Ground Hog T-4 Operator's Manual

GROUND HOG

OPERATORS
MANUAL

MODEL
T-4
TRENCHER

GROUND HOG INC .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT...........

P.O. BOX 290 / SAN BERNARDINO / CALIFORNIA 92402
FAX: [phone] / TOLL FREE: [phone]
[e-mail]

THE GROUND HOG T-4 TRENCHER

It is your responsibility as the
operator of this piece of equipment to
know what specific requirements,
precautions and work hazards exist.
You must read and understand all of
the information contained in the
operators manual.

The Ground Hog model T-4 trencher
is a small, operator propelled , chain­type trencher designed for the
installation of lines that require a
narrow shallow trench.

Powered by a 5 H.P. engine, and
equipped with carbide teeth, it has
more than enough power to trench
through the toughest soils, however,
because of its small size, low horse
power and trenching capacity, it is
limited in what it is capable of doing.
The job site, soil conditions, job
specifications and operator
experience may dictate that a different
tool or method be used to do the job.

The digging chain of any trencher
has a tendency to pull the trencher in
the opposite direction you want to dig.
For this reason, be sure that the
digging teeth are not in contact with
the ground or other objects while
starting the motor and that the wheel
lock device engages before lowering
the digging bar into the ground. Be
sure that you have a firm grip on the

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chine and are ready to control it when
the digging bar comes
in contact with the ground.

Trenchers of all type have a
tendency to “hop” or “buck” under
certain conditions. This can be the
result of certain soil conditions or
buried objects that the trencher
cannot cut through or lift to the
surface. The trencher must be
stopped and the object removed, or
restart the trench beyond the object
using a different method of trench ing
through or around the object.

NOTE: It is important that any piece
of machinery be kept in the best
mechanical condition possible. Failure
to properly maintain machinery greatly
reduces the productivity of the tool
and could create a hazard to the
operator or bystanders. DO NOT use
machinery if it has been modified or
improperly maintained.

1. Keep bystanders away from the
trench and trencher while it is in use.
Remember, trenchers are useful
tools, but they can be hazardous both
to the operator and bystanders.

2. Before using trencher, clean work
area of debris, such as, rocks, wire,
boards, and any other potential
hazards. Inspect the entire work area
for unexpected buried hazards, such
as boulders, foundations and fencing.

3. Make sure you know the location
of all buried utility lines. The utility
companies will locate and mark the
lines for you.

WARNING: A cut electrical
cable or gas line can result in

injury or fatality.

4. Always stop the motor when you

leave the operator’s position of the
trencher or if somebody approaches
the trencher at the “working end”.

5. Always wear the proper clothing
and equipment for the job. Eye and
ear protection, helmet, boots, gloves
and dust masks are some items that
may be required.

CAUTION: Never wear a

watch, ring or neck tie when
working with machinery. Keep your
hands, loose clothing and your hair
away from moving parts.

6. Use extreme caution while
operating trencher on uneven terrain.
Do not risk tipping or rollover. Try to
use trencher in a level position. Make
sure you know the stability of the
trencher. Natural vibration will make
the trencher creep sideways down a
slope.

7. While digging, if the trencher hits
anything, jams or begins to labor, turn
the motor off and inspect the trench
and trencher for any possible causes.

8. Always start trenching a safe
distance from any object , such as, a
fence or foundation. The digging teeth
could possibly catch and climb the
object.

9. Never operate the trencher or run
the engine in unventilated areas.

10. Avoid coming in contact with the
muffler and other engine parts after
the engine is started. Temperature
may exceed 150°F (66.6°C). Allow
engine to cool before attempting to
perform any maintenance.

SAFETY TIPS

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CAUTION: Before operating trencher, BE SURE THAT IT IS
STRUCTURALLY AND MECHANICALLY SAFE. Check all engine controls,

clutch action, belt and chain condition, and wheel ratchets. Be sure that the
protective guards are in place. If the trencher is not working properly or is not
structurally safe, take the necessary steps to put it in working order before
putting it in operation.

DEPTH SETTINGS / 6” 8” AND 12”

THE T-4 TRENCHER

STOP SWITCH

THROTTLE LEVER

DIGGING CHAIN

DIGGING BAR

SIDE DELIVERY AUGER

DEPTH CONTROL LEVER

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