19
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem
Cause
Solution
PTO shaft vibrates
Check for worn out universal
joints
_________________________
Check for bent PTO shaft
Replace universal joint if needed
____________________________
Replace PTO shaft if it is bent
Ditcher is not achieving
desired cutting depth
Ditcher cutting depth is
restricted by tractor 3-point
Adjust tractor 3-point lift arms
to a deeper depth setting.
The skid shoe maybe out of
adjustment. Raise for a deeper cut
Ditcher chain gear case needs
to be adjusted so the cutting
head is running parallel to the
soil surface
Adjust 3-point hitch center link to
align cutting head
Cutting head will not
rotate
PTO shaft is not engaged
Engage PTO shaft
PTO shaft shear bolt maybe
sheared
Replace shear bolt
Drive chain may be broken or
has jumped off the drive
sprockets
Repair drive chain or realign on
drive sprockets and adjust tension.
Excessive noise in chain
gear case.
(some noise will be
present during normal
operation)
Drive chain is loose
Tighten idler sprocket to remove
slack in chain tension
Sprocket to chain alignment
Adjust sprocket to chain alignment
Ditcher gear case has
excessive vibration
Cutting head is out of balance
Check for unevenly worn or
missing cutting blades.
Check for soil or other debris build
up on the cutting head
Cutting blades do not
leave a smooth soil
surface
Check the cutting blades
cutting edges for wear.
If the cutting blades are reversible
rotate them. If not or completely
worn out replace them.
