This book has important information for the use and safe operation of this machine. Failure to read
this book prior to operating or attempting any service or maintenance procedure to your ALTO
machine could result in injury to you or to other personnel; damage to the machine or to other property
could occur as well. You must have training in the operation of this machine before using it. If
operator(s) cannot read this manual, have it explained fully before attempting to operate this
machine.
Si Ud. o sus operadores no pueden leer el Inglés, se hagan explicar este manual completamente
antes de tratar el manejo o servicio de esta máquina.
All directions given in this book are as seen from the operator’s position at the rear of the machine.
For new books write to: ALTO U.S. INC., 2100 Highway 265, Springdale, Arkansas 72764.
12
Form No. 78150C6/01AMERICAN SANDERS TECHNOLOGY Printed in the U.S.A.
DANGER means:Severe bodily injury or death can occur to you or other personnel if the
DANGER statements found on this machine or in this Owner's Manual are
ignored or are not adhered to. Read and observe all DANGER statements
found in this Owner's Manual and on your machine.
WARNING means:Injury can occur to you or to other personnel if the WARNING statements
found on your machine or in this Owner's Manual are ignored or are not
adhered to. Read and observe all WARNING statements found in this Owner's
Manual and on your machine.
CAUTION means:Damage can occur to the machine or to other property if the CAUTION state-
ments found on your machine or in this Owner's Manual are ignored or are not
adhered to. Read and observe all CAUTION statements found in this Owner's
Manual and on your machine.
DANGER:Failure to read the Owner's Manual prior to operating or attempting any service or mainte-
nance procedure to your American Sanders Technology machine could result in injury to
you or to other personnel; damage to the machine or to other property could occur as
well. You must have training in the operation of this machine before using it. If you or
your operator(s) cannot read English, have this manual explained fully before
attempting to operate this machine.
DANGER:Sanding/finishing wood floors can create an environment that can be explosive. The
following safety procedures must be adhered to:
• Cigarette lighters, pilot lights and any other source of ignition can create an explosion
when active during a sanding session. All sources of ignition should be extinguished or
removed entirely if possible from the work area.
• Work areas that are poorly ventilated can create an explosive environment when certain
combustible materials are in the atmosphere, i.e., solvents, thinners, alcohol, fuels,
certain finishes, wood dust and other combustible materials. Floor sanding machines
can cause flammable material and vapors to burn. Read the manufacturer's label on all
chemicals used to determine combustibility. Keep the work area well ventilated.
• Spontaneous combustion or an explosion can occur when working with sanding dust.
The sanding dust can ignite and cause injury or damage. Sanding dust should be
disposed of properly. Always empty the sanding dust into a metal container that is
located outside of any building(s).
• Remove the contents of the dust bag when the bag is 1/3 full. Remove the contents of
the dust bag each time you finish using the machine. Never leave a dust bag unattended
with sanding dust in it.
• Do not empty the contents of the dust bag into a fire.
• Hitting a nail while sanding can cause sparks and create an explosion or fire. Always
use a hammer and punch to countersink all nails before sanding floors.
DANGER:Operating a machine that is not completely or fully assembled could result in injury or
property damage. Do not operate this machine until it is completely assembled. Keep
all fasteners tight. Keep adjustments according to machine specifications.
AMERICAN SANDERS TECHNOLOGY -American 12 Floor Sander Operator's Manual
Page 3
DANGER:Electrocution could occur if the machine is used on a power circuit that repeatedly trips or is
undersized. Have a licensed electrician check the fuse, circuit breaker or power supply.
DANGER:Electrocution could occur if maintenance and repairs are performed on a unit that is not
properly disconnected from the power source. Disconnect the power supply before attempting
any maintenance or service.
DANGER:Electrocution could occur if machine is used on ungrounded electrical circuit. Never remove
or disable the grounding supply conductor on the electrical cord. Consult an electrician if the
grounding conductor is missing or if you suspect your circuit is not grounded properly.
