Karcher K3 User Manual [en, es, fr]

K 3.000

English 2
Español 17
Français 32

®

8.753-831.0 03/14

HIGH PRESSURE WASHER OPERATOR MANUAL

Model Overview 3
Important Safety Instructions 4
Assembly Instructions 5
Operating Instructions 7
Using the Accessories 8
Working With Detergents 9
Taking a Break 10
Shutting Down & Clean-Up 10
Winterizing and Long-Term Storage 11
Care and Maintenance Instructions 11
Cleaning Tips 12
Optional Cleaning Accessories 13
Troubleshooting 15

Specifi cations

K 3.000

Max Pressure 1800 PSI

Water Volume 1.3 GPM

Amp Draw 13 AMPS

Voltage

Part No.

Serial No.

For household use only!

120 V

1.418-050.0

1.418-052.0

Safety Alert Symbols

DANGER

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, will result in death or serious

WARNING

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or injury.

CAUTION

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury
or in property damage incidents.

injury.

Owner/User Responsibility

The owner and/or user must have an understand­ing of the manufacturer’s operating instructions
and warnings before using this pressure washer.

Warning information should be emphasized and
understood.

If the operator is not fl uent in English, the manufac­turer’s instructions and warnings shall be read to
and discussed with the operator in the operator’s
native language by the purchaser/owner, making
sure that the operator comprehends its contents.

Owner and/or user must study and maintain for
future reference the manufacturer's instructions.

Kärcher Customer Support USA/

Canada

In the U.S. or Canada, please call

1-800-537-4129 for warranty issues and visit
www.karcher-help.com for technical support

and product assistance.

Please take a moment to register your pressure
washer online at www.karcher-register.com.

Be sure to save your purchase receipt, it will be
required for repairs covered by warranty.

2 English

MODEL OVERVIEW

1 Swivel casters

2 ON/OFF switch

3 Detergent tank (removable)

4 High pressure outlet

5 Handle

6 Spray wand and Hp-hose storage

7 Water inlet

8 Water inlet connector

9 Garden hose connector (female)

10 Power cord with Ground Fault Circuit Inter-

rupter (GFCI)

11 Wheels

12 Trigger gun

13 Trigger gun safety lock

14 Quick connect for high pressure hose

15 High pressure hose

16 Vario power spray wand

17 Dirtblaster ® (Rotary spray wand)

18

Vehicle Wash & Wax Detergent

1.418-052.0 model only)

(For

19 Multipurpose Cleaner Detergent

1.418-052.0 model only)

(For

English 3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

When using this product, basic precautions

should always be followed, including the fol­lowing:

■ Read all the instructions before using the
product.

■ To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision
is necessary when a product is used near
children.

■ Know how to stop the product and bleed pres­sures quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls.

■ Stay alert – watch what you are doing.

■ Do not operate the product when fatigued or

under the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.

■ Keep operating area clear of all persons.

■ Do not overreach or stand on unstable sup-

port. Keep good footing and balance at all
times.

■ Follow the maintenance instructions specifi ed
in the manual.

■ This product is provided with a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter built into the power cord
plug. If replacement of the plug or cord is
needed, use only identical replacement parts.

WARNING

Risk of Injection or Injury – Do Not Direct

Discharge Stream At Persons.

■ High pressure jets can be dangerous if mis­used. The jet must not be directed at persons,
animals, electrical devices, or the unit itself.

■ Wear safety goggles.

WARNING

Risk Of Explosion – Do not spray fl ammable

liquids.

■ Do not use acids, solvents, or any fl ammable
or alkaline material in this product. These
products can cause physical injuries to the
operator and irreversible damage to the ma­chine.

4 English

WARNING

Risk of Electrocution

■ Inspect cord before using – Do not use if cord
is damaged.

■ Keep all connections dry and off the ground.

■ Do not touch plug with wet hands.

■ Do not use extension cord with this product.

■ Connect to individual branch circuit only.

CAUTION

This unit has been designed for use with

cleaning detergents recommended by the
manufacturer. The use of other cleaning
detergents may affect the operation of the
machine and void the warranty.

CAUTION

Gun Kicks Back – Hold with both hands.

■ The Spray Gun Safety Lock prevents the
spray from accidentally being engaged. This
safety feature DOES NOT lock spray in the
ON position.

