Shark LA400 User Manual

OWNER’S GUIDE

LA400

www.sharkclean.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

For Household Use Only

WHEN USING AN ELECTRICAL
APPLIANCE, BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
SHOULD ALWAYS BE OBSERVED,
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING
YOUR SHARK
VAC.

POLARIZED PLUG:

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance
has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit into
a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does
not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it
still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician.

DO NOT force into outlet or try to modify
to fit.

WARNING:

electric shock or injury, do not use outdoors
or on wet surfaces.

®

LIFT-AROUND™ CANISTER

To reduce the risk of

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC
SHOCK OR INJURY:

GENERAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY:

1. Unplug from electrical outlet when not in use
and before servicing.

2. DO NOT use the vacuum with a damaged
cord or plug. This appliance has no serviceable
parts. If appliance is not working as it should,
has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors,
or dropped into water, return it to EURO-PRO
Operating LLC for examination, repair, or
adjustment.

3. DO NOT pull or carry the vacuum by the cord.

4. DO NOT unplug by pulling on the cord; to
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

5. DO NOT handle the plug or the appliance with
wet hands.

6. DO NOT run the vacuum over the power cord.

7. DO NOT use the cord as a handle.

8. DO NOT close a door on the cord.

9. DO NOT pull the cord around sharp
corners. The use of an extension cord is not
recommended.

10. DO NOT leave the appliance plugged in when
not in use.

11. Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.

12. Turn off all controls before plugging or
unplugging the vacuum cleaner.

13. Always turn off this appliance before attaching
or removing accessories.

GENERAL USE:

1. Use only as described in this manual.

2. DO NOT put any objects into openings. DO
NOT use with any opening blocked; keep free of
dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air
flow.

3. Keep your work area well lit.

4. DO NOT place the vacuum on unstable
surfaces such as chairs or tables.

5. DO NOT allow young children to operate
the vacuum or use as a toy. Close attention is
necessary when used by or near children.

6. DO NOT use vacuum cleaner if it has been
dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or submerged
in water. Return to EURO-PRO Operating LLC
for examination, repair, or adjustment.

7. DO NOT use without dust cup and/or filters
in place.

HOSE ATTACHMENTS:

1. DO NOT use if air flow is restricted; if the air
paths, the hose, or the accessories become
blocked, turn the vacuum cleaner off. Remove
all obstructions before you turn on the
unit again.

2. Keep the end of the hose and accessory
openings away from face and body.

3. Keep cleaning tools and hose suction openings
away from hair, face, fingers, uncovered feet,
or loose clothing.

4. Only use manufacturer’s recommended
attachments.

GENERAL CLEANING:

1. DO NOT pick up large-sized objects.

2. DO NOT pick up hard or sharp objects such as
glass, nails, screws or coins that could damage
the vacuum cleaner.

3. DO NOT pick up smoking or burning objects
such as hot coals, cigarette butts, matches or
hot ash.

4. DO NOT pick up flammable or combustible
materials such as lighter fluid, gasoline, or
kerosene or use vacuum in areas where they
may be present.

5. DO NOT pick up toxic solutions such as
chlorine bleach, ammonia, or drain cleaner.

6. DO NOT use in an enclosed space where
vapors are present from paint, paint thinner,
moth-proofing substances, flammable dust or
other explosive or toxic materials.

7. DO NOT vacuum up any liquids.

8. DO NOT immerse the vacuum cleaner in water
or other liquids.

9. DO NOT use outdoors or on wet surfaces; use
only on dry surfaces.

10. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.

DUST CUP/FILTERS/ACCESSORIES:

Before turning on the vacuum:

1. Make sure that all filters are thoroughly dry
after routine cleaning.

2. Make sure that the dust cup and all filters are in
place after routine maintenance.

3. Make sure accessories are free of blockages.

4. Only use filters and accessories provided by
EURO-PRO Operating LLC. [Failure to do so will
void the warranty.]

SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS

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Contents

Thank you for
purchasing the

®

Shark
Lift-Around

Canister Vac.