DANGER:Use of this machine with a damaged power cord could result in an electrical shock. Do not
use the machine if the power cord is damaged. Do not use the electrical cord to move the
machine.
DANGER:Electrocution or injury could occur if the power cord is run over or damaged by the sander.
Keep the cord free from under the machine to avoid contact with the sandpaper. Always lift
the power cord over the machine.
DANGER:Moving parts of this machine can cause serious injury and/or damage. Keep hands, feet and
loose clothing away from all moving parts of the sander.
DANGER:Operating a sander without all guards, doors or covers in place can cause an injury or damage.
Always check to make sure that all of the guards, doors and covers are secure and in place.
DANGER:Injury to the operator or bystanders could occur if the power supply remains connected when
servicing the equipment, changing the abrasive, or emptying the dust bag.
WARNING:Failure to read and observe all safety statements found on your machine or in this Owner's
Manual can result in serious injury or damage. Read and observe all safety statements. Make
sure that all labels, decals, warnings, cautions, and instructions are fastened to the machine.
Get new labels from your authorized American Sanders Technology distributor.
WARNING:Sanding dust can be airborne and can be breathed in while operating a sander. Always wear
a dust mask while operating sanding equipment.
WARNING:Injury to the eyes and/or body can occur if protective clothing and/or equipment is not worn
while sanding. Always wear safety goggles, protective clothing, and a dust mask while
performing any sanding operation.
WARNING:Bodily injury could occur if power is applied to the machine with the power switch already in
the "ON" position. Always check to assure that the power switch is in the "OFF" position
before applying power to the power cable.
CAUTION:Maintenance and repairs performed by unauthorized personnel could result in damage or
injury. Maintenance and repairs performed by unauthorized personnel will void your warranty.
Servicing of this unit must always be referred to an authorized American Sanders Technology
distributor.
CAUTION:Use of this machine to move other objects or to climb on could result in injury or damage. Do
not use this machine as a step or furniture. Do not ride on this machine.
CAUTION:Damage could occur to the machine if not properly kept in a dry building for storage. Store
the machine in a dry building.
CAUTION:The machine is heavy. When transporting the machine, remove the motor. Get help to lift
the machine and motor.
CAUTION:Serious damage to the floor can occur if the machine is left running in one spot while the
sanding drum is in contact with the floor. To avoid damage to the floor, feather cut in at a normal
sanding rate. Do not dwell while lowering or raising the contact wheel. Always sand at a
constant rate.
Abrasive Size 12 x 261/8 (30.5cmx67.3cm) paperback
Contact Wheel Speed 2000/2400 rpm (revolutions per min.)
Abrasive Speed 3796/4555 sfm (surface feet per min.)
Dust Fan Speed 5000 rpm (revolutions per minute)
Dust Fan Flow 280 cfm (cubic feet per minute)
Motor 60 Hz 230V 4hp (3 kW) 50 Hz 240V 3hp (2.2 kW)
Leveling Control Externally Adjustable
Operating Control Adjustable Lever
Motor Starter/Protector Magnetic Circuit Breaker
Sanding Pressure Adjustment Infinitely Adjustable
Wheels (Front) Steel Urethane SteelUrethane
Wheel (Adjustment) Steel Canvas Steel Canvas
Drive V-Belt
Dimensions 40½ x 15 x 36 3/4
Weight 240 lbs. (98 kg)
(102.9cm x 38.1cm x 93.3cm)
CAUTION:Your equipment may be inappropriate on some installations. Some softer
woods used in flooring cannot support the pressure created by hard wheels.
A felt or rubber wheel should be used when these woods are encountered.
See parts list for optional wheels.
Always consult with the flooring manufacturer on the proper installation,
preparation, and finishing of their product. Determine suitability of your
equipment in preparing the product.