WARNING

■ Do not spray electrical apparatus and wiring.

■ Do not use with fl ammable liquids or toxic

chemicals.

■ High pressure – keep clear of nozzle.

■ Injection hazard – equipment can cause se-

rious injury if the spray penetrates the skin.
Do not point the gun at anyone or any part of
the body. In case of injury seek medical aid
immediately.

■ This system is capable of producing high
pressure to avoid rupture and injury, do not
operate this pump with accessories rated less
than the stated maximum pressure (including
but not limited to spray guns, hoses and hose
connections).

■ Before servicing, cleaning or removing any
parts, shut off power and relieve pressure.

■ If connection is made to a potable water sys­tem, the system shall be protected against
back fl ow.

SERVICING OF A



DOUBLE-INSULATED PRODUCT

In a double-insulated product, two systems of
insulation are provided instead of grounding. No
grounding means is provided on a double-insulated
product, nor should a means for grounding be
added to the product. Servicing a double insulated
product requires extreme care and knowledge of
the system, and should be done only by quali­fi ed service personnel. Replacement parts for a
double-insulated product must be identical to the
parts they replace. A double-insulated product is
marked with the words “DOUBLE INSULATION” or
“DOUBLE INSULATED”. The symbol “
be marked on the product.

” may also

GROUND-FAULT

CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER PROTECTION

This pressure washer is provided with a ground­fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) built into the plug
of the power-supply cord. This device provides
additional protection from the risk of electric shock.
Should replacement of the plug or cord become
necessary, use only identical replacement parts
that include GFCI protection.

WATER SUPPLY

(COLD WATER ONLY)

CAUTION

When connecting the water inlet to the water sup­ply mains, local regulations of your water company
must be observed. In some areas the unit must not
be connected directly to the public drinking water
supply. This is to ensure that there is no feedback
of chemicals into the water supply. Direct connec­tion via a receiver tank or backfl ow preventer, for
example, is permitted.

Dirt in the feed water will damage the unit. To avoid
this risk, we recommend fi tting a water fi lter.

■ Garden hose must be at least 1/2 inch or 5/8
inch (13 mm or 16 mm) in diameter.

■ Flow rate of water supply must not fall below
2 GPM (gallons per minute) (7.6 L/min.).

■ Flow rate can be determined by running the
water for one minute into an empty 5 gallon
(20 litre) container.

■ The water supply temperature must not ex­ceed 40°C/104°F.

■ Never use the pressure washer to draw in
water contaminated with solvents, e.g. paint
thinners, gasoline, oil, etc.

■ Always prevent debris from being drawn into
the unit by using a clean water source.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Hardware (included)

Item Description Purpose Illustration Qty

A

B

C

Rear Wheel Roll Assembly 2

Steering
Roller

Adapter Water Inlet Connec-

Roll Assembly 2

tion Assembly

1

English 5

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Hardware (included)

Item Description Purpose Illustration Qty

D

Garden Hose
Connector

Water Inlet Connec­tion Assembly

1

E

F

G

H

I

J

Gun Spray Gun Assembly 1

High Pressure
Hose

Vario Power
Spray Wand

Dirtblaster ® Spray Gun Assembly 1

Vehicle Wash
& Wax

(For 1.418-052.0
model only)

Multipurpose
Cleaner

(For 1.418-052.0
model only)

Spray Gun Assembly 1

Spray Gun Assembly 1

Working with
Detergents

Working with
Detergents

Assembling

STEP 1:

Insert rear wheels into the body of the unit.

STEP 2:

Insert the steering rollers and push until they

click in place.

1 2

1

1

STEP 3:

Install the supplied adaptor to the unit’s water

inlet.

Note: Never attach the garden hose connec-

tor to the unit’s water inlet!

6 English

Assembling

STEP 4:

Push the high pressure hose into the trigger

gun until it locks audibly.

Note: Make sure the connector is aligned

correctly.

Check the secure connection by pulling on

the high pressure hose.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1:

Connect the high pressure hose to the unit’s

high pressure outlet.

Disconnect:

Press the disconnect key on the trigger gun

and remove the high pressure hose from the
trigger gun.

STEP 3:

Screw the supplied garden hose connector

on to the end of your garden hose.

STEP 2:

Insert the spray wand of your choice into the

trigger gun. Press in against the spring ten­sion and twist into locked position.

