RIDGID K-3800 Operator's Manual page 11

K-3800 Drain Cleaning Machine
Figure 8 – Autofeed
6. Continue to feed the cable into the line until resistance
or obstruction is encountered. The condition will gen-
erally become apparent to the operator as the cable
will have a tendency to twist sideways in the opera-
tor's hands.
NOTE! When encountering an obstruction or an elbow,
the motor/gearbox will audibly "gear down", in-
dicating the presence of resistance.
7. Operator should immediately respond to this condition
by moving feed lever into full reverse (same direction
of drum rotation). This should release the twist in
cable and reduce size of cable loop.
8. Once free of this obstruction and the load is relieved
from the cable, gradually feed cable forward. Re-
member, when using the feed mechanism the rate of
cable advance is controlled by the autofeed handle.
Allow cutter to advance slowly and work through the
obstruction. If cable shows signs of loading (generally
apparent by growing loop between machine and
drain), immediately back cutter from obstruction by re-
versing feed.
NOTE! At this point, progress depends upon the sharp-
ness of the tool and the nature of the obstruction.
Continued operation may require manual feed
mode until the obstruction has been cleared.
9. Manually pull back sharply on the cable to free the cut-
ter and relieve the load on the cable. Slowly advance
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. Occasionally move power feed lever to neutral
to allow cutter to work through the obstruction.
Do not allow tension to build up in the cable. This will hap-
pen 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 ob-
struction, refer to Reverse Operating Instructions in the
"Special Procedures" section.
10. Several passes at a thoroughly blocked drain line are
recommended. After establishing flow, increase cut-
ter size to thoroughly clean line. Flush with strong flow
of water.
11. To retrieve cable from sewer line, move the feed
lever in same direction of drum rotation (Figure 9).
The cable should now feed itself back into machine.
The retrieval process is greatly aided by manually
pulling the cable from the drain a foot at a time as the
autofeed is used.
Figure 9 – Autofeed in Reverse Position
NOTE! It is recommended that a continuous flush of
water be used to clean cable and tool as they are
retrieved.
12. When the tool is just inside the sewer inlet, release
the air foot switch pedal and allow the machine to
come to a complete stop.
Ridge Tool Company
WARNING
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