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Safety Instructions for OPTIMAL Tree Spade
The operator and his assistant(s) must have read and understood the Operating
Manual before running the tree spade. Furthermore, the operator must be
experienced in driving the hauler truck and he must have studied the relevant
truck manual.
Before starting operations, bolts and hydraulic fittings must be checked to make sure
they are free of damage and well tightened.
Defective or loose hose pipes might cause serious injuries and therefore must be
replaced immediately.
The operator is responsible for ensuring that no person is near the tree spade when
in operation; in particular, no one should be standing underneath the raised tree spade or
near shearing and pinching areas, or near the gate, or near blades or near
hydraulic components.
We are advising the user that due to their functional positions and movements the
danger areas cannot be furnished with protective guides.
When sight is limited, an assistant must direct the operator by hand signals.
When driving, the tree spade should be in the lowest possible position. When moving
and working on public roads, the relevant traffic rules and regulations must be
adhered to.
When doing cleaning, maintenance or repair work, lower the tree spade to the ground
and stop the engine of the power unit.
The tree spade must be inspected by an expert on operational reliability annually.
All hydraulic hose pipes must get replaced every six years.
Do not modify the equipment unless the manufacturer has given his approval. Use original
spare parts only.
When digging it might happen that a stone gets caught between two blades and the blades
get bent. This causes tremendous tension in the steel blades. Place the digging head again
into the planting hole and retract the blades. Thereby the stone will come loose. The blades
got a high degree of bending strength and they will regain their former shape. After the stone
has been released, the root ball can be dug again.
Do not try to release the stone by means of a crow bar or other tools!
The operator must be sure that the ground he is going to dig is free from any underground
installations such as cables, pipes or any other utilities or dangerous matter. Damaging such
underground installations or matter is dangerous and might result in serious injury or death.
Before commencing tree spade operation, switch on hydraulic pump. The switch is marked with
an arrow on illustration 1 page 6. If the pump is not switched on, the hitch oscillating brake is not
activated and the truck might overturn.
When travelling, the hydraulic pump should be switched off.