STEP 4:

Push the garden hose connector on to the

water inlet connector and make sure you hear
it click into place before proceeding.

English 7

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 5:

Connect garden hose to the cold water source

and turn water on completely.

STEP 6:

Plug the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

(GFCI) into a working outlet.

We recommend that you test the GFCI as part

of your startup procedure each time you use
your pressure washer. Plug the GFCI into the
outlet, press the reset button, press the test
button and then press the reset button again.

WARNING

Do not use if above test fails.

Note: The actual appearance of the GFCI may

be different from this illustration.

STEP 7:

Unlock the trigger gun safety lock. Trigger the

gun to eliminate trapped air, then wait for a
steady fl ow of water to emerge from the spray
nozzle.

STEP 8:

Turn on the high pressure washer by turning

the switch to the (I / ON) position.

The motor runs only while the trigger of the

gun is pulled and shuts off when the trigger
is released.

USING THE ACCESSORIES

WARNING

To avoid serious injury, never point spray

nozzle at yourself, other persons or animals.

Always test an inconspicuous area before

cleaning with high pressure.

Vario Power Spray Wand

The Vario Power Spray Wand allows you to adjust
the cleaning pressure.

To clean at maximum pressure, the wand must

be positioned to the high pressure setting
(Max).

8 English

For lower pressure turn the wand collar in the

minus (Min) direction.

To apply detergent, the wand must be posi-

tioned to the lower pressure setting (Mix).

USING THE ACCESSORIES

Dirtblaster®

■ This nozzle features a 0º pencil jet which
rotates 360º for maximum dirt cutting action,
effectively increasing cleaning performance
up to 80%.

This nozzle combines the cleaning perfor-

mance of a 0º pencil jet with the surface
coverage of a wide angle nozzle.

WORKING WITH DETERGENTS

Detergents can only be applied at low pres-

sure setting (Mix).

STEP 1:
Install the Vario Power Spray Wand.
Set the spray wand to the low pressure setting

(Mix).

STEP 2:
Fill the Detergent Tank with the selected

detergent.

STEP 3:
Turn on the pressure washer (I). Pull trigger

to operate unit. Liquid detergent is drawn into
the unit and mixed with water. Apply detergent
to work area. Do not allow detergent to dry
on surface.

Not recommended for soft materials, sid-

ing, painted surfaces, decks or autos.

STEP 4:
To rinse, move the VPS out of "Mix" position

and pull trigger to operate unit.

STEP 5:
Cleaning up: Always draw fresh water through

the detergent tank or siphon tube when done
to fl ush any remaining detergents from the
injection system.

For best results see Cleaning Tips for specifi c
information on how to clean different surfaces.

Always Use Kärcher ® Detergent for Best
Results.

Kärcher ® biodegradable detergents are specially
formulated to protect the environment and your
pressure washer. The special formula won’t clog
the suction tube fi lter and will protect the internal
parts of the pressure washer for a longer life. For
Kärcher ® detergents, check your retailer or visit
our website:

www.buykarcher.com

CAUTION
Never use:
– Bleach, Chlorine products and other corrosive

chemicals
– Liquids containing solvents (i.e., paint thinners,

gasoline, oils)
– Tri-sodium phosphate products
– Ammonia products
– Acid-based products
These chemicals will harm the unit and will damage

the surface being cleaned.

Use of these items will void the warranty.

English 9

TAKING A BREAK ... fi ve minutes or more

STEP 1:

Release trigger and engage gun safety lock.

SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP

STEP 1:

Turn the switch to 0/OFF position and unplug

cord from outlet.

STEP 2:

Turn off the water source.

STEP 3:

Press trigger to release water pressure.

STEP 2:

Turn pressure washer to 0/OFF position

STEP 5:

Disconnect the garden hose from the water

inlet on the unit.

STEP 6:

Disconnect the high pressure hose from the

high pressure outlet.

STEP 4:

Release trigger and engage gun safety lock.

10 English

STEP 7:

Insert the spray wands in their compartments

and store the coiled power cord and coiled
high pressure hose as shown in "WINTER­IZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE".

WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE

1 Disconnect all water connections.

2 Turn the machine on for a few seconds, until

the water which had remained in the pump
exits, then turn off immediately.

3 Do not allow high pressure hose to become

kinked.

