Using the Machine

  • Check the oil level, add oil if required. Make sure the engine is stopped, level, and is cool so the oil has had time to drain into the sump. The oil level should be between the add & full marks on the dipstick. Do not, under any circumstances, start or run the engine without enough oil!
  • Check that there is a pad fitted to the pad holder, and that it's in suitable condition for the job. If the pad is damaged, or worn too thin, this can cause vibration, or damage to the pad holder. Also, make sure the pad is the right size for the machine. Oversize pads will cause damage. Correct pad size list...
  • Open the gas cylinder tap. The tap only needs to be open one turn only to allow enough gas to run the engine. Do not open the gas tap all the way out.  When you open the gas tap, do it slowly.
  • Check that the throttle lever is fully forward in the 'run' position. Full throttle is not always required. A lower speed may give better results on your floor. once the best setting is found, leave the throttle lever set, and use the gas tap to switch off the engine (which is the best & safest way to shut down).
  • Don't tip the machine back too far during starting, or the belt may come off the pulley.
  • Older twin pad machines have an automatic clutch, so you don't have to tip them back.
  • Press the start switch to crank the engine. While cranking, press the gas priming button.
  • Don't crank the engine for more than 10 seconds without allowing the starter motor to cool down for a minute before trying again.

 

*If the gas tap is all the way open, it's possible that the next person to come & change the gas bottle will think the tap is closed, but may actually be stuck in the open position. This could cause a potentially dangerous situation.

Engine Cooling Filter

Before starting the machine, ensure that the engine cooling filter is clean, and keep it clean during operation. On longer shifts, it's possible for it to block up with fluff and stop air flow to the engine.

Expansion Strips & other floor obstacles.
Usually, as you come to a brass strip, or cover plate, you push down on the handle to lift the pads, so they aren't damaged. You need only lift the pad(s) very slightly to clear the floor.
Tipping the machine back too far or too suddenly, while it’s running is the most common reason the belt(s) come off. (however, there are some other causes...)

OK, so what's that knob on the front for?

As a new pad wears down, the machine will pull to the left. The adjusting knob on the front of the machine is used to compensate for this. Adjust the knob as often as you need to keep the machine pulling straight ahead. When the pad is replaced, the machine will pull to the right. It will need several turns of the knob to get the machine adjusted again.

To adjust the steering of the machine, simply turn the knob in the direction you want the machine to go. If the machine is pulling to the left, turn the knob to the right, and vice-versa.

Please Note: this knob is NOT used to increase pad pressure!

If you need pad pressure, adjust the wheel position. Move the wheels forwards to reduce pressure, backwards to increase. 

Changing pads

Make sure, when you put a new pad on, that it's exactly centred on the pad drive. Off-centre pads cause the machine to vibrate and are a major cause of machine damage.

If the machine starts to vibrate during operation, stop & find out why. Pads can wear unevenly or get damaged in use. This again can cause damage to the machine.
22G:

Tip the machine over on its left (starter) side. NB: years ago, when we used Honda engines, it was critical that the machine be tipped L/H side down. With the Kohler CV15 engine, this is no longer an issue. The motor can be tipped over either way, without filling the carburettor with engine oil.
32G:
Tip the machine over on its left (starter) side.
42G:
Lift the front of the machine up until it rests on the gas bottle mount.
NB: For safety, have someone hold the machine in this position while working underneath!

Correct Pad Sizes

Using the wrong size pad will cause problems. In our experience, all pads will stretch as the machine operates. If oversized pads are fitted, they could cause damage to the skirt, chunks get torn off & tangle up in the belts or sucked into the vacuum fan.

To avoid this, use the right size pads, as recommended below:

Model
Pad Size cm
Inches
22G
50
20
32G
43
17
42G
50
20

 

Changing a gas cylinder
  • Make sure the gas is turned off. The gas tap turns clockwise to close.
  • Unscrew the coupling. Have a look at the black rubber O-ring on the coupling. Make sure it's not damaged in anyway, if it is, replace immediately!
  • Undo the gas cylinder clamp and swap cylinders. Tighten the clamp. Reconnect the coupling. Make sure it's tight enough that the O-ring will seal, hand-tight is enough.

To adjust pad pressure
Pad pressure can be adjusted on all Gazda's. To increase pressure, move the wheels to the rear, forwards to decrease.

Stopping the Machine.
Turn the gas off at the tap on the cylinder, and let the engine run until the remaining gas runs out. Don't shut the machine off by using the throttle lever.

Why it's so important to keep the dust bag clean
One of the most important jobs the operator must do is the keep the dust bag clean. As you buff a floor, dust is created from the deterioration of the polish and pad. The dust control system uses a vacuum fan to suck air out from under the machine and blow dusty air into the dust bag. The dust bag acts as a filter, allowing the air to flow through, but trapping the dust particles. When enough dust builds up inside the bag, it stops air flowing through.
The dust & fluff will still be generated, but instead of being trapped in the bag, it gets blown out from under the machine, to be sucked into the air filter, and engine cooling system. This build-up causes the engine to overheat quickly and then the engine will fail.
The best way to improve the life of the engine is to keep the dust bag clean! Just emptying the bag is not enough you need to make sure to shake the bag out thoroughly to get it as clean as possible.