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Section 2: Operating Procedures
Model SAC35 Hydraulic Post Hole Digger 317-188M
6/28/11
General Operation
By now you should have thoroughly read your Operator’s
Manual, properly installed your Post Hole Digger onto
your Skid Steer or Tractor and performed your pre-start
and operational running checklist. If you plan to dig holes
immediately, you should have also contacted your local
utility companies to make sure it is safe to dig where you
plan to work. If you haven’t done all of the things just
described above, please stop and do them now. This is a
must for your safety and the safety of others.
Now that you are properly briefed, your SAC35 Post Hole
Digger is properly installed, and you have the proper
digging authorization from the utility companies, it’s time
to transport to the work site. With auger point above
ground, rotate tilt arms until auger is horizontal and then
lower loader arms to a low carrying position. Make sure
auger does not come in contact with the ground while
transporting. If you have an extensive distance to travel,
you may want to secure the auger with ropes, slings, or
chains to prevent swinging and potential damage in
transport. Select a safe speed and transport to your
digging site in such a manor that faster moving vehicles
can pass you safely. A slow moving vehicle sign should
be employed if you are using a public road or right-of way.
Always comply with all federal, state and local laws.
Once you have safely arrived at your digging site,
position your Skid Steer/Tractor so that the auger is
directly over the spot where you want to dig a hole. If
provided, make sure your operator protective shield or
safety door is securely in place. Lower Skid Steer/Tractor
arms and auger to a point where the auger clears the
ground by approximately 12". Do not operate the Auger
when the auger is more than 12" above ground level or
the auger could bind or swing erratically causing injury to
the operator and damage to the equipment.
With the engine at idle engage the hydraulic circuit and
raise engine rpm to operate between 10 and 25 GPM
hydraulic flow to a point where the auger is turning at a
speed of approximately 85 to 90 rpm. Do not operate the
auger at speeds over 90 rpm or damage to the Post Hole
Digger and Skid Steer/Tractor could result. Using the
loader arm controls, lower the auger into the ground until
the desired depth is achieved and then raise the spinning
auger back up to remove extraneous soil. Once the hole
is completed, disengage hydraulic drive circuit, raise
auger tip approximately 12" above ground, and move
away from hole.
If an obstacle is encountered that stalls the auger while
digging, reverse auger rotation and lift up to clear the
obstacle.
The Skid Steer cannot be moved while the auger is
digging a hole. Damage to the gearbox or auger can
result if Skid Steer moves while auger is in the hole.
Before dismounting your Skid Steer/Tractor; you must
always set the park brake, lower your loaders arms and
attachment to the ground, turn off the machine and
remove the ignition key. If you must park on a hillside you
should always chock the Skid Steer/Tractor wheels for an
extra measure of safety.
With a little practice and experience you should become
very good at operating your Land Pride SAC35 Series
Post Hole Digger.
See “Section 5: Specifications & Capacities” on page 18
or “Section 6: Features and Benefits” on page 20 for
additional information on performance enhancing
options.