4 Store the accessories on the machine as

shown in the picture below, in the following
order:

a. Vario Power Spray Wand and Dirtblaster®.

b. Power cord

c. High Pressure Hose

d. Gun

d

c

b

a

5 Store the machine and accessories in a room

which does not reach freezing temperatures.
DO NOT store near furnace or other sources
of heat as it may dry out the pump seals.

CAUTION

Failure to follow the above directions will result

in damage to the pump assembly and acces­sories and will void the warranty. Kärcher®
also recommends the regular practice of
using a pump protector like Kärcher® Pump
Guard (9.558-998.0) to prevent cold weather
damage during storage in the winter months.

a

CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Cleaning the water inlet fi lter

STEP 1:

Disconnect the connector from the water inlet.

STEP 2:

Pull out water inlet fi lter with needle-nose

pliers.

STEP 3:

Rinse out water inlet fi lter in warm water.

STEP 4:

Reinsert water inlet fi lter into the water inlet.

Maintenance

The unit is maintenance-free.

English 11

CLEANING TIPS

CAUTION

■ Before cleaning any surface, an inconspicu­ous area should be cleaned to test spray
pattern and distance for maximum cleaning
results.

■ If painted surfaces are peeling or chipping,
use extreme caution as pressure washer may
remove the loose paint from the surface.

■ When using on surfaces which might come in
contact with food, fl ush surfaces with plenty
of drinking water.

■ For additional cleaning tips and a complete
video library, visit our website:

www.karcherresidential.com

Deck Cleaning

(with or without detergent) Pre-rinse deck and
surrounding area with fresh water. If using deter­gent, apply to surface at low pressure. For best
results, limit your work area to smaller sections of
approximately 25 sq. ft. (2.3 m²). Allow detergent
to remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow
detergent to dry on surface. Rinse at high pres­sure in a long sweeping motion, keeping the spray
nozzle approximately 3-6 in. (7.5-15 cm) from the
cleaning surface. Always clean from top to bottom
and from left to right. When moving on to a new
section of the cleaning surface, be sure to overlap
the previous section to eliminate stop marks and
ensure a more even cleaning result.

Cement Patios, Brick and Stone

(with or without detergent) Pre-rinse cleaning
surface with fresh water. If using detergent or
degreaser, apply to surface at low pressure. For
best results, limit your work area to smaller sections
of approximately 25 sq. ft. (2.3 m²). Allow detergent
or degreaser to remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do
not allow detergent to dry on surface. Rinse at high
pressure in a sweeping motion, keeping the spray
nozzle approximately 3-6 in. (7.5 - 15 cm) from the
cleaning surface. Always clean from top to bottom
and from left to right. For removing extremely stub­born stains, use the Dirtblaster ® Nozzle.

Cars, Boats and Motorcycles

(with or without detergent) Pre-rinse vehicle with
fresh water. If using detergent, apply to surface at
low pressure. For best results, clean one side of
vehicle at a time and always apply detergent from
bottom to top. Do not allow detergent to dry on
surface. If needed, use a rotating wash brush (not
included) to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse at high
pressure in a sweeping motion, keeping the spray
nozzle approximately 6-8 in. (15-20 cm) from the
cleaning surface (distance should increase when
rinsing pin-striping or other sensitive surfaces).
Always clean from top to bottom and from left
to right. For best results, wipe surface dry with a
chamois or soft dry cloth.

House Siding

(with or without detergent) Pre-rinse cleaning
surface with fresh water. If using detergent, apply
to surface at low pressure. For best results, limit
your work area to sections of approximately 6 ft.
(1.8 m) and always apply detergent from bottom
to top. Allow detergent to remain on surface 1-3
minutes. Do not allow detergent to dry on surface.
If surface appears to be drying, simply wet down
surface with fresh water. If needed, use special
rotating wash brush (not included) to remove
stubborn dirt. Rinse at high pressure from top to
bottom in an even sweeping motion, keeping the
spray nozzle approximately 6 ft. (1.8 m) from the
cleaning surface.

12 English

Barbecue Grills, Outdoor Power

Equipment and Gardening Tools

(with or without detergent) Pre-rinse cleaning
surface with fresh water. If using detergent or
degreaser, apply at low pressure. Allow detergent
or degreaser to remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do
not allow detergent or degreaser to dry on surface.
Rinse at high pressure, keeping the spray nozzle
approximately 3-6 in. (7.5-15 cm) from the cleaning
surface. For removing extremely stubborn dirt, it
may be necessary to move the spray nozzle even
closer to the surface for greater dirt cutting action.

