Worksaver 300 Instructions, Tractor Requirements and Preparation, Assembly and Mounting

INSTRUCTIONS

TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARATION

The model 300 3-pt. mounted post hole digger will fit most 14 to 24 hp small tractors with a Category 0 hitch and a 540 rpm rated PTO.

NOTE: Some smaller size Category 0 lawn tractors (usually less than 14 hp) have very short lift arms with 5/8” diameter lift arm ball ends. These smaller lawn tractors are not usually suitable for post hole digger operation.

The model 300 post hole digger “A” frame comes with Category I lift pins (7/8” diameter). Most small tractors are made for these size pins. If your tractor has 5/8” diameter lift arm ball ends, then you must order Cat. I/Cat. 0 lift pins (part #590330, two required).

The model 300 post hole digger can handle 6”, 9”, or 12” diameter augers. However, the size of auger that can be effectively used depends on the size of your tractor and existing soil conditions. Example: In easy soil conditions, a 14-16 hp tractor can handle a 12” auger. If conditions are difficult, a 9” diameter auger is probably all that a tractor that size will be able to handle.

Because of the generally low height profile of these smaller tractors, the use of 30” long augers is recommend- ed. (Some small tractors either cannot lift the boom high enough for use of a standard 42” length auger or tend to put the digger driveline joints at such a sharp angle, the driveline will not perform or has a high failure rate.)

Check the tractor’s 3-pt. hydraulic lift system. It should operate up and down smoothly and have enough power to lift the dirt-loaded auger out of the hole. Refer to your tractor operator’s manual or dealer for any adjustments necessary to put the 3-pt. hydraulic lift system in good working order. (I&T shop manuals will list most specifica- tions and adjustment instructions – available from most farm equipment dealers.)

Check the shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good condition and bolted securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged or missing.

Tractor must be equipped with stabilizer bars, adjustable sway chains, or sway blocks to keep the post hole digger from swinging side to side.

Smaller size tractors may need front counter weights to counter-balance the weight of the post hole digger and the weight of the dirt on the auger or use a smaller size auger.

It is recommended that the tractor be equipped with a Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) and a seat belt that is used.

CAUTION!

Be sure your tractor is in good condition. Read all the safety precautions and make sure all tractor opera- tors are familiar with the safety rules of operation.

ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING

Unpack and lay out the various parts. Refer to the exploded view parts drawing for part identification and the relationship of one part to the others.

Start with the “A” frame assembly. Place the pull pins (Ref. #10) through the lower holes of the side bars (Ref. #2) and the lower cross bar (Ref. #3). Secure with nuts and lock washers.

Place the lift arm ends of your tractor over the pull pin ends in the “A” frame assembly and secure with linchpins (not supplied).

Place the tractor end of the digger boom (Ref. #1) between the top link ears on the tractor and pin in place. Use a top link bushing (5/8” to 3/4” O.D.) for Cat. 0 tractors.

Swing the “A” frame up and attach it to the adjustment channel on the boom with the 3/4” x 51/2” bolt and nylock nut.

Pin end of digger boom (Ref. #1) to tractor toplink brack- et. Raise boom by hand – check that it doesn’t hit any part of toplink bracket (some tractors only). If problem exists, change hole location and re-check. Failure to check can result in damage to the tractor or boom.

NOTE: When attaching the “A” frame to the boom, use the hole in the adjustment channel best suited for your tractor. If you don’t know the best hole location, start with the middle hole.

It is recommended that the gearbox output guard, the gearbox input guard, and the PTO driveline be assem- bled on the gearbox before the gearbox is fastened to the boom. Place the gearbox upside down on the floor.

Install the formed metal gearbox output shield (Ref. #9) on the gearbox. A socket with a long extension makes this an easy installation.

Clean and check the input shaft of the gearbox. If any nicks or dents have occurred in shipping, lightly file to remove and make the shaft smooth.

Slide the plastic cone-shaped input guard on to the input shaft of the gearbox.

Grease the input shaft of the gearbox before installing the PTO shaft. This reduces the chance of the PTO shaft yoke from galling to the input shaft if the shear pin should break.

Slip the two telescoping ends of the PTO shaft togeth- er. Spray WD-40 into the yoke and wipe. This should remove some of the paint and make it easier to slide the yoke onto the input shaft of the gearbox. Install the unsplined end on the gearbox input shaft and bolt it in place with the 5/16” shear bolt (Ref. #19) and secure with the lock washer and nut.

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