Construction Implements Depot
PAGE 12
Trencher
September 2017
Troubleshooting
Problem
Cause
Resolution
Chain will not attempt to
turn at all when auxiliary
hydraulics is activated.
Connection to prime
mover’s hydraulic system
Check and reconnect hoses
to prime mover.
Prime mover not producing
oil flow in auxiliary circuit
Check prime mover’s
hydraulic system.
Chain tries to move when
auxiliary hydraulics is
actuated, but chain does
not rotate freely.
Chain line is bound up with
dirt or rock(s).
Clean chain line at nose
roller and sprocket. Loosen
chain if problem persists.
Chain tension is too tight.
Loosen the chain a bit.
Obstruction in ground
preventing rotation
Investigate and clear
ground obstruction.
Chain falls off boom
Incorrect chain tension
Adjust the chain tension.
Trench cut tries to veer off
in one direction
Improper digging tooth
arrangement
Rearrange cutting teeth
alternating left-hand and
right-hand cutting tools.
Tail roller or drive sprocket
worn
Replace tail roller and drive
sprocket. (Replace tail
roller and drive sprocket
when a new chain is
installed)
Trencher seems to be
lacking power and speed
Too aggressive reverse
drive speed while
trenching
Slow down drive of prime
mover.
Chain is not turning freely
on boom
Check chain tension and
check for dirt build-up on
tail roller and/or drive
sprocket.
Lack of hydraulic flow to
the attachment
Increase engine speed if
not running at max RPMs.
Visit the prime mover’s
dealer to verify flow
available in the auxiliary
circuit.
Wrong digging
components for soil
conditions…possibly too
many teeth on chain.
Investigate proper chain
tool and tool arrangement
for the soil conditions you
are working in.
Dirt is not coming out of
the trench when using rock
and frost chain teeth
components
Lack of teeth to pull dirt
out of trench
Evaluate if the right chain
components are being
used in your soil
conditions.
Install some cupped teeth
on the chain line.