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OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
If auger becomes lodged below ground, DO NOT
attempt to lift auger out of ground by hydraulic lift power
alone. Turn tractor off and disconnect PTO driveline from
the tractor. Reverse the rotation of the auger by several
turns. This can be accomplished by using a large pipe
wrench and screwing the auger backwards until it clears.
Extreme rocking or lifting loads while trying to clear stuck
augers can cause auger, gearbox, or boom failure.
Do not attempt to free the auger while the PTO is
connected. Disconnect the PTO driveline from the
tractor before attempting to free the auger.
CAUTION!
When traveling on public roads, whether at night or
during the day, use accessory light and devices for
adequate warnings to operators of other vehicles.
Comply with all federal, state and local laws.
CAUTION!
Underground utilities – Contact appropriate
agencies to determine if hazardous items are buried
under the digging site BEFORE DIGGING! Be certain
underground utilities have been called to locate
underground electric, gas, telephone, and other
lines. Check your telephone book for calling instruc-
tions. Be sure post hole digger operator is properly
informed. WHEN IN DOUBT, DO NOT DIG!
CAUTION!
Safety is a primary concern in the design and
manufacture of our products. Unfortunately, our
efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out
by a single careless act of an operator.
It has been said, “The best safety device is an
informed, careful operator.” We ask you to be that
kind of an operator.
NOTE: Never exceed the recommended auger
capacity of the post hole digger. The Model 300
heavy duty digger is designed for use with augers up
to 12-inch diameter. Use of an incorrect auger or
auger extension can cause equipment damage, loss
of operator control and personal injury.
TRANSPORTING
Pay particular close attention to the Safety Messages
regarding transport. Avoid unnecessary injuries and
equipment damage by exercising cautious, conscientious
travel procedures.
Attaching the implement to the tractor increases the
overall length of the working unit. Allow additional
clearance for the implement to swing when turning.
DO NOT OPERATE PTO DURING TRANSPORT.
Raise the post hole digger as high as possible for
transporting.
Select a safe ground travel speed when transporting
from one area to another. When traveling on roadways,
transport in such a way that faster moving vehicles may
pass you safely.
When traveling over rough or hilly terrain or when mak-
ing turns, slow down and use extra care.
Read all safety warnings in the front of the manual.
OBEY SAFETY
RULES!!
ALWAYS BE
CAREFUL!!
Be sure your tractor is in good condition. Read all the
safety precautions and make sure all tractor opera-
tors are familiar with the safety rules of operation.
CAUTION!
INSTRUCTIONS
TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
AND PREPARATION
Unpack and lay out the various parts. Refer to the
exploded view parts drawing for part identification and
the relationship of one part to the others.
Start with the “A” frame assembly. Place the pull pins
(Ref. #10) through the lower holes of the side bars (Ref.
#2) and the lower cross bar (Ref. #3). Secure with nuts
and lock washers.
Place the lift arm ends of your tractor over the pull pin
ends in the “A” frame assembly and secure with linchpins
(not supplied).
Place the tractor end of the digger boom (Ref. #1)
between the top link ears on the tractor and pin in place.
Use a top link bushing (
5
/
8
” to
3
/
4
” O.D.) for Cat. 0 tractors.
Swing the “A” frame up and attach it to the adjustment
channel on the boom with the
3
/
4
”x 5
1
/
2
” bolt and nylock
nut.
Pin end of digger boom (Ref. #1) to tractor toplink brack-
et. Raise boom by hand – check that it doesn’t hit any
part of toplink bracket (some tractors only). If problem
exists, change hole location and re-check. Failure to
check can result in damage to the tractor or boom.
NOTE: When attaching the “A” frame to the boom, use
the hole in the adjustment channel best suited for your
tractor. If you don’t know the best hole location, start with
the middle hole.
It is recommended that the gearbox output guard, the
gearbox input guard, and the PTO driveline be assem-
bled on the gearbox before the gearbox is fastened to the
boom. Place the gearbox upside down on the floor.
Install the formed metal gearbox output shield (Ref. #9)
on the gearbox. A socket with a long extension makes
this an easy installation.
Clean and check the input shaft of the gearbox. If any
nicks or dents have occurred in shipping, lightly file to
remove and make the shaft smooth.
Slide the plastic cone-shaped input guard on to the
input shaft of the gearbox.
Grease the input shaft of the gearbox before installing
the PTO shaft. This reduces the chance of the PTO shaft
yoke from galling to the input shaft if the shear pin should
break.
Slip the two telescoping ends of the PTO shaft togeth-
er. Spray WD-40 into the yoke and wipe. This should
remove some of the paint and make it easier to slide the
yoke onto the input shaft of the gearbox. Install the
unsplined end on the gearbox input shaft and bolt it in
place with the
5
/
16
” shear bolt (Ref. #19) and secure with
the lock washer and nut.
ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING
The model 300 3-pt. mounted post hole digger will fit
most 14 to 24 hp small tractors with a Category 0 hitch
and a 540 rpm rated PTO.
NOTE: Some smaller size Category 0 lawn tractors
(usually less than 14 hp) have very short lift arms with
5
/
8
”
diameter lift arm ball ends. These smaller lawn tractors
are not usually suitable for post hole digger operation.
The model 300 post hole digger “A” frame comes with
Category I lift pins (
7
/
8
” diameter). Most small tractors are
made for these size pins. If your tractor has
5
/
8
” diameter
lift arm ball ends, then you must order Cat. I/Cat. 0 lift
pins (part #590330, two required).
The model 300 post hole digger can handle 6”, 9”, or 12”
diameter augers. However, the size of auger that can be
effectively used depends on the size of your tractor and
existing soil conditions. Example: In easy soil conditions,
a 14-16 hp tractor can handle a 12” auger. If conditions
are difficult, a 9” diameter auger is probably all that a
tractor that size will be able to handle.
Because of the generally low height profile of these
smaller tractors, the use of 30” long augers is recommend-
ed. (Some small tractors either cannot lift the boom high
enough for use of a standard 42” length auger or tend to
put the digger driveline joints at such a sharp angle, the
driveline will not perform or has a high failure rate.)
Check the tractor’s 3-pt. hydraulic lift system. It should
operate up and down smoothly and have enough power
to lift the dirt-loaded auger out of the hole. Refer to your
tractor operator’s manual or dealer for any adjustments
necessary to put the 3-pt. hydraulic lift system in good
working order. (I&T shop manuals will list most specifica-
tions and adjustment instructions – available from most
farm equipment dealers.)
Check the shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is
in good condition and bolted securely to the tractor.
Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged or missing.
Tractor must be equipped with stabilizer bars,
adjustable sway chains, or sway blocks to keep the post
hole digger from swinging side to side.
Smaller size tractors may need front counter weights to
counter-balance the weight of the post hole digger and
the weight of the dirt on the auger or use a smaller size
auger.
It is recommended that the tractor be equipped with a
Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) and a seat belt that
is used.