil level is at or below the low mark add the
appropriate type of oil until the oil level is at the
proper level. SAE 10W-30 oil is recommended
for general use. (The SAE Viscosity Grade chart
on page 13 in the Service section shows other
viscosities to use in different average temperatures.)
6. Thread the dipstick back in clockwise.
CAUTION! Do not run the engine with too little oil.
The engine will be permanently damaged.
Full level
5. Wipe up any spilled fuel and allow excess
to evaporate before starting engine.
To prevent FIRE, do not start the engine
while the smell of fuel hangs in the air.
Page 8
For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Item 69738
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