OPERATIONS
• The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be protected against
by mechanical means or product design. All operators must read and understand this
entire manual, paying particular attention to safety and operating instructions prior to using.
If there is something in this manual you do not understand, ask your supervisor, your dealer,
or phone W&A Manufacturing Company (870-534-7420) to have it explained to you.
• Most accidents occur because of neglect or carelessness. Keep all helpers and bystanders
at least several hundred feet from an operating ditcher. Only properly trained people should
operate this machine.
• Clear area to be ditched of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown, causing
injury or damage.
• Operate only in daylight.
• Ensure ditcher is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
• Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good condition.
• The majority of accidents involve entanglement on the driveline, injury of bystanders by
thrown objects thrown by the rotating blades, and operators being knocked off the tractor by
low hanging limbs and then being run over by the ditcher. Accidents are most likely to occur
with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who has not read the operator’s manual
and is not familiar with a PTO ditcher.
• Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating. The driveline guard,
tractor and ditcher shields should be used and maintained in good working condition. They
should be inspected carefully, at least daily, for missing shields or guards. Missing, broken
or worn items must be replaced at once to reduce the possibility of injury from thrown
objects or entanglement.
• The area between the tractor and the PTO driven ditcher is a DANGER zone. The driveline
must be attached securely to the tractor and the ditcher. Don’t attach the driveline with a
longer bolt or any other device than those which are original equipment on the ditcher.
Modified equipment can only catch loose clothing, boot-laces or a pant cuff while spinning
rapidly and possibly cause serious bodily injury.
• Make sure the driveline guard can rotate independent of the shaft a full rotation and can
telescope freely.
• Make sure the driveline retaining chain is in place and secured around the ditcher frame
brace tubing.
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