THIS MANUAL MUST ACCOMPANY THE EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES.
PN: 13411
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
Engine exhaust and some of
its constituents, and some dust created
by power sanding, sawing, grinding,
drilling and other construction activities
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects and other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
Lead from lead-based paints.
Crystalline silica from bricks.
Cement and other masonry products.
Arsenic and chromium from chemically
treated lumber.
Di-lsononyl Phthalate (DINP)
Your risk from these exposures varies,
depending on how often you do this type
of work. To reduce your exposure to
these chemicals: ALWAYS work in a
well ventilated area, and work with
approved safety equipment, such as
dust masks that are specially designed
to filter out microscopic particles.
Grinding/cutting/drilling of masonry,concrete,metaland
other materials with silica in their composition may give
off dust or mists containing crystalline silica. Silica is a
basic component of sand, quartz, brick clay, granite and
numerous other minerals and rocks. Repeated and/or
substantial inhalation of airborne crystalline silica can
cause serious or fatal respiratory diseases, including
silicosis.In addition, California and some other
authorities have listed respirable crystalline silica as a
substance known to cause cancer. When cutting such
materials, always follow the respiratory precautions
mentioned above.
WARNING
Grinding/cutting/drilling of masonry,concrete,metaland
other materials can generate dust, mists and fumes
containing chemicals known to cause serious or fatal
injury or illness, such as respiratory disease, cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive harm. If you are
unfamiliar with the risks associated with the particular
process and/or material being cut or the composition of
the tool being used, review the material safety data
sheet and/or consult your employer, the material
manufacturer/supplier, governmental agencies such as
OSHA and NIOSH and other sources on hazardous
materials. California and some other authorities, for
instance, have published lists of substances known to
cause cancer, reproductive toxicity,or other harmful
effects.
Control dust, mist and fumes at the source where
possible. In this regard use good work practices and
follow the recommendations of the manufacturers or
suppliers, OSHA/NIOSH, and occupational and trade
associations.Water should be used for dust
suppression when wet cutting is feasible. When the
hazards from inhalation of dust, mists and fumes cannot
be eliminated, the operator and any bystanders should
always wear a respirator approved by NIOSH/MSHA for
the materials being used.
Do not operate or service the equipment before reading
the entire manual. Safety precautions should be followed
at all times when operating this equipment.
Failure to read and understand the safety
messages and operating instructions could
result in injury to yourself and others.
SAFETY MESSAGES
The four safety messages shown below will inform you
about potential hazards that could injure you or others. The
safety messages specifi cally address the level of exposure
to the operator and are preceded by one of four words:
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Potential hazard associated with the operation of this
which
may appear throughout this manual in conjunction with
associated with the operation of this
P/N 23700
allow any person
to stand underneath the trowel while lifting.
NEVER
P/N360
99
ALWAYS wear protective clothing when
operating this equipment
This machine to be operated by qualified
personnel. Ask for training as needed.
Lifting Crush Hazard
lift trowel with pans attached.DO NOT
WARNING
WARNING
Read Manual
NEVER operate this equipment with guards
removed. Keep hands clear.
WARNING
Training
Guard Hazard
WARNING
make sure handle is securely attached.
On Quick Pitch™ models make sure T-Handle
latch is locked (engaged).
ALWAYS
DECAL
SAFETY HAZARD
equipment will be referenced with hazard symbols
safety messages.
or NOTICE.
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
WILL result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
COULD result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
COULD result in MINOR or MODERATE INJURY.
NOTICE
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
SYMBOL
Inhaling exhaust fumes can result in severe
injury or death.
Only operate equipment in well ventilated areas.
Gasoline fuel can cause fire or explosion. Stop
engine before refueling.
Keep cigarettes, sparks and flames away from hot
surfaces.
HOT PARTS can burn skin.
DO NOT
amount of time to cool before performing maintenance.
