Optimal 1700, Manual

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4.2 Operation
4.2.1 Lower the tree spade with the lift arms of the power unit until the blade points are about
20 cm (8") above the ground.
4.2.2 To open the gate, the gate lock must be unlocked first:
pre-selector: function 1, gate lock
manual control: unlock
4.2.3 Now the gate can be opened:
pre-selector: function 2, gate
manual control: open
4.2.4 With the gate wide open, the tree spade is driven towards the tree to be dug. Position the
tree into the centre of the circular frame of the tree spade, then close the gate:
pre-selector: function 2, gate
manual control: close
4.2.5 Lock the gate:
pre-selector: function 1, gate lock
manual control: lock
It is of utmost importance to lock the gate before digging. It must never be
forgotten because digging with an unlocked gate will bend the frame!
A safety switch ensures that the tree spade digs only when the gate is properly locked.
Furthermore, a red control lamp will light up to indicate that the gate is not locked.
4.2.6 When having locked the gate, the tree spade is lowered to the ground and brought into a
level position by means of the lift arms of the power unit.
Again check if the tree is positioned in the centre of the frame, and correct, if necessary.
4.2.7 In case the power unit had been furnished with rear stabilizers of its own, extend rear
stabilizers with the respective control valve of the power unit.
But in case stabilizers have been installed with the tree spade and they are controlled by
Optimal control box, extend rear stabilizers by setting
pre-selector: function 4 (optional), rear stabilizers
manual control: down
4.2.8 Now proceed with digging:
pre-selector: function 3, blades (S1-S4)
manual control: down
The blades are pressed into the soil by means of spade cylinders suspended at the
spade towers. When all four blades are activated simultaneously, only the blades which
encounter the least soil resistance are moving at a given time.
In the event the tree spade lifts from the ground, retract the blades slightly (manual
control: "up") and then dig again, or press the blades down one by one, or by opposite
pairs. In either case, the digging movements must be carried out step by step, until all
blades are completely pressed into the soil.
When digging, do not rock the tree spade
forward and backward by means of the tilting cylinder of the power unit!