712MT OPERATOR’S MANUAL 9/18/20 Page 9 of 16
GETTING STARTED
1.
Lock wheel hubs
2.
Start and warm up engine.
3.
Put the WHEEL DIRECTION CONTROL in desired position and pull the WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGE LEVER.
4.
Adjust the travel speed and navigate the trencher to the starting position. The trencher is designed to dig toward the
operator (with the Wheel Drive Control in reverse). With this in mind, position the machine to start the trench.
TRENCHING PROCEDURE
1.
Have engine at full throttle.
2.
Put the WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL in
reverse
position.
3.
Push the BOOM CONTROL
outward
(right) to disengage the position lock and move the control
forward
one
notch. As the chain touches the ground, tilt the machine back until BOOM CONTROL snaps into the first position.
4.
Pull the TRENCH CHAIN CONTROL to “ON” position to activate dig chain. The chain will dig into the ground
and the trencher will set level. If a deeper depth is required, continue the same process until desired depth. Then
pull the WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGE LEVER to progress backward.
Note:
The dig chain will not operate if the WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL is in the
forward
position. The machine
trenches backward, toward the operator. The WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL must be in
reverse
position.
TRENCHING TIPS
THE PLUNGE CUT:
If
the boom bounces when lowering it, use a more gradual “boom down” action. A little ground travel toward the
operator during the plunge cut may help reduce bounce.
Do not overload engine. If the engine lugs down or the digging chain slows down, release the WHEEL DRIVE
CONTROL until the engine recovers to operating speed, then reactivate the WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL.
If traction is limited, the trencher may be tilted back as when initially starting the trench. When it is tilted back, the
wheels will pull the trencher toward the operator a few inches. Release the pressure on the handlebars and allow the
trencher weight to plunge cut into the ground. When trencher is level again, repeat the process. This series of plunge
cuts is known as the can opener approach and can be productive when the wheels do not have the traction to drive.
Do not attempt to force boom down faster than digging chain can remove material.
SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE
1. Always leave trencher parked on a level surface.
WARNING
: Do not park on incline.
Move the trencher to a level surface.
2. Unless loaded on a trailer, lower the boom to the ground.
3. Reduce the ENGINE THROTTLE to idle.
4. Move the IGNITION SWITCH to the OFF position to stop the engine.
5.
Close the FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE.
Failure to close this valve could cause fuel
to leak down into the cylinder & crankcase. Damage resulting from this
would not
be
covered by your engine warranty!
Shut off engine and allow it to cool before refueling.
WARNING
: Fuel fumes can catch fire or explode. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area.
Do not touch the engine, muffler, or any of the hydraulic components until cool.
WARNING
: Muffler and engine get hot enough to cause serious burns. For the safety of yourself and others,
allow enough time for the engine, muffler, and the hydraulic fluid to cool completely before performing any
cleaning or maintenance.
