Last year, I wrote about my pleasant experiences with the Hurricane canned air replacement. I gave it a fair 3 of 5 star rating for a valiant effort, but it came up short in the form of having a non-replaceable battery and a rather small “effective blowing” timespan of about 10 minutes. As a mobile product you can easily place into your toolbag, it’s a great item.
But shortly after I did the review, my colleague Ted asked me to give another alternative a try: the DataVac ED500 by MetroVac. The first thing you will notice about this device is that it is fully corded. No, it does not offer the flexibility of being uncorded and reliant on an internal battery like the Hurricane. And yes, it definitely carries a larger footprint as well as weight.

Yet for these two natural shortcomings (which don’t bother me much, as I’ll describe) the unit makes up for its heft in raw blowing power and effectiveness. The official website doesn’t list out what the mph windpower equivalent for the DataVac is, but if the Hurricane I reviewed is rated at about 200mph (at peak battery life, mind you) I am going to put a rough guess that the DataVac is pumping out about a 230-250mph wind gust.

It may be higher, as my guess is not very scientific, but I will put it this way: this sucker can definitely pump some air. Enemy front proper. The Hurricane and the DataVac may seem to be similar in wind power at face value, but keep in mind that the DataVac is corded to a wall outlet and therefore has a constant airflow concentration that the Hurricane doesn’t compare with.

I know this very well, as we keep a Hurricane in our office for one-off cleanings still, but the bulk of our PC cleaning is done by DataVacs in the field now. I will be very honest and say that we have purchased one DataVac for each full time tech on our staff, and I am close to purchasing an office DataVac so we can replace the Hurricane (as it doesn’t see much usage, as we have been spoiled by the DataVac as of late).

The DataVac in action on a customer PC at our office. It does have a cord which reduces mobility, but makes up for this limitation by providing a much shorter, and more powerful, cleaning experience compared to compressed air.

The device comes with a few different nozzle options, but to be honest, the one we use nearly weekly in the field is the cone with the thicker neck. This seems to be the perfect nozzle for clearing large amounts of computer dust out of systems in a fast manner. We don’t even take it off when it goes into our toolbags; we leave the nozzle on, and merely use a cable tie or rubber band to keep the cord tidy.

There is a power button the DataVac which controls operation, either on or off, with no other options. Very simple but it doesn’t need anything more. The DataVac also has nice rubber feet you can stand it on, which is better than placing its otherwise full-metal body onto wood furniture or flooring at customer sites.

One thing you should know is that the intake area of the DataVac at the bottom of the unit WILL get full of dust, and to a greater extent the more you are dusting in tight areas with poor ventilation. This is because you guessed it: that same dust you are blowing out of machines is just being sucked back into the unit. I was worried that this was a bad thing at first, but there is a very nice dust filter that covers the intake which you merely need to clean on a consistent basis. I tend to check it before any dusting I handle, and for bad dustings, tend to wipe it clean every 2-3 minutes.

The unit works off wall power which means it doesn’t have to be shut off to recharge, and it has a consistent strong airflow. We can usually dust out a full PC in perhaps 30-45 seconds, and servers with more intricate crevices in about 1-2 minutes. The device works wonders on dusty routers, network gear, racks, and many other IT items too.

I’m so darn impressed by the device that we even gave the unit a public recommendation to residential clients who visited us for a local library training covering basic computer maintenance in the home. Is it likely that every home client should buy a DataVac or even needs one? Wishful thinking, but a technician can only hope.

This unit has two downsides as I mentioned earlier, but they are more symptoms of the benefits than pure negatives. The unit does have some heft compared to a Hurricane, as it is built near fully out of metal except for a plastic handle and rubber feet. And second, having to find a place to plug in for power can be a challenge sometimes. But the cord is long enough where you can usually plug into a wall outlet and get some decent extension to where your equipment sits.

If that fails, carrying a short extension cord isn’t a bad idea for situations where you know power may be a problem.

Is there anything about the DataVac which would lead me to not recommend it? Absolutely not. While I wouldn’t give it a perfect rating, as I feel the handle on the device could be slightly more comfortable when used for long periods of time (my hand hurts for some reason; not sure why that is) but otherwise, it’s a dream come true.

The above PC was downright filthy when we got it into the office. This photo shows just how clean the DataVac got it – to the point where the original stickers inside the case shimmer.

