WARNING
To prevent explosion, serious injury, and death:
• Service of air conditioning systems must
be done only by trained and experienced
technician to avoid overfilling.
• Technicians opening refrigeration circuit in
automotive air conditioning systems MUST be
certified in refrigerant recovery and recycling
procedures in compliance with section 609 of
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
For additional information regarding ozone
depletion and air conditioning service regulations,
visit EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/ozone
20V Brushless Cordless Two Stage Vacuum Pump
Model
HC1011B
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and
understand Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1-888-866-5797
as soon as possible. Reference 59438.
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
23g
Battery and Charger Sold Separately
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59438
Table of Contents
Safety ......................................................... 2
Specifications ............................................. 6
Setup .......................................................... 7
Operation .................................................... 7
Maintenance ............................................... 8
Parts List and Diagram .............................. 10
Warranty ....................................................12
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Read all safety warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result
in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for
future reference.
The term ″power tool″ in the warnings refers to your
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Work area safety
1. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases or dust.
Power tools create sparks which
may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. Keep children and bystanders
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
4. NEVER use this Vacuum Pump to vent
refrigerants into the air. It is illegal and
harmful to the environment to do so.
Electrical safety
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase
the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety
1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool.
Do not use a power tool while you are tired
or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or
medication. A moment of inattention while operating
power tools may result in serious personal injury.
2. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear
eye protection. Safety equipment such as
dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat,
or hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.
3. Only use safety equipment that has been
approved by an appropriate standards agency.
Unapproved safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection must be
ANSI-approved and breathing protection
must be NIOSH-approved for the
specific hazards in the work area.
Power tool use and care
1. Use the correct power tool for your application.
The correct power tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.
2. Do not use the power tool if the Switch
does not turn it on and off.
Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the
Switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
3. Disconnect the battery pack from the
power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power
tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar
with the power tool or these instructions
to operate the power tool. Power tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
5. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment
or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts
and any other condition that may affect the
power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
6. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc. in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use of the
power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59438
Service
1. Have your power tool serviced by a
qualified repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the
safety of the power tool is maintained.
2. Never service damaged BATTERY packs. Service
of BATTERY packs should only be performed by
the manufacturer or authorized service providers.
3. Maintain labels and nameplates on
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Battery tool use and care
1. Recharge only with the charger specified by
the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable
for one type of battery pack may create a risk
of fire when used with another battery pack.
2. Use power tools only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
3. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from other metal objects, like paper clips,
coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal
objects, that can make a connection from
one terminal to another. Shorting the battery
terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
4. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be
ejected from the battery; avoid contact.
If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water.
If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help. Liquid ejected from the
battery may cause irritation or burns.
5. Do not use a battery pack or power tool that
is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified
batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior
resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
6. Do not expose a battery pack or power tool to
fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or
temperature above 140°F may cause explosion.
7. Follow all charging instructions and do
not charge the battery pack or power tool
outside of the temperature range specified
in the instructions. Charging improperly or at
temperatures outside of the specified range may
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
8. For use only with Hercules 20V battery.
9. Do not modify or attempt to repair the power
tool or the battery pack except as indicated
in the instructions for use and care.
Vacuum Pump Specific
Safety Warnings
1. Avoid overfilling. Do not service air
conditioning systems improperly.
2. Read manual before set up and/or use.
3. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles
during set up and/or use.
4. Certification is required by law for technicians
opening refrigeration circuit.
5. Use in dry locations only.
6. Do not cover this unit. This Vacuum Pump gets very
hot when in use. Do not use near combustibles
and allow the unit to cool down completely after
using, and/or before moving or storage.
7. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
8. Do not leave the tool unattended when the
Battery Pack is connected. Turn off the tool,
and remove the Battery Pack before leaving.
9. The battery Charger gets hot during use. The
Charger’s heat can build up to unsafe levels and
create a fire hazard if it does not receive adequate
ventilation, due to an electrical fault, or if it is used in
a hot environment.
Do not place the Charger on a flammable surface.
Do not obstruct any vents on the Charger.
Especially avoid placing the Charger on carpets
and rugs; they are not only flammable, but they
also obstruct vents under the Charger.
Place the Charger on a stable, solid, nonflammable
surface (such as a stable metal workbench
or concrete floor) at least 1 foot away from
all flammable objects, such as drapes or
walls. Keep a fire extinguisher and a smoke
detector in the area. Frequently monitor the
Charger and Battery Pack while charging.
10. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
11. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in
close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
12. The warnings, precautions, and instructions
discussed in this instruction manual cannot
cover all possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this product,
but must be supplied by the operator.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59438
Lithium Battery Safety Warnings
LITHIUM BATTERIES
STORE A LARGE AMOUNT
OF ENERGY AND WILL
VENT FIRE OR EXPLODE IF MISTREATED:
1. Keep Battery Pack dry.
2. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
TO THE BATTERY PACK:
• Open,
• Drop,
• Short-circuit,
• Puncture,
• Incinerate, or
• Expose to temperatures greater than 140°F.