SAFETY HAZARD
WARNING
Lethal Exhaust Gas Hazard
inhale exhaust gases/fumes.DO NOT
WARNING
Explosive Fuel Hazard
CAUTION
Burn Hazard
touch hot parts. Allow machine a sufficient
Warning decals
equipment are defi ned below:
Keep hands and feet clear of guard rings.
Stop engine before servicing.
To avoid injury you must read and
understand operator’s manual before
using this machine.
This equipment should only be operated by trained and
Whenever necessary, replace nameplate, operation and
Manufacturer does not assume responsibility for any
accident due to equipment modifi cations. Unauthorized
use accessories or attachments that are not
recommended by Multiquip for this equipment. Damage
keep
Also, know the phone numbers
fi re department.
This information will be invaluable in the case of an
SAFETY INFORMATION
CAUTION
NEVER operate this equipment without proper protective
clothing, shatterproof glasses, respiratory protection,
hearing protection, steel-toed boots and other protective
devices required by the job or city and state regulations.
Avoid wearing jewelry or loose fi tting clothes that may
snag on the controls or moving parts as this can cause
serious injury.
NEVER operate this equipment when not
feeling well due to fatigue, illness or when
under medication.
NEVER operate this equipment under the
infl uence of drugs or alcohol.
ALWAYS clear the work area of any debris, tools, etc.
that would constitute a hazard while the equipment is
in operation.
No one other than the operator is to be in the working
area when the equipment is in operation.
DO NOT use the equipment for any purpose other than
its intended purposes or applications.
qualifi ed personnel 18 years of age and older.
safety decals when they become diffi cult read.
equipment modifi cation will void all warranties.
NEVER
to the equipment and/or injury to user may result.
ALWAYS know the location of the nearest
fi re extinguisher.
ALWAYS know the location of the nearest
fi rst aid kit.
ALWAYS know the location of the nearest phone or
Fix damage to machine and replace any broken parts
store equipment properly when it is not being
used. Equipment should be stored in a clean, dry location
out of the reach of children and unauthorized personnel.
A safety manual for operating and maintenance
personnel of concrete power trowels produced by the
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) can be
obtained for a fee by ordering through their website at
place hands or fingers inside engine
operate the engine with heat shields or
while the engine is hot. Allow the oil to cool before
performing maintenance. This will prevent scalding of
DANGER
Engine fuel exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon
monoxide. This gas is colorless and odorless, and can
cause death if inhaled.
The engine of this equipment requires an adequate free
fl ow of cooling air. NEVER operate this equipment in any
enclosed or narrow area
where free fl ow of the air is
restricted. If the air fl ow is
restricted it will cause injury
to people and property and
serious damage to the
equipment or engine.
NEVER operate the equipment in an explosive
atmosphere or near combustible materials. An
explosion or fi re could result causing severe
bodily harm or even death.
WARNING
ALWAYS keep clear of rotating or moving
parts while operating the trowel.
DO NOT start or operate the trowel if the
drive train will not disengage. Centrifugal
force between the trowel and surface when starting can
cause uncontrolled handle movement that can cause
serious injury. The handle must not move while pulling
the engine recoil starter.
NEVER disconnect any emergency or safety devices.
These devices are intended for operator safety.
Disconnection of these devices can cause severe injury,
bodily harm or even death. Disconnection of any of these
devices will void all warranties.
CAUTION
clear around the trowel.
Make sure it is free of
debris and objects.
NOTICE
ALWAYS keep the machine in proper running condition.
immediately.
DANGEROUS
GAS FUMES
ALWAYS
www.aem.org.
Order FORM PT-160
ENGINE SAFETY
WARNING
DO NOT
compartment when engine is running.
NEVER
guards removed.
Keep fi ngers, hands hair and clothing away
from all moving parts to prevent injury.
DO NOT remove the engine oil drain plug
C
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P
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A
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K
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NEVER stand on trowel during operation.
NEVER lubricate components or attempt service on a
running machine.
