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20RTK – 23RTK OPERATOR’S MANUAL                8/31/18                           Page 1 of 20 

                                                        THE 

             MODEL 20RTK-23RTK 

                 STAND ON HYDRAULIC TRACK TRENCHER 
                                      OPERATOR’S MANUAL 

 
 

TRENCHER INTENDED USE 

 
This machine is designed for digging trenches in “normal” ground of reasonably soft dirt and stones 
up to 6” (15cm) in diameter. Ground with larger stones, high clay content, very hard packed, very 
dry, or in a frozen condition may be unsuitable for normal trenching. Consider using a backhoe or 
other heavier equipment for such conditions. 
 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

LUBRICATION REQUIREMENTS  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAFETY MESSAGES 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BATTERY & ELECTRIC STARTER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  

 

 

 

TRENCHER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTROLS   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENGINE START UP PROCEDURE  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRENCHING PROCEDURE  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRENCHING TIPS   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 

JUMP STARTING ENGINE WITH ELECTRIC STARTER 

 

 

 

 

11 

GROUND TRANSPORT OF THE TRENCHER 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 

EMERGENCY TOWING 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 

ROAD TRANSPORT OF THE TRENCHER 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 

OPERATOR PREPARATION 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 

DETERMINE LOCATION OF UNDERGROUND UTILITIES 

 

 

 

 

17 

WORK SITE ASSESSMENT 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18 

CONTACT WITH UNDERGROUND UTILITIES   

 

 

 

 

 

19 

INDEX 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20 

 
 
 

 

Summary of Contents for 20RTK

Page 1: ...ing a backhoe or other heavier equipment for such conditions TABLE OF CONTENTS LUBRICATION REQUIREMENTS 2 SAFETY MESSAGES 3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW 4 BATTERY ELECTRIC STARTER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS...

Page 2: ...23RTK OPERATOR S MANUAL 8 31 18 Page 2 of 20 LUBRICATION REQUIREMENTS Grease at the intervals indicated per the illustration of grease lubrication points There is also a grease diagram decal on the ma...

Page 3: ...ING or CAUTION is used with the safety alert symbol DANGER Imminent hazards that if not avoided will result in serious personal injury or death WARNING Potential hazards or unsafe practices that if no...

Page 4: ...d a hard hat while operating or observing WARNING The dig chain may throw stones and debris Wear adequate hearing protection while operating or observing WARNING Exposure to loud noise is cumulative a...

Page 5: ...nt to drop offs or embankments Keep away from tracks to avoid getting crushed WARNING Getting run over by the trencher will cause injury Always leave trencher parked on a level surface WARNING Do not...

Page 6: ...TRUCTIONS Shield entire face especially your eyes and wear rubber gloves to avoid acid burns whenever doing anything with the battery Battery caps must be tightly in place if the battery has removable...

Page 7: ...ncreases the speed in that direction Steer the trencher by moving one speed LEVER farther forward or backwards than the other LEVER This causes the track to rotate at a different speed than the other...

Page 8: ...before operating the starter again NOTICE Using the electric starter for more than 10 seconds at a time will overheat the starter motor and can damage it When the engine starts release the key allowin...

Page 9: ...debris If necessary move the trencher forward a few inches and trench the area again 8 Track speed and direction while trenching can be fine tuned by using the Adjustable Trenching Control ATC system...

Page 10: ...engine and remove the key 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 e...

Page 11: ...flames or sparks or while smoking WARNING Battery fumes are flammable and explosive Avoid explosion hazard that could blind and burn Tools and jumper cable clamps can make sparks so use them with care...

Page 12: ...e other allowing the trencher to turn If you are not experienced operating this trencher a slow ground speed is recommended for your safety Keep away from tracks to avoid getting crushed WARNING Getti...

Page 13: ...lete turns counterclockwise See diagram for location of plugs Disengage the parking brake by moving the handle up The machine may be towed short distance 1 8 mile or 1 4km at slow speed 2 mph or 200 f...

Page 14: ...will level itself WARNING Navigating on the inclined trailer bed increases the danger of the trencher tracks losing traction especially if the bed surface is wet Stay out of the way to avoid personal...

Page 15: ...a hoist Never attempt to hoist the trencher unless suitable equipment is available to lift and lower machine onto the truck If using a sling the minimum required working load limit per sling leg is 1...

Page 16: ...othing if working near traffic Wear adequate hearing ear protection while operating or observing WARNING Exposure to loud noise is cumulative and may permanently damage your hearing Declared vibration...

Page 17: ...determine location of utilities before trenching WARNING Fiber optic cables convey laser light that can injure your eyesight To locate utilities before trenching call 811 or 1 888 258 0808 US or Canad...

Page 18: ...or explode Allow adequate side and overhead clearances between trencher and any objects such as buildings fences and trees WARNING If the dig chain contacts an object the digging chain can climb upwa...

Page 19: ...d be gas oil petroleum water or sewer In any case stop digging shut off the engine and evacuate the area immediately Call 911 for help Electrical wires or cables If you think that you may have severed...

Page 20: ...0 IGNITION 10 IGNITION SWITCH 7 JUMP STARTING 11 LOADING 14 15 LUBRICATION 2 NAVIGATING 5 12 13 14 15 NOISE LEVEL DATA 16 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 7 16 OPERATOR PREPARATION 16 PARKING BRAKE 5 7 10 13 PE...

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