AMERICAN SANDERS TECHNOLOGY -American 12 Floor Sander Operator's Manual
Page 5
230V Electrical Connection Instructions
CAUTION:This machine will operate only on AC frequency and on electrical voltage shown on the
motor nameplate. Make sure you have the correct frequency and voltage before
connecting the power cord to an outlet. The machine has a plug as shown below.
This machine must be connected to an electrically ground circuit in order to protect the operator from electric shock.
This machine has an approved power cord with three conductors as well as a plug with three terminals. Connect the
plug into a three holed receptacle. For maximum protection against electric shock, use a circuit that is protected
by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
DANGER:Electrocution could occur if the machine is exposed to water or rain. Keep the machine
in a dry building.
DANGER:Electrocution could occur if machine is improperly connected to the electrical system. To
prevent possible electric shock, always use a 3-wire electrical system connected to an
electrical ground. For maximum protection against electrical shock, use a circuit that
is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter. Consult your electrical contractor.
DANGER:Electrocution could occur if the ground pin is tampered with in any way. Do not cut,
remove, or break the ground pin. Do not try to fit a three-terminal plug into a receptacle
or connector body other than a three plug receptacle or connector body. If the outlet does
not fit the plug, consult your electrical contractor.
DANGER:Electrocution could occur if the machine is used with a damaged plug or power cord. If
the cords or plugs are worn or damaged in any way, have them replaced by an authorized
service person or electrician.
Extension Cords
Use only an approved three-pronged extension cord with two main conductors and one earthing conductor. This
machine’s power cord has a wire size of 10 gauge. This machine is equipped with a 100' power cord. When greater
range is needed follow the table below to determine cable guage of additional footage. Refer to the following chart
for extension cord information.
Feet/Wire Guage (Stranded Copper)
Source Voltage 0 - 100' 100 - 250'
208 6
Use Voltage
Booster
230 10 8
If motor appears to labor or takes a considerable longer time to come up to speed reduce sanding pressure.
the motor from the machine
before transporting. Get help
loading the machine and motor.
To transport the machine, follow this procedure:
1. Make sure the power cable is disconnected from
the electrical outlet.
2. Disconnect the handle plug connection. See
figure 1.
3. Remove the belt cover.
4. Remove the fan belt.
5. Loosen the motor bolt. Using the ¾" wrench, turn
the motor bolt counterclockwise. See figure 2.
6. Slide the motor forward.
7. Remove the drive belt.
8. Remove the motor from the chassis.
To re-assemble the machine after transporting,
follow this procedure:
1. Reposition motor on chassis.
2. Install the drum belt. Slide the motor back until
adequate tension is achieved in belt.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the floor
surface, make sure the drive
belt is tight.
3. Resecure the motor to the chassis.
Figure 1
Figure 2
4. Install the fan belt.
5. Install the belt cover.
6. Reconnect the handle plug.
AMERICAN SANDERS TECHNOLOGY -American 12 Floor Sander Operator's Manual
Page 7
Machine Set-Up
To set-up your machine follow this procedure:
1. Familiarize yourself with the machine and read all
danger, warning and caution statements. Make
sure all operators of this machine have read this
Owner's Manual. If they cannot read English,
have the manual explained fully before allowing
anyone to operate the sander.
2. Locate the power supply. The receptacle should
be compatible with the plug. The receptacle must
be grounded and must be fused (30 amp) to avoid
an electrical hazard.
3. Clip the dust bag to the elbow. Cross the strings
on the dust bag and draw tight over the flare on
the elbow. Wrap the string around the elbow and
secure.
4. Wind the power cord through the cable arm.
Keep the power cord out of path of equipment.
How To Install The Abrasive
WARNING: Disconnect power before
changing abrasive.
To install the abrasive, follow this procedure:
1. Prepare abrasive with template supplied.
2. Place backing of abrasive on the template. The
template is marked "This Side Up." Make sure
the marked side of the template is facing up.
3. Cut the abrasive to the exact lenght of the template.
4. Align one edge of the abrasive with a notch in the
template.
5. Fold the other end of the abrasive over the end of
the template and crease.