Section 7: Troubleshooting
SA10 Hydraulic Post Hole Digger 317-433M
6/2/22
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Section 7: Troubleshooting
SA10 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 rated gallons per minute.
Auger is encountering rocks, roots, or other
obstructions.
Lift auger from the hole and remove obstruction or
change location.
Tractor loader is not positioned properly.
Reposition tractor loader.
Auger digs so far, but
will not dig deeper
Soil could have a hardpan layer below the surface.
Add water to the hole and allow time for the water
to soak away and/or Increase tooth angle.
Auger is digging at an
angle
Loader arc changes position while the auger goes
deeper into the hole.
Adjust tractor forward or backward to keep auger
aligned with the hole.
Operator moved the tractor excessively with auger
in hole to try to straighten hole being dug at an
angle.
Be careful not to damage motor or auger when
moving. While digging, move tractor loader in
small increments to keep the hole straight.
Auger is encountering rocks, roots, or other
obstructions.
Lift auger from the 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 new or properly sized 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 loader down pressure.
Jerky operation
Cold oil or air in hydraulic lines.
Allow time for the hydraulic oil to warm up.
Hydraulic system not working properly.
See 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.
Tractor relief valve is damaged or is set wrong.
Refer to Tractor Operator’s Manual.
Excessive digging load.
Reduce loader down pressure.
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.
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.
