20
Section 2: Operating Procedures
AP-SA20 Hydraulic Post Hole Digger 317-215MK
4/3/19
General Operation
By now you should have thoroughly read your Operator’s
Manual, properly attached your Post Hole Digger to your
machine, verified auger rotation turns clockwise, and
gone over the
on page 16. Make
sure your operator protective shield or safety door is
securely in place. If you plan to dig holes immediately,
you should have contacted your local utility companies to
make sure it is safe to dig where you plan to work. If you
haven’t done all of the things just described above,
please stop and do them now. This is a must for your
safety and the safety of others.
Now that you are properly briefed, your SA20 Post Hole
Digger is properly installed, and you have the proper
digging authorization from the utility companies; it’s time
to transport to the work site. Make sure that the Post Hole
Digger is in the raised position and not in contact with the
ground. If you have an extensive distance to travel, you
may want to secure the auger with ropes, slings, or
chains to keep auger from falling off its support rest
causing damage. Select a safe speed and transport to
your digging site in such a manor that faster moving
vehicles can pass you safely. A slow moving vehicle sign
should be employed if you are using a public road or
right-of-way.
If attachment is to be operated in reverse, make sure
visibility to the rear of the power unit is appropriate for the
attachment. Backup camera or mirror is recommended.
Maintain cleanliness of lens or mirror.
Once you have safely arrived at your digging site,
position your skid steer/tractor so that the auger is
directly over the spot where you want to dig a hole.
Extend hydraulic cylinders on end of skid steer/tractor
loader arms to rotate auger hitch horizontal as shown in
Figure 2-3 on page 19. Lower skid steer/tractor arms and
auger until auger point is on the ground where the hole is
to be dug. If needed, adjust skid steer/tractor position
forward or rearward to align auger vertically.
Do not operate Post Hole Digger with auger more than
2" or 3" above ground. The auger could swing erratically
causing injury to operator and damage to equipment.
With engine at idle, engage hydraulic drive circuit and
raise engine rpm to operate Post Hole Digger at its rated
hydraulic flow. Auger should be turning clockwise at an
approximate speed of 85 to 100 rpm. Do not operate
auger above 110 rpm or damage to the Post Hole Digger
and skid steer/tractor could result. Use loader arm
controls to lower auger into the ground. After penetrating
the ground approximately 24", stop auger rotation and
raise auger up to remove soil and debris from the hole.
Lower auger back down and continue digging. Dig
another 24" and again raise auger up except this time
keep auger turning to lessen the strain on the equipment.
Stop raising auger within 1 to 2 feet of being out of the
hole and lower auger back down to continue digging.
Repeat this procedure until hole is at its final depth. Allow
auger to turn several more revolutions at final depth. With
auger still turning, raise auger up to within 1 to 2 feet of
being out of the hole. Stop auger rotation and continue to
raise auger out of the hole.
Periodically adjust skid steer/tractor position to keep
auger vertical while digging the hole. Use vertical
indicator as a guide. Be careful not to damage gearbox or
auger.
Apply down pressure to assist ground penetration. If
auger speed slows or stops, reduce down pressure.
Excessive down pressure can stall auger. Stop auger
rotation immediately if an obstacle is encountered that
stalls the auger while digging. Reverse auger rotation
and lift up to clear the obstacle.
Once hole is completed, disengage hydraulic drive, raise
auger to a point where the auger tip is approximately 12"
off of the ground, release park brake and move away from
the hole.
Before dismounting your skid steer/tractor; you must
always set park brake, lower your loaders arms and
attachment to the ground, turn off machine, and remove
ignition key. If you must park on a hillside you should
always chock skid steer/tractor wheels for an extra
measure of safety.
With a little practice and experience you should become
very good at operating your Kubota SA20 Series Post
Hole Digger.
See
“Features and Benefits”
section or
“Product
Specifications”
for additional information on
performance enhancing options.
