OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Engage the tractor PTO with the engine at idle (or below 1000 engine RPM). As the auger penetrates the ground, lower the unit slowly with the 3 pt. hydraulic system. DO
NOT LET THE AUGER SCREW ITSELF INTO THE
GROUND! Auger must dig with the dirt breaking up and being carried to the top by the auger flighting.
Once the hole is dug to the desired depth raise the auger while rotating to bring the dirt out of the hole. To get a clean hole, it is sometimes best to lower the auger into the hole with the auger turning and then, when at the bot- tom, stop the rotation and raise the auger while not turn- ing. This brings the dirt up with little left in the hole.
For best results, allow the digger to dig about half the required depth, then lift it partially out of the hole to remove dirt and then
CAUTION!
Do not shovel dirt away from a turning auger, as the shovel can be caught by the auger and thrown. Do not allow anyone to stand behind or to the side of an operating auger. ALL persons should be at least 25 feet away.
WARNING!
Never locate auger by putting hands on auger, gearbox, or boom when there is any sign of rotation on the driveline or auger or if the tractor is running.
WARNING!
Remain on the tractor seat while operating the post hole digger. Assisting the machine by hand can result in possible injury or death.
NOTE: Be sure auger is completely retracted from the hole before attempting to move the tractor.
Once the auger is digging a hole, the tractor cannot be moved. Make sure brake is set securely. If the tractor does move while the auger is in a hole, damage to the
gearbox or auger can result (not covered by warranty).
Cutting edges and screw type center point are replace- able. They should be sharpened or replaced when worn. In hard digging conditions, a fishtail type center point is more aggressive and is recommended.
NOTE: Be careful when raising the auger as high as your tractor’s 3 pt. hitch can go. This can put the PTO shaft universal joints at an extreme angle and cause damage to the PTO shaft! It is best to raise the auger just enough to clear the hole when the PTO is engaged.
It is recommended NOT to raise the auger while it is running more than six (6) inches above the ground.
NOTE: If you have a rocky or large root soil condition, it is recommended that a heavy duty auger by used.
A Grade 2 (5/16” x 21/2”) shear bolt is included with your post hole digger. If the shear bolt shears, replace only with a soft, Grade 2 shear bolt. DO NOT USE A HARD SHEAR BOLT! Use of a hard shear bolt could result in damage to the gearbox or other post hole digger parts and voids any warranty.
Do not run the digger while transporting, as damage to the PTO shaft could occur.
DO NOT LET THE DIGGER DIG SO DEEP THAT THE PTO SHAFT IS RUNNING IN THE DIRT.
If you encounter rocks or roots that catch the auger and cause shear bolts to break, then remove the auger from the hole and use a large, heavy pry bar to break up the obstructing rock. A large root may have to be chopped to remove.
NOTE: Please refer to the drawings (Figures B through
D)as to the proper mounting pattern for the cutting edges. Correct mounting of the cutting edges will assure a complete cut of earth by the auger.
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