Harbor Freight Tools Vacuum Cleaner 96325 User Manual

Wet/dry vacuum, 16 gallon,  
6.5 HP  
model 96325  
assembly and oPeration instructions  
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.  
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011  
visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com  
to Prevent serious injury, read and understand  
all Warnings and instructions before use.  
©
®
Copyright 2007 by Harbor Freight Tools . All rights reserved. No portion of this  
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form  
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.  
for technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
 
3.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating the vacuum.  
Distractions can cause you to lose control. Never allow children to play with or  
operate the Vacuum. Protect others in the work area from debris. Provide barriers  
or shields as needed.  
electrical safety  
grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded  
in accordance with all codes and ordinances. never remove the grounding  
prong or modify the plug in any way. do not use any adapter plugs. check with  
a qualied electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly  
grounded. If the tools should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding  
provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user.  
double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider  
than the other). this plug will t in a polarized outlet only one way. if the plug  
does not t fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. if it still does not t, contact  
a qualied electrician to install a polarized outlet. do not change the plug  
in any way. Double insulation eliminates the need for the three wire grounded  
power cord and grounded power supply system.  
avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges,  
and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is  
grounded.  
4.  
5.  
do not expose thevacuum to rain or wet conditions. Water entering theVacuum  
Assembly will increase the risk of electric shock.  
do not abuse the Power cord. never use the Power cord to move thevacuum  
or to pull the Plug from an outlet. keep the Power cord away from heat, oil,  
sharp edges, or moving parts. replace damaged Power cords immediately.  
Damaged Power Cords increase the risk of electric shock.  
6.  
When operating the vacuum outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked  
“W-a” or “W”. These extension cords are rated for outdoor use, and reduce the  
risk of electric shock.  
Personal safety  
1.  
2.  
stay alert. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operat-  
ing the vacuum. do not use the vacuum while tired or under the inuence  
of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the  
Vacuum may result in serious personal injury.  
dress properly. do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. contain long hair.  
keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes,  
jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 3  
 
3.  
4.  
5.  
avoid accidental starting. be sure off button (2) is depressed before plugging  
in. Plugging the Vacuum in with the On Button (3) depressed, invites accidents.  
do not overreach. keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing  
and balance enables better control of the Vacuum in unexpected situations.  
use safety equipment. always wear eye protection. Dust mask, nonskid safety  
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions. Al-  
ways wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and a dust mask/respirator when using  
or performing maintenance on this product.  
use and care  
1.  
do not force thevacuum. use the correctvacuum for the application at hand.  
The Vacuum will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed. Do  
not force the Vacuum and do not use the Vacuum for a purpose for which it is not  
intended.  
2.  
3.  
do not use the vacuum if the on button or the off button do not function  
properly. Any product that cannot be turned on or off is dangerous and must be  
replaced.  
disconnect the Power cord Plug from the power source before making any  
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the vacuum. Such preventive  
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the Vacuum accidentally. always un-  
plug the vacuum from its electrical outlet before performing any inspection,  
maintenance, or cleaning procedures.  
4.  
5.  
store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools  
are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.  
maintain the vacuum with care. Properly cleaned and maintained Vacuums  
are less likely to malfunction and are easier to control. Do not use a damaged  
Vacuum.  
6.  
7.  
check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and  
any other condition that may affect the vacuums operation. if damaged,  
have the vacuum serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly  
maintained tools.  
use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your  
model. Accessories that may be suitable for one Vacuum may become hazardous  
when used on another Vacuum.  
service  
1.  
vacuum service must be performed only by qualied repair personnel. Service  
or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 4  
 
2.  
1.  
When servicing the vacuum, use only identical replacement parts. follow  
instructions in the “Inspection, Maintenance, And Cleaning” section of this  
manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions  
may create a risk of electric shock or injury.  
sPecific safety rules  
for Household use only. This product is not to be used for any industrial applica-  
tions.  
2.  
3.  
for use indoors only. This product is not suited for use outdoors.  
always install float (15) before any wet vacuuming operation. The Float pre-  
vents contact between the fluids and electrical parts.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
maintain labels and nameplates on thevacuum. These carry important informa-  
tion. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.  
maintain a safe working environment. Make sure there is adequate surrounding  
workspace.  
avoid unintentional starting. Make sure you are prepared to begin work before  
turning on the Vacuum.  
7.  
8.  
always keep the extension cord away from moving parts on the vacuum.  
People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before use. Elec-  
tromagnetic fields in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker  
interference or pacemaker failure.  
9.  
never lay the vacuum Hose suction end down until the vacuum has come  
to a complete stop. Suction can grab surrounding objects and create a safety  
hazard.  
10.  
11.  
never leave thevacuum unattended when it is plugged into an electrical outlet.  
Turn off the Vacuum, and unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving.  
do not use the vacuum for hazardous products. Never use this product to  
vacuum liquids such as fuel, oil, acids or any hazardous chemical. Do not use this  
product to vacuum ashes, items that may be hot, or chemical powders.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 5  
 
