Clarke ED160A Operation & Maintenance Instructions Manual

PETROL EARTH BORER

MODEL NO: ED160A

PART NO: 3400962

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTIONS

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS GC0319 ISS 1

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE product, designed for boring holes in soil
for fence posts, reforestation, and similar operations.

Before attempting to operate the machine, it is essential that you read this
manual thoroughly and carefully follow all instructions given. In doing so you
will ensure the safety of yourself and that of others around you, and you can
also look forward to the machine giving you long and satisfactory service.

OVERVIEW

The Earth Borer comprises two major components.....the drive mechanism,

(engine and gearbox), and an auger (ordered as a separate item on page

13).

The machine is designed for one man operation, but some exertion may be
necessary due to the forces involved, the type of soil being worked and the
uncertainty of what lies below the surface.

Care must therefore be exercised when using the machine, as it may lurch
suddenly if, for example it comes into contact with strong tree roots or grabs
on dense clay etc. All of these possibilities should be considered.

GUARANTEE

This CLARKE product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of
12 months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of
purchase.

This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.

Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.

This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.

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SAFETY WARNINGS

WORK AREA

1. Keep the work area tidy and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas invite
accidents.

2. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.

3. ALWAYS check, before use, to ensure there are no submerged drains,
water or gas pipes or electrical cables etc., that may interfere with the
boring operation.

4. ALWAYS be alert and adopt a firm stance when handling the machine. Be
prepared for the machine to jar suddenly should the auger come into
contact with a submerged or heavy object, heavy clay or tree roots etc.

5. NEVER operate an engine driven unit in an explosive atmosphere, near
combustible materials, or where there is insufficient ventilation.

6. NEVER start the engine in confined spaces.

7. NEVER use this machine for boring in landfill or soil known to contain rocks
or debris.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. Stay alert and use common sense when operating a machine. Do not use
a machine while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or
medication. A moment of inattention while operating machinery may
result in personal injury.

2. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the machine on. A
wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the machine may result
in personal injury.

3. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the machine in unexpected situations.

4. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.

5. ALWAYS use BOTH hands to control the machine.

6. ALWAYS wear ear defenders/protection and safety goggles,
manufactured to the latest European standards.

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7. NEVER allow anyone without the necessary physical strength to operate
this machine as it may vibrate and its handling will requires a degree of
physical exertion.

MACHINE USE AND CARE

1. Do not force the machine. Use the correct machine for your application.
The correct machine will do the job better and safer at the rate which it
was designed.

2. Do not use the machine if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any
machine that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must
be repaired.

3. Store idle tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons

unfamiliar with the machine or these instructions to operate the machine.

Machines are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

4. Maintain machines. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the machines
operation. If damaged, have the machine repaired before use. Many
accidents are caused by poorly maintained machines.

5. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Tools with sharp cutting edges are less
likely to bind and are easier to control.

6. Use the machine and accessories in accordance with these instructions

and in the manner intended, taking into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use of the machine for operations different

from intended use could result in a hazardous situation.

7. ALWAYS check to ensure the auger securing bolts are tight before each
use.

8. ALWAYS observe all safety precautions for the handling of fuel.

9. NEVER refuel the engine whilst it is running, and allow the engine to cool
sufficiently before refuelling. Use ONLY recommended 2-stroke mixture.

10. NEVER make any adjustment or perform a service operation with the
engine running.

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SAFETY SYMBOLS

The following safety symbols are to be found on the product.

Read instruction manual before use

Wear eye protection

Wear gloves

Wear protective footwear

Wear ear defenders

This product meets Euro5 emission standards

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ASSEMBLY

Remove the components from the packing and inspect for signs of damage
which may have occurred during transit. Should any damage be apparent
please inform your Clarke dealer immediately.

The carton contains the following components:

• The motor/drive assembly complete

• The handle complete with the throttle controls

• A wallet containing the items shown below

These are:

1. Double ended screwdriver blade (crosshead/ flat) plus handle

2. Hex wrenches

3. Double ended socket spanner

4. Hex head socket screws with spring washers

5. Machine screws with nuts and spring washers

Attach the handle, throttle controls and the auger attachment as follows:

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FITTING THE HANDLE

1. Attach the handle using the three
socket head screws and washers
provided.

NOTE: The hand controls will be

located closest to the spark
plug on the side of the
machine.

FITTING THE THROTTLE CABLE

1. Unscrew the centre cap and lift
away the air filter housing in order
to gain better access to the
carburetor parts.

2. Pass the throttle cable through
the small bracket so as to locate
the cable into the groove in the
swivel block on the throttle lever.

