COVER STORY
supports the ability of the operator to work with the high-pressure cleaner for long periods without fatigue.”
The new arrangement has also made it much easier to switch off the spray jet. Relaxing the ball of the hand slightly causes the actuation lever to spring back to the stop position. To prevent accidental operation, it is automatically locked by the safety switch.
The symmetrical handle allows for comfort in operation for both right and left-handers. An optional continuously rotatable support can also be fitted. In particular when working at 250 bar under full load, this enables precise control of the spray lance. In addition, it contributes to relieving the strain on the muscles of the arm-hand system, as the high- pressure gun can be supported easily against the body at an ergonomically favourable shoulder angle of eight degrees.
from the quickly tiring hand muscles to the large muscles of the forearm and upper arm. For
the operator, this means that with an angle between the forearm and upper arm of about 90 to 120 degrees, only a low force needs to be exerted when cleaning with the EASY!Force trigger gun. The holding force for the trigger is zero, relieving the strain on the finger and hand muscles to a large extent.
The Munich physician, Dr. Marius Pfaller, explained: “Static work, where a muscle remains contracted for a period of time without movement, is one of the main causes of muscular strain. This ergonomically sophisticated solution greatly
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To improve handling even further, the pressure hose connection was also moved to the front of the trigger
gun under the barrel. This allows precise control of the spray lance when cleaning as the pulling forces of the hose are closer to the axis of rotation between the spray gun holding points.
TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS In addition, the technological and functional aspects of mechanical details such as attachment connection options (e.g. nozzles and other spray attachments) were scrutinised. The speed with which the attachments are changed in particular was the main focus of the analysis.
In order to retain the tried and tested robustness of the twist locks, as well as make them much quicker and easier to open and close, a quadruple trapezoidal
thread was developed as a solution. With a 6mm pitch, a single 360° turn is all it takes to open the lock or obtain a tight and reliable connection.
The system is patented under the brand name ‘EASY!Lock’ and will be used on all new professional series pressure washers in future. However, it can also be retrofitted on older machines using a special adapter.
The nozzle thread seal on the spray lance (O-ring) was also improved. This now sits radially directly in front of the retaining thread. This makes the seal far more durable and it can no longer fall out – another improvement that was developed in close cooperation with customers who had lost them or struggled with the small part with cold or gloved hands.
The shut-off valve was also scrutinised as part of product development. This is because impurities such as mineral residues and small metal particles liable to become lodged between the valve seat and ball can permanently damage the valve. To ensure an even higher degree of operational safety in this respect, the previously metal valve components have been replaced with ones made of high-strength ceramic material. Despite the fact that lodged residues can still cause temporary leaks, the ceramic sealing surfaces are not damaged due to their hardness. Opening the valve briefly is sufficient to flush out the residues and establish a tight seal again.
With product improvements and the complete redesign of its high-pressure guns for the professional sector, as well as further quality enhancement measures, Kärcher has managed the difficult task of further improving its already exceptional products.
This was primarily achieved by tried and tested concepts and consistent improvement of all man and machine interfaces, based on comprehensive tests with customers from agriculture, building cleaning and local authorities. The ‘EASY!Force’ trigger gun is suitable for all professional cold and hot water high-pressure cleaners from Kärcher with a maximum pressure of up to 300 bar.
www.karcher.co.uk Tomorrow’s Cleaning | 19
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