Vibratory Plate Compactor MODELS # 104001 and #104950 Operation Manual ! This safety alert symbol identifies important safety messages in this manual. Failure to follow this important safety information may result in serious injury or death.
For Service or Questions Call 1-877-487-8275 720-287-5182 www.dirtyhandtools.com Dirty Hand Tools® is a brand of 1100 W 120th Ave, Suite 600 Westminster, CO 80234 • 720-287-5182 Register warranty online within 30 days of purchase! dirtyhandtools.
Table of Contents Important Safety Information Intended Use ...............................................................................4 Personal Protective Equipment ...................................................4 General Safety .............................................................................5 Safety Decals ...............................................................................6 Unpacking......................................................................................
Important Safety Information ! WARNING WARNING: Read and thoroughly understand all instructions and safety information before assembling or operating this equipment. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death. Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment who has not read this manual. As with all power equipment, a vibratory plate compactor can be dangerous if assembled or used improperly. Do not operate this plate compactor if you have doubts or questions concerning safe operation.
Important Safety Information General Safety Failure to follow warnings, cautions, assembly and operation instructions in the Operation Manual may result in serious injury or death. ! DANGER READ THE OPERATION MANUAL BEFORE OPERATION. • Do not permit children to operate this equipment at any time. • Do not permit others that have not read and understood the complete Operation Manual to operate this equipment.
Important Safety Information Safety Decals Safety labels on the plate compactor are to remind you of important information while you are operating the unit. Make sure all safety warning decals are attached and in readable condition. Replace missing or defaced decals. Contact Dirty Hand Tools at 1-877-487-8275 for replacement decals. VIBRATORY PLATE COMPACTOR Model No. 104001 Plate Size: 21.3” x 16.5” Exciter Speed: 5500vpm Centrifugal Force: 2,922 Lbs Travel Speed: 49 ft/min Engine: 196cc Weight: 191.
Unpacking and Assembly Your plate compactor will require some assembly. The following instructions will help you unpack and assemble your plate compactor, and adjust the tensioning on the v-belts. Unpacking Open top of carton and remove the plate compactor components.
Overview of Components THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY AIR CLEANER FUEL TANK MUFFLER OIL DRAIN HOSE EXCITER LIFTING HANDLE 8 BELT GUARD BASE PLATE
Handlebar and Wheel Assembly Mounting the Handlebar Assembly 1. Unfold the handlebars (see Figure 1). 2. Place the handlebar ends into the mounting channels on the engine’s deck, carefully aligning the holes in each side (see Figure 2). Secure the handlebar ends to the channel with a hex bolt (M10x65mm), flat washer and locknut. 3. Position the throttle control onto the upper portion of the handlebar and secure with a flat washer and hex bolt (M5x25mm).
Paving Pad Assembly (Model 104001) Paving Pad Kit The paving pad kit should be used when compacting on concrete paving slabs, decorative stone, brick or other material to reduce noise and prevent scratching. (The paving pad is included with Model 104001 only). Attaching the Paving Pad 1. Align the holes in the paving pad with the holes in the clamp plate on the compactor’s base plate. Secure with hex bolts (M10x30mm) and flat washers in three places (see Figure 4).
Operating Precautions ! CAUTION READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW ALL OF THE PRECAUTIONS BELOW. Always check equipment condition before starting the engine. •N ever start or run the plate compactor in an enclosed area. • Keep hands and feet away from the base plate during operation. • Always operate the plate compactor from the rear gripping the handlebars with both hands. •N ever lift or carry the plate compactor with the engine running. •E ngine muffler will be hot from operation.
Operating Instructions Preparation for Operation ! WARNING UNIT IS SHIPPED WITHOUT OIL IN THE ENGINE. ADD OIL BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE Check the oil level before each operation. Fill Engine with Oil 1. Add oil according to engine manual. Do not overfill. Use SAE30 engine oil. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Oil level must be full. Check the oil level by removing the dipstick (see Figure 5). Pre-Start Inspection 1. Make sure all nuts, bolts and hardware are in place and secure. 2. Check oil level. 3.
Starting the Engine ! WARNING RECOIL STARTER ENGINE ON/OFF SWITCH NEVER FILL THE FUEL TANK ON A HOT ENGINE Start-Up The controls required to start and run the plate compactor are located on the engine and the handlebars. A detailed description of engine operation and precautions is available in the engine operation manual.
Operation ! WARNING DO NOT OPERATE ON CONCRETE OR EXTREMELY COMPACTED SURFACES WHICH CAUSE THE COMPACTOR TO JUMP RATHER THAN VIBRATE CAUSING POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE PLATE OR ENGINE. 1. Start the engine. 2. Move the throttle control to fast. 3. The plate compactor will vibrate and move forwards. 4. Set the throttle to the slow or idle position when not compacting to reduce equipment stress and preserve machine life. 5.
Maintenance ! WARNING BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE TURN OFF ENGINE, DETACH SPARK PLUG WIRE AND ALLOW ENGINE TO COOL DOWN • Keep plate compactor, safety shields and covers, attachments, and accessories in safe working condition. • To prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and secure the spark plug wire from the spark plug before maintenance. • Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are toxic. • Always allow muffler to cool before filling fuel tank.
Maintenance Checking the V-Belts V-Belts must be in good condition and tensioned properly to ensure maximum performance of the plate compactor. 1. Remove the 4 hex bolts that secure the belt guard to access the v-belts (see Figure 8). 2. Check the condition of the v-belts. If there is signs of cracking, fraying or glazing, replace the belts as soon as possible. 3. Check the belt tension by pressing on the center of the belt length.
Maintenance EXCITER PULLEY V-BELTS CLUTCH PULLEY Figure 11 4 PLACES DRAIN PLUG Figure 12 Figure 13 4 PLACES Replacing the V-Belts 1. Loosen 4 engine mount bolts on the plate compactor just enough to move the engine slightly, but do not remove the bolts entirely (see Figure 9). 2. Loosen the jam nuts and bolts (see Figure 10). 3. Push the engine toward the front of the plate and slip the v-belts off of the pulleys (see Figure 11). 4. Install new belts.
Storage ! WARNING DRAIN FLUIDS BEFORE LONG TERM STORAGE Drain fuel outdoors away from any ignition sources. Use only approved fuel containers. Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside of a closed building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any building. Prepare for Storage Follow the steps below to prepare your plate compactor for storage. Read your engine manual for detailed instructions on preparing the engine for storage. 1.
Troubleshooting PROBLEM SOLUTION Engine will not start • Add gas to gas tank. • Connect spark plug wire to spark plug • Fuel valve must be open • Throttle must be positioned at choke for a cold start Engine runs rough, floods during operation • Clean or replace air cleaner Engine is hard to start • Drain old fuel and replace with fresh.
Warranty & Specifications IMPORTANT NOTICE We, the manufacturer, reserve the right to change the product and/ or specifications in this manual without notification. The manual is for information usage only and the pictures and drawings depicted herein are for reference only. Warranty Repair and Service Do not return this product to the store for warranty issues or repair. Call our customer service department at 720-287-5182, 1-877-487-8275, or visit www.dirtyhandtools.