Section 2: Operating Instructions
2/15/18
13
General Operating Instructions
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attached your Powered Ditcher to your tractor
and adjust the angle of tilt correctly, you are almost ready
to begin using your Land Pride DT35 Powered Ditcher.
It is now time to do a running operational safety check. If
at any time during this safety check if you detect a
malfunction in either the Powered Ditcher or tractor, shut
tractor off immediately, remove switch key, and make
necessary repairs or adjustments before continuing on.
Make sure the tractor’s park brake is engaged, the
tractor’s PTO is disengaged, the Powered Ditcher is
slightly off of the ground and the power shaft is not in a
bind. Start the tractor and then back the tractor throttle off
until the engine is at low idle. With the tractor running at
an idle speed, make sure that the rear hydraulic control
arms will lower the Powered Ditcher from transport to
working position and back without putting the power shaft
into a bind. Again, lift the Powered Ditcher slightly off of
the ground and raise the engine rpm slightly. Engage the
PTO drive and check to make sure everything is running
smoothly. If not, safely shut the tractor down to make
necessary corrections. If everything is in proper working
condition, you are ready to move to the work site.
You should inspect the area where you intend to work
making sure that there are no obvious debris, large rocks,
or other materials that are in your working path. You will
also want to make sure that there are no people, animals,
pets, valuable property, and/or equipment in the
immediate vicinity that could be harmed by flying rocks,
dirt, or debris once you engage the Powered Ditcher.
If you have not already set the depth controlling skid shoe
to the desired depth, you should set the tractor’s park
brake, shut tractor engine off, remove switch key, and
then make that setting.
You are now ready to begin operation. Make sure the unit
is lifted just barely off of the ground, raise the tractor
engine rpm slightly above idle and engage the PTO. The
best ditching performance is usually achieved at forward
speeds of approximately 3 to 5 mph, so make the proper
gear selection and then raise engine rpm to full PTO
speed. Begin forward motion while gently lowering the
Powered Ditcher into working position. You will
immediately begin to see a generous stream of dirt being
rapidly ejected off to the left side.
The dirt will usually be ejected outward and will spread
evenly over the ground 20’ to 50’ out. After you have
traveled approximately 50’, it is a good idea to lift the
Powered Ditcher out of working position or soil contact,
safely shut your equipment down, and go back to inspect
the results. Then make required adjustments before
continuing on.
If your ground conditions are extremely hard, you will find
the ripper attachment extremely helpful. If your ground
conditions are too wet, you shouldn’t run at all until drier
conditions prevail.
Remember to look back often. With a little practice you
will gain the required experience you need to help you
achieve the desired results you expect from your
Land Pride DT35 Powered Ditcher.
When you are done ditching, need to take a break, or just
need to make a few adjustments to the Powered Ditcher,
always remember to do the following:
•
Raise the Powered Ditcher up and out of soil contact
•
Reduce the tractor’s engine rpm and disengage the
PTO
•
Stop on level ground, set the park brake, turn engine
off, and remove the switch key
See
“Features and Benefits”
section or
“Product
Specifications”
for additional information and
performance enhancing options.
