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Section 2: Operating Procedures
AP-SA20 Hydraulic Post Hole Digger 317-215MK
4/3/19
1.
Rotate top of tilt arms back to carry auger low to the
ground while traveling between drilling positions.
2.
Position skid steer/tractor on the upside of hill when
drilling a hole. This will greatly improve balance and
down force.
3.
Experiment with auger speeds before digging.
Increase skid steer/tractor engine speed to increase
auger speed and decrease engine speed to reduce
auger speed. Run at higher auger speeds when
digging in soft and/or sandy soils and at lower auger
speeds when digging in hard, rocky, or frozen soils.
Normal auger speed is 85 to 100 rpm. Never exceed
110 rpm or the equipment can be damaged.
Operating Position of Auger Hitch
Figure 2-3
Refer to Figure 2-3:
4.
Extend hydraulic cylinders on end of skid steer/
tractor loader arms until auger hitch (#3) is horizontal
as shown.
5.
Maker sure auger rotation is stopped and then lower
auger point to the ground.
6.
With engine running at a slow speed, start auger
turning clockwise. Increase engine speed to desired
digging speed.
7.
Periodically adjust machine’s position to keep auger
vertical while drilling. Be careful not to damage
gearbox or auger. Refer to
8.
Apply down pressure to assist ground penetration.
Excessive down pressure can stall auger. If auger
speed slows or stops, reduce down pressure.
9.
After penetrating the ground approximately 24", stop
auger rotation and raise it up to remove soil and
debris from the hole. Lower auger back down to
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 it back down to continue digging. Repeat this
procedure until hole is at its final depth.
Keep motor/gearbox
housing (#1) away
from support rest (#
while auger is opera
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10. Allow auger to turn several 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.
11. Roll tilt arms into a low carry position when
transporting from one digging site to the next. Be
careful to watch out for people, obstructions, and
uneven terrain.
Vertical Indicator
Figure 2-4
Adjust Post Hole Digger Vertically
Refer to Figure 2-4:
The patent pending vertical indicator arrow (#1), when in
view of the operator, helps operator to verify that the Post
Hole Digger is operating vertical from front to back.
1.
Stop skid steer/tractor on a surface that is level side
to side.
2.
Lower loader arms until auger point is resting on the
ground at the location the hole is to be drilled.
3.
Ease skid steer/tractor forward or rearward and/or
extend or retract hydraulic cylinders on the end of the
skid steer/tractor loader arms until vertical indicator
arrow (#1) point is on the “Vertical Line” as shown.
4.
To keep auger vertical while digging, repeat
adjustments outlined in step 3 above as needed.
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IMPORTANT:
Be careful not to move forward or
backward while digging except to keep auger
vertical. Damage to auger and/or hitch can occur.
