Q: The machine does not move at the set speed

First, check that the speed regulator is properly set . On the BA 651, the traction speed ranges from 0 to 5.6 km/h and depends entirely on the regulator (84). Turn this regulator counterclockwise to increase the maximum allowed speed, and clockwise to decrease it. Check the control lever (83) . For the machine to reach its set maximum speed, you must push the lever all the way forward (to move forward) or backward (to reverse). A partial push will limit the actual speed, even if the regulator allows the maximum speed of 5.6 km/h. Check the battery status . If the green indicator (81a) is not lit, the batteries are partially or completely discharged. In this case, the machine cannot reach its maximum speed. Charge the batteries to restore optimal traction power. The traction motor consumes a lot of energy, and weak batteries directly reduce performance. Check the operating conditions . The machine can climb a maximum slope of 2%. On an inclined surface, the forward speed will be slower than on flat ground. Additionally, if the recovery water tank (85 liters) is full or if you are carrying an additional load, the traction motor (200W) may not provide the maximum speed. If the traction motor is not functioning normally , consult an authorized NILFISK repair service. Check for any abnormal noise and ensure that the motor responds to commands. An electrical issue with the traction motor will require the intervention of a qualified technician.

Question 1

The machine does not move at the set speed

Accepted Answer

First, check that the speed regulator is properly set. On the BA 651, the traction speed ranges from 0 to 5.6 km/h and depends entirely on the regulator (84). Turn this regulator counterclockwise to increase the maximum allowed speed, and clockwise to decrease it.

Check the control lever (83). For the machine to reach its set maximum speed, you must push the lever all the way forward (to move forward) or backward (to reverse). A partial push will limit the actual speed, even if the regulator allows the maximum speed of 5.6 km/h.

Check the battery status. If the green indicator (81a) is not lit, the batteries are partially or completely discharged. In this case, the machine cannot reach its maximum speed. Charge the batteries to restore optimal traction power. The traction motor consumes a lot of energy, and weak batteries directly reduce performance.

Check the operating conditions. The machine can climb a maximum slope of 2%. On an inclined surface, the forward speed will be slower than on flat ground. Additionally, if the recovery water tank (85 liters) is full or if you are carrying an additional load, the traction motor (200W) may not provide the maximum speed.

If the traction motor is not functioning normally, consult an authorized NILFISK repair service. Check for any abnormal noise and ensure that the motor responds to commands. An electrical issue with the traction motor will require the intervention of a qualified technician.

Question 2

How does the device detect the insertion of a brush or accessory?

Accepted Answer

The NILFISK SB TANDEM uses a mechanical switch detection system. When you insert the brush or accessory into the designated compartment, it activates an internal detection switch that recognizes the presence of the equipment.

This recognition mechanism generally relies on:

A mechanical switch physically activated by the insertion of the accessory
An electrical signal transmitted to the control board to validate that the accessory is correctly in place
A safety validation before the system starts

Note: The PDF of this manual does not detail the operation of the sensor precisely. If you need to know the exact location of the switch or additional technical details, check the maintenance and assembly section of the full manual or inspect the insertion compartment.

Question 3

The machine does not start despite the presence of voltage on the electronic board - what should I do?

Accepted Answer

If the NILFISK SB TANDEM does not start while voltage is present at the electronic board, the problem is likely due to a faulty or dirty component in the control system. Follow this step-by-step diagnostic procedure.

Step 1: Check the coin tester
The coin tester is the first element to check. It may be dirty or faulty and prevent the machine from starting even if the voltage is good. Clean the coin slot with a cloth soaked in white spirit, making repeated passes. If cleaning does not improve anything, the tester may be faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 2: Manually test the suction turbine
On the SB TANDEM, the test button located on the timer circuit (visible after opening the coin tester cover) should trigger the turbine to start for a few seconds. Press this button: if the suction turbine starts, then the coin tester is the problem. If it does not start, then the turbine, the push button, or the timer is faulty.

Step 3: Check the turbine connections
Make sure all electrical connectors linking the suction turbine to the control board are properly plugged in and not corroded. Unplug and then firmly reconnect each connector.

Step 4: Inspect the control relay
The relay that controls the turbine may be stuck or faulty. If you have electrical knowledge, refer to the wiring diagram in the manual to check that this relay is receiving voltage from the coin tester.

If after these checks the machine still does not start, one of the following components is faulty and needs to be replaced: coin tester, suction turbine, control relay, or timer. In this case, contact ALTO customer service or an authorized workshop.

Question 4

What to do when the red, orange, and green indicators light up simultaneously on the NILFISK SC351?

