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Section 2: Operating Procedures
6/28/11
Model SAC35 Hydraulic Post Hole Digger 317-188M
Dual-Angle Teeth
Refer to Figure 2-1 & Figure 2-2:
The Auger is shipped with teeth mounted at 40 degrees
(see Figure 2-1). If you are experiencing difficulty in
penetrating the soil, they can be turned over and
mounted at 50 degrees (see Figure 2-2) for a more
aggressive bite. Be sure to tighten all mounting hardware
to the proper torque when securing teeth to the Auger.
Auger Teeth Mounted at 40 Degrees
Figure 2-1
Auger Teeth Mounted at 50 Degrees
Figure 2-2
Operating Instructions
1.
Roll tilt arms to carry the auger low to the ground
while traveling between drilling positions.
2.
Position the Skid Steer/Tractor on the upside of the
hill when drilling a hole. This will greatly improve its
balance and down force.
3.
Experiment with auger speeds before digging.
Increase Skid Steer/Tractor engine speed to
increase auger speed and decrease engine speed to
reduce auger speed. Run at higher auger speeds
when digging in soft and/or sandy soils and at lower
auger speeds when digging in hard, rocky or frozen
soils. Normal auger speed is 85 to rpm. Never
exceed 90 rpm or the equipment can become
damaged.
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IMPORTANT: Operate one loader function at a
time. Operating two or more functions at a time
(loader arms, tilt arms, engine speed and loader
positioning) can lead to damaged equipment.
4.
Maker sure auger rotation is stopped and then lower
auger point to the ground.
5.
With engine running at a slow speed, start auger
turning clockwise. Increase engine speed to desired
digging speed.
6.
Periodically adjust the machine’s position to keep the
auger and hole vertical.
7.
Apply down pressure to assist penetration into the
ground. If auger speed slows or stops, back off down
pressure. Excessive down pressure can stall the
auger.
8.
After penetrating the ground approximately 24", stop
auger rotation and raise it up to remove soil and
debris from the hole. Lower auger back down to
continue digging. Repeat this procedure until hole is
at its final depth.
9.
If auger has screwed itself into the soil or hits a large
obstruction and becomes stalled, then reverse auger
rotation only enough to free it. Once free, continue
normal digging operations by lowering the auger
down slowly. If the auger does not penetrate the
obstruction, raise auger out of the hole and remove
obstruction by other means or dig a new hole nearby.
10. Allow auger to turn several revolutions at the final
depth and then stop auger rotation.
11. Raise auger up out of the hole and roll tilt arms into a
low carry position. Be careful to watch out for people,
obstructions and uneven terrain when moving from
one digging site to the next.
IMPORTANT: Avoid side pressure on the auger.
This can damage auger and drive components.
IMPORTANT: Always stop auger from rotating
before raising it out of the hole. This will keep the
auger from wobbling with an unbalanced dirt load.
IMPORTANT: Do not reverse auger rotation when
raising it up. This will dump soil back into the hole.
IMPORTANT: Disengage power immediately if
auger becomes stalled while digging. Some Skid
Steer’s have a hydraulic relief valve to protect
equipment. The valve will open in a stalled situation
and allow oil to bypass the hydraulic motor. Check
your Skid Steer Operator’s Manual to see if your
loader is equipped with a hydraulic relief valve.
NOTE: It is best to leave drilling through hard rock
to premium high pressure drilling equipment or other
rock excavation methods.