grounding  
Warning!  
improperly connecting the grounding wire can result in the risk of electric shock.  
check with a qualied electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is  
properly grounded. do not modify the power cord plug provided with the tool.  
never remove the grounding prong from the plug. do not use the tool if the  
power cord or plug is damaged. if damaged, have it repaired by a service facil-  
ity before use. if the plug will not t the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by  
a qualied electrician.  
grounded tools: tools WitH tHree Prong Plugs  
1.  
Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord and three prong  
grounding plug. The plug must be connected to a properly grounded outlet. If the  
tool should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resis-  
tance path to carry electricity away from the user, reducing the risk of electric shock.  
(see 3-Prong Plug and outlet.)  
2.  
3.  
The grounding prong in the plug is connected through the green wire inside the  
cord to the grounding system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must be the  
only wire connected to the tool’s grounding system and must never be attached to  
an electrically “live” terminal. (see 3-Prong Plug and outlet.)  
Your tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet, properly installed and grounded  
in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should look like  
those in the following illustration. (see 3-Prong Plug and outlet.)  
3-Prong Plug and outlet  
outlets for 2-Prong Plug  
double insulated tools: tools WitH tWo Prong Plugs  
1.  
Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not require grounding. They have a special  
double insulation system which satisfies OSHA requirements and complies with  
the applicable standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard  
Association, and the National Electrical Code. (see outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 6  
 
2.  
Double insulated tools may be used in either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the  
preceding illustration. (see outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)  
extension cords  
1.  
2.  
Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord. Double Insulated tools can  
use either a two or three wire extension cord.  
As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge  
extension cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a seri-  
ous drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage.  
(see table a.)  
3.  
The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord. For  
example, a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current than a 16 gauge cord.  
(see table a.)  
4.  
5.  
When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, make sure  
each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required. (see table a.)  
If you are using one extension cord for more than one tool, add the nameplate am-  
peres and use the sum to determine the required minimum cord size.  
(see table a.)  
6.  
7.  
If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make sure it is marked with the suffix  
“W-A” (“W” in Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.  
Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.  
Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified electri-  
cian before using it.  
8.  
Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet  
areas.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 7  
 
recommended minimum Wire gauge for extension cords*  
(120 or 240 volt)  
namePlate  
amPeres  
(at full load)  
extension cord lengtH  
25 feet  
50 feet  
75 feet 100 feet 150 feet  
0 – 2.0  
2.1 – 3.4  
18  
18  
18  
18  
18  
14  
12  
18  
18  
18  
16  
14  
12  
10  
18  
18  
16  
14  
12  
10  
-
18  
16  
14  
12  
10  
-
16  
14  
12  
12  
-
3.5 – 5.0  
5.1 – 7.0  
7.1 – 12.0  
12.1 – 16.0  
16.1 – 20.0  
-
-
-
* based on limiting the line voltage drop to ve volts at 150% of the rated amperes.  
table a  
symbology  
Double Insulated  
Canadian Standards Association  
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.  
Volts Alternating Current  
V~  
A
Amperes  
No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)  
n xxxx/min.  
0
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 8  
 
unPacking  
When unpacking, check to make sure that the item is intact and undamaged. If any  
parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number shown on the  
cover of this manual as soon as possible.  
assembly instructions  
note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer to  
the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.  
1.  
2.  
Warning! Make sure the On/Off Button (2) is depressed and that theVacuum  
is unplugged from an electrical outlet before assembling the Vacuum.  
Install one Cap Nut (32) onto the Axle (30). Use a rubber mallet (not included) to  
gently tap the Cap Nut until it  
is firmly seated. Slide one  
vacuum shown assembled  
Wheel (31) onto the Axle until  
it rests against the Cap Nut  
just attached.  
metal  
Handle (24)  
ON/OFF  
Button  
3.  
Slide the Axle through the  
Large Wheel Base (29), and  
attach the other Wheel and  
Cap Nut onto the Axle as de-  
scribed above.  
vacuum  
assembly  
latch  
Wet/dry  
vacuum  
connection  
storage  
box (27)  
small Wheel  
base (22)  
container  
Handle (28)  
4.  
5.  
Press the Wheel Covers  
(33) onto the outside of each  
Wheel.  
Wheel (31)  
drain  
casters (23)  
Align the Large Wheel Base  
with the bottom edge of the  
Canister on the opposite side  
from the Drain, and push down  
to lock the Large Wheel Base  
onto the Canister. Make sure  
both Wheels spin freely.  
vacuuming tools  
6.  
Align the Small Wheel Base (22) with the bottom edge of the Canister on the same  
side as the Drain and push down to lock the Small Wheel Base onto the Canister.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
Insert Casters (23) into each side of the Small Wheel Base.  
Push the Storage Box (27) firmly onto the top of the Large Wheel Base.  
Slide the Metal Handle (24) into the Container Handle (28) on each side of the  
Canister and secure with Screws (20). Do not overtighten.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 9  
 
