How to Use a Trenching Machine

Before Operation

• 1

  Call your local utility company and have your utility lines marked to avoid an accident.

• 2

  Select appropriate clothing including heavy boots, preferably with a steel toe, long, heavy pants, safety goggles and work gloves.

• 3

  Inspect the machine to make sure there are no loose, damaged or missing parts or fluid leaks. Do not operate if you find any of these problems.

• 4

  Mark the line you wish to trench with spray paint along the ground and clear the area as you go.

• 5

  Check to make sure the air filter is clean and clean or replace it if necessary.

• 6

  Check the oil and gasoline levels before you begin.

Operation

• 7

  Start the engine and test the controls. If using a riding trencher, make sure the transmission is in neutral and the brakes are on while testing the digging boom.

• 8

  Latch safety belt if you are using a riding trencher and move the trencher into position over the line you have marked so that you can pull or run it backwards.

• 9

  Lower the digging boom within a few inches of the ground and engage the boom arm chain at a slow speed.

• 10

  Lower the boom to the ground, increasing the speed of the digging chain as necessary, until the boom has reached the depth you desire.

• 11

  Pull or drive the trencher backwards in a straight line until you have completed your trench.