3. Ensure the bead on the end of the
cable rests beyond the groove, to
position the cable before
screwing the threaded guide into
the bracket.

4. When the cable is secure,
operate the throttle lever to check for correct movement of all parts
before tightening the locknut on the threaded guide to eliminate any play
in the cable.

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5. Connect the two cables coming
from the handlebar to their
corresponding connectors
coming from the drive assembly.

6. Re-fit the air filter housing.

FITTING THE AUGER

1. Bolt the auger on to the output
shaft using the nuts, bolts and
spring washers supplied, ensuring
the nuts are tight. ALWAYS make
this check before each use.

FILLING WITH FUEL

The engine runs on a 2-stroke mixture
as follows:

• 20 Parts Petrol to 1 Part 2-Stroke MINERAL oil.......or

• 50 Parts Petrol to 1 Part 2-Stroke SYNTHETIC 2-Stroke oil.

Use regular unleaded petrol mixed with 2-Stroke oil.

Mix the fuel and oil in a separate container in a well ventilated area, away
from naked flame. Observe all precautions for handling fuel. NO SMOKING
etc.

Unscrew the fuel tank filler cap
(retained on a toggle) and fill the
tank to an inch (25mm) below the
filler neck using a funnel. Wipe away
any spillage thoroughly, replace the
cap on the fuel container and move
the container a safe distance away.

WARNING: NEVER REFILL THE FUEL TANK WHEN THE ENGINE IS

HOT....ALWAYS WAIT UNTIL IT HAS STOPPED AND COOLED DOWN

SUFFICIENTLY.

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OPERATION

BEFORE USE

Check the security of the auger. Ensure the securing nuts are tight.

Check for fuel leaks and rectify before use.

Check for any damage and rectify before use or consult your Clarke dealer.

After selecting the site for the required hole, clear the area of any plant
material that might get caught up in the auger as it rotates. Grasp the handle
bar firmly and take a balanced, firm stance with both feet. Start the engine
and allow it to run on idle for a couple of minutes to ensure it is running
smoothly.

ENGINE STARTING

The control handle as shown,
comprises three components.

•Safety Lever

• Throttle Lever

• Stop/Start Switch

The illustration shows all 3 controls in
the STARTING position (both levers
released and the stop/start button
central).

1. Lay the machine, with the auger
attached, on its side with the
starter pull rope facing upwards.

2. Press the priming bulb 5-6 times
until the bulb becomes full of fuel
and firm to the touch.

3. Set the Stop/Start switch in its
central (START) position.

4. Grasp the pull rope and pull
sharply. If sufficiently warm, the
engine should start within 2 or 3 pulls.

WARNING: DO NOT PRESS THE SAFETY OR THROTTLE LEVER ON START-UP.
THIS WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO START AT HIGH RPM WITH THE AUGER
BIT ROTATING IMMEDIATELY AND CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION.

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NOTE: After the engine has started the Stop/Start button automatically

returns to its central position.

COLD STARTING

THE DECOMPRESSOR

The engine is provided with a
decompression device for easy
starting of a cold engine. The
decompressor knob is located on top
of the engine as shown.

Before attempting to start, push the
knob DOWN fully. As soon as the
engine starts, the knob will
automatically reset.

Once started, allow the engine to run
briefly in order to warm up, then increase engine speed momentarily using the
throttle lever. The STOP/START switch will automatically revert to its central
position and the engine will idle.

THE CHOKE

In cold conditions the choke may be
used to aid starting.

Before attempting to start, move the
Choke Control lever towards the
CLOSED position shown. You may set
the lever to fully or partially closed,
depending upon conditions.

Once the engine has started and
warms up a little, the choke lever can
be returned to the normal OPEN
position with the engine settling at its idling speed.

NORMAL OPERATION

1. Depress the safety lever with the
palm of the hand whilst pulling up
the throttle lever with the fingers.

• The throttle lever will not operate
until the safety lever is depressed.

2. Control the speed of the machine
using the throttle lever.

• Increasing the engine speed will
engage the centrifugal clutch

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and cause the auger to rotate. The auger should stop rotating at Idle
speed, allowing the machine to be safely handled and positioned as
required.

3. To stop the engine, release both the throttle and safety levers and set the
stop/start button to the STOP position.

4. Position the tip of the auger on the spot where the hole is to be dug and
use the throttle to increase the speed of rotation. When the auger
becomes full of soil, remove it from the hole and discard the spoil to one
side.

