Chattanooga Hydrocollator M-4
Chattanooga · Model Hydrocollator M-4
High-quality stainless steel Thermostatically controlled temperature 3" (8 cm) swivel-type rubber casters for silent, friction-free movement Easy maintenance. Simple to fill and drain. No plumbing required: uses 110 current, 12.5 amp One-year warranty Full fiberglass insulation on mobile units to ensure minimum energy use and prevent heat loss Requires just 20" by 32" floor space Extra large tank Oversized drain Inside racks A second thermostat guards against low water level and overheating.
Key tips
- ·Most "no output" stim-unit complaints are cable-side - check electrode/lead continuity before assuming a unit fault.
- ·Frame and strap wear on mechanical rehab equipment is a real fall/injury risk - don't defer it as cosmetic.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Motor / actuator / drive will not run or is weak
HighSymptoms: Traction force not applied, CPM carriage will not move or stalls, drive assist weak, motion one direction only.
Root cause: Worn drive motor / leadscrew / actuator, a hand-control fault, or a control-board fault.
Force / range / position inaccuracy
MediumSymptoms: Set traction force or CPM angle not reached, load cell drifts, carriage overshoots or stalls short.
Root cause: Load-cell / position-sensor drift, a potentiometer fault, or a limit-switch fault.
Hand control / patient-control fault
MediumSymptoms: Hand control unresponsive, the patient stop / reverse button does not work.
Root cause: Worn hand control or a damaged cable.
Frame / bearing / cable wear
MediumSymptoms: Rough or noisy travel, play in the carriage, frayed traction cord or rope.
Root cause: Worn bearings / slides or a frayed cable / cord.
Power / battery fault
LowSymptoms: Will not power on, short battery run time.
Root cause: Power supply / fuse or an aged battery.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Drive motor / leadscrew / actuator
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Load cell / position sensor / potentiometer
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Hand control
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Bearings / slides / traction cord
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Power supply / fuse / battery
Class Major service partRel. cost $R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive motor / leadscrew / actuator | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Load cell / position sensor / potentiometer | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Hand control | Periodic replacement | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Bearings / slides / traction cord | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Power supply / fuse / battery | Major service part | $ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Frame and strap wear inspection
- ·Electrode lead continuity check
- ·Annual electrical safety test
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Fluid / blood / blanket not reaching target temperature
- Confirm the correct programme / set for the fluid type and flow rate.
- Check both heater plates (or the water bath) warm evenly.
- Verify the output temperature against an independent reference at a representative flow.
- Replace the temperature sensor if it disagrees.
- Replace the heater plate / control assembly if output is still low.
Symptom: Over-temperature alarm / shutdown
- Let the unit cool and restart.
- Compare the displayed temperature to an independent reference.
- Check for an extreme flow-rate change during use (fluid warmers).
- Replace the temperature sensor / control board as isolated.
- Confirm stable control across the range before returning to service.
Symptom: Low airflow / blower fault (forced-air) or low water flow (water blanket)
- Replace the intake / HEPA filter (forced-air) or top up and de-air the reservoir (water).
- Check the hose for kinks or splits and confirm the correct blanket type.
- Inspect the blower / circulation pump and impeller.
- Replace the blower / pump if flow is still low.
- Confirm delivered air / water temperature and flow after repair.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Physical therapy / rehab gym
- Outpatient rehab clinic
- Sports medicine
Documents & Manuals
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