3. Charge Battery Pack only according to instructions.
4. Inspect Battery Pack before every use;
do not use or charge if damaged.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59438
GROUNDING
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND
DEATH
FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING
WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt
as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do
not modify the power cord plug provided with the
tool. Never remove the grounding prong from the
plug. Do not use the tool if the power cord or plug is
damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service
facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet,
have a proper outlet installed by a
qualified electrician.
Extension Cords
Extension cords must not be used
with this item’s Charger.
Symbology
V
Volts
Direct Current
A
Amperes
n
0
xxxx/min.
No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.
Read the manual before
set-up and/or use.
WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover Charger
ventilation ducts.
Charge on fireproof surface only.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Explosion.
Do not puncture, short, or open
battery packs and do not charge
damaged battery packs.
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59438
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Type
Hercules 20V Li-Ion 57373
(sold separately)
Charger Type
Hercules 20V Li-Ion 56559
(sold separately)
Air Displacement 2 CFM
Fittings 3/8″ SAE, 1/4" SAE, 1/2" ACME
Ultimate Vacuum 23 microns
Oil Capacity 4.4 Ounces (130 ml)
Warning Symbols and Definitions
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not
related to personal injury.
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59438
SETUP - BEFORE USE:
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Functional Description
Inlet Fitting
5/8-18UNF
(3/8" Flare)
Power Switch
(hidden from
this angle)
Oil Fill
Cap
Oil Drain
Plug
Oil Sight
Glass
Isolation
Valve
Inlet Fitting
1/2-16ACME
Inlet Fitting
7/16-20UNF
(1/4" flare)
Power Button
(with light)
OPERATION
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Tool Set Up
1. Before operating the Vacuum Pump, check the oil
level by placing the Vacuum Pump on a flat, level
surface. Observe the Oil Sight Glass. The oil
should be at the fill line on the Oil Sight Glass.
• A Low oil level will affect the
performance of the pump.
• Too much oil will cause oil to
leak from the exhaust.
2. If oil is needed, unscrew the Oil Fill Cap and add oil.
Use a low viscosity vacuum pump oil (i.e., HFV-46).
3. Inspect the sealing O-ring each time the Oil
Fill Cap is removed. Look for tears, cracks,
and other damage. Replace if needed.
4. Replace the Oil Fill Cap and tighten securely to
prevent oil from escaping under pressure during use.
Workpiece and Work Area Set Up
1. Designate a work area that is clean and well-
lit. The work area must not allow access by
children or pets to prevent distraction and injury.
2. Vehicle exhaust fumes and accumulated
refrigerant gas can kill you. Do not operate
vehicle’s engine or service air conditioner
in enclosed or poorly ventilated area.
3. Set the vehicle’s parking brake, block the tires, and
set the vehicle’s transmission to neutral or park.
Charging Battery Pack
Charge battery after unpacking and before
using this tool. Follow instructions included
with battery charger (sold separately).
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59438
General Operation
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH
FROM EXPLOSION:
Service of air conditioning systems must
be done only by trained and experienced
technician to avoid overfilling.
Technicians opening refrigeration circuit in
automotive air conditioning systems MUST be
certified in refrigerant recovery and recycling
procedures in compliance with section 609
of Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. For
additional information regarding ozone depletion
and air conditioning service regulations,
visit EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/ozone
1. Before operating the Vacuum Pump, check the oil
level as explained under Tool Set Up on page 7.
2. Use only one Inlet Fitting at a time. Keep the
other Fittings capped while not in use.
3. Turn the vehicle/appliance and AC system OFF.
4. As appropriate, attach the R-12, R-22, or R-134A
manifold to the AC drain port of the vehicle/appliance.
This is a “quick release” fitting. The drain port is
generally the lower of the two manifold ports and will
be located downstream from the compressor in the
vehicle/appliance. Refer to the vehicle/appliance
owner’s manual for vehicle-specific information.
5. Attach an AC refrigerant recovery
system and drain the refrigerant.
6. After reaching 26 to 28 in/hg vacuum,
stop and disconnect the recovery system.
7. Turn the Switch ON.
8. The vacuum will build for approximately 2 minutes
before reaching full power. Allow the Pump to
operate for at least 10 minutes to thoroughly
remove all moisture from the system.
9. The Gauge (not included) should show negative
pressure and maintain that reading for 10 minutes.
If, during that time the pressure reading rises back
toward “0”, there may be a leak in the system.
10. Close all valves on the Manifold (sold separately),
and turn the Switch OFF before disconnecting
the hose from the vacuum fitting.
11. Allow the Vacuum Pump to completely
cool before wiping down and storing
indoors out of children’s reach.
