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	Only use OUTSIDE
a home or garage,	and far away from
EVEN IF doors and	windows, doors,
windows are open.	and vents.

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com Email our technical support at: [e-mail] or engine technical support at: [e-mail]

ITEM 69738

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.

Read this material before using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. Save this manual.

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Setup

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Table of Contents

Safety..........................................................	2	Maintenance...............................................	12
Specifications..............................................	6	Parts Lists and Diagrams...........................	18
Setup...........................................................	6	Warranties..................................................	22
Operation....................................................	8

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. 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

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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.

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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.	Item 69738
	For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

24.Keep the equipment, engine, and surrounding area clean at all times.

Safety

Setup

Operation

Maintenance

Item 69738	For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.	Page 3
	For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

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Operation Precautions (cont.)

25.Use the equipment, accessories, etc., in accordance with these instructions and in the manner intended for the particular type of 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.	Item 69738
	For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Save these instructions.

Safety

Setup

Operation

Maintenance

Item 69738	For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.	Page 5
	For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Specifications

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Operating Speed	0-82 FPM
Maximum Shock Force	3,000 lb
Vibration Frequency	5,500 Vibrations Per Minute
Maximum Performance	350 m2 /hr
Engine Type	179cc
Plate Size	16-1/2″ x 22″
Weight	176 lbs.

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.

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

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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.

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Handle Setup

1.	Loosen the Knob Handle (31) on each		Knob
	side of the Upper Handle (32).
			Handles (31)
2.	Swing the Upper Handle until it points
	straight out from the Lower Handle (29).
3.	Tighten both Knob Handles (31) securely.
			Upper
			Handle (32)
			Lower
			Handle (29)
	Page 6	For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.		Item 69738
		For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Engine Controls

Air Filter

Fuel Cap

Safety

Starter

Handle

Muffler

Setup

Oil Drain Plug

	Engine
	Switch
Choke
Fuel Valve	Serial
	Number
	Location
	(Write on front
	cover of manual.)

Speed

Control

Lever

Dipstick

Operation

Maintenance

Item 69738	For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.	Page 7
	For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

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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.

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.

Full level

Full level

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.

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.

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.

Page 8	For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.	Item 69738
	For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.