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Section 7: Troubleshooting
AP-SA20 Hydraulic Post Hole Digger 317-215MK
4/3/19
Troubleshooting Chart
Problem
Cause
Solution
Auger will not dig
Teeth are dull.
Sharpen or replace teeth.
Auger
is turning too fast and bouncing.
Reduce engine speed.
Do not exceed 110 rpm.
Auger is encountering rocks, roots, or other
obstructions.
Lift auger from hole and remove obstruction or
change location.
Tractor/skid steer
is not positioned properly.
Reposition skid steer/tractor.
Auger digs so far, but
will not dig deeper
Soil could have hardpan layer below surface.
Use tractor to push auger into ground. May need
to use an extension.
Auger is digging at an
angle
Skid steer/tractor moved on its own while auger
was in the hole.
Always make sure gear selector is in neutral or
park and brakes are set.
Operator moved skid steer/tractor excessively with
auger in hole to try to straighten hole being dug at
an angle.
Be careful not to damage gearbox or auger when
moving. While digging, move skid steer/tractor
in
small increments to keep the hole straight.
Auger is encountering rocks, roots, or other
obstructions.
Lift auger from hole and remove obstruction or
change location.
Excessive oil heating
Flow in hydraulic line is restricted due to dirt
particles in fittings and twisted hydraulic hoses.
Remove dirt particles in fittings and untwist
hydraulic hoses that may be pinched or kinked.
Defective or mismatched coupler.
Replace with proper couplers.
Hydraulic fluid is dirty.
Replace hydraulic fluid and filter.
Insufficient quantity of hydraulic fluid.
Fill reservoir to proper level.
Increase reservoir storage capacity.
Digging load is excessive.
Reduce load to within machine specifications.
Auger motor does not match skid steer/tractor
hydraulic flow.
Change motor to match.
Gearbox is damaged
No oil in Gearbox.
Check oil level in gearbox per instructions.
Oil not changed per instructions.
Change oil per instructions.
Jerky operation
Cold oil or air in hydraulic lines.
Allow time for the hydraulic oil to warm up.
Hydraulic system not working properly.
See skid steer/tractor Operator’s Manual.
Insufficient
digging power
Excessive wear of auger teeth or point.
Replace auger teeth or point.
Low system pressure. (psi)
Check system with pressure gauge.
If low, investigate cause.
Relief valve is damaged or is set wrong.
Refer to skid steer/tractor
or
Operator’s Manual.
Excessive digging load.
Reduce load to within machine specifications.
Hydraulic Oil leaks
Loose or damaged hoses.
Tighten or replace hydraulic hoses.
Loose or damaged fittings.
Tighten or replace hydraulic fittings.
Hydraulic motor seals and gaskets are worn or
damaged.
See Dealer for repair.
Auger turns in
reverse direction
Hydraulic hoses are reversed at the couplers.
Re-install hoses correctly.
Tractor/skid steer control lever operated incorrect
Reverse skid steer/tractor control lever direction.
Auger speed is slow
Low hydraulic flow through the system.
Check with flow meter. If low, investigate and
correct.
Flow in hydraulic line is restricted due to dirt
particles in fittings and twisted hydraulic hoses.
Remove dirt particles in fittings and untwist
hydraulic hoses that may be pinched or kinked.
Defective or mismatched couplers
Replace with proper couplers.
Fittings and/or connections are too small.
Replace with proper size fittings and/or
connections.
Dirty oil filter.
Replace oil filter.
Worn or damaged hydraulic pump.
See dealer for repair
Excessive wear of auger teeth or point.
Replace auger teeth and/or point.
Section 7: Troubleshooting
