Ride-On Scraper Daily and Weekly Maintenance

Ride-on scrapers fail in predictable places: batteries that weren't charged right, hydraulic leaks, wheels packed with carpet fiber, and dull blades. This checklist follows the service intervals for the National 5700.^[1] Always follow the manual for your model and serial range.^[2]

Every day

A few quick checks at the start or end of each day catch most problems early.

• Inspect the charger extension cord for damage. A bad cord means a battery that never fully charges.
• Check wheels, caster and wheel motors for build-up and clean them.
• Test the safety devices: e-stop, backup beeper and seat switch.
• Look for leaks at hoses and fittings.
• Blow out the fan cover under the motor after each job.^[1]
• Check the blade. Sharpen or swap it before it slows you down.

Batteries and charging

Battery care has the biggest effect on runtime and battery life.

• Fully recharge at least twice a week for maximum battery life (solid green LED on National chargers).^[1]
• Charge longer than you ran. A battery doesn't take charge back one-for-one with what it used.^[1]
• Charge in a ventilated spot away from sparks or flame. Keep the charger out of rain and pressure washers.
• Stop when the low-voltage alarm sounds. On the 5700 the alarm is at 44V and the machine shuts down at 43.5V.^[1]
• Use only the battery and charger configurations the manufacturer approves.
• If your machine has flooded lead-acid batteries, check electrolyte levels and top up with distilled water per the battery maker's instructions.

Hydraulics

The hydraulic system needs checks on an hour-based schedule.

• Fluid: Texaco Rando 46 or a compatible ISO/AW 46. The 5700 tank holds 6 gallons; a change takes about 5.5.^[1]
• Fittings are O-ring style. Tighten a leaking fitting with the right wrench, but don't over-tighten.
• Never check for leaks with your hand. Use cardboard. Pressurized fluid can inject through skin.^[1]
• Weak lift or slow travel? See Ride-on scraper hydraulic leaks and weak lift.

Monthly

Once a month, give the caster some grease.

• Grease the front caster fitting so it swivels freely.

Blades

Sharp blades make the machine work less and remove more.

• Sharpen with a 4" disk at 120 grit or finer, removing the full back-bevel. Carbide needs a green (silicon carbide) wheel. File self-scoring wings.^[1]
• Never change the cutting head or blade with the machine running. Wear gloves and glasses.
• More in Scraper blade selection.

Storage and transport

How the machine is stored and moved matters as much as how it's run.

• Before storing the machine, disconnect the battery plug, turn the breaker off, remove the blade or drop the head, and keep it somewhere dry.
• For transport, take off the blade, head and removable weights, use straps rated at least twice the machine weight, chock the wheels and put the hydraulic levers in neutral.^[1]
• The machine is back-heavy. Don't run it on steep inclines or side-hill it without power.^[1]
• Tape the wheels with wide masking tape when moving through finished areas.

Parts

These pages cover parts for National scrapers.

• National walk-behind parts and National ride-on parts
• Ride-on blades and accessories
• How to find the right replacement part

References

1. National 5700 operating and service manual
2. National Flooring Equipment manuals by model and serial range

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