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FLEXTOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

PETROL DRIVE UNIT FDU SERIES

2

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CONTENTS

Introduction 

2

Applications 

2

Function 

2

Function and controls 

2

Hazards & risks 

2-3

Operation 

3

Care and preventive maintenance 

3

Service 

3

Cleaning and service 

3

Specifications 

3

Trouble shooting 

4

Spare parts and service 

4

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your selection of Parchem equipment.

Parchem have specialised in the design and manufacture of quality 
products since 1951.

We have taken care in the design, manufacture and testing of this 
product.  Should service or spare parts be required, prompt and 
efficient service is available from our branches.

General Safety Instructions for the Operation of Power Equipment

The goal of Parchem is to produce power equipment that helps 
the operator work safely and efficiently. The most important safety 
device for this or any tool is the operator. Care and good judgement 
are the best protection against injury. All possible hazards cannot 
be covered here, but we have tried to highlight some of the 
important items, individuals should look for and obey Caution, 
Warning and Danger signs placed on equipment, and displayed in 
the workplace. Operators should read and follow safety  
instructions packed with each product.

Learn how each machine works. Even if you have previously used 
similar machines, carefully check out each machine before you use 
it. Get the “feel” of it and know its capabilities, limitations, potential 
hazards, how it operates, and how it stops.

APPLICATIONS

Heavy duty concrete vibrators, 28 mm - 60 mm dia. Submersible 
pumps, up to 50 mm discharge.

FUNCTION

This portable drive unit is designed to power flexshaft drive 
submersible pumps and model VP (pendulum) vibrators. A quick 
action 60 mm diameter flexible shaft coupling with aluminium alloy 
housing, rotary trigger latch and hardened 45 mm 3-tooth dog drive 
enable ease of use by allowing the operator to simply engage or 
disengage the flexible shaft coupling, to facilitate either a change of 
position or a change of flexshaft driven device.

FUNCTION AND CONTROLS

BELL HOUSING / ROTARY TRIGGER

Is mounted directly to the motor and enables quick connection 
between the coupling and the 3-tooth dog drive mounted on the 
crankshaft. The rotary trigger latch assures a positive engagement 
between drive dogs.

MOTOR

The motor is controlled by an on/off switch or push button switch 
mounted on the motor below the fuel tank.

To STOP the machine TURN the switch to the OFF position or 
PRESS the push button in until the motor stops.

Honda, Robin and Vanguard motors are fitted with an oil sensor 
device that will stop the motor or prevent starting when the 
crankcase oil level falls below a safe level.

The motor speed is controlled by a throttle lever mounted below 
the air cleaner. The throttle should be adjusted to the maximum 
position when operating a flexible shaft driven device.

HAZARDS AND RISKS

NEVER allow any person to operate a machine without adequate 
instruction.

ENSURE all operators read, understand and follow the operating 
instructions.

SERIOUS INJURY may result from improper or careless use of this 
machine

! MECHANICAL HAZARDS

DO NOT operate the machine unless all protective guards are in 
place

KEEP hands and feet clear of rotating and moving parts as they will 
cause injury if contacted.

BE CAREFUL not to come in contact with the muffler when the 
engine is hot, since it can cause severe burns.

ENSURE that the motor operation switch is in the OFF position and 
the spark plug ignition lead is disconnected before removing guards 
or making adjustments.

ENSURE both the machine and the operator are stable by setting 
up on level terrain and the machine will not move or fall while in 
operation or unattended.

DO NOT leave the machine in operation while it is unattended.

DO NOT increase the governed no-load motor speed above 3,000 
r/min on an engine with a power output of less than 5.6 kW, or a 
flexible shaft smaller than 16 x 38mm. Any increase may result in 
personal injury and damage to the machine.

KEEP bystanders and animals clear of the work area.

ENSURE that repairs to the motor and machine are carried out by 
COMPETENT personnel.

! FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS

PETROL is extremely flammable and explosive under certain 
conditions.

ENSURE that petrol is only stored in an approved storage 
container.

DO NOT refuel the motor while it is in operation or hot.

DO NOT refuel the motor in the vicinity of sparks, 

a naked flame or a person smoking.

1300 353 986  

flextool.com.au

FLEXTOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

PETROL DRIVE UNIT FDU SERIES

3

3

DO NOT overfill the fuel tank and avoid spilling petrol when 
refuelling. Spilled petrol or petrol vapour may ignite. If spillage 
occurs, ensure that the area is dry before starting the motor.

ENSURE that the fuel tank cap is securely fitted after refuelling.

! CHEMICAL HAZARDS

DO NOT operate or refuel a petrol motor in a confined area without 
adequate ventilation.

CARBON MONOXIDE exhaust gases from internal combustion 
motor driven units can cause death in confined spaces.

! NOISE HAZARDS

EXCESSIVE NOISE can lead to temporary or permanent loss of 
hearing.

! ADDITIONAL HAZARDS

Slip/Trip/Fall is a major cause of serious injury or death.

Beware of excess hose, the flexible shaft and water left on the 
walking or work surface.

DO NOT allow waste water to accumulate under foot.

Exercise caution and ensure that the perimeter of elevated 
formwork or platforms is protected.

Exercise care when working in the vicinity of unprotected holes or 
excavations.

OPERATION

For information on correct starting procedures refer to the engine 
manufacturers operation manual.

Before engaging the flexshaft with a petrol drive unit start the motor 
using the recoil starter, increase the speed to full throttle and allow 
it to warm up for a few minutes. (If the motor is fitted with an on/off 
switch this must first be turned ON before starting.)

Stop the motor.

Turn the bell housing trigger 180 degrees.

Insert the flexshaft coupling fully into the housing of the drive unit 
and release the trigger. 

Push the coupling into the housing and twist the flexible shaft until 
the drive dogs are fully engaged and the trigger returns to the 
horizontal position.

The motor may now be started

Drive units should be operated on a level surface. If the surface is 
not level the drive unit should be restrained to ensure that it does 
not move due to vibration or the weight of a pump and hose or 
vibrator.

CARE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Check the condition of the drive dog regularly and that the three 
tooth drive dogs are fully meshed. The position of the drive dog on 
the crank shaft is critical and should also be checked. The correct 
distance from the face of the teeth to the face of the bell housing is 
73 mm (2.875 inches).

Worn coupling housings and poorly operating triggers together with 
worn grooves in the shaft coupling will lead to a shorter operating 
life and should be replaced before they have worn excessively.

Check the oil level in the petrol motor crankcase daily.

SERVICE

Change the oil in the petrol motor crankcase regularly to minimise 
wear.

Inspect, clean and/or replace the motor air cleaner regularly, 
particularly when operating in a dusty environment.

Inspect, clean and/or replace the spark plug regularly.

CLEANING AND STORAGE

Keep the unit clean and free of concrete residue.

Ensure the cooling fins on the motor are kept unobstructed.

SPECIFICATIONS

MOTOR

DP4 -   Honda GX160   

4.1 kW output petrol

 

Robin EY20   

3.7 kW output petrol

DP6 - 

Honda GX240   

6.0 kW output petrol

GOVERNED SPEED

DP4 -   3,000 r/min

DP6 -   3,000 - 3,600 r/min

Weight (kg)

DP4 ECONOMY MODEL   DP4 STANDARD MODEL

Honda 25    Honda 28

Robin 26    Robin 28

DP6

Honda 34

SHIPPING SIZE (L X W X H)

DP4 500 mm x 446 mm x 545 mm

DP6 540 mm x 480 mm x 610 mm

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