Getting Started ............................................................................6

How to Use ...................................................................................8

Maintenance ................................................................................10

™

Checking for Blockages ...............................................................12

Storing ..........................................................................................13

Resetting the Motor Thermostat ...............................................13

Ordering Replacement Parts ......................................................13

Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................14

Warranty & Registration .............................................................15

This manual covers model numbers:

LA400 40

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Voltage: 120V., 60Hz

Watts : 550 W

Amps: 4.6 A

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Getting Started

A

B

C

D

I

J

E

F

K

G

H

FIRST THING’S FIRST, YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHAT’S IN THE BOX YOU JUST OPENED:

A Lift-Around™ Canister Vac
B Removable Tool Caddy
C Canister Caddy
D Power Brush
E Upholstery Brush
F Crevice Tool
G Dusting Brush
H Bare floor Nozzle

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Use the Shark® Lift-Around™ Canister
Vac as a stand alone vacuum for spot­cleaning small areas and large piles of debris,
or with the Flexible Hose and cleaning tools
for above-floor cleaning.

I Flexible Hose
J

Floor Kit Handle

K Tel escopic Tube
L

Shoulder Strap

L

NOTE: Always turn the power off before attaching

or detaching accessories.

REMOVABLE TOOL CADDY (B)

Specially designed to hold the crevice tool, dusting

brush and upholstery brush for quick access to
tools when vacuuming and cleaning around the
house.

CANISTER CADDY (C)

Specially designed to hold the Shark

Around™ and convert it to a canister vacuum.

POWER BRUSH (D)

This small accessory has an air driven brushroll

for cleaning upholstery, pet hair and even auto
interiors.

UPHOLSTERY BRUSH (E)

This unique tool was engineered for fast and easy

removal of pet hair from upholstery.

CREVICE TOOL (F)

Reach deep into narrow spaces and clean between

cushions, under radiators and baseboards and in
hard to reach crevices and corners.

®

Lif t-

DUSTING BRUSH (G)

Dust shelves, lamp shades, window blinds, books,

furniture and other household items.

BARE FLOOR NOZZLE (H)

Powerful cleaning on bare floors.

FLEXIBLE HOSE (I)

With the right cleaning tool in place and the Flexible

Hose, you can extend your reach into hard-to-clean
areas.

NOTE: Use the Flexible Hose without any

accessories attached for large debris cleaning.

FLOOR KIT HANDLE (J)

Designed for easy manoeuvrability and effortless

swivel.

TELESCOPIC TUBE (K)

Extend and adjust your reach farther into hard-to-

clean areas.

SHOULDER STRAP (L)

Specialized design to make carrying the Canister

Vac with ease. The removable Shoulder Strap is
ergonomic and easily distributes weight across the
shoulder.

How to Use

Fig. 1

Align arrows to attach tool caddy

Fig. 2

Hose
Dock

Caddy

Fig. 8

Release

Pull out to remove tool caddy

Fig. 4

Fig. 3

ASSEMBLING THE LI F T-A RO UND™ CANISTER
VAC

1 Insert the end of the flexible hose into the

connector on the front of the Lift-Around™
Canister Vac. (fig. 1)

2 Insert the removable tool caddy onto the back

of the Canister Vac. (fig. 2) To remove the tool
caddy, hold the vacuum by the handle, pull out
slightly from the right side and then remove it from
the Canister Vac. (fig. 3)

3 Insert the crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery

brush or power brush into the openings on the tool
caddy. (fig. 4)

Power

Button

Fig. 5

4 Attach the shoulder strap onto the hooks on the

handle of the Canister Vac. (fig. 5)

5 Empty Dust Cup after cleaning and periodically

during cleaning when it appears full. (See
“Maintenance” section for instructions.)

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

USE IN CANISTER MODE

6 Place the hose in the hose dock. (fig. 6)

7 Place the unit over the caddy and press down until

it locks into place. (fig. 6, fig. 7)

8 To release the vacuum from the caddy, press caddy

release button and lift the vacuum up. (fig. 8)

Fig. 9

FOR ADDED COMFORT OR FOR AN EXTENDED
REACH

9 Attach the floor kit handle to the flexible hose.

Push it in until it is secure. (fig. 9)

10 Insert the telescopic tube into the end of the floor

kit handle. Push it in until it is secure. (fig. 9)

NOTE: All accessories may be used with the

flexible hose, the floor kit handle or the telescopic
tube.

