Using Manual Feed Machine; Using Autofeed Machine - RIDGID K-3800 Operator's Manual

K-3800 Drain Cleaning Machine
Using Manual Feed Machines
1. Pull sufficient cable out of the drum to start tool and
cable into the sewer inlet. Push cable into inlet as far
as it will go.
2. Move FOR/OFF/REV switch into FOR (forward) po-
sition. Grasp cable with two gloved hands and pull
approximately 1 foot of additional cable out of ma-
chine, building a slight loop of cable between machine
and sewer inlet (Figure 7).
Before starting machine, both operator's
WARNING
gloved hands must be on the cable.
3. While depressing foot switch to start machine, use
both gloved hands to grasp and push cable into
sewer inlet. Rotating cable will slowly work its way into
line as operator applies downward pressure with
gloved hands on cable loop.
4. Continue to feed the cable into the line until resistance
or obstruction is encountered. This will become ap-
parent to operator as the motor will "lug" down and/or
the cable will have a tendency to twist sideways in op-
erator's hands.
5. If cable loads down in the obstruction, relieve load by
pulling back on cable with short, quick jerks to free
cutter (the drum speed will increase). Slowly ad-
vance cable back into the obstruction. Repeat this
process until the obstruction is clear. Remember,
make sure the cutter is rotating at all times and never
force the cable.
WARNING
Do not allow tension to build up in the cable. This will
happen if the cutting tool hits a snag and stops turning, but
the motor and its drum continue to rotate. Torque builds
until the cable suddenly twists, potentially wrapping around
your hand or arm. This can happen quickly and without
warning, so proceed slowly and carefully as you feed the
cable into the drain. If tool gets hung up in an obstruction,
refer to Reverse Operating Instructions in the "Special
Procedures" section.
6. Once obstruction is cleared, it is recommended to
flush debris from line with running water. Repeat
Step 5 several times if necessary for a thorough
cleaning job and then work cable through additional
stoppages as required.
7. To retrieve cable from sewer line, pull one to two
feet of cable from sewer while continuing to run ma-
chine in forward rotation. This excess cable should
then be manually pushed back into machine. This pull
and push procedure should be continued until it is ap-
parent that tool is just inside sewer inlet.
8
WARNING
cable is rotating. Tool can whip causing serious injury.
8. Release foot actuator and allow machine to come to
a complete stop.
NOTE! It is recommended that a continuous flush of
water be used to clean the cable and tool as
they are retrieved.
9. Turn FOR/OFF/REV Switch to OFF position and re-
move cord from power source.
10. Pull remaining cable and tool from sewer and hand
feed cable back into machine.
Using Autofeed Machines
1. Manually pull sufficient cable out of the drum to start
tool and cable into the sewer inlet. Push cable into
inlet as far as it will go.
2. Turn feed knob down until front bearing makes con-
tact with the cable.
3. Move FOR/OFF/REV switch into FOR (forward) po-
sition. Do not step on the air foot switch pedal at
this time.
4. Loosely grasp cable with gloved hand and place
right hand on the feed lever. Feed lever should be in
the neutral position (vertical or 12 o'clock). Exert
sufficient downward pressure on cable to maintain
control while depressing foot actuator to start drum
rotation. Do not force the cable. Allow it to feed itself
into the drain.
5. Move the feeder lever in the opposite direction of the
rotating drum to advance the cable (Figure 8). The
rate at which the cable is fed (0-20 feet per minute)
into the sewer is controlled by the position of the feed
lever away from neutral (vertical) position. The farther
from vertical, the faster the feed rate. Always keep
one hand on the cable to feel tension.
WARNING
hands must be on the cable.
WARNING
sion.
Ridge Tool Company
Never retract tool from sewer inlet while
Before starting machine, operator's gloved
Always keep hand on the cable to feel ten-