Product Manual

100 SERIES ONE-MAN AUGER
FORM GOM08042002US, VERSION 1.0
English-EN 8
9 APPLICATION THEORY & TECHNIQUES
The Auger operates on principle of accessory auger bits attached to the
transmission drive shaft to rotate and dig holes in a variety of soil types. The
combination of auger bit diameter, blade, screw bit, soil type and down
pressure supplied by operators will affect the hole digging rate.
Hole digging process is directly controlled by:
1. Soil type.
2. Auger bit boring head design and diameter selected.
3. When required, sufficient application and/or reduction of machine weight
and/or down force provided by operators to assist auger bit soil
penetration.
4. No two soil types are exactly alike, no two holes can be dug by exact
same method, overall operator feed rates vary. The hole digging process,
along with operator experience, skill and common sense, suggests hole
digging is a matter of trial and error and directly determines overall
success of the job application.
HOLE DIGGING TECHNIQUES
1. Normal Auger operation runs engine at full, governed speed allowing
centrifugal clutch to become firmly engaged. Technique transmits more
usable power to auger bit, increasing productivity and reducing
component wear. For any soil condition, allow auger bit to dig at rate
most comfortable to operator, but not cause centrifugal clutch to overload
and slip.
NOTE: Auger is equipped with a centrifugal clutch assembly within the
transmission. The clutch assembly is designed to ALWAYS slip (NOT
DISENGAGE) when overloaded or if auger bit contacts buried obstruction.
When slipping, clutch still transmits a specific amount of torque to auger bit.
Response time for clutch to react to overload condition is directly proportional
to rotational speed. With higher rotational speeds (RPM) of clutch at time of
overload, it takes more time for clutch to react and actually slip.
2. In general, pressing down on operator handle is not required to initiate
and/or sustain the digging process. In most moderate density soils, auger
bit dig rates will not cause centrifugal clutch to overload and slip. In most
soft, low density soils (sandy, etc.), it may be necessary to hold up on
operator handle to reduce auger bit dig rate due to tendency of any auger
bit design to cause centrifugal clutch to overload and slip. In most hard,
high density soils (hard clay, etc.), it may be necessary to press down on
operator handle to establish and maintain acceptable dig rates.
3. Some soil conditions may require more power to dig than machine is
capable of delivering for a given auger bit diameter. To minimize problem,
apply suitable down force by operator and use auger bits with new bit
screws and blades. DO NOT use more than one operator to apply down
force. If it is felt more than two operators are required to apply down
force, STOP and contact Customer Service Department for operational
recommendations.
4. When digging in areas filled with known, buried obstructions such as tree
roots, rocks and other debris, operate Auger at less than full (an
intermediate) speed for more rapid release of centrifugal clutch when
obstruction is encountered. This is an industry wide operating procedure.
5. When digging in areas filled with small tree roots, small rocks or other
buried obstructions, allow auger bit blade to "chip away" at obstruction
until auger bit can pass by (by working object loose) or go through it (as
in penetrating tree roots). Technique usually involves holding up on
operator handle using minimal auger bit feed rate. Many times, size and
nature of buried object will prevent auger bit from passing by or going
through it. Instead, remove buried object with shovel or other suitable tool
and proceed to dig to desired depth using Auger.
6. In most soil conditions, the auger bit will retract with less effort if allowed
to rotate at slow speed. This procedure, however, will leave more loose
soil at bottom of hole. To minimize amount of loose soil remaining at
bottom of hole, stop rotation before retracting auger bit.
7. When restarting Auger with auger bit in a partially or completely dug hole
extra caution is required. The throttle control can be advanced beyond
idle speed before operator can exercise proper control of Auger. The
accepted procedure (when not using non-flighted auger bit extension) is
to first remove unit from hole and restart engine per STARTING ENGINE
WITH AUGER BIT ATTACHED in OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS section
of this manual. Return unit to hole with engine at idle speed and
complete hole to desired depth.
8. Grass and other overgrowth conditions will hamper digging capability of
any auger by becoming "clogged" around auger teeth and screw bit.
Removal of such obstructions from hole location BEFORE digging will
increase digging efficiency and overall productivity.
DANGER
• DO NOT smoke near fuel tank.
• DO NOT fill fuel tank with engine running or if it is hot.
• Allow ample time between each refueling for engine to
cool.
• An ignition source in close proximity to fuel tank can be
the source of an explosion, resulting in property damage
and/or personal injury.
• Consult material supplied by engine manufacturer for
information relative to proper fueling procedures.
CAUTION
• DO NOT dig initial hole with smaller auger bit then use larger
diameter auger bit to “ream” hole to desired size.
• This method will prevent auger bit screw of larger auger bit
from providing sufficient directional stability during “reaming”
process.
CAUTION
• Some job applications may encounter buried obstructions too
massive in size or soil classifications too compacted to allow
use of machine the size and/or with operating limitations of
Auger.
• Utilization of Auger on these work sites can cause property
damage and/or personal injury.
• Exercise proper common sense by selecting proper size
and/or type equipment for the job application.
CAUTION
• Improper operating procedure can allow auger bit to "bind"
and/or "bury" itself in the hole.
• This is usually the result of allowing auger bit to feed at an
excessive rate. Phenomenon is also characteristic of digging
with smaller diameter (2 to 4 inch) augers.
• In this condition, Auger is not capable of transmitting ample
power to “free” auger bit.
• DO NOT continue to overload and slip centrifugal clutch
assembly.
CAUTION
• Restarting engine with auger bit in partially or completely dug
hole requires higher degree of operator experience, skill and
common sense over introductory or novice level expertise.
• Manufacturer is aware many operators restart Auger’s engine
with auger bit in partially or completely dug hole on regular
basis while in the field.
• Manufacturer also realizes procedure must be utilized when
auger bit extension is used to extend digging depth.
Manufacturer has no control over experience, skill and
common sense levels of each operator of the Auger.
• Manufacturer has no control over each job site or specific job
application for the Auger.