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• Some job applications may encounter buried obstructions on the job site that are too large in size to allow the usage or operation for the earth
auger. Also, some job applications may encounter soil that is too compacted to operate the earth auger. Utilization of the earth auger on those
job sites may cause property damage and/or personal injury. Exercise proper common sense by selecting the proper size and type of equip-
ment.
• The throttle control regulates the engine speed. Keep a firm grip on it at all times. As with any safety device, it requires constant and proper
maintenance to function as intended.
• Do not use an earth auger with the auger bit and blade worn past their service limits. Both the auger bit and auger blade must be replaced
when signs of excessive wear are visible. A regularly scheduled maintenance program increases the service life and increase overall produc-
tivity by substantially reducing operator fatigue.
• Avoid placing serious stress to the back and lower body members. Always lift in a straight line with your legs. Maintain the back in a vertical
position as much as possible. Proper wrist position during the digging process can reduce stress and strain related damage potential to this
body area. Keep wrists as perpendicular to the operator handle as possible during the digging process to enhance operator control and reduce
fatigue.
HOLE DIGGING OPERATION
1) Rotate the throttle control counterclockwise to increase the engine speed. The auger bit begins to rotate when the engine speed reaches the
centrifugal clutch initial engagement speed.
2) Normal operating procedure for the earth auger is to dig with the engine operating at full speed. This allows the centrifugal clutch to become
more firmly engaged, and transmits more usable power to the auger bit, resulting in greater productivity and less component wear.
CAUTION:
• The earth auger’s centrifugal clutch slips when it is overloaded or if the auger bit comes in contact with a buried object. This slippage does not
mean that the centrifugal clutch becomes fully disengaged with no horse power and torque being transmitted to the auger bit. Also, always
keep in mind that the earth auger does not become slipping mode immediately after the throttle is released.
3) As a general rule, pressing down on the operator handle is not required to initiate or sustain the digging process. In most soils of moderate
solidity, the auger bit digs at rates that do not cause the centrifugal clutch to overload and slip. In most soft soils (sandy, etc.), it may be nec-
essary to hold up on the operator handle to reduce the digging rate of the auger. In most hard soils (hard clay, etc.), it may be necessary to
press down on the operator handle to establish and maintain acceptable digging rates. Proper digging procedure for any given soil condition
requires actual experience, skill and common sense. For any given soil condition, let the earth auger to dig at the rate most comfortable to the
operator, but not causing the centrifugal clutch to overload and slip.
4) Some soil conditions may require more power to dig the hole than the earth auger is capable of. This problem is more noticeable in areas of
semiconsolidated soils or solid compacted soils. Examples of such soil types include: soft shale, hard pan and cliche. The power required to
dig a hole is directly proportional to the soil resistance encountered by the auger bit and the square of the auger bit diameter.
5) When digging in areas filled with tree roots, small rocks or other, buried obstructions, let the auger blade to “chip away” at the obstruction until
the auger bit can pass by (by working the object loose) or go through it (as in the case of penetrating tree roots).
This technique usually involves holding up on the operator handle and establishing a minimal feed rate for the auger bit. Proper operator posi-
tion minimizes the effects of kickback. This technique requires a lot of actual experience and common sense. Many times the size and nature
of the buried object may simply prevent the auger from passing by or going through it. Continued use of the earth auger only causes equip-
ment damage or personal injury. Instead, remove the buried object with a shovel or other suitable tool and then continue to dig the hole with
the earth auger to the desired depth.
6) The auger retracts with less effort if it is allowed to rotate at a slow speed. This procedure, however, leaves more loose soil at the bottom of
the hole. To minimize the amount of loose soil in the hole, stop the rotation before retracting the auger. Proper procedure for obtaining the
cleanest, most usable hole for any given soil condition requires actual skill, experience and common sense.
7) Stop the engine between each hole to minimize the possibility of personal injury. Special care must be taken to slippery conditions and to dif-
ficult, overgrown terrain.
NOTE:
• Grass and other overgrowth conditions may become “clogged” around the auger blade and auger bit. Removal of such obstructions from the
hole location may increase digging efficiency and overall productivity.
IN CASE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE EARTH AUGER
As a general rule, as soon as you realize you are in the process of loosing full control of the earth auger, “push” yourself free and clear from oper-
ator handle. The operator must fully comprehend that he is loosing control of the earth auger and to react accordingly with the appropriate body
movement.
Improperly maintained engine throttle may cause the earth auger “spin” about its axis when the earth auger is out of control. In this case, do not
try to stop the engine by grasping the rotating operator handle nor by using foreign object. Instead, leave the engine to exhaust its fuel supply.
Check all components of the engine throttle control assembly allow for proper function before attempting to further use of the earth auger.