NEVER place your feet or hands inside the guard rings
muffl er or cylinder. Allow these parts to cool
before servicing equipment.
NOTICE
FUEL SAFETY
Store fuel in appropriate containers, in well-ventilated
Some walk-behind trowels can be lifted or moved by two
people utilizing lifting tubes or other special attachments.
Generally, however, they must be lifted using lifting bales
transport trowel with fl oat pans attached unless
safety catches are used and are specifi cally cleared for
hoist the trowel more than three feet off the
Before lifting, make sure that the lifting bales are not
Always make sure crane or lifting device has been
Tighten fuel tank cap securely and close fuel cock to
Use adequate lifting cable (wire or rope) of suffi cient
tie down equipment during transport by
NEVER run engine without an air fi lter or with a dirty air
fi lter. Severe engine damage may occur. Service air fi lter
frequently to prevent engine malfunction.
NEVER tamper with the factory settings
of the engine or engine governor. Damage
to the engine or equipment can result
if operating in speed ranges above the
maximum allowable.
SAFETY INFORMATION
areas and away from sparks and fl ames.
NEVER use fuel as a cleaning agent.
DO NOT smoke around or near the
equipment. Fire or explosion could result
from fuel vapors or if fuel is spilled on a
hot engine.
TRANSPORTING SAFETY
CAUTION
DANGER
DO NOT add fuel to equipment if it is placed inside
truck bed with plastic liner. Possibility exists of explosion
or fi re due to static electricity.
FUEL
DO NOT start the engine near spilled fuel or combustible
fl uids. Fuel is extremely fl ammable and its vapors can
cause an explosion if ignited.
ALWAYS refuel in a well-ventilated area, away from
sparks and open fl ames.
ALWAYS use extreme caution when working with
fl ammable liquids.
DO NOT fi ll the fuel tank while the engine is running
or hot.
DO NOT overfi ll tank, since spilled fuel could ignite if it
comes into contact with hot engine parts or sparks from
the ignition system.
FUEL
NEVER allow any person or animal to
stand underneath the equipment while
lifting.
NOTICE
and cranes, hoists, or forklifts.
NEVER
such transport by the manufacturer.
NEVER
ground with fl oat pans attached.
damaged.
properly secured to the lifting bales of the equipment.
ALWAYS shutdown engine before transporting.
NEVER lift the equipment while the engine is running.
Decommissioning is a controlled process used to safely
retire a piece of equipment that is no longer serviceable.
If the equipment poses an unacceptable and unrepairable
safety risk due to wear or damage or is no longer cost
effective to maintain (beyond life-cycle reliability) and is to
be decommissioned (demolition and dismantlement),be
sure to follow rules below.
EMISSIONS INFORMATION
The gasoline engine used in this equipment has been
designed to reduce harmful levels of carbon monoxide
(CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
This engine has been certifi ed to meet US EPA Evaporative
Attempting to modify or make adjustments to the engine
emmission system by unauthorized personnel without
proper training could damage the equipment or create an
Additionally, modifying the fuel system may adversely affect
evaporative emissions, resulting in fi nes or other penalties.
The emission control label is an integral part of the emission
If a replacement emission label is needed, please contact
NOTICE
DO NOT pour waste or oil directly onto the ground, down
a drain or into any water source.
Contact your country's Department of
Public Works or recycling agency in your
area and arrange for proper disposal of
any electrical components, waste or oil
associated with this equipment.
When the life cycle of this equipment is over, remove
battery and bring to appropriate facility for lead
reclamation. Use safety precautions when handling
batteries that contain sulfuric acid.
When the life cycle of this equipment is over, it is
recommended that the trowel frame and all other metal
parts be sent to a recycling center.
Metal recycling involves the collection of metal from
discarded products and its transformation into raw
materials to use in manufacturing a new product.
Recyclers and manufacturers alike promote the process
of recycling metal. Using a metal recycling center
promotes energy cost savings.