11 Attach the desired accessory to the end of the

flexible hose, floor kit handle or telescopic tube by
pushing it in until it is tightly secured. (fig. 9)

12 While holding the Canister Vac by the handle,

press down on the power button to turn the
Canister Vac on and begin vacuuming. Press down
again to turn the vacuum off. (fig. 5)

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Maintenance

To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the unit before performing any cleaning, maintenance, or

troubleshooting checks.

Reassemble all parts securely before operating vacuum.

For best results empty the Dust Cup
after each use; empty several times
during prolonged usage or when it
reaches the MAX fill line.

CAUTION:

Unplug the vacuum;
failure to do so might
result in electric shock.

NEVER OVER-FILL THE DUST CUP.

Bottom Door

Release

COMPONENT

Dust Cup

1

Pre-Motor Foam Filter

2

Pre-Motor Felt Filter

3

Post-Motor HEPA Filter

4

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Empty each time you vacuum.

Rinse and air dry every month under normal use.

Rinse and air dry every month under normal use.

Clean once every 24 months under normal use.

DO NOT operate the vacuum without ALL the filters in place.

DO NOT operate the vacuum with WET filters.

DO NOT put the filters in the washing machine or dishwasher.

NOTE: The material in the filters will discolor over time. This is

NORMAL and will not affect the performance of the filters.

IMPORTANT: Loss of Suction may occur if foam
filter is not cleaned every month. Rinse and allow to air
dry completely. Tap loose dirt from foam filter as needed
in between washing. Foam filter may appear dirty after
use - this is normal.

Pre-Motor

Foam Filter

Felt Filter

Post Motor

HEPA Filter

Fi g. 15

Fig. 16

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Dust Cup

Release

Top Door

Release

Fi g. 13

CLEANING THE POST-MOTOR HEPA FILTER

Fi g . 12

EMPTYING THE DUST CUP

The Dust Cup needs to be emptied each time you

vacuum and periodically during cleaning, when the
Dust Cup appears full.

1 Press the dust cup release button and remove the

dust cup from the vacuum. (fig. 10)

2 Option A: for Quick Empty:

Insert the Dust Cup deep inside a trash receptacle
to contain the dust and debris.
Press the bottom door release button to release
the trap door. Tap gently to empty contents.
(fig . 11)
Press the door shut again until it clicks.

3 Option B: For Allergy Sufferers:

Wrap a trash bag around the Dust Cup leaving
space at the bottom for the door to swing open.
Locate the bottom door release button within the
trash bag and press to release as you shake the dust
cup to empty dust and debris. (fig. 12)
Press the door shut again until it clicks.

Note: Option B can also be performed outside of

the home to further minimize releasing dust back
into the air. Carry just the dust cup and trash bag
outside.

4 Check to make sure the trap door is secure before

returning it to the Vacuum.

5 To clean the upper compartment of the dust cup,

press the top door release button to open.
(fig. 13) Empty the contents over a trash

Fi g. 14

CLEANING THE PRE-MOTOR FILTERS

1 Remove the dust cup.

2 Remove the pre-motor filters out from the top of

the motor base. (fig. 14)

3 Rinse the filters thoroughly in lukewarm water until

the water runs clear.

4 Squeeze out excess water and let air-dry for at

least 24 hours before replacing. Do not use a hair
dryer or other heating methods to dry.

5 Place the felt filter in first, then the foam filter.

6 Replace the dust cup.

receptacle and push the door shut until it clicks
into place.

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1 Remove the tool caddy from the unit.

2 Remove the filter cover from the vacuum by pulling

up on the tab and pulling the cover away from the
vacuum. (fig. 15)

3 Take out the HEPA filter by pulling it straight out.

4 Turn the filter over so that the dirty side is on

the bottom and vigorously tap it clean against a
garbage can to remove any dust. (fig. 16)

5 Wash the filter under the tap using lukewarm

water with the dirty side face down until the water
runs clear. (fig. 17)

6 Allow the filter to air dry for 24 hours. Do not use a

hair dryer or other heating methods to dry.

