712MT OPERATOR’S MANUAL 9/18/20 Page 15 of 16
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 avoid breathing 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 digging 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 WHEEL DRIVE or DIG CHAIN LEVERS, these functions
should stop. This is intended for your safety and must be maintained in good functional condition. Contact your dealer
or the factory if anything on the trencher does not function properly.