NOTICE
contained in gasoline exhaust emissions.
emissions requirements in the installed confi guration.
unsafe condition.
Emission Control Label
system and is strictly controlled by regulation(s).
The label must remain with the engine for its entire life.
The lifting bail (Figure 1) provides an optimal lifting point
for the trowel. Using a crane or forklift to lift the trowel is
highly recommended. When lifting the trowel, attach a
chain or rope to the lifting bail.
TROWEL TRANSPORTATION
LIFT
Figure 1. Lifting the Trowel
LIFTING BAIL
WARNING
ALWAYS use extra care when lifting the trowel off the
ground. MAKE SURE the lifting capacity of the crane
or forklift is sufficient for the weight of the trowel.
WARNING
BE CAREFUL while lifting the trowel. A dropped trowel can cause serious personal injury and damage to the trowel.
NEVER lift the trowel to unnecessary heights. NEVER
stand underneath the trowel while it is being lifted.
ALWAYS make sure the handle is secure, and only use
the manufacturer's approved lifting point. The trowel can
be lifted by the lifting bail, using a crane or other lifting
device of adequate capacity. NEVER lift the trowel by the
guard ring, as it may rotate and cause injury.
WARNING
The trowel is heavy and awkward to move around.
NEVER attempt to lift the trowel alone. ALWAYS use
proper heavy lifting procedures.
Operate this trowel and all associated tools and components
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Use of
any other tools for stated operation is considered contrary
to designated use. The risk of such use lies entirely with the
user. The manufacturer cannot be held liable for damages
as a result of misuse.
TROWEL FAMILIARIZATION
The HDA Series walk-behind trowel is designed for the
floating and finishing of concrete slabs.
Safety instructions are found on the trowel and throughout
this manual. Read all safety instructions carefully.
Maintain all safety information in legible condition.
Operators should be well trained on operation and
maintenance of the unit.
Walk around the trowel and observe all of the major
components (Figure 3)—engine, blades, handle (standard
or Quick Pitch™), air cleaner, centrifugal stop switch, etc.
Make sure there is always oil in the engine.
Gearbox
Located beneath the engine, the gearbox transfers power
to the rotor and governs the rotational speed of the trowel.
It is equipped with two shafts (input and output).
Blades
The trowel blades finish concrete as they rotate around
its surface. Blades are classified as combination
(8 inches wide), float (8 or 10 inches wide), or finish
(6 inches wide). The trowel is equipped with four blades,
equally spaced in a radial pattern, attached to the vertical
rotating shaft by means of a spider assembly.
Spider
The vertical output shaft of the gearbox connects to a cast
hub called the spider. The spider assembly has four arms
that extend outward, to which the trowel blades or other
accessories attach. As the gearbox output shaft rotates,
so does the spider assembly.
Guard Ring
Before operating the trowel, test it on a flat, watered-down
section of finished concrete that is free of debris and other
objects. This test run will familiarize you with the trowel’s
controls and increase your confidence in using the trowel.
You will learn how the trowel handles under actual operating
conditions.
Engine
The trowel is powered by an 11-hp or 13-hp gasoline
engine. Refer to the engine owner’s manual for engine
operation and maintenance instructions. If the original
manual becomes lost or damaged, please contact your
nearest Multiquip dealer for a replacement.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
The trowel is equipped with a continuously variable
transmission (CVT) to obtain maximum drive torque. Power
is transferred from the engine to the gearbox input shaft
via a V-belt, or pulley drive, system. The pulley is engaged
by a centrifugal clutch.
The trowel is equipped with a safety guard ring which
prevents objects from making contact with the rotating
blades during operation.
Centrifugal Safety Stop Switch
The trowel is equipped with a centrifugal safety stop
switch, which will stop the engine and bring the trowel to a
halt in the event of a runaway trowel condition (the operator
releases the handle).
TRAINING
For proper training, please use the “Training Checklist”
located in the front of this manual. This checklist provides
an outline for an experienced operator to provide training
to a new operator.