10.  
11.  
Place the Vacuum Assembly onto the top of the Canister, catch the edge of the  
Canister with the Latches, and move the Latches upward to secure. The Vacuum  
Assembly mechanism is located at the top part of the Vacuum Canister.  
Connect the Hose to the inlet of the Vacuum at the rotate clockwise to lock hose  
into position. For dry applications use the upper hose connection, and for wet ap-  
plications use the lower connection.  
12.  
13.  
Connect both Metal Tubes to the end of the Hose, and attach the appropriate at-  
tachment.  
Make sure the Drain Cover (21) is in place whether utilizing theVacuum for wet or dry  
applications. The Vacuum will not work properly without the Drain Cover in place.  
oPeration instructions  
attachments  
floor brush: The Floor Brush is designed for use in cleaning large  
areas, such as floors, low-pile carpets and rugs. The head of the  
tool rotates a full 360° for ease of use.  
floor brush  
crevice nozzle: The Crevice Nozzle enables the operator to  
vacuum in close quarters, corners, and cracks. It also works quite  
well when the blower function of the vacuum is being used.  
crevice nozzle  
utility brush: The Utility Brush is designed to excel at extracting  
water from surfaces and in fabrics. When clean and dry, it can also  
be used to vacuum furniture and carpeted surfaces.  
utility brush  
HePa filter & dust bag  
1.  
2.  
To install or remove the HEPA Filter (25). Remove the Vacuum Assembly from the  
top of the Canister (19), and turn it upside down.  
The HEPA Filter is the prominent cylinder at the bottom of the Vacuum Assembly.  
The filter is held onto the HEPA Frame (16) by the HEPA Cover (26). A 1/4 turn will  
allow the HEPA Cover to be removed or replaced.  
3.  
The Dust Bag is placed over the HEPA Filter for dry applications and should be  
cleaned following each use.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 10  
 
HePa filter (25) on HePa  
frame (16) with HePa cover  
(26)  
HePa filter (25) on HePa  
frame (16)  
HePa frame (16)  
• The HEPA Filter should be rinsed with clean water periodically and allowed to  
air-dry completely before being used again. Do not use compressed air to speed  
up the drying process.  
• The HEPA Filter should be removed before vacuuming up liquids to prevent it from  
becoming fouled and obstructing air-flow.  
vacuuming  
Before each use, inspect the general condition of the Vacuum. Check for loose  
screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, damaged  
electrical wiring, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation. If abnormal  
noise or vibration occurs during use, turn the Vacuum off promptly and have the problem  
corrected before further use.  
using the vacuum for liquids:  
danger! flammability Hazard: This product should never be used to vacuum up haz-  
ardous liquids, such as fuel, oil, or acid.  
1.  
2.  
Unlatch and remove the Vacuum Assembly. Make sure the Float (15) is in place  
and moves freely.  
Remove the HEPA Filter and the Dust Bag, replace the HEPA Cover, reattach the  
Vacuum Assembly, and connect the Hose Connection to the lower inlet.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
WARNING. Make sure the Off Button (2) is depressed before plugging the  
Vacuum into a standard 120V outlet.  
Attach the Utility Brush to the end of the Hose and use the attachment to vacuum  
up the water.  
When the Vacuum has reached it’s maximum capacity, the Float (15) will automati-  
cally shut the unit off and the Indicator Light (4) will illuminate to indicate that the  
unit is full.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 11  
 
