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Section 2: Operating Instructions
DT55 & DTM55 Powered Ditchers 324-053M
3/17/08
Land Pride
Table of Contents
Section 2: Operating Instructions
Transporting
1. When raising the Powered Ditcher to the transport
position, be sure that the powershaft does not
contact tractor or implement.
2. Be sure to reduce tractor ground speed when
turning. Leave enough clearance so the Powered
Ditcher does not contact obstacles such as
buildings, trees or fences.
3. 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.
4. When traveling over rough or hilly terrain, shift tractor
to a lower gear.
!
CAUTION
When traveling on publicroads, whetherat night or during the
day, use accessory lights and devices for adequate warning to
operators of other vehicles. Comply with all federal, state, and
local laws.
Operating Checklist
Operating Instructions
1. Operate with 540 rpm PTO tractor on the DT55 and
1000 rpm PTO on the DTM55.
2. Engage PTO at approximately 200 RPM and slowly
increase to proper PTO RPM.
3. Ditching should not be done in wet conditions as soil
will stick to the blades and reduce the digging ability
of the Ditcher.
4. DO NOT make sharp turns or attempt to back up
while Ditcher is in the ground.
Check Reference
Check chain tension. Refer to “Drive
Chain Adjustment”.
Section 3
page 14
Check oil level in chaincase. Refer to
“Lubrication”.
Section 4
page 18
Check that all plugs have been replaced
properly in the chaincase.
Section 4
page 18
Check that all bolts and nuts are tight. Operator’s
Manual
Be certain allguards and shieldsare inplace
and secure.
Operator’s
Manual
Grease driveline shaft and all other grease
fittings. Refer to “Lubrication”.
Section 4
page 18
Checkair pressureingauge wheeltire.Refer
to Tire Inflation Chart for tire pressure.
Section 8
page 23
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS disengage PTO before
raising the Powered Ditcher to transport position.
5. DO NOT engage PTO with machine in the fully raised
position.
6. DO NOT drop 3 point hitch. Lower the Powered
Ditcher slowly to the ground.
7. Ground speed should be between 3 and 5 mph for
normal conditions. Under extreme rocky conditions
ground speed may have to be reduced for
satisfactory performance. In general, the slower the
ground speed the better job.
8. Proper operating depth and ground speed are
interrelated and performance of the Powered Ditcher
will improve with operator experience.
9. Periodically check for foreign objects wrapped
around the blades and remove them after
disengaging PTO, turning off tractor, and removing
ignition key.
General Operating Instructions
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed the Operator’s Checklist
and properly attached your Powered Ditcher to your
tractor, you are almost ready to begin using your Land
Pride 55 Series Powered Ditcher.
It is now time to do a running operational safety check. If
at any time during this safety check if you detect a
malfunction in either the Powered Ditcher or tractor, shut
tractor off immediately, remove switch key, and make
necessary repairs or adjustments before continuing on.
Make sure the tractor’s park brake is engaged, the
tractor’s PTO is disengaged, the Powered Ditcher is
slightly off of the ground and the power shaft is not in a
bind. Start the tractor and then back the tractor throttle off
until the engine is at low idle. With the tractor running at
an idle speed, make sure if equiped, that the optional
hydraulically controlled material deflector chute is
operating properly for on the go adjustment with the
tractor’s hydraulic controls. This is also the time to make
sure that the rear hydraulic control arms will lower the
Powered Ditcher from transport to working position and
back without putting the power shaft into a bind. Again,
lift the Powered Ditcher slightly off of the ground and
raise the engine rpm slightly. Engage the PTO drive and
check to make sure everything is running smoothly. If
not, safely shut the tractor down and make the necessary
corrections. If everything is in proper working condition,
you are ready to move to the work site.
You should inspect the area where you intend to work
making sure that there are no obvious debris, large
rocks, or other materials that are in your working path.
You will also want to make sure that there are no people,
animals, pets, valuable property and/or equipment in the
immediate vicinity that could be harmed by flying rocks,
dirt, or debris once you engage the Powered Ditcher.