5.95

9-64

4 0

7.00

550 M plus

2

• Read all the instructions before using theproduct.

• High pressure jets can be dangerous ifsubject to misuse. The jet must not bedirected at persons, animals, electricaldevices, or the machine itself.

• To reduce the risk of injury, closesupervision is necessary when a productis used near children.

• Know how to stop the product and bleedpressure quickly.Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.

• Stay alert – watch what you are doing.

• Do not operate the product when fatiguedor under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Keep operating area clear of all persons.

• Do not overreach or stand on unstablesupport.Keep good footing and balance at alltimes.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS •

• Follow the maintenance instructionsspecified in the manual.

• This Product Is Provided With A GroundFault Circuit Interrupter Built Into ThePower Cord Plug. If Replacement Of ThePlug Or Cord Is Needed, Use OnlyIdentical Replacement Parts.

• This machine has been designed for usewith cleaning detergent suppliedor recommended by the manufacturer.The use of other cleaning detergents mayaffect the operation of the machine andvoid the warranty.

• The Gun Safety Lock PREVENTS thetrigger from accidentally being engaged.This safety feature DOES NOT locktrigger in the on position.

WARNING – Risk of Injection or Injury. – DoNot Direct Discharge Stream At Persons.

WARNING – When using this product basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

3

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This product must be grounded. If it shouldmalfunction or breakdown, groundingprovides a path of least resistance forelectric current to reduce the risk of electricshock. This product is equipped with acord having an equipment-groundingconductor and a grounding plug. The plugmust be plugged into an appropriate outletthat is properly installed and grounded inaccordance with all local codes andordinances.

DANGER – Improper connection of theequipment-grounding conductor can resultin a risk of electrocution. Check with aqualified electrician or service personnel ifyou are in doubt as to whether the outlet isproperly grounded. Do not modify the plugprovided with the product – If it will not fitthe outlet, have a proper outlet installed bya qualified electrician. Do not use any typeof adaptor with this product.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUITINTERRUPTER PROTECTION

This pressure washer is provided with aground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) builtinto the plug of the power supply cord. Thisdevice provides additional protection fromthe risk of electric shock. Shouldreplacement of the plug or cord becomenecessary, use only identical replacementparts that include GFCI protection.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

EXTENSION CORDS

Use only 3-wire extension cords that have3-prong grounding-type plugs and 3-polecord connectors that accept the plug fromthe product. Use only extension cords thatare intended for outdoor use. Theseextension cords are identified by a marking“Acceptable for use with outdoor appliances;store indoors while not in use.” Use onlyextension cords having an electrical ratingnot less than the rating of the product. Donot use damaged extension cords. Examineextension cord before using and replace ifdamaged. Do not abuse extension cord anddo not yank on any cord to disconnect. Keepcord away from heat and sharp edges.Always disconnect the extension cord fromthe receptacle before disconnecting theproduct from the extension cord.

WARNING – To reduce the risk ofelectrocution, keep all connections dry andoff the ground. Do not touch plug with wethands.

SHORT INSTRUCTIONS

1 Drawing barTransport unit over even surfaces

2 Cleaning agentDraw in and meter cleaning agent (+/–)

3 Hose reel with folding handleWinding up the high-pressure hose

4 Master switchSwitch on unit – ISwitch off unit – 0

5 Transport handleTransport the unit over stairs/obstacles

6 Water connectionConnect supply hose

7 Spray lance extension

8 Spray lanceRegulate pressure

9 Dirt blaster

10 HandgunSwitch on – press safety button andpull leverSwitch off – release lever

11 Power cord with GFCI power plug

SAFETY NOTES

Before first use of the unit read these operatinginstructions and act in accordance with them.

Keep these operating instructions in a safeplace for later use or for a subsequent owner.

Use of the unit as authorizedUse this unit exclusively for non-industrialpurposes

– for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings,tools, facades, terraces, garden implements,etc., with high-pressure water jet (if necessarywith the addition of cleaning agents).

– for cleaning vehicle engines only in locationsequipped with an appropriate oil separator.

– with accessories, replacement parts andcleaning agents authorized by Kärcher.Please comply with instructions supplied withthe cleaning agents.

General safety notesNever permit children and adolescentsto handle the unit.

Never leave the unit unattended whilst themaster switch is switched on.

Never operate the unit in potentially explosivespaces.

Do not spray any objects which contain health-endangering substances (e.g. asbestos).Assembly

When unpacking check the contents. Informyour dealer of any damage in transportation.