• Take care that the auger may stop suddenly if it encounters any large roots
or stones which could stop the machine suddenly and make you lose
control.

If the auger gets stuck, stop the engine and try twisting the auger in the
reverse direction to unwind it from the obstruction. To assist with this, a tommy
bar of 8 mm diameter can be used by inserting it through the hole in the base
of the auger and drive shaft together and twisting the auger in the reverse
direction to release it. Try to find the cause of the blockage before continuing.

MAINTENANCE

EVERY 25 HOURS OF USE

SPARK PLUG

Pull off the spark plug lead, remove
spark plug, clean and set gap to 0.5
mm.

AIR FILTER

The air filter cover is secured by the
centre cap on top.

Remove the cover and the sponge
filter and wash in warm soapy water.
Rinse thoroughly and ensure it is
thoroughly dry before replacing.

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Clean the cover and the housing,
which is still attached to the
carburetor.

Take great care NOT to allow foreign
bodies to enter the carburetor intake.
Moving the choke control lever to the
CLOSED position, to close off the air
intake, will help keep out any debris.

EVERY 50 HOURS OF USE

The machine should be serviced by a qualified technician. Please contact
your Clarke dealer for advice.

STORAGE

If you do not expect to use the machine for some time then the following tasks
should be undertaken before storing.

1. Empty the fuel tank completely, then start the engine and allow to run until
it stops for lack of fuel. Ensure the fuel cap is replaced and is secure.

2. Remove the spark plug (see page 8) and pour into the cylinder chamber
several drops of 2-stroke oil.

3. Crank the engine slowly using the starter pull rope in order to distribute oil
around the cylinder and piston, then replace the spark plug.

4. Carefully clean all parts, ensuring a film of oil covers bare metal parts. Use a
brush to clean the cooling fins. Oil the throttle linkage at the carburetor.

5. Store in a dry environment.

FAULT FINDING

In the event that you find difficulty in starting, or there is lack of power, it is likely
that the problem lies with either fuel or ignition. The following checks will help
to diagnose the problem.

1. Check to ensure the fuel tank has sufficient fuel mixed at the correct ratio
shown on page 8.

2. Check to ensure there is no water contamination of the fuel. If necessary,
drain the fuel tank and refill with new fuel.

3. Check the fuel line from tank to carburettor...it may be clogged.

4. Check the fuel cap. Remove the cap then replace loosely. If the engine
starts, it likely that the fuel cap breather is clogged. Replace if necessary.

5. The air filter may be clogged.

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6. The spark plug may be dirty or gap is excessive. Clean it and have it tested.

7. Possible ignition fault...check for a spark by removing the spark plug and
with the lead attached, crank the engine with the metal part of the plug
held against bare metal. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TOUCH THE
METAL PART OF THE PLUG. RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. The spark plug must be
known to be in good condition.

8. The ‘STOP’ button wire may be broken or become disconnected, creating
a permanent STOP condition.

Should these checks not solve the problem consult your Clarke dealer.

ACCESSORIES

A selection of augers is available as follows:

Type Model No Diameter Length Part No

Single start spiral bit EDA100 100 mm 800 mm 3400991

Single start spiral bit EDA150 150 mm 800 mm 3400993

Single start spiral bit EDA200 200 mm 800 mm 3400995

Extension Piece EDA400 n/a 400 mm 3400990

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Recycle unwanted materials instead of disposing of them as waste.
All unwanted accessories and packaging should be sorted and
taken to a recycling centre for disposal in a manner which is
compatible with the environment.

Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the obligation to
deal with the WEEE in accordance with the WEEE regulations in relation to the
treatment, recycling & recovery and environmentally sound disposal of the
WEEE.

In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal
facility.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine type 2-stroke

Capacity 53 cc

Power output 1.8 kW

Engine rpm 7000 rpm

Fuel Capacity 0.9 litres

Fuel Mix 20:1 (mineral or semi synthetic oil)

Spark Plug Champion RCJ6Y

Starter type Recoil

Clutch Auto centrifugal

Output rpm 160 - 200 rpm

Vibration

Uncertainty Factor (K)

0.10 m/s

Sound pressure (LpA) 92 dB

Sound power (L

) 112 dB

WA

Uncertainty Factor (K) 2 dB

Dimensions (L x W x H) 490 x 420 x 340 mm

Weight (Drive unit only) 10.7 kg

Auger diameter 100-200 mm (see accessories page 13)

Overall length 930 mm (with auger)

Effective length 800 mm

14 m/s

2

2

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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