Trencher Rentals

Trencher Safety and Operation

It is very important to call your local utility company before you dig to locate underground wires or pipes.

Most trenchers are required by law to have certain safety items, such as back-up alarms, siren-type lighting, headlights, safety harnesses, and so on.

KNOW YOUR SYMBOLS!

Trenchers are potentially dangerous pieces of equipment. Before operating a trencher, become familiar with symbols and decals on the machine.

Safety is a concern with trenchers as with all power equipment. Do not remove protective shields or disconnect safety switches, and make sure the engine is turned off before performing any adjustments or maintenance.

When you operate a trencher, avoid loose clothing that could catch in moving parts, and always wear eye protection.

Operating the Trencher
- Use care when mounting riding trenchers. Be sure your hands and shoes are clean and dry. Use the handrails, not control levers, to guide yourself.
- Fasten the seat belt and adjust the seat to a comfortable position.
- Warn others away from the machine and work area especially children and pets.
- Be sure the transmission and other controls are in the neutral position. Set the brakes on all models.
- Start the engine and test all controls.
- Lower the trencher boom within a few inches of the soil.
- Engage the chain at slow speed. Be sure you can control the trencher as the chain can jerk the machine quickly.
- Operate riding trenchers only from the seat. Keep hands and feet clear of chain and augers on walk-behind models.
- Use caution when operating on slopes as the machine will want to work down the slope.
- Never make sharp turns while digging.
- Never adjust or attempt to free a jammed chain while it is running. Always stop the machine and engine first.
- Trenchers are one person machines -- never allow any riders.
- When raising the boom you should disengage the chain just as it clears the trench.

Follow these steps when shutting the machine down for any length of time:
- Lower the trenching boom and attachments to the ground.
- Set the parking brake or block the wheels.
- Put the transmission in park or neutral.
- Stop the engine.
- Cycle the hydraulic controls to relieve any pressure.
- Remove the ignition key.
- Dismount carefully using steps and handholds.

Trencher Safety
- Read the operator's manual before attempting to operate the machine.
- Be sure you understand it completely.
- Dress properly for the job. Wear snug-fitting, sturdy pants and shirt, safety shoes, safety helmet, hard hat, safety goggles or screen, and hearing protection.
- Check the machine for loose, missing, or broken parts.
- Tighten, repair, or replace as needed before using.
- Check all safety devices such as seat belts, roll-over protective structures (ROPS), shields, warning lights, etc., to see that they are in place and working.
- Read and heed the safety warning decals on the machine.
- Check for hydraulic leaks with a piece of wood or cardboard. Never use your hand as pinpoint leaks can penetrate the skin.
- When checking radiator coolant, cover the cap with a cloth to protect yourself from escaping steam. Open the cap slightly to release pressure, and then open the rest of the way. Allow engine to cool before adding any needed coolant.
- Fill the fuel tank with engine stopped and cool. Do not smoke. Be sure there are no sparks or open flames nearby. If you must refuel during operation, allow the engine to cool a few minutes before doing so.
- Check for underground utilities in the digging area. You should request Blue Stake service at least two days in advance of digging. Don't take chances. You could lose your life if you strike a gas or electric line.
- Check for the presence of overhead utility lines as they can be equally as dangerous.
- DO NOT start while digging chain is in contact with the ground or other objects, Shut off power to trencher digging chain before moving the tractor with the trencher boom raised.
- NO SPECTATORS! Keep everyone away from trench and trencher. Do not shovel behind a running trencher.
- CHECK fluid level daily. NEVER refuel while unit is running and/or hot.
- THIS MACHINE emits carbon monoxide, a poison and deadly gas. Always operate where well ventilated.
- MAKE slow gradual turns. Loss of control may cause machine to run into bystander. Do not wire, tape, weight or tamper with operator presence control in any way.
- RIDE-ON TRENCHERS: ALWAYS wear seat belt at all times. Only operate from drivers seat! NO RIDERS!
- DO NOT operate on side-hills or rollover may occur.
- DO NOT work in trench with unstable sides which could cave in. Use shoring or sloping trench walls as required by OSHA.
- DO NOT Bypass any safety devices or controls. If you do, you may subject yourself and others to serious injury or death.