Assembly of the unit is demonstrated withpictures on page 12 “Step by Step”.

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Warning signs on the unitNever direct the high-pressurejet at human beings, animals,the unit itself or at electricalparts.

Safety devicesSafety devices serve to protect against injuriesand must not be changed or circumvented.

Relief valve with pressure switchWhen the lever on the handgun is released thepressure switch switches off the pump and thehigh-pressure jet ceases. When the lever ispulled the pressure switch switches on thepump again.

Moreover, the relief valve prevents thepermissible operating pressure from beingexceeded.

Safety buttonThe safety button on the handgun preventsinadvertent switching on of the unit.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Dispose of packagingThe packaging materials are recyclable. Pleasehand in the packaging for recycling.

Dispose of old equipmentYou can obtain information about environment-protecting disposal from your Kärcher dealer.

Save waterIn comparison to other cleaning methods, by theuse of this unit you save up to 85 % of the waterotherwise needed. The unit can also beoperated with rain-water (use a water filter).

Ease the burden on waste waterPlease use the cleaning agents sparingly.Observe the dosage recommendations whichare supplied with the cleaning agents.

BEFORE FIRST USE

Connection requirementsSee rating plate or Technical Data for connectedvalues.

Electrical connectionThe voltage shown on the rating plate mustmatch the supply voltage. The current sourcemust be properly earthed.

Only use splash-protected extension cable witha sufficient conductor cross-section(10 m: 3 x 1.5 mm², 30 m: 3 x 2.5 mm²) andunwind completely from the cable drum.

Connection to water lineComply with the stipulations of the water supplycompany.

• Water hose (not supplied) must be at least 3/4inch in diameter.

• Flow rate of water supply must not fall below2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).

• Flow rate can be determined by running thewater for one minute into an empty“ 5-galloncontainer.

• The water supply temperature must notexceed 104°F/40°C.

• Never use the pressure washer to draw inwater contaminated with solvents, e.g. paintthinners, gasoline, oil, etc.

• Always prevent debris from being drawn intothe unit by using a clean water source.

SAFETY NOTES

6

! Serious danger!Vehicle tyres and tyre valves can be damagedby the high-pressure jet and becomeperforated. The first sign of this is adiscoloration of the tyre. When cleaning themmaintain a distance of at least 30 cm.

Never grasp the power plug with wet hands.

Before each use check the power cord andpower plug for damage. Have a damagedpower cord replaced immediately by anauthorized Kärcher service point or an electricalspecialist.

Before each use check the high-pressure hosefor damage. Replace a damaged high-pressurehose immediately.

! Danger of injury!Owing to the water jet emerging from the high-pressure nozzle a recoil force operates on thehandgun. Ensure you have a secure footingand hold the handgun and spray lance firmly.

If necessary wear protective clothing forprotection against return spray.

Water supplyThe unit can either be supplied from the watermain or from water in an open container.

Water supply from the water mainl Connect a supply hose (not included) to

the water inlet of the unit and to the watersupply (e.g. water tap).

l Open the water supply.

Water supply from an open containerl Unscrew the coupling part for the water inlet.

l Screw the suction hose with filter (notincluded, see “Special accessories”) onto thewater connection of the unit.

l Hang the filter in the container.

l Vent the unit before operation.

– Unscrew the high-pressure line at the high-pressure outlet of the unit.

– Switch on the unit and let it run until waterfree of bubbles emerges at the high-pressure outlet.

– Switch off the unit and screw on the high-pressure hose again.

OPERATION

7

Preparationl Insert power plug.

l Turn master switch to “I”.

Switching onl Press safety button on the handgun and pull

the lever.

Switching offl Release the lever.

During breaks in work and when leaving the unitsecure it against inadvertent switching on bypressing the safety button.

Regulate operating pressure/flow rateRaise operating pressure:twist spray lance in direction “+”.

Reduce operating pressure:twist spray lance in direction “–”.

OPERATION

Connect accessoriesDepending on the model the followingaccessories are either included in the scopeof delivery or are obtainable from specialistdealers (see also “Special accessories”).

l Exchange the respective accessory with thespray lance.

Wash brushfor large, smooth surfaces – e.g. on theautomobile, caravan or boat.

Cleaning agent can be added.

Rotating wash brushfor gentle and thorough cleaning – e.g.bodywork and glass surfaces.

Cleaning agent can be added.

Rotary nozzlefor stubborn accumulations of grime – e.g.moss-covered promenade tiles or facades.

Work without cleaning agent and with thehighest operating pressure.

