Section 2: Operating Procedures
4/9/19
AP-SA35 Hydraulic Post Hole Digger 317-093MK
17
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 become damaged.
4.
Maker sure auger rotation is stopped and then lower
auger point to the ground.
5.
With engine running at a slow speed, start auger
turning clockwise. Increase engine speed to desired
digging speed.
6.
Periodically adjust the machine’s position to keep the
auger and hole vertical. Be careful not to damage
gearbox or auger.
7.
Apply down pressure to assist ground penetration. If
auger speed slows or stops, back off down pressure.
Excessive down pressure can stall the auger.
8.
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.
9.
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.
10. 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.
General Operation
By now you should have thoroughly read your Operator’s
Manual, properly installed your Post Hole Digger onto
your machine and performed your pre-start and
operational running checklist. If you plan to dig holes
immediately, you should have also 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.
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.
Now that you are properly briefed, your SA35 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 prevent swinging and potential damage in
transport. 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.
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. Make
sure your operator protective shield or safety door is
securely in place. Lower Skid Steer/Tractor arms and
auger to a point where the auger clears the ground by
approximately 12". Do not operate the digger when the
auger is more than 12" above ground level or the auger
could bind or swing erratically causing injury to the
operator and damage to the equipment.
With the engine at idle, engage hydraulic circuit and raise
engine rpm to operate between 10 and 30 gpm hydraulic
flow to a point where the auger is turning at speeds a
speed of approximately 85 to 100 rpm. Do not operate the
auger at over 110 rpm or damage to the Post Hole Digger
and Skid Steer/Tractor could result. Using the loader arm
controls, lower the auger into the ground until the desired
depth is achieved and then raise the spinning auger back
up to remove extraneous soil. Once the hole is
completed, disengage hydraulic drive circuit, 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.
If an obstacle is encountered that stalls the auger while
digging, reverse auger rotation and lift up to clear the
obstacle.
Periodically adjust the machine’s position to keep the
auger and hole vertical. Be careful not to damage
gearbox or auger.
Before dismounting your Skid Steer/Tractor; you must
always set the park brake, lower your loaders arms and
attachment to the ground, turn off the machine, and
remove the ignition key. If you must park on a hillside you
should always chock the 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 SA35 Series Post
Hole Digger.
See
“Features and Benefits”
section or
“Product
Specifications”
for additional information on
performance enhancing options.
