MBW MK8 121 - Manual (Page 7)

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O
PERATION
Introduction
MBW equipment is intended for use in very severe
applications. They are powered by four cycle engines and
are available in different sizes and a selection of engines.
This parts manual contains only standard parts. Variations
of these parts as well as other special parts are not included.
Contact your local MBW distributor for assistance in
identifying parts not included in this manual.
Before Starting & Operating
• REMEMBER! It is the owner’s responsibility to
communicate information on the safe use and proper
operation of this unit to the operators.
• Review ALL of the Safety Precautions listed on page 1 of
this manual.
• Familiarize yourself with the operation of the machine
and confirm that all controls function properly.
• Know how to STOP the machine in case of an
emergency.
• Make sure hands, feet, and clothing are at a safe
distance from any moving parts.
• OIL LEVEL - Check the oil level in the engine. For more
information see “Lubrication” under the respective
engine’s “Owners Manual” or the Maintenance section of
this manual.
• AIR CLEANER - Check to ensure element is in good
condition and properly installed.
• FUEL SUPPLY - The engines on MBW equipment
require an automotive grade of clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline.
• FUEL FILTER - If clogged or damaged, replace.
• Make sure the machine is on a flat surface with a working
area of at least 3,000 square feet, and that there is a
sufficient area around the machine. (at least 6 ft.)
• See that the blade is inclined by at least 1/2” in order to
have better control over the float machine when starting.
• Adjust seat if necessary.
• Make sure the two drive control levers are vertical and
adjust if necessary.
Starting Engine
1. Close the choke. Choking may not be necessary on
warm engines.
2. Leave accelerator pedal at idle.
3. Hold one emergency stop lever closed and turn the
start key.
4. Open the choke once engine is warm.
Operating
CAUTION
To avoid premature clutch wear it is necessary to
accelerate quickly upon start up then back the
throttle off to the desired speed after the clutch is
fully engaged.
To drive the machine in the desired direction, there are two
control levers. Move the controls slowly and smoothly. To
stop the float machine return the control levers to the rest
position. The control lever positions and the relevant
movements are described on page 5 of this manual.
Preparing the surface:
Use a mechanical vibrating float or manual float to level the
floor surface in order to obtain a well-compacted concrete
footing and thus prepare the ideal surface for floating and
finishing. The float machine does not improve flatness of a
badly floated or uneven floor.
Floating phase:
The floor is ready for the first pass when the imprint of the
shoe heel sinks into the concrete by about 1/8” when
walking on it.
On average about 2700-3200 square feet of surface are
floated in 10 minutes. Speed varies with conditions.
When the concrete is still fresh, take care not to work
continuously on the same spot since, due to the weight of
the float machine, you may create an uneven floor surface.
During the floating phase the floats must not chatter on the
surface; this might be caused by dirt between the blades
and the floats.
Finishing phase:
When floating has been completed, detach the floats from
the blades and clean the cement that has collected during
the floating phase off the blades, the spider and the
protection rim. Turn the blade-lifting knob clockwise until the
blades are inclined by about 1/2” for the first pass; for the