20RTK – 23RTK OPERATOR’S MANUAL 8/31/18 Page 7 of 20
TRENCHER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
READ SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING! Both the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
and OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS are in this manual.
Be sure that the engine oil and fuel, and the machine hydraulic fluid are all at proper levels before
starting the engine.
STUDY AND UNDERSTAND CONTROLS BEFORE BEGINNING OPERATION.
CONTROLS
1. KEYED IGNITION SWITCH: This remote switch is located with the other trencher controls for
your convenience. Use it to start and stop the engine equipped with an electric starter. Refer to the
ENGINE START UP PROCEDURE.
2. ENGINE: This is the throttle - controls engine speed. Operate at full throttle (all the way forward).
3. SPEED LEVERS: Controls speed and direction of the track drive.
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Pushing the left or right speed LEVER forward causes that track to go forward.
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Pulling the left or right speed LEVER back causes that track to go in reverse.
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Moving the speed LEVER further from neutral increases the speed in that direction.
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Steer the trencher by moving one speed LEVER farther forward or backwards than the other
LEVER. This causes the track to rotate at a different speed than the other, allowing the
trencher to turn.
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Very slow speed is required for trenching in most conditions.
NOTE: Be sure operator understands that the machine moves BACK when trenching, not forward.
4. ADJUSTABLE TRENCHING CONTROL (ATC): Push the ATC into place and tighten the knob
on each side to the desired lever position to control the speed of each individual track.
5. TRENCH LEVER: To trench, hold the TRENCH LEVER in the DOWN position with your hand
on top of it. To stop the chain, lift your hand up and the TRENCH LEVER will spring back to the
neutral position and stop the chain. To reverse the chain, move the TRENCH LEVER from the
neutral position up to the right as you stand at the operator’s position
6. DIGGING BOOM CONTROL: Pull down to raise the digging boom and push up to lower the
boom. During normal operation you will hear the relief valve working.
7. PARKING BRAKE: It is located behind the left hand track motor. Move the handle down to
engage the brake, and up to disengage it.