7 Once the HEPA filter is dry, replace it back into the

vacuum.

8 Replace the cover by inserting the two tabs into

the holes at the top and then swinging the cover
down until it clicks into place.

Fi g . 17

Checking for Blockages

Locking

Latch

Turbine

Wheel

Storing

Fig. 20

Resetting the Motor Thermostat

Your Shark® Lift-Around™ Canister Vac is
equipped with a protective Motor Thermostat. If the
motor should overheat, the thermostat shuts off the
power.

To reset the Motor Thermostat:

Press the Power Button to turn the vacuum off.

Unplug the vacuum.

Check for clogged hose or filter; unclog hose and
replace filter. Refer to Checking for Blockages.

Wait 45 minutes for vacuum to cool; then plug in the
vacuum.

Press the Power Button to restart the vacuum.

Note: If vacuum still does not start, contact Customer
Service at: 1-800-798-7398.

Rotating

Bristle Brush

Blockages may cause your vacuum to overheat and
shut down. To prevent this from happening, check
potential blockage areas after heavy use or if you
detect a loss of suction or poor cleaning performance.

1 DUST CUP

Dust Cup may be full. Empty Dust Cup.

2 FILTERS (PRE-MOTOR AND POST MOTOR)

Ensure that both the Pre Motor Filters and the Post

Motor HEPA filter are clean.

3 ACCESSORIES

Check intake openings:

 • PowerBrush

 • CreviceTool

 • UpholsteryBrush

 • DustingBrush

 • FlexibleHose

 • FloorKitHandle

 • BareoorNozzle

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Fig. 18

Fi g. 19

CLEANING THE POWER BRUSH

Turn the Power Brush over, slide the locking latch

•

forward and tilt the cover upward to remove.
(fig. 18)

Inspect the rotating bristle brush, turbine wheel

•

and air passage.

Remove any blockage or debris and carefully,

•

without damaging the bristles or belt, cut any
build-up of hair or string wrapped around the
rotating bristle brush with scissors.

To reassemble, first insert the tabs on the front

•

edge of the cover into the matching holes in the
top half of the Power Brush and tilt the cover back
down pressing until it clicks into place. (fig. 19)

Fig. 21

STORE YOUR VACUUM SAFELY

1 Store the dusting brush, upholstery brush, the

crevice tool or the power brush on the mounts on

the removable tool caddy. (fig. 20)

2 Wrap the flexible hose around the base of the

vacuum and hook the end of the flexible hose into

the hose dock. (fig. 21) To release the hose, press

the Hose Storage button.

3 Wrap the attached cord strap around the power

cord when storing.

4 Store your vacuum cleaner with the rest of the

accessories safely in a cool dry area where they

will not be a hazard, will not get damaged and will

not cause damage to anyone or anything.

NOTE: Empty dust cup after cleaning and prior

to storing. (See “Maintenance” section for

instructions.)

Ordering Replacement Parts

To order additional parts and accessories, go to

www.sharkclean.com or call 1-800-798-7398.

PART PART NO.

Pre-Motor Filters XFF318

HEPA Filter XHF318

Telescopic Tube 1057FT

Upholstery Brush 1061FT

Crevice Tool 1062FT

Dusting Brush 1063FT

Power Brush 1064FT

Floor Kit Handle XKH320

Canister Caddy XCAD320

Bare floor Nozzle XSN320

Troubleshooting Guide

PROBLEM POSSIBLE REASONS & SOLUTIONS

Check Filters to see if they need cleaning. Follow instructions for rinsing and
drying the Filters before re-inserting back into the Vacuum. (See “Maintenance”
sections for instructions.)

Vacuum is not
picking up dirt.

Airflow is restricted. No
suction or light suction.

Vacuum turns off on its
own.

NOTE: This appliance has no serviceable parts. Please contact Customer Service at 1-800-798-7398.

Dust Cup may be full; empty Dust Cup.

Check Hose, Hose connections and accessories for blockages; clear blockages if
required.

If Dust Cup is empty, and attachment inlets are clear, check for other blockages.
(See “Checking for Blockages” for instructions.)

