Ditch Witch RT45, Operator'S Manual

Page: 112 / 199

RT45 Operator’s Manual
Drill - 111
Add Rod
Add Rod
1. Use control to stop drilling attachment.
2. Use ground drive controls to back up unit 6” (150 mm) to loosen drill rod in ground.
3. Disconnect drill rod from drilling attachment.
4. Use ground drive controls to move unit away from bore.
5. Add one drill rod to continue bore.
• Have a helper direct unit operator to align drilling attachment with new rod and stop when drilling
attachment and rod are 1” (25 mm) apart.
• Have a helper lightly hold rod with palms open and direct unit operator to move unit forward slowly.
• As soon as rod begins to engage drilling attachment, have helper release rod and move hands
and arms clear of drilling attachment.
Backream
After drill bit enters target trench, the bore hole may be enlarged by changing the drill bit to a backreamer
and drawing it back through the initial bore.
1. Turn tractor ignition switch to STOP.
2. Replace drill bit with backreamer.
3. Start tractor engine and begin clockwise rotation.
4. Slowly back up tractor while maintaining rotation.
5. When backreamer exits the bore hole, stop rotation immediately.
IMPORTANT: It is recommended that a helper be used to add drill rod.
NOTICE: Always rotate clockwise during backreaming. Rotate counterclockwise only to
dislodge a dry bore bit or reamer that has seized in the bore hole.
NOTICE:
• Do not try to increase hole size too much in one pass. Several passes using successively
larger reamers will save wear on machine.
• During backreaming, keep drill string straight. Sharp bends in the drill rod at the motor
coupling can cause rod failure.