Accepted Answer

When the three LEDs (indicators) red, orange, and green light up simultaneously and steadily on the handle of the NILFISK SC351 when connecting the battery charger to the electrical network, it indicates a serious problem with the battery. This simultaneous lighting of the 3 indicators is a specific alert signal: the battery is either damaged or excessively discharged beyond normal charging capacities.

Diagnosis: The green indicator normally indicates that the battery is charged and the machine is ready for use. The yellow indicator signals a semi-discharged battery requiring a recharge. The red indicator indicates a completely discharged battery. However, the simultaneous and steady lighting of all three indicators exceeds these normal conditions and reveals a battery malfunction.

Recommended action: In this situation, it is imperative to immediately contact an authorized NILFISK after-sales service. The battery cannot be restored by a simple recharge. The authorized service will either perform a complete restoration of the battery's functionality or replace it entirely if it is too damaged. Do not attempt to continue charging the battery or using the machine in this state, as this could worsen the damage.

Prevention: To avoid this situation, charge the battery regularly when the yellow indicator (semi-discharged battery) is on and never leave the battery in a completely discharged state for long periods. An excessively discharged battery loses its ability to be properly recharged.

Question 5

How to empty the hopper of the NILFISK SR 1601 B industrial cleaner?

Accepted Answer

To empty the hopper of the NILFISK SR 1601 B industrial cleaner, follow the steps below:

1. Turn off and unplug the device

Before any handling, ensure that the device is turned off and unplugged to guarantee your safety.

2. Remove the hopper

Locate the hopper on the device. Depending on the model, it may be secured with clips or screws. Carefully detach it by releasing these fasteners.

3. Empty the contents

Lift the hopper and empty the collected debris into a trash can or suitable container. Do this gently to avoid splashes or dust dispersion.

4. Clean the hopper

After emptying the hopper, clean the inside with a damp cloth or brush to remove residues and prevent bad odors or clogging.

5. Reattach the hopper

Replace the hopper on the device, ensuring it is securely fastened and sealed to prevent any dust leakage during use.

By following these steps, you ensure optimal operation and good hygiene of your NILFISK SR 1601 B industrial cleaner.

Question 6

How to adjust the pressure on a NILFISK CONTRACTOR MASTER pressure washer?

Accepted Answer

To adjust the pressure on your NILFISK CONTRACTOR MASTER pressure washer, follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the pressure adjustment button or knob

On the CONTRACTOR MASTER model, you will generally find a pressure adjustment knob or button on the lance or directly on the body of the device. This control allows you to adjust the force of the water being projected.

2. Adjust the pressure

Turn the knob clockwise to increase the pressure.
Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the pressure.

3. Test the pressure

After adjustment, pull the trigger on the lance to test the pressure. Do this from a safe distance to avoid damaging surfaces or injuring yourself.

4. Safety tips

Always wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves.
Never direct the jet towards people, animals, or fragile surfaces.

By properly adjusting the pressure, you optimize the effectiveness of your cleaning while protecting your surfaces and equipment.

Question 7

How to remove the inner filter of the NILFISK 626 vacuum cleaner?

Accepted Answer

To remove the inner filter of your NILFISK 626 vacuum cleaner, it is essential to follow the correct steps to preserve the quality of the main filter, which has a surface area of 16,000 cm².

Step 1: Prepare the vacuum cleaner
Start by completely unplugging the NILFISK 626 vacuum cleaner from the electrical outlet to ensure your safety. Wait a few minutes for the device to cool down if you have just used it.

Step 2: Access the motor and filter
The inner filter is located inside the motor unit of the tank. To access it, you must first remove the motor assembly by locating the attachment points on the tank (usually hinges or side clips). Gently lift the motor/filter section from the tank while ensuring you support the weight of the assembly.

Step 3: Remove the inner filter
Once the motor unit is accessible, the main filter becomes visible. Carefully grasp the filter by its lower part and slowly extract it. The filter may be held by clips or simply placed in its housing.

Step 4: Clean the filter
To maintain optimal performance of your NILFISK 626, regularly clean the filter. Never immerse the filter in water and do not brush it directly. Instead, proceed by gently shaking: hold the filter and shake it gently up and down to dislodge the dust. For deep cleaning, you can use another vacuum cleaner to gently vacuum the surface of the filter. Normally, 3 to 4 consecutive shaking movements are sufficient to maintain optimal performance.

Step 5: Reassemble and close
After cleaning, reinstall the filter in its housing, ensuring it is properly positioned and stable. Then replace the motor assembly on the tank and make sure all hinges or clips are securely closed and locked before plugging the vacuum cleaner back in. Check that the assembly is airtight to avoid air leaks that could reduce suction performance.