8

Adding the cleaning agentl Draw the cleaning agent metering valve out

of its holding bracket.

l Draw the cleaning agent suction hose out ofthe housing to the required length.

l Meter out the cleaning agent (cleaning agentmetering valve)

– medium quantity: centre-position

– large quantity: “+” position

– small quantity: “–” position.

l Hang the cleaning agent metering valve inthe cleaning agent container.

l Twist the spray lance in the “–” direction untilthe stop.

Recommended cleaning method1. Spray the cleaning agent on the dry surface

sparingly and let it react (but not dry out).

2. Wash off the loosened dirt with the high-pressure jet.

l Master switch to “0”.

l Draw out power plug. Wind the high-pressurehose around the hose reel.

OPERATION FINISHING OPERATIONS

Cleaning agentsFor trouble-free operation and for matching tothe relevant cleaning task we recommend ourKärcher cleaning agents and care range. Pleaselet us advise you or ask for information aboutthem. Here is a small selection:

Universal cleaner Profi RM 555 ULTRA

Automobile cleaner Profi RM 565 ULTRA

House and garden cleanerProfi RM 570 ULTRA

Boat cleaner Profi RM 575 ULTRA

When the water has been supplied from thewater mainl Close the water supply tap.

l Separate the unit from the water connection.

When the water has been supplied from anopen containerl Unscrew the suction hose with filter at the

water inlet of the unit.

9

l Pull the lever on the handgun until the unit iswithout pressure.

l Press in the safety button to protect the unitagainst inadvertent switching on.

Caution! Frost can destroy an incompletelyemptied unit. In the winter keep the unit in afrost-free room.

l Separate the spray lance from the handgunand place it in its holder.

CARE AND MAINTENANCEFINISHING OPERATIONS TRANSPORTATION

l Switch off the unit before transporting it.

l To transport it over stairs or obstacles lift theunit at the transportation handle.

l To transport the unit over even surfaces drawit by the drawing bar.

CleaningBefore long periods of storage, e.g. in winter:

l Pull the cleaning agent metering valve offthe cleaning agent suction hose and cleanit under running water.

l Pull out the strainer in the water inlet with flat-nose pliers and clean it under running water.

MaintenanceThe unit is maintenance-free.

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HELP WITH FAULTS

Fault Cause Remedy

Unit does not run Power supply interrupted Draw out power plug! Check power cord,power plug, extension cable and cableconnections for damage

Unit does not come up to pressure Spray lance set to “–” Set spray lance to “+”

In suction operation – unit not vented Vent unit, see “Operation”

Strainer in water inlet blocked Clean strainer, see “Care and Maintenance”

Water supply quantity too low Check the water supply to the water inlet ofthe unit for leaks and throughput

Strong pressure fluctuations High-pressure nozzle in spray lance blocked Take off the spray lance, clean the hole in thehigh-pressure nozzle with a needle and rinsethrough with water again

Water comes out of the housing underside Pump leaking 3 drops per minute are acceptable. Forgreater leakages contact the customer service

Cleaning agent is not drawn in Spray lance set to “+” Set spray lance to “–”

Cleaning agent valve in the cleaning agentsuction hose blocked

Clean cleaning agent metering valve, see“Care and Maintenance”

Faults often have simple causes which you canrectify yourself with the aid of the followingsummary. In case of doubt or of faults orremedies not mentioned here apply to theauthorized customer service.

! Danger of electric shock!Repair work on the unit can only be carried outby the authorized customer service.

Replacement partsUse exclusively Kärcher original replacementparts. You will find a replacement partssummary at the end of these operatinginstructions.

Customer ServiceIn the case of questions or faults our Kärcherbranches will be pleased to assist you further:

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TECHNICAL DATA

Power supplyVoltage (at 1~60 Hz) 120 VSupply fuses (time-lag) 13 ASafety class 1Water connectionSupply temperature (max.) 104 °FSupply volume (min.) 2.5 gpmSupply pressure (max.) 85 psiPerformance dataOperating pressure max. 1500 psiFlow volume 1.7 gpmCleaning agent metering 0–25 l/hSuction height from open container (20°C) 1 mRecoil force of the handgun 22 NSound level LPA (EN60704-1) 72 dB(A)DimensionsLength/Width/Height 438/411/936 mmWeight 16 kg

Circuit Diagram

0.088-382C1Running capacitorF1 Temperature fuseM1MotorS1 Appliance switchS2 Pressure-operated

switch

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ASSEMBLY

13

Changing the high pressure hose

14

NOTES

15

SPARE PARTS