Operator's Manual

The Operator's Manual is available below or you can download manual in PDF format (.pdf, 471KB).

Technical Assistance
If in doubt, please contact your local distributor or Aerosweep in Australia Assistance via email at email fodboss@aerosweep.com or call +61 (0) 3 9894 2100.

Operator's Manual

Select a section:

Introduction — Getting to know your FOD*BOSS Sweeper

The FOD*BOSS is an extremely efficient, high speed, FOD ( Foreign Object Debris) Sweeping system, however please read this manual before operating, and note the following precautions;

  1. Do not rely upon The FOD*BOSS to remove 100% of debris, 100% of the time. Some FOD may remain even after use, and some areas may be missed by the operator.The FOD*BOSS is also not designed to collect large sized FOD which will not fit through the collecting scoops.A thorough check of the pavement should always be conducted at
    the conclusion of each sweeping procedure.
  2. The FOD*BOSS should be used with care around parked or moving aircraft, people, and other objects, especially in windy conditions.The FOD*BOSS can be subject to winds and drafts causing it to move and strike stationery or moving objects.
    Observe all recommended safety measures and safe working distances that may apply.
  3. A Retention Cable is available which retains The FOD*BOSS to the vehicle even if released by the Tow Hitch due to hitting an obstruction. When using this cable, and at all times, it is important to avoid areas with immovable obstructions as severe damage to The FOD*BOSS may occur.
  4. Refer page 4 of this manual for installation instructions before using your FOD*BOSS.

Section 1 — Installation of Tow Hitch and Sweeper

Installation instructions:
  1. Review Sections 10 and 11 to identify the correct tow adaptors and fittings required for your vehicle and attach the tow hitch (-01).
  2. Adjust the height of the tow hitch (-01) so that the bottom of the bump wheel is approximately 10 cm (4”) clear of the ground. Refer to notes below on towing heights.
  3. To connect the sweeper, place the tow handle into the hitch release slot at the bottom of the tow hitch (-01). (Make sure the instructions on the sweeper assembly (-0) are face up and the yellow shake handles are visible).

WARNING

The Tow Hitch release is spring-loaded and should never be dismantled.

WARNING

Prior to commencement of sweeping, it is essential to locate, remove, repair or avoid immovable or sharp projections in the pavement. Failure to do so may result in damage to the sweeper assembly.Do not operate without first thoroughly checking unfamiliar surfaces - NEVER operate without the tow hitch.

IMPORTANT

Cable (part #FB2400-100) retains The FOD*BOSS to the vehicle even if it is released by the Tow Hitch due to hitting an obstruction.However, if using this cable, and at all times,avoid immovable obstructions as severe damage may occur.

Towing height:The tow hitch is designed for vehicles with towing heights within the range of 300 mm to 500 mm (12"to 20").Vehicles with higher towing heights of up to 700 mm (28") will require a Hitch Extender (HD8-66) to enable the correct tow hitch height adjustment.

NOTE: The towing height is the distance from the pavement to the centre of the vehicle towing point.

Section 2 — Operation

Tow the sweeper over the area to be cleaned.The operating speed range is 6 km/h (4 mph) to 40 km/h (25 mph). For maximum debris collection and service life, 15 km/h (10 mph) to 25 km/h (16 mph) is recommended.

If debris is collecting on top of the sweeper, increase the tow hitch (-01) height. If the sweeper assembly is "flying" reduce the tow hitch height and / or fit Tow HandleWeight (-98).

IMPORTANT

To maximise service life and debris collection, it is important to empty the sweeper at regular intervals. Do not allow collected debris in the pockets to exceed one quarter full.Do not allow to overload. Overloading can be recognised when debris is seen to spill during operation.

The FOD*BOSS is not designed to operate in reverse. DO NOT BACK UP.

Wearing in:

During the first few hours of operation the FOD*BOSS will wear in. During this period the rate of wear to the underside of the collecting scoops may appear greater than expected. This is a normal wearing in process necessary for the FOD*BOSS to attain the maximum degree of collection efficiency.

CAUTION

The FOD*BOSS is suitable for all smooth surfaces and some rougher surfaces.

Coarse spray chip seal may cause damage and/or excessive wear and should be avoided.

Section 3 — Emptying

When stopping, slow down smoothly to prevent forward spill of collected debris.