Regular maintenance of the main filter helps maintain the maximum depression of 22.2 kPa and ensures optimal motor power. Perform this cleaning after each intensive use or at least once a week depending on your usage.

Question 8

Why does the red LED on the NILFISK SCRUBTEC 343B scrubber charger never change despite charging?

Accepted Answer

If the red LED on your NILFISK SCRUBTEC 343B scrubber charger remains lit without changing color during charging, it may indicate several situations:

Possible Causes

Defective charger: An internal problem with the charger may prevent the LED from changing state.
Battery issue: The battery may be too discharged, damaged, or at the end of its life, preventing proper charging and the LED from changing.
Poor connection: The charger may not be properly plugged into the electrical outlet or the scrubber.
Insufficient charging time: If the battery is completely discharged, the LED may remain red for some time before changing.

What to do?

Ensure that the charger is properly plugged into a functional electrical outlet and that the connector is correctly inserted into the scrubber.
Visually check that the charger and its cables do not have any visible damage.
Try plugging the charger into another outlet to rule out a power issue.
Allow the battery to charge for at least a few hours, especially if it was completely discharged.
If possible, test the battery with another compatible charger to check if the battery charges correctly.

If after these checks the red LED still does not change, it is likely that the charger or the battery is defective and needs repair or replacement.

Question 9

Why doesn't my NILFISK BR 700S scrubber raise the brushes when I ask it to?

Accepted Answer

Your Nilfisk BR 700S scrubber features a brush lifting system controlled via the OneTouch panel, which centralizes the activation of all cleaning functions. If the brushes do not lift upon request, several elements should be checked as a priority, starting with the most accessible.

Start by checking the battery condition. The BR 700S operates with a 24 V battery that powers the brush lifting system. If the battery is low or poorly charged, the lifting mechanism will not have sufficient power to operate the brushes. Ensure that the battery is fully charged and that the connection terminals are clean and tightly secured. A faulty battery is the most common cause of this issue.

Next, inspect the OneTouch control panel. Press the brush lifting button several times to check that it responds to each press. If the button is stuck, emits no signal, or makes no mechanical noise, the electrical control system is defective and requires repair.

Also check the hydraulic and mechanical system of the brush lifting. The BR 700S uses a mechanism combining hydraulic and mechanical elements to lift the brushes. Look for oil leaks around the lifting system, pinched hoses, or damaged cables. A debris or mechanical blockage may also prevent the brushes from moving fully.

Check the floating system and filters. The technical manual emphasizes that the floating system and filter protect the vacuum unit and ensure optimal airflow. A clogged filter can unbalance the system and indirectly affect the brush lifting by creating abnormal pressure or resistance.

If after these checks the brushes still do not lift, the problem lies within the hydraulic system, position sensors, or control electronics. These internal components require the intervention of a specialized Nilfisk technician for a thorough diagnosis and appropriate repair.

Question 10

What does the red droplet light on the NILFISK SCRUBTEC 553E scrubber mean and how can it be resolved?

Accepted Answer

The red droplet light on your NILFISK SCRUBTEC 553E scrubber is a water system alert indicator. This light comes on when there is a problem affecting the supply of clean water or the suction of dirty water, preventing the machine from operating correctly.

The most common causes of this indicator are: the clean water tank (20 liters) being empty or nearly empty, disconnected or blocked water supply hoses, or clogged clean water filters (51) that prevent water flow. It may also be due to the recovery water tank (40 liters) being full and blocking the suction system.

Steps to resolve the issue: Start by checking and filling the clean water tank (20) using the funnel (37) with clean water at less than 40°C, without exceeding a few centimeters from the edge. Then open the lid (22) and empty the recovery water tank (21) using the drain hose (16) if it is full. Inspect all water supply hoses to ensure they are properly connected and leak-free, especially the flexible hose (15) and the level hose (9).

Clean the clean water filter (51): remove the tank (20) and access the filter to rinse it with clean water. Also check the suction grid (36) with the automatic float to ensure it is not blocked, as if the float is in the closed position, the recovery water will not drain properly. After these checks, securely close the lid (22) and ensure that the sealing gasket (31) is in good condition and properly in place.

Restart the machine by turning the ignition key (80) to the 0 position for a few seconds, then start it normally. The light should turn off once the problem is resolved. If the red droplet light persists after these checks, it may indicate a more serious issue with the distribution pump (water solenoid) or other components of the hydraulic system. In this case, contact the authorized NILFISK after-sales service for a thorough diagnosis.

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