20RTK – 23RTK OPERATOR’S MANUAL 8/31/18 Page 18 of 20
WORK SITE ASSESSMENT
Examine the work area for any conditions or obstructions that may inhibit trenching or create a safety
hazard for the operator or others. Use the information in this manual combined with good judgment
to identify any hazards to avoid.
In addition to calling to DETERMINE LOCATION OF UNDERGROUND UTILITIES (see previous
section for details) the operator and/or job foreman should visually inspect the work site. Look for
electrical drop boxes; notices of underground placements; manhole covers; recent trenching activity;
any evidence of possible underground placements; banks; overhangs; drop-offs; rocks; tree limbs;
wire; uneven terrain; any existing trenches or holes; and toxic ground conditions.
Only operate trencher outdoors and do not breathe engine exhaust and fumes.
WARNING
: Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas that is toxic. Breathing it can
cause unconsciousness and death.
Do not operate trencher near any source of flammable dust or vapors.
WARNING
: Sparks from the engine exhaust can cause an explosion or fire in a flammable or
explosive atmosphere. Fuel fumes can catch fire or explode.
Allow adequate side and overhead clearances between trencher and any objects such as buildings,
fences, and trees.
WARNING
: If the dig chain contacts an object the digging chain can climb upward quickly
and tip the trencher toward the operator. Serious injury or death will result by operator contact
with the moving chain or auger. The digging chain can suddenly drag the machine forward if the
trencher is forced too quickly into the ground or catches on a buried object.
Adequate lighting is required, daylight or artificial, for safe operation of the trencher.
Keep others away. If the job site is near a road or pedestrian path, warn and divert both motorized
traffic and pedestrians. As appropriate, erect barriers, use traffic flag personnel, signs, cones, and
lighting devices to insure safety.
WARNING
: Someone could step into the trench by accident. Walking near the edge of the
trench could cause collapse of the trench wall and possibly cause someone to fall onto the
moving chain. Contact with the digging chain or auger while in operation will cause serious injury or
even death.
MACHINE FUNCTION CHECK: If the operator releases TRENCH LEVER or SPEED LEVERS,
those functions should stop. This is intended for your safety and must be maintained in good
functional condition. Contact your dealer if anything on the trencher does not function properly.
