MiniTrencher GR16, GR20, GR27 Instructions Manual

Reliable | Superior | Revolutionary

OPERATOR’S AND SAFