FRUITLAND

VACUUM PUMP

O P E R AT I O N A N D M AI N T E N A N C E

MANUAL

RCF 250*370*500*800 AND 1200

Models
ATTENTION

Read owners manual fully before operating pump.

Failure to do so can result in severe
Pump damage and may void warranty.

FRUITLAND TOOL & MANUFACTURING

Manufacturers of Rotary Vacuum Pumps
And Vacuum Systems Accessories

1600 EAST WATERLOO ROAD AKRON, OHIO 44306

PHONE (330) 699-4491
FAX (330) 654-0756
WEB SITE: http://www.heritagetruck.com

This is the

SERIAL NUMBER of YOUR PUMP

PREFACE
This Manual is given with your pump to help operators and
owners to understand the working and maintenance of your
newly acquired unit.
Please familiarize yourself and any operator with the contents
of this booklet, and keep a record of the serial number handy,
should you need any parts or information in the future.
We at FRUITLAND are committed to quality, reliability, and
guaranteed performance.
(DEALERS STAMP)

PURCHASED FROM:

DATE:

.................................................................
MM
/
DD
/
YY

Certificate of guarantee and inspection:

Model No. ...................................................
Serial No. ...................................................
Date Purchased ................................................
Our Product is guaranteed for 2 years in accordance with the warranty provisions
described on the reverse side.
To put this guarantee into effect the card at the back of this manual must be filled out
immediately and returned to:
Heritage Truck Equipment
1600 East Waterloo Road
Akron, Ohio 44306

Telephone No. (905) 662-6552

1-800-663-9003
Fax No. (905) 662-5412

NOTICE WARRANTY CLAIM

In the event of pump failure while pump is still under warranty, pumps are to
be returned to factory without dismantling or other alterations for warranty
assessment. Violation of this condition will void warranty. All shipping costs
are the customers responsibility.

Thank you for purchasing a Fruitland Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump. Our quality control
program has been developed to ensure this vacuum pump and its compoments are free
from defects in materials and workmanship. With proper maintenance and operation your
Fruitland pump should give many years of trouble free use.
Please read the owners manual completely before operating your new Fruitland pump.

WARRANTY

If during the 2 year period from the purchase date and the return of the warranty card, the
pump is found to be not operatinf properly, we will repair the pump free of charge,
providing the pump is returned without dismantling or altering it in any way to our plant or
to one of our authorized distributors and the problem is determined to have been caused
by defect(s) in the pump materials or workmanship.
Rotary vane vacuum pumps are designed to pump air only! A properly designed Vacuum
system will have filters and shutoffs installed, and a maintenance program Implemented to
ensure that liquids, solids, or dirt are not allowed to enter the pump. If Foreign material
enters the pump severe wear and damage will occur.
This Warranty Does Not Cover:
A.
Repairs as a result of misuse, accident, lack of required maintenance, or
improper operation.
B.
Normal wear (eg.) vanes.
C.
Repairs as a result of an improperly designed vacuum system, improper
installation, or foreign material entering the pump.

Disclaimer
To the extent the law permits, Fruitland disclaims any responsibility for loss of time or use
of the product, transportation, or any other indirect, incidental, or consequential damage,
inconveience, or commercial loss.

Heritage Truck Equipment customer service can be reached at

Telephone: (330) 699-4491
Fascimile: (330) 564-0756
E-mail:sales@heritagetruck.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

PAGE

Name Plate, General Instructions .....................................................................

Drive Direction ..................................................................................................

Maintenance - Lubrication.................................................................................

Cooling, Accessories ........................................................................................

Measuring Vane Wear ......................................................................................

Piping, Non-Return Valve, Technical Data ........................................................

Vane Replacements..........................................................................................

6, 7

Recording Table for Vane Checks ....................................................................

Flushing Procedure...........................................................................................

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................

10

MONTH/YEAR BUILT

WORKING SPEED

PUMP MODEL

SERIAL NUMBER

INSTALLATION
LIFTING:

Lift pump by eyebolts, if provided, or with slings around body of

pump to close legs.

MOUNTING:

Secure pump unit to flat sturdy surface with four bolts, washers
and lockwashers, through holes in legs.

ATTENTION
Severe vacuum pump damage is possible if special care is not taken when mounting any Fruitland
Vacuum pump. For proper cooling, there should be no obstructions on either end of the vacuum
pump to impede airflow entering or exiting the pump. If a large pulley is being used to drive the pump,
special machining on the pulley may be required for directing airflow.
When installing a Fruitland vacuum pump that is to be driven by a hydraulic motor or angle gearbox,
the coupling between the pump and the drive method should be properly aligned and have sufficient
clearance to allow the rotor to expand lengthwise due to heat. If sufficient clearance is not given, the
rotor in the pump will not stay centered in the housing and severe pump damage may occur. Please
consult your coupling manufacturer or Fruitland Tool for recommended clearances.

RPM:
Same name plate tag.
Fruitland Vacuum Pumps should never exceed the RPM stated on the plate tag (pump damage is
possible). Pump may be run up to 20% slower than the stated RPM on the tag if required.

If you have any questions, or require further information on the mounting or operation
of a Fruitland Vacuum Pump, please contact Fruitland at 1-800-663-9003.
-1-

-2-

MAINTENANCE
LUBRICATION:
In summer conditions a W40 non-detergent motor oil or an ISO 150 compressor oil can be used. For
winter a W30 non-detergent motor oil or an ISO 100 compressor oil. In extremely hot climates, a W50
motor oil or an SIO 200 compressor oil can be used.
Always check oil level before starting unit, top up if necessary.
NEVER RUN PUMP DRY!!!
All PUMP Models:
OIL PUMP IN MODEL
RCF 250
RCF 370
RCF 500
RCF 800

Oil Tank: IMPORTANT!

During freezing weather,
drain possible condensation
build-up in bottom of oil tank.
Danger: If water gets into
oil pump, it could freeze and
damage gears in pump.

(Located inside Oil Tank)

Drain and clean inside of oil tank with diesel fuel periodically.
OIL CONSUMPTION (approximate)
RCF 250

RCF 370

RCF 500

RCF 800

RCF 1200

12 hr.

4.4 hr.

4.4 hr.

6.0 hr.

4.2 hr.

1 Imp. Gal.
Approx.

55 hr.

20 hr.

20 hr.

27 hr.

19 hr.

1 U.S. Gal.
Approx.

45 hr.

16.6 hr.

16.6 hr.

22.4 hr.

15.8 hr.

1 Litre
Approx.

RCF 1200 Pump Models:

When pump has been inoperative for 48 hours or longer, push down and
hold down the spring loaded crank on the oil pump, while rotating the
handle about 20 - 30 turns either way, or until oil drops can be seen
dripping in oil flow valve.
OIL PUMP (EXTERNAL) FOR MODEL RCF 1200
SERVICE NOTE!

If you have any questions regarding the service of your pump, contact your local
Fruitland Dealer or 1-800-663-9003.
IMPORTANT: Order Spare parts from correct Parts Drawing, e.g. "Hydraulic Model",
"Standard Model", and provide serial number of your vacuum pump. To ensure proper
pump operation, USE GENUINE FRUITLAND PARTS ONLY.

-3 -

COOLING:

NO Vacuum pump should run for a prolonged period of time without air passing
through it. (AT MAXIMUM VACUUM) Addition of vacuum relief valve is highly
recommended. The outside of the pump housing and the fan blades should be
kept clean to allow proper cooling airflow. Do not allow build-up of dirt pump
shroud and housing.
Accessories

FILTERS:

The vacuum system should have at least one filter between the vacuum tank and
the pump so that only clean air is allowed to pass through the pump. These filters
can be in the primary and/or secondary shut-offs, in-line (between secondary and
pump) or at the pump. Fruitland secondary shut-offs are equipped with filters.

SHUT-OFF
MOISTURE
TRAPS:

All vacuum tanks should be equipped with an adequate primary and a secondary
shut-off moisture trap to prevent liquids or semi-solids from being drawn into the
pump. Liquids or solid materials drawn into the pump can seriously damage the
pump. Moisture traps should be drained often and always before shutting unit
down when temperature is below freezing.

PRESSURE
RELIEF
VALVE:

Test periodically to ensure proper setting is maintained. The Fruitland secondary

is equipped with a pressure relief valve.

VACUUM
RELIEF
VALVE:

If pump is run for long periods of time at high vacuum, a vacuum relief valve is
recommended to protect against overheating.

PRESSURE
VACUUM
GAGE:

Recommended.

OIL TRAP
MUFFLER:

Strongly recommended. (Noise Pollution)

* Available at Fruitland for all pumps.

INTAKE
PIPING:

Pipes used must be free of corrosion or rust. Welding beads, slag or splatter
must be removed.

NON-RETURN
VALVE:

(Back-up valve)
A standard installation in all our models. Its function is to close automatically
when the pump is stopped to prevent air back flow and reverse running of the
pump.

-4-

RCF 250

RCF 370 & 500

RCF 370F & 500F (RCF 370H & 500H)

RCF 800

RCF 1200

RCF 1200

Vane wear (see diagrams above) should not exceed 3/8" in models RCF 800 and 1200, and 1/4" in pump models
250, 370 and 500. Fruitland pumps have at least two orifices for checking vane wear, some models have four.
These orifices are located on the housing at both ends of the vacuum pump, and are marked with red. 3/16"
diameter test rod is supplied with the pump. We recommend checking the vanes on both ends, as they
sometimes wear in a tapered fashion because of excess heat or contamination.
To measure vane wear, remove the plug from the orifice and insert the test rod until the rod touches the rotor.
Mark the rod with pencil as shown in diagram (fig. 1). Turn the pump shaft until rod drops into the vane slot in the
rotor. Mark with pencil again (fig. 2). Distance between the pencil marks is the amount of wear you have on the
vane. If the vane is tapered from end to end, take the largest measurement as the amount the vane is worn.
Replace the complete set of vanes when worn to the maximum recommended amount for your pump model.
Failure to replace the vanes at the recommended time can result in pump failure. Vane wear and subsequent
damage are not covered under Warranty. Instructions for replacing vanes are given on page 6 & 7.
Recommended first check after approximately 10 hours of operation; next check after 50 hours of operation;
thereafter, check every 200 hours or once a month if no significant wear has been detected on the 2 initial checks
(see first paragraph of page 6).

-5-

TYPE

Approx. Air Flow

Maximum Vacuum @ 27 Hg
Power Req. @ 27" Hg
Pressure to
Power req. @ max. pressure
Size of Hoses
Operating Speed
Lubrication (oil pump)
Vanes
Fan cooling continuous duty
Approx. net Pump weight

RCF 250
150 CFM
27" Hg
11 BHP
30 psi
18 BHP
2"
1400 RPM
automatic
4 (fibre)
YES
250 lbs.

RCF 370
259 CFM
28.5" Hg
19 BHP
35 psi
36 BHP
3"
1400 RPM
automatic
8 (fibre)
YES
385 lbs.

RCF 500
320 CFM
28.5" Hg
23 BHP
35 psi
44 BHP
3"
1400 RPM
automatic
8 (fibre)
YES
450 lbs.

RCF 800
420 CFM
28.5" Hg
26 BHP
35 psi
55 BHP
4"
1000 RPM
automatic
8 (fibre)
YES
1100 lbs.

RCF 1200
630 CFM
28.5" Hg
37 BHP
35 psi
85 BHP
4"
1000 RPM
automatic
8 (fibre)
YES
1400 lbs.

* Data and capacity not binding.

* We reserve the right to make changes.

Vanes (fibre)
Life expectancy of fibre vanes is hundreds of working hours. It greatly depends on the cleanliness of the intake air. Any
contamination that enters your pump (e.g. sand, rust, or soil dust particles) will shorten their life expectancy. It is the
owner's responsibility to keep contamination out of the pump. Keep Your Filters Clean.

Vane Wear
Many factors can contribute to rapid or premature vane wear.
1 - Overheating of pump (check overheating in trouble shooting on page 10).
2 - Contamination entering pump - Abrasives, or anything that can affect the action of the oil. (e.g. chemicals).
3 - Running pump too fast (overspeeding) (creep up governor).
4 - Wrong oil, or no oil.
5 - Oil pump failure.
6 - Pump housing damage.
7 - Rotor slots worn - If contamination getting into pump has caused the rotor slots to wear unevenly on the vanes
thrust side, extra force is required to return the vanes into the slots as the rotor turns. This extra load causes
housing wear, vane wear and raises pump temperature.
*Since there are many factors that cause rapid vane wear, we do not warranty vanes or any related damage from vanes
worn beyond the recommended amount, unless a defect in material or workmanship caused the vanes to wear
prematurely.

VANE REPLACEMENT: ALL RCF 250, 370, and 500 models

- Disconnect drive source from pump.
- Drain oil from oil tank and remove oil tank cover by removing the four hex bolts and aluminum sealing
washers.
- Disconnect all oil lines and remove oil pump (held on by two bolts and lock washers.
- Do not lose the oil pump to Rotor coupling.
- Remove the seal housing by removing three hex bolts and aluminum sealing washers.
- Remove the eight hex bolts and lock washers from the housing end cap and then slide the end cap off
the rotor shaft. The rotor bearing and two bevel springs should be kept in the end cap. Please note their
positioning if you remove them for replacement.
- Remove old vanes and replace with new vanes that have been dipped in oil.
- Inspect housing bore and bearings. We recommend replacing the seals and all related gaskets.
- Reassemble in reverse order.
- The eight housing end cap bolts should be tightened evently to 20 ft./lbs. torque.
- NOTE: Special attention is to be given that the oil pump coupling is engaging the roll pin in the rotor
shaft. Turn rotor by hand. It should turn freely.
- Hook up drive source to pump, fill oil tank with correct oil.
- Resume operation.

-6-

VANE REPLACEMENT: RCF 800 Models

-

Disengage drive source to pump.

Drain oil from oil tank (plug #53). Remove six hex bolts #109/110 and oil tank cover #55.
Disconnect all oil lines.
Remove four hex bolts #57/56 and oil tank - seal housing #55B.
Remove two taper pins #18 from the end cap #12. This can be done by screwing a slide hammer onto
the M10x1.5 threads on the taper pins and banging out.
Remove housing cap #12 by taking eight hex bolts #9/11 out and lightly tapping the end cover to break
gasket seal between housing and end cap. Slide end cap off the rotor.
Remove the old vanes and replace with new ones that have been dipped in oil.
Inspect housing bore, roller bearing #19, seals #79 and #76 while having the pump apart. Replace any
torn or bad gaskets.
Reassemble in reverse order.
Tighten bolts evenly, -75 ft./lbs. torque (on 8 hex bolts #9).
VANE REPLACEMENT: RCF 1200

- Disengage drive source to pump.

- Slightly loosen supply oil line connnector #122 on oil tank, then remove the same line on the oil pump
and swing the line up and secure to prevent draining of oil tank.
- Remove all other oil lines from oil pump.
- Remove oil pump, two bolts #1.
- Remove outer end cover #4, eight hex bolts #99.
- Remove two taper pins #18 from the end cap #12. This can be done by screwing a slide hammer onto
the M10x1.5 threads on the taper pins and banging out.
- Remove housing cap #12 by taking eight hex bolts #9/11 out and lightly tapping the end cover to break
gasket seal between housing and end cap. Slide end cap off the rotor.
- Remove old vanes and replace with new ones that have been dipped in oil.
- Inspect housing bore, roller bearing #19 and O-ring #93 in cup #94 while having pump apart. Replace
any torque gaskets..
- Reassemble in reverse order.
- Tighten bolts evenly - 75ft./lbs. torque. (on 8 hex bolts #9)

NOTE: Special attention is to be given so that the oil pump coupling #113 is
engaged in the slot of the oil pump adapter #90 attached to the rotor shaft.
-

Turn rotor by hand, it should turn freely.

Crank handle of oil pump to prelubricate.
Hook up drive source to pump.
Resume operation.

If you have any questions, or require further information on the mounting or operation
of a Fruitland Vacuum Pump, please contactHeritage at 330-699-4491.

-7-

VANES CHECKED
Year

20___

20___

20___

20___

20___

Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
First 10 hrs check

50 hrs check

-8-

PUMP FLUSHING PROCEDURE

RCF 250
Mix one (1) quart of diesel fuel with 5 fl. oz. of oil.
Stop the pump.
Place the lever of the pump on vacuum mode.
Remove the plug #38 on Diverter Housing #30, pour half (1/2) of the diesel-oil mixture slowly into the hole.
Turn pump rotor by manually pulling belts to distribute liquid.
Run pump for 30 seconds on working speed.
Repeat with second half of diesel-oil mixture.
Run pump for one minute. Stop. Pour in one (1) pint of oil, drain liquid from muffler/oil trap.
Screw plug #38 back into place.
Resume operation.

RCF 370 and RCF 500 Models

1. Pumps equipped with top mounted four way valve (uprights), mix one-half (1/2) gallon of diesel fuel with
one-half (1/2) pint of oil.
2. Pumps equipped with side mounted four way valve (sidemounts), mix one (1) gallon of diesel fuel with
one (1) pint of oil.
Stop the pump.
Place the #37 of the pump on vacuum mode.
Remove the plug #51 on Housing #130, pour half (1/2) of the diesel-oil mixture slowly into the hole.
Turn pump rotor manually pulling belts or turning couplling to distribute liquid.
Run pump for 30 seconds on working speed.
Repeat with second half of diesel-oil mixture.
Run pump for one minute. Stop. Pour in one (1) pint of oil, drain liquid from muffler/oil trap.
Screw plug #51 back into place.
Resume operation.

RCF 800 & RCF 1200 Models

Mix one gallon of diesel fuel with one pint of oil.
Stop the pump.
Place the lever of the pump on vacuum mode.
Remove the plug #53 on Diverter Housing #46, pour half (1/2) of the diesel-oil mixture slowly into the hole.
Turn pump rotor by manually pulling belts or turning coupling to distribute liquid.
Run pump for 30 seconds on working speed.
Repeat with second half of diesel-oil mixture.
Run pump for one minute. Stop. Pour in one (1) pint of oil, drain liquid from muffler/oil trap.
Screw plug #53 back into place.
Resume operation.

PUMP OUT OF USE FOR PROLONGED PERIOD(S):

Should the pump not be operated for 2 months or more (before new installation or sitting idle), the above
flushing procedure should be performed every 2 months.

-9-

TROUBLESHOOTING

LACK OF VACUUM IN TANK:

Tank not closed or leaking.
Collpased Hose: Check where, and replace.
Stuck automatic floating shut-off: Put pump on pressure for a moment.
Pump running backwards after stopping: Stuck or broken non-return valve
(Back-up valve).
OVERHEATING:
Lack of oil
Wrong type of oil. (See: Lubrication - page 3)
Cooling fins of casing plugged with dirt.
Pump run too long WHITHOUT air passsing through inside of pump. (See
Cooling - page 4).
RPM too high.
Broken oil pump.
Clogged oil line.
Collapsed hose.
Clogged filter or muffler.
PUMP NOT TURNING:
Foreign material lodged in pump.
Pump frozen up (winter conditions).
Vane or housing broken.
overheated.

On RFC 370, RCF 500, RCF 800, RCF 1200 only

NOTE: A slight metallic noise at high vacuum (above) 23-24 Hg. is normal.
The expanded air is too weak to hold the non-return valve (back-up valve)
competely open and cosequentyl causes the closing disk to flutter.

- 10 -