Section 2: Operating Procedures
SA10 Hydraulic Post Hole Digger 317-433M
6/2/22
22
General Operation
By now you should have thoroughly read your Operator’s
Manual and properly attached your Post Hole Digger to
your tractor loader. You should have called 811 to make
sure it is safe to dig where you plan to work. Always wait
for them to mark out the location of any underground
utilities with flags before you start to dig. 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 SA10 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 load your tractor on a trailer and tow it to the
site. Select a safe speed and transport to your digging
site in such a manner that faster moving vehicles can
pass you safely.
Once you have arrived at your digging site, position your
tractor so that the auger is directly over the spot where
you want to dig a hole. Make sure you are wearing proper
protective gear for the job at hand. Lower the loader arms
and auger until the auger tip is touching the ground. Do
not operate auger while the auger is above ground level.
With the engine at an idle, engage the hydraulic circuit
and raise engine rpm to cause the hydraulic flow system
to operate between 4 and 8 gpm (15 and 30 Lpm). The
auger should be turning at approximate speeds ranging
from 36 to 65 rpm. Do not operate the auger above the
rated gallons per minute.
Using the loader arm controls, start digging into the
ground with the auger until it is down approximately
24" (61 cm). Stop auger rotation and raise auger up to
remove soil and debris from the hole. Lower auger back
into the hole and continue digging approximately another
24" (61 cm) into the ground. This time raise the auger up
without stopping the auger from turning to lessen the
strain on the equipment. Stop raising the auger when it is
within 12 to 24 inches of being out of the hole and then
lower the auger to continue digging. Repeat this
procedure until the hole is at its final depth. Allow the
auger to turn several more revolutions at its final depth
and then raise auger up to within 12"-24" (31-61 cm) of
being out of the hole. Stop auger rotation and continue to
raise auger out of the hole.
If an obstacle is encountered that stalls the auger while
digging, reverse auger rotation and lift auger up to clear
the obstacle.
Periodically adjust the machine’s position to keep the
auger and hole vertical. Be careful not to damage the
auger or motor.
Once the hole is completed, disengage the hydraulics,
raise auger to a point where the auger tip is
approximately 12" (31 cm) off of the ground, and move
away from the drilled hole and on to the next hole.
Always follow your tractor shutdown procedure before
dismounting the machine. Refer to
on page 10. If you must park on a hillside
you should always chock the tractor wheels.
See
“Features and Benefits”
section or
“Product
Specifications”
for additional information on
performance enhancing options.