  1. With the FOD*BOSS connected to the tow vehicle, lift the edge of the sweeper furthest from the vehicle by the yellow shake handles and shake out the collected debris.
  2. Carry the empty FOD*BOSS at right angles to one side of the vehicle and place flat on the pavement.
  3. You may sweep or vacuum up the collected debris and place in a receptacle or:
  4. Youmay drive on and return to the same accumulation point several times before sweeping or vacuuming up the collected debris.

NOTE: DO NOT remove theMesh Cover to empty the FOD*BOSS.Only remove theMesh Cover when necessary to aid in the removal of debris such as wire thatmay become trapped in the mesh capture zones. If the Mesh Cover is removed when wet and allowed to dry it may shrink, and be difficult to re-fit. Should this occur, soak the Mesh Cover in water for 30 minutes and re-fit while wet.

IMPORTANT

A thorough check of the pavement should always be conducted at the conclusion of each sweeping procedure.

Section 4 — Maintenance

Cleaning is usually not necessary, but if required,wash the sweeper with water and a water-based detergent.The mesh cover is removable,and may shrink if allowed to dry whilst unattached to the FOD*BOSS sweeper. If this occurs soak the Mesh Cover in water for 30 minutes before refitting whilst still wet.

CAUTION Do not use petroleum, spirit-based or caustic cleaning agents.

Tracking wheels

Tracking wheels should be checked before and after each sweeping operation and any grit or sand removed to ensure free rotation. Wheels must be replaced when they are worn to a minimum thickness of 1 cm (3/8”) measured to the under side of the wheel carrier.

Sweeper assembly repair instructions:

Holes and tears in the mat backing may be repaired using the FOD*BOSS repair webbing as follows:

  1. Thoroughly clean the latex backing around the area to be repaired and allow to dry.
  2. Cut enough webbing to cover the damaged area plus 25 mm (1”) extra all around.Heat-seal the cut ends of the webbing.
  3. Coat one side of the webbing and the corresponding area of the latex backing with a thin even film of Permatex Weatherstrip Adhesive (or recommended alternative).
  4. Allow to dry until tacked-up.The length of time will depend upon atmospheric conditions and can be determined by placing a small section of the webbing against the latex backing. When the webbing is pulled away, strips of adhesive will be apparent. If no backing or holding power has developed, wait 5 minutes, re-checking every few minutes thereafter.
  5. Press the webbing over the latex backing and work out any air bubbles.
  6. Water contact with the adhesive should be prevented for 48 hours.

WARNING

  • Permatex Weatherstrip Adhesive is extremely flammable, harmful or fatal if swallowed. Vapour harmful. Contains Toluene,Methyl Ethyl Ketone, and Acetone.
  • Keep away from children.
  • Use in accordance with material safety data sheet.
  • Technical information is available from Aerosweep Assistance.

Section 5 — Storage

To ensure maximum life and efficiency of your FOD*BOSS always roll up tightly starting with the front, or handle end as follows :

  1. Make sure the sweeper is dry.
  2. Fold tow handle sideways and fold front panel.
  3. Continue folding toward the rear.
  4. Once you reach the fourth row, fold the rear wheels forward.
  5. Continue folding and place in carry bag.
  6. Store undercover, above 0° Celsius.

IMPORTANT

Should it be necessary to store the sweeper for drying out purposes, and not in it’s carry bag, it is important to prevent the collection scoops from distortion by lying right side up and FLAT. It may be folded in a concertina style but kept on a flat plane.

Section 6 — Long-term storage

Normal dry undercover warehouse storage is recommended.

Section 7 — Transportation

  • The FOD*BOSS should be rolled up and firmly secured inside the carry bag.
  • To transport, the FOD*BOSS must be supported over the entire length to prevent bending.
  • Top loading is desirable.

Section 8 — Dimensions and weights

When stored dry in the carry bag, the FOD*BOSS dimensions are approximately:

Length 8’ 2500 mm
Width 12” 300 mm
Height 10” 250 mm

 

Weight of the FOD*BOSS and hardware:

FOD*BOSS (excluding tow hitch) packaged in shipping carton 68 lbs 31 kg
Tow Hitch 10 lbs 4.5 kg
Pintle Hook Adaptor 7 lbs 3 kg
Hitch Extender 2 lbs 1 kg
Duplex Hitch Bar 24 lbs 11 kg
Coupler Adaptor 9 lbs 4 kg
50mm Tow Adaptor 3 lbs 1.5 kg

 

Shipping Dimensions: FOD*BOSS Tow Hitch / Hardware
Length 8'4" 256 cm 20" 49 cm
Width 12" 32 cm 10" 25 cm
Height 9" 23 cm 9" 22 cm

 

Shipping Dimensions: Triplex / Duplex Trailer (FB2400-82)

Length: 1 x 256cm x 32cm x 23cm 8’4” x 12” x 9” Weight: 47kg 103lbs
  1 x 116cm x 32cm x 23cm 46” x 12” x 9”   15kg 33lbs

 

Shipping Dimensions: Duplex Bar (FB2400-57)

Length: 171cm x 7cm x 6cm 67” x 3” x 2.5” Weight: 10kg 22lbs


NOTE
:
If circumstances require storage when wet then weight may increase.