Life after canned air? It does exist, and it’s called a DataVac. You can check out the near 1250 reviews on Amazon giving the product an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. And that’s the exact rating I would give this puppy. Download 3 idiots full movie in mp4 format. Drivers license barcode generator. If it were only for a more comfortable handle, it would have zero complaints from me. But for what it’s built to do, it does darn well.

We purchased all of our DataVacs outright on the web, so do not think for a moment that this review was influenced by the manufacturer of the product. My colleague Ted (shown in the above photo actually) turned me onto the product, and we haven’t looked back since. I wanted to share our thoughts about this excellent product since I know many computer repair techs are STILL shelling out money on wasteful canned air. Stop the insanity and grab yourself a DataVac.

Do you use a DataVac? What do you like or dislike about it? Let us know in the comments area below! It would be nice to hear from other technicians about their choices of cleaning products, whether it be DataVac or Hurricane or something else.

Advertisement

Summary of Contents for Hurricane X3

• Page 1 Commercial Debris Blower Operator’s Manual Patent Number 7,841,044,B1 Hurricane Inc. Muskegon, Michigan REV. 04/07/2016..

• Page 3: Table Of Contents

  Hurricane Power Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS IDENTIFICATION ........1 Record Identification Numbers .....1 INTRODUCTION ........2 Using Your Operator’s Manual .....2 Special Messages .......2 SPECIFICATIONS ........3 SAFETY ........... 4 Operator Training Required ......4 Preparation .........
• Page 4 Table of Contents Hurricane Power SERVICE .........21 Service Intervals .......21 Service Engine ......... 21 Checking Engine Oil Level ......22 Changing Engine Oil and Filter .....23 Cleaning Engine Oil Cooler and Checking Air Filter ... 23 Cleaning the Engine Oil Cooler .....23 Checking Air Filter Elements .....

• Page 5: Identification

  You will need to locate the model and serial numbers for the machine and for the engine of your machine Register this information with Hurricane Inc. by email and record the information in the spaces provided. at info@hurricane-power.com, be sure to include your contact information as well as the above data for warranty and service bulletins.

• Page 6: Introduction

  Introduction Hurricane Power INTRODUCTION Special Messages Using Your Operator’s Manual Your manual contains special messages to bring at- tention to potential safety concerns, machine damage This manual is an important part of your machine and as well as helpful operating and servicing information.

• Page 7: Specifications

  Hurricane Power Specifications SPECIFICATIONS Engine Briggs and Stratton 23hp Refer to engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual for engine specifications. Drivetrain Type Dual Hydrostatic Transaxles Hydro-Gear ZT3100 Number of Speeds Infinitely Variable Electrical System Charging System 20 Amp Ignition Flywheel magneto Starter..

• Page 8: Safety

  Safety Hurricane Power SAFETY • Check that the operator’s presence controls, safety switches and shields are attached and Operator Training Required functioning properly. DO NOT operate unless • they are functioning properly. Read the Operator’s Manual and other training material. If the operator or mechanic cannot read Operating Safely English, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain..

• Page 9: Using A Spark Arrestor

  Hurricane Power Safety Using a Spark Arrestor • Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Close deflec- The engine in this machine is equipped with a spark tors if not blowing. Watch for traffic when operat- arrestor muffler.

• Page 10: Rotating Impeller Is Dangerous

  Safety Hurricane Power Rotating Impeller is Dangerous • Keep children indoors, out of the work area, and in the watchful eye of a responsible adult, other WARNING than the operator, when a machine is being oper- ated. • Rotating impeller can cut off arms and Stay alert to the presence of children.

• Page 11: Keep Riders Off

  Hurricane Power Safety Keep Riders Off Wear Appropriate Clothing • • Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep Always wear safety goggles, or safety glasses riders off. with side shields, and a hard hat when operating the machine. •..

• Page 12: Prevent Fires

  Safety Hurricane Power NOT inflate the tires above the recommended • Disconnect battery or remove spark plugs (for pressure. Never weld or heat a wheel and tire gas engines) before making any repairs. Discon- assembly. The heat can cause an increase in air nect the negative terminal first and the positive pressure resulting in a tire explosion.

• Page 13: Handling Waste Product And Chemicals

  Hurricane Power Safety Handling Waste Product and Chemicals • Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place • Waste products, such as, used oil, fuel, coolant, containers on the ground away from your vehicle brake fluid, and batteries, can harm the environ- before fueling.

• Page 14: Decals

  Decals Hurricane Power DECALS KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY Operator Station Belt Guard DANGER WARNING CAUTION PINCH POINT Left and Right Deflectors Operator Station Bypass Valves Hydrostatic Tank EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE LIFT LEVER X3-4211 Above Operator Platform MADE WITH PRIDE U.S.A.

