STK OPERATOR’S MANUAL 9/4/18 Page 11 of 14
STUCK TRENCHER CHAIN
DANGER:
Never reach into the trench while trenching, or near the chain, boom or auger while the
STK is running or capable of running. Reaching into the chain, auger or trench will result in death or
serious injury.
If the dig chain gets stuck on an obstacle such as a large root or rock, to prevent damage to the
machine, hydraulic fluid will automatically by pass the dig chain motor, which can make a loud
squeal and shut down the engine.
If the engine has shut down start it back up using the engine start-up procedure.
Briefly run the chain in the reverse direction, this will free most instances of a stuck chain. If still not
unstuck raise the boom a few inches and again briefly run the dig chain in the reverse direction.
When re-engaging the obstacle, go very slow and keep the engine and chain speed up. Raising the
boom will also help to reduce chain resistance and make the cut easier.
The STK will remove or cut most in trench obstacles. However with very large obstacles the trench
may need to go over the obstacle to get around it in which case the obstacle may need to be removed
manually or with larger digging equipment. Optionally the trench route may be re-selected to get
around the obstacle. The alternate route must be within safe digging bounds determined by inspection
after your call to 811.