NOTE: The process is the same for both
vehicle and other refrigeration systems.
Maintenance and Servicing
Procedures not specifically explained
in this manual must be performed
only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the tool off and unplug the
tool from its electrical outlet before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL
FAILURE:
Do not use damaged equipment.
If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have
the problem corrected before further use.
Cleaning, Maintenance,
and Lubrication
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general
condition of the tool. Check for:
• loose hardware,
• misalignment or binding of moving parts,
• cracked or broken parts,
• damaged electrical wiring, and
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
3. Li-Ion BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED
OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. Do not
short, incinerate or open battery.
4. Disconnect battery pack and store battery pack,
charger, and tool in dry, indoor area out of
reach of children and away from metal objects
(i.e., paperclips, coins) to prevent shorting.
5. Change the oil when it becomes cloudy to keep
the pump operating at optimum performance.
Follow Tool Set Up instructions on page 7.
Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59438
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Battery Pack not properly
connected.
2. Battery Pack not properly charged.
3. Battery Pack stopped working.
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Switch, for example.)
1. Remove Battery Pack, make sure there are
no obstructions, clean battery contacts on
tool, reinsert the Battery Pack according to its
shape (it should only fit one way), and press
firmly until the Battery Pack locks in place.
2. Make sure Charger is connected and
operating properly. Give enough time for
Battery Pack to recharge properly.
3. Dispose of old Battery Pack
properly or recycle. Replace Battery Pack.
4. Have technician service tool.
Tool operates slowly. Battery Pack wearing out. Dispose of old Battery Pack properly or recycle.
Replace Battery Pack.
Excessive noise/
rattling.
Internal damage or wear. Have technician service tool.
Low vacuum. 1. Secondary air inlet
connection cap loose.
2. Damaged O-ring inside
the connection cap.
3. Oil level is low.
4. Oil has become cloudy
or too impure.
5. Oil pump is clogged or there
is insufficient oil supply.
6. Connection hoses or
manifold has a leak.
1. Tighten the connection cap.
2. Replace O-ring.
3. Add oil until it is at the full line.
4. Change the oil.
5. Clean the oil filter and the oil entry hole.
6. Inspect connection hose gaskets and
the manifold and repair leaks.
Oil leak. 1. Oil seal damaged.
2. Oil box connections
loose or damaged.
1. Replace oil seal.
2. Replace O-rings and tighten
the connecting screws.
Oil spray. 1. Oil level too high.
2. Inlet pressure is excessive
for a long period of time.
1. Remove oil until level with fill line.
2. Use the appropriate pump,
increase pumping speed.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect Battery Pack and Charger power supply before service.
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available
individually as replacement parts. Specify UPC 193175470980 when ordering parts.
Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59438
PARTS LIST AND DIAGRAM
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR
MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE
ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY
STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND
LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY
ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS
THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
Parts List
Part Description Qty
1 Oil Drain Plug 1
2 Oil Housing 1
3 Exhaust Cap 1
4 O-ring 1
5 Pump Body 1
6 Mounting Plate 1
7 Handle 1
8 Inlet Port 1
Part Description Qty
9 Motor Stator 1
10 Thermal Protector 1
11 Motor Rotor 1
12 Fan Blade 1
13 Rear Cover 1
14 Start Button 1
15 Upper Baseplate 1
16 PCB 1
17 Bottom Baseplate 1
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available
individually as replacement parts. Specify UPC 193175470980 when ordering parts.
Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59438
Assembly Diagram
26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This Hercules tool is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of five (5) years beginning on the date of purchase. This warranty does not
cover battery packs and battery chargers, which are covered under separate warranties. To obtain
warranty service, visit your local Harbor Freight retail store. Warranty registration is not required. The
product or part must be returned to us with proof of purchase (e.g. in-store receipt or packing slip/invoice)
and may require shipment by purchaser to a service center at purchaser’s expense. If our inspection
verifies a covered defect in materials or workmanship during the warranty period, we will, at our option,
repair or replace the defective product. We will return repaired products within a reasonable time at our
expense, but if we determine that there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within
the scope of our warranty, then we will return the product to you if you pay return shipping costs.
This warranty does not cover any failure or damage that we determine is due directly or indirectly
to normal wear and tear, misuse, use not for the intended purpose or not in accordance with the
product manual, abuse, accident, rental, modification or alteration, unauthorized repair, improper
installation, neglect, lack of maintenance, or any other failure not arising from defective materials or
workmanship. Fraudulent returns or claims will be denied. The repair or replacement described in this
warranty shall be your sole and exclusive remedy. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU
OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR ORAL, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW AND OTHERWISE LIMITED TO THE
DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN. HARBOR FREIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR COSTS ARISING FROM THIS WARRANTY OR THE USE OF THIS
PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THESE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL
RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