6.  
7.  
The Vacuum must be emptied into a proper waste fluid drain before continuing use.  
Remove the Drain Cover (21) to empty the Vacuum, replace the Drain Cover, and  
resume work.  
It is recommended Vacuum be thoroughly rinsed with clean water after each use.  
using the vacuum for dry applications:  
1.  
2.  
WARNING! Make sure the Off Button (2) is depressed before plugging the  
Vacuum into a standard 120V outlet.  
Attach the appropriate attachment to vacuum. If the unit becomes full or clogged  
the Indicator Light (4) will turn on:  
• Check and change Dust Bag if necessary.  
• Clean dirt out of Hose or other accessories.  
• Clean HEPA Filter.  
4.  
Resume job, clean Vacuum when finished.  
blower  
note: When using Vacuum as blower, special attention  
should be paid to safety. Always wear ANSI-  
approved goggles and dust mask. Clear the  
area of children and bystanders to make sure  
they are not harmed by flying dirt or debris.  
1.  
Connecting the Hose to the Exhaust allows  
the Vacuum to be used as a blower.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Find blower port at back of Assembly Cover (5).  
Blower Port  
Connect the desired attachment, and push the On Button (3)  
Clean the desired area, push the Off Button (2), and clean the Vacuum.  
insPection, maintenance, and cleaning  
1.  
2.  
Warning! Make sure the Off Button (2) is depressed and that the Vacuum is  
unplugged from its electrical outlet before performing any inspection, maintenance,  
or cleaning procedures.  
before eacH use, inspect the general condition of theVacuum. Check for loose  
screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, dam-  
aged electrical wiring, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation. If  
abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.  
do not use damaged equipment.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 12  
 
3.  
After each use, empty the Canister (19), and wash with warm, soapy water. Wipe  
out with clean, dry cloth.  
troublesHooting  
Problem  
Probable solutions  
Power Switch does not turn unit on. 1. Make sure power cord is plugged into a working 120  
Volt, grounded, electrical outlet.  
2. Canister is full. Empty Canister.  
3. Have a qualified service technician check out the  
power switch, wiring, and motor.  
Unit shuts down during use.  
1. Canister is full. Empty Canister.  
2. Prolonged use may cause temporary overheating of  
motor. Turn unit off, and allow unit to cool down before  
restarting.  
Unit has suction, but does not clean 1. Hose and/or attachment may be cracked or damaged.  
when hose or other attachments  
are connected.  
Replace hose and/or attachment.  
2. Hose and/or attachment may be clogged. Remove  
hose and attachment from suction port and connect  
to blower port. Then, blow out the hose and  
attachment.  
Unit has no suction.  
1. Thoroughly clean suction/blower ports, HEPA lter,  
and dust bag.  
Dust comes from the motor cover.  
1. Dust bag missing or damaged. Install or replace dust  
bag.  
2. HEPA Filter full. Clean filter and allow to dry  
completely before continuing use.  
Please read tHe folloWing carefully  
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEM-  
BLY DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER  
OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER  
THAT HE OR SHE IS qUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR  
SHE IS qUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER  
AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR ExPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS  
SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE  
BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS  
TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS  
OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.  
record Products serial number Here:  
note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.  
note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available  
individually as replacement parts.  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 13  
 
limited 1year / 90 day Warranty  
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and dura-  
bility standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that for a period of one year from date of purchase  
that the tank is free of defects in materials and workmanship (90 days if used by a professional contractor  
or if used as rental equipment). Harbor Freight Tools also warrants to the original purchaser, for a period of  
ninety days from date of purchase, that all other parts and components of the product are free from defects  
in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly to misuse,  
abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, normal wear and tear, or to lack  
of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental,  
contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow  
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may  
not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS ExPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, ExPRESS  
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.  
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation  
charges prepaid.Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchan-  
dise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may  
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will  
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted  
from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from  
state to state.  
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353  
Parts list  
Part  
1
description  
Top Handle  
Qty  
1
Part  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
description  
Hose Connection  
Qty  
1
2
Off Button  
1
Canister  
1
3
On Button  
1
Screw  
2
4
Indicator Light  
Vacuum Assembly Cover  
Circuit Board  
Thermal Baffle  
Power Actuator  
Holder Plate  
Latch  
1
Drain Cover  
Small Wheel Base  
Caster  
1
5
1
1
6
1
2
7
1
Metal Handle  
HEPA Filter  
Hepa Cover  
Storage Box  
Container Handle  
Large Wheel Base  
Axle  
1
8
1
1
9
1
1
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
2
1
Vacuum Assembly Bottom  
Screw  
1
2
6
1
Motor  
1
1
Motor Frame  
Float  
1
Wheel  
2
1
Cap Nut  
2
HEPA Frame  
Screw  
1
Wheel Cover  
2
8
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 14  
 
assembly diagram  
SKU 96325  
for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.  
Page 15  
 

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