• Page 15: Operating

  Hurricane Power Operating OPERATING Operator Station Controls • Lets take a moment to familiarize you with the controls on the dash. A clear understanding of the operation and function of each control is essential to the safe and productive use of this machine.

• Page 16: Operator Station Controls

  Operating Hurricane Power Operator Station Controls Left Wheel Right Wheel Hydrostat Control Hydrostat Control Handle Bar Reverse Handle Bar Tach/Hour Oil Alert Meter Fuel Fill & Fuel Ignition Key Cap w/Gauge Switch Choke Throttle Control Control Front Deflector Control < Open / Close>..

• Page 17: Misc. Controls And Checks

  Hurricane Power Operating Misc. Controls and Checks Hydraulic Reservoirs & Filler (Fill to Bottom Line when Cold.) Emergency Brake Release Lever Hydro Pump Bypass Valve (one on each pump) Oil Filter Air Cleaner Oil Dipstick Fuel Filter Belt Guard Oil Fill..
• Page 18 Operating Hurricane Power Hydraulic Oil Filters One on each pump. Break-In Period: First service at 75 hours After that every 400 hours Hydraulic Pumps Change hydraulic oil every 400 hours. Hydro-Gear Hydraulic Filter P/N 425-52114 Remove Filter Guard bolts to access filter for service.

• Page 19: Testing The Safety Systems

  Hurricane Power Operating Testing the Safety Systems Turn key to the START position. The safety systems installed on your machine should Result: The engine will turn over, this means all brake be tested before each machine use. Be sure you safety switches are working properly.

• Page 20: Using The Throttle And Choke

  Operating Hurricane Power Using the Throttle and Choke Filling Fuel Tank CAUTION Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable. • Shut engine OFF before filling fuel tank. • Do not smoke while handling fuel. • Keep fuel away from flames or sparks.

• Page 21: Transaxle Bypass Valve

  Hurricane Power Operating Park machine safely. Allow engine to cool. Transaxle Bypass Valve Engaged Remove any debris from around fuel tank cap/ gauge area. After moving the machine, pull cable sideways allowing cable to retract and disengage transaxle Remove fuel tank cap/gauge slowly to allow any bypass valve.

• Page 22: Using The Hydrostatic Motion Controls

  Operating Hurricane Power Using the Hydrostatic Motion Controls CAUTION This is the FORWARD travel position. The travel Avoid injury! Learn the proper use of the speed is dependant on how far forward the controls motion control levers and practice at low are pushed.

• Page 23: Using The Blower And The Deflector Controls

  Hurricane Power Operating Using the Blower and the Deflector Controls CAUTION Avoid injury and property damage! DO NOT position discharge where it will blow de- bris towards people, vehicles, buildings or other objects in vicinity. Flying debris may damage, harm, or cause injury to people or objects in air flow range.
• Page 24 Operating Hurricane Power NOTE: The deflectors can be set in any position be- tween OPEN and CLOSED. Gear Rack Deflector Motor Halfway Front Deflector Right Discharge Chute Deflector Open With a little time and experience, an operator can be- come proficient in setting the deflectors at the opti- mum positions for the task.

• Page 25: Service

  Hurricane Power Service SERVICE Service Intervals Use the following schedule to perform routine maintenance on your machine. Break-In Every First Every Every Service Item (After First Annually 40 Hours 75 Hours 100 Hours 400 Hours 10 Hours) Change engine oil and filter..

• Page 26: Checking Engine Oil Level

  Service Hurricane Power Checking Engine Oil Level Park machine safely. IMPORTANT: Avoid Engine Damage! Failure to check Check when engine is cool before use or allow the oil level daily could lead to serious engine prob- engine to cool. lems if oil level is low.

• Page 27: Changing Engine Oil And Filter

  Hurricane Power Service Changing Engine Oil and Filter IMPORTANT: Make sure engine and exhaust system is cool before proceeding. The oil filter is located on IMPORTANT: Avoid Damage! Change the oil more the left side of the engine. often if the machine is used in extreme conditions: 10.

• Page 28: Checking Air Filter Elements

  Service Hurricane Power Checking Air Filter Elements Fuel Shut Off Fuel Filter IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris can en- ter the engine through a damaged filter element: • Do not wash paper element. • Do not attempt to clean paper element by tapping against another object.