CLEANING TIPS

Patio and Lawn Furniture

(with or without detergent) Pre-rinse furniture
and surrounding area with fresh water. If using
detergent, apply to surface at low pressure. Allow
detergent to remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do
not allow detergent to dry on surface. If needed,

OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES

Optional accessories are available to further
enhance your cleaning capabilities. These acces­sories are accurate as of the printing date of this
manual.

Please check karcherresidential.com for pricing
and up-to-date information.

Pump Guard

Specially formulated to protect your pressure
washer from freezing, corrosion and premature
wear. The Pump Guard also adds lubrication to
valves and seals to prevent sticking. Highly rec­ommended for all Kärcher ® pressure washers!

Part No. 9.558-998.0

7.5 m (25 ft.) Extension High-
Pressure Hose

Extension Hose for Kärcher ® quick connect high
pressure washers between the original equipment
hose and gun up to 2000 PSI.

Part No. 2.642-588.0

1.67 m (66 in.) Extension Wand
(four-piece)

Need to clean second story windows or other high
areas? Increase the reach of your pressure washer
by up to 66 in. (1.67 m) with this extension kit.
Includes 4 aluminum sections for variable length.
66 in. (1.67 m) fully assembled. Fits most Kärcher®
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.

Part No. 2.640-746.0

use rotating wash brush (not included) to remove
stubborn dirt. Rinse at high pressure in a sweeping
motion, keeping the spray nozzle approximately
3-6 in. (7.5-15 cm) from the cleaning surface. For
best results, clean from top to bottom and from
left to right.

Rotating Wash Brush

For more effortless cleaning of all smooth surfaces
(painted, glass and plastic) try the Kärcher ®
Rotating Wash Brush. Use it on your automobile,
house siding or windows. The water pressure from
your pressure washer causes the inner brushes to
gently spin, making your cleaning job much easier.
Excellent for the application of detergent. A must­have accessory designed for Kärcher ® pressure
washers up to 2300 PSI.

Part No. 2.642-786.0

Soft Clean Washing Brush

Made with soft bristles that will not harm painted
surfaces. Easily attaches directly to the trigger
gun. Ideal for stubborn dirt on cars, boats, patio
furniture and other surfaces. Great for applying
detergent. Fits most Kärcher ® pressure washers
up to 2300 PSI.

Part No. 2.642-859.0

7.5 m (25 ft.) Pipe Cleaning Kit

Need to clean blocked pipes, drains or down­spouts? The Kärcher ® pipe cleaning kit is the
answer! The pipe cleaner propels itself forward
while simultaneously fl ushing out debris. For ex­ample, insert the cleaning nozzle in the base of a
downspout, pull the trigger on the pressure washer
gun and watch as the nozzle shoots out leaves
and other debris while climbing upward. Connects
directly to the trigger gun of most Kärcher ® pres­sure washers up to 2300 PSI.

Part No. 2.642-183.0

English 13

OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES

Wet Sandblasting Kit

Why spend hours stripping old paint and rust by
hand using harsh chemicals? Let the Kärcher ®
Wet Sandblasting Kit do the work! Attach the kit
to your pressure washer, add abrasive material
and attack the rust and paint with our ecofriendly
alternative. Fits most Kärcher ® pressure washers
up to 2300 PSI.

Part No. 2.638-792.0

Detergent Foamer Attachment

Ideal for applications which require a thick foam.
Simply fi ll the resevoir cup with liquid pressure
washer detergent to generate a foam spray. Con­nects directly to the trigger gun. Fits most Kärcher
® pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.

Part No. 2.641-848.0

T 250 Deck/Driveway Cleaner

For cleaning surfaces such as patios, terraces and
driveways without splashback, there is no better
solution than the Kärcher ® T 250. It saves time
by cleaning a 1 ft. (30 cm) wide area gently as it
hovers, providing consistent, streak-free cleaning.
When you fi nish cleaning the patio and driveway,
remove the wand and use the handle to clean
garage doors and other vertical surfaces. Includes
two nozzles which spin at high speed for optimum
results. Our top selling accessory for Kärcher ®
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI.

Part No. 2.642-451.0

14 English