Section 9 — Pintle Hook Adaptor and Coupler Adaptor

Initial fitting instructions

  1. Loosen the cam bolt allowing the cam handle to hang down. Fit the Pintle Hook Adaptor or Coupler Adaptor to the open hitch. Close the hitch and centralise the adaptor. Screw in the stabliser bolts until just clear of the latch (Pintle Hook Adaptor only).
  2. Hold the Pintle Hook Adaptor or Coupler Adaptor body firmly against the vehicle hitch mount. Allow the cam handle to hang down and slide the cam assembly securely against the inside of the pintle hook or coupler horn. Tighten the cam bolt firmly but not fully tight.
  3. With the locking pin in place rotate the cam handle up to contact the underside of the locking pin. Tighten the cam bolt fully.
  4. Remove the locking pin, pull the cam handle up and lock in place with the pin.
  5. For Pintle Hook Adaptor only:-
    Screw in the stabiliser bolts against each side of the latch then back off one turn. Tighten lock nuts.

The Adaptor can now be locked in place or removed quickly by rotating the cam handle up or down.

Section 10 — Tow Adaptors & Accessories

Section 11 — Tow Adaptors required for single operation

Section 12 — Common part numbers and illustration page index

PART
(FB2400-)
PAGE
(SECTION)
DESCRIPTION  
-0 16 FOD*BOSS Sweeper Assemblage including storage bar
-01 15 Hitch Assembly Excludes Tow Adaptor
-06 11 Tow Adaptor to suit Goose Neck Ball
-07 11 Tow Adaptor to suit 50mm (2") Ball
-07T 11 Tug Adaptor
-08 11 50 – 44.5mm Reducer Sleeve For 1 3/4"Tow Pin
-09 11 50 – 25.4mm Reducer Sleeve For 1"Tow Pin
-32 16 Mesh Cover
-40 19 Carry / Storage Bag
-48 19 Triplex / Duplex Trailer Tow Ring Adaptor
-57 18 Duplex Hitch Bar
-61 20 Duplex Hitch Bar Tow Adaptor Square receiver
-66 11 Hitch Extender
-67 10 Pintle Hook Adaptor
-78 20 Duplex Pintle Hook Adaptor
-79 11 Hitch Lifter
-80 10 Coupler Adaptor
-81 16 Can Catcher
-82 17&18 Triplex / Duplex Trailer
-98 11 Tow Handle Weight
-99 20 Duplex Tow Ball Adaptor Suits 50mm (2”) Ball
-100 11 Retention Cable
-102 19 Trailer 50mm Coupler Adaptor

 

Section 13 — Can Catcher / Triplex Operation / Sweeper Assembly

Section 14 — Triplex / Duplex Trailer – in Duplex configuration

IMPORTANT TOW HEIGHT SETTING FOR TRIPLEX / DUPLEX TRAILER

To avoid premature wear of the rear pivot wheel there must be down load on the rear wheel to ensure straight tracking. Please take the following steps to achieve the correct load.

  1. With the trailer unhitched adjust the tow adaptor to be level with the tow ball or tow point of the vehicle which would result in a neutral load if hitched, i.e. no down or up load on
    the tow point.
  2. Re-adjust the adaptor down 3 holes on the trailer.When hitched this will cause down load on the rear wheel of the trailer.
  3. Observe the rear wheel when in use. It must track straight without fishtailing.

Triplex / Duplex Trailer towing options

Section 15 — Duplex Hitch Operation

Vehicles with 50mm Square Tow Receiver

The Duplex Hitch Assembly (-57) fits to a standard 50mm square tow receiver.Tow Hitch Assemblies (-01) and two Tow Adaptors (-07) are required to attach to the Duplex Hitch Assembly.

Vehicles with a Pintle Hook or Coupler

A Duplex Pintle Adaptor (-78) is used instead of the Square Tow Adaptor (-61)

Download Operators Manual in PDF format (.pdf, 471KB).