• Page 29: Checking Engine Cooling Intake And Fan

  Hurricane Power Service Checking Engine Cooling Intake and Fan Checking Carburetor Adjustment IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! An obstructed air in- The carburetor is designed to deliver the correct fuel- take screen can cause engine damage due to over- to-air mixture to the engine under all operating condi- heating.

• Page 30: Changing Hydraulic Oil And Filters, Zt-3100

  Service Hurricane Power Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard. Protect Remove toe kick to access the hydraulic filters, hands and body from high pressure fluids. set aside. IMPORTANT: Check oil level in reservoir tank when Hydraulic Oil Filter oil is cold.

• Page 31: Purging Procedure

  Hurricane Power Service 16. Remove the cap from the expansion tank, fill with 21. Engage neutral bypass valves. Mobil 1 15W50 or equivalent motor oil until oil just appears at the bottom of each transaxle’s purge 22. Start engine and idle up to 1800 rpm. Disengage port (approximately 2.5 qts.

• Page 32: Impeller Removal And Inspection

  Service Hurricane Power Impeller Removal and Inspection Changing Drive Belt Use this procedure to inspect or replace a broken im- Park machine on a level surface. Remove key. peller. Allow machine to cool. Never perform work on a Park machine on a level surface. Remove key.

• Page 33: Service Brakes

  Hurricane Power Service Service Brakes Thread the new belt over the pulleys in the correct routing (Refer to Drive Belt Routing diagram). Use 3/4 wrench to replace the tensions on the There is no serviceable brake adjustment, the brakes belt.

• Page 34: Service Motion Controls

  Service Hurricane Power Service Motion Controls Adjusting Motion Controls - Checking Neutral Center Adjusting the Motion Controls Choose a hard, level surface to perform this test. Park machine safely. Stop engine. Mount the machine. Start engine. Release the parking brake by tipping the handles down.
• Page 35 Hurricane Power Service If left drive wheel rotates forward, rotate the neu- tral plate clockwise. If left drive wheel rotates backward, rotate the neutral plate counterclockwise. If right drive wheel rotates forward, rotate the neu- tral plate counterclockwise. If right drive wheel rotates backward, rotate the neutral plate clockwise.

• Page 36: Service Tires

  Service Hurricane Power Service Tires Checking Tire Pressure Removing and Installing Rear Drive Wheels CAUTION Removing: Avoid injury! Explosive separation of tire Park machine safely. and rim is possible when serviced incor- rectly: Do not attempt to mount a tire with-..

• Page 37: Service Electrical

  Hurricane Power Service Service Electrical Removing and Installing Battery Replacing Fuse CAUTION IMPORTANT Avoid injury! Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid. It is poisonous and can cause serious burns. Avoid Damage! Help prevent machine elec- trical damage. Make sure replacement fuse is the correct rating.

• Page 38: Cleaning Battery And Terminals

  Service Hurricane Power Using Booster Battery or Jump Starting Thumb Screw CAUTION Avoid injury! The battery produces a flam- mable and explosive gas. The battery may explode. • Do not smoke or have open flame near battery. • Wear eye protection and gloves.

• Page 39: Troubleshooting

  Hurricane Power Troubleshooting TROUBLESHOOTING Using the Troubleshooting Chart If you are experiencing a problem that is not listed in this chart, refer to the engine manufacturer’s own- er’s manual provided with your machine for trouble- shooting or contact your authorized service center.
• Page 40 Troubleshooting Hurricane Power Engine overheats • Clean cooling fins. • Clean engine cooling air intake screen. • Low oil level. • Do not operate at slow idle. Operate at faster idle. • Plugged engine air intake filter. Engine lacks power •..
• Page 41 Hurricane Power Troubleshooting Machine will not move with engine running • Parking brake ENGAGED. • Transmission oil level low. • Transmission oil cold. Allow machine to warm up. • Pump drive belt slipping or broken. • Pump free-wheel valves open.

• Page 42: Storage

  Storage Hurricane Power STORAGE Preparing Fuel and Engine For Storage Storing Machine Safety Fuel: CAUTION If you have been using “Stabilized Fuel,” add stabi- lized fuel to tank until the tank is full. Turn OFF fuel shutoff. Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable.

• Page 43: Removing Machine From Storage

  Hurricane Power Storage Removing Machine From Storage Engine storage: Change engine oil and filter while engine is warm. Check tire pressure. Service air filter if necessary. Check engine oil level. Clean debris from engine air intake screen. Check battery. Charge battery if necessary.