8
TRACTOR HORSEPOWER GUIDELINES
WARNING
Never operate the ditcher above its RPM rating; Excessive PTO speed can cause personal injury
or damage to your tractor and ditcher.
All 540 RPM ditcher models are designed for use on tractors from 50 to 110 PTO horsepower.
All 1000 RPM ditcher models are designed for use on tractors from 80 to 150 PTO horsepower.
HITCHING THE DITCHER TO THE TRACTOR
1. Before backing the tractor in front of the ditcher, check the PTO shaft travel. The PTO shaft
must slide freely forward and must not bottom out. If the PTO shaft doesn’t slide freely or
bottoms out, damage to the bearings and shaft may occur.
2. Lubricate the PTO shaft per the instructions in the Maintenance & Lubrication Section of
this manual.
3. Check the shearbolt.
4. Make sure tractor drawbar is moved to one side, retracted or removed.
CAUTION
Make sure the tractor drawbar is moved to one side, retracted or removed. Do not leave the
drawbar in the middle of the tractor as damage may occur to the PTO shaft.
5. The ditcher will fit Category II and III three point hitches or Category II quick coupler.
Careful attention should be given to mounting the ditcher to the tractor. The three tractor lift
links should be connected to the ditcher with the connecting pins. The PTO shaft should be
connected to the tractor PTO shaft by slipping the shaft forward until the quick disconnect
pin slips into the groove on the tractor PTO shaft. Periodic cleaning and a few drops of oil
on the splined surfaces and on the quick disconnect pin will simplify this operation. Be
careful, the universal drive shaft could slip off the tractor PTO shaft if the quick disconnect
pin is not properly seated.
6. The parking stands should be raised and pinned in the raised position. The ditcher should
be slowly raised and lowered to check the drive shaft length. At least 6" of the shaft should
be engaged in the tubular portion of the universal drive shaft. Check the drive shaft in the
fully retracted position to make sure it is not binding and will turn freely. Also check to be
sure the drive shaft will not hit the tractor drawbar.
