20RTK – 23RTK OPERATOR’S MANUAL 8/31/18 Page 12 of 20
GROUND TRANSPORT OF THE TRENCHER
Raise the digging chain boom.
WARNING
: Contact with the dig chain or auger while in operation will cause serious injury
or even death. The teeth of the dig chain are sharp. Avoid contact even when the chain is not
moving.
Use the SPEED LEVERS to control travel direction and speed.
•
Pushing the SPEED LEVERS forward from the neutral position causes the machine to move
forward.
•
Pulling the SPEED LEVERS back from neutral position causes the machine to move backward.
•
Moving the SPEED LEVERS farther from the neutral position increases the speed.
•
Steer the trencher by moving one speed LEVER farther forward or backwards than the other
LEVER. This causes the track to rotate at a different speed than the other, allowing the trencher to
turn.
•
If you are not experienced operating this trencher, a slow ground speed is recommended for your
safety.
Keep away from tracks to avoid getting crushed.
WARNING
: Getting run over by the trencher will cause injury.
Only the operator is allowed to ride on the trencher at the operator station.
Never make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Use extra caution on soft or uneven ground.
Avoid operating adjacent to drop-offs or embankments.
Avoid inclines if at all possible. Never use on any incline exceeding the angles shown below.
WARNING
: Navigating on any incline increases the danger of the trencher losing traction or
rolling over, especially if the surface is wet. If you lose control get out of the way immediately
to avoid personal injury. Navigation on inclines should be especially slow and turns very gradual.
A 20° maximum incline is allowed. Honda engines have an Oil Alert system that will automatically
stop the engine if tipped more than 20°.