Check Filters to see if they need cleaning. Follow instructions for rinsing and
drying the Filters before re-inserting back into the Vacuum. (See “Maintenance”
sections for instructions.)

Dust Cup may be full; empty Dust Cup.

Check Hose and Hose connections for suction strength; clear blockages if
required.

If Dust Cup is empty, and attachment inlets are clear, check for other blockages.
(See “Checking for Blockages” for instructions.)

This vacuum cleaner is equipped with a motor protective thermostat. If for some
reason your vacuum overheats, the thermostat will automatically turn the unit off.
Should this occur, perform the following steps to restart the motor thermostat:

Press down on the Power Button to turn the Canister Vac off.

1.

Unplug the vacuum.

2.

Empty the Dust Cup and clean Filters. (See “Maintenance” sections for

3.
instructions.)

Check for blockages in hose, accessories and inlet opening. (See “Checking for

4.
Blockages” for instructions.)

Allow the unit to cool for a minimum of 45 minutes.

5.

Plug in the vacuum.

6.

Press the Power Button again to restart the vacuum.

7.

Note: If vacuum still does not start, contact Customer Service at:
1-800-798-7398.

Euro-Pro Three-Year (3) Limited Warranty

EURO-PRO Operating LLC warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period
of three (3) years from the date of the original purchase, when utilized for normal household use, subject to the
following conditions, exclusions and exceptions.

If your appliance fails to operate properly while in use under normal household conditions within the warranty period,
return the complete appliance and accessories, freight prepaid to:

• U.S.: EURO-PRO Operating LLC

For customer service support call 1-800-798-7398
or visit www.sharkclean.com

 •Canada: EURO-PRO Operating LLC

4400 Bois Franc, St. Laurent, Québec H4S 1A7

If the appliance is found to be defective in material or workmanship, EURO-PRO Operating LLC will repair or
replace it free of charge. Proof of purchase date and $19.95 to cover the cost of return shipping and handling must
be included.*

Non-durable parts including, without limitation, filters, brushes and electrical parts which normally require
replacement are specifically excluded from warranty.

The liability of EURO-PRO Operating LLC is limited solely to the cost of the repair or replacement of the unit
at our option. This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts and does not apply to any unit that has been
tampered with or used for commercial purposes. This limited warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse,
abuse, negligent handling or damage due to faulty packaging or mishandling in transit. This warranty does not cover
damage or defects caused by or resulting from damages from shipping or repairs, service or alterations to the product
or any of its parts, which have been performed by a repair person not authorized by EURO-PRO Operating LLC.

This warranty is extended to the original purchaser of the unit and excludes all other legal and/or conventional
warranties. The responsibility of EURO-PRO Operating LLC if any, is limited to the specific obligations expressly
assumed by it under the terms of the limited warranty. In no event is EURO-PRO Operating LLC liable for incidental
or consequential damages of any nature whatsoever. Some states do not permit the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state or
province to province.

*IMPORTANT: Carefully pack item to avoid damage in shipping. Be sure to include proof of purchase
date and to attach tag to item before packing with your name, complete address and phone number
with a note giving purchase information, model number and what you believe is the problem
with item. We recommend you insure the package (as damage in shipping is not covered by your
warranty). Mark the outside of your package “ATTENTION CUSTOMER SERVICE”. We are constantly
striving to improve our products, therefore the specifications contained herein are subject to change
without notice.

Product Registration

Please visit www.sharkclean.com or call 1-800-798-7398 to register your new Shark® product within ten
(10) days of purchase. You will be asked to provide the store name, date of purchase and model number along with
your name and address.

The registration will enable us to contact you in the unlikely event of a product safety notification. By registering
you acknowledge to have read and understood the instructions for use, and warnings set forth in the accompanying
instructions.

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Euro-Pro Operating LLC
USA: New ton, MA 02459
CAN: 4 400 Bois Franc, St- Laurent, QC H4S 1A7

Eng lis h: 1-80 0-798 -739 8

www.sharkclean.com

COPYRIGH T© EURO-PRO OPER ATING LLC 2012

PRINTE D IN CHINA

Illustra tions may differ f rom actual produ ct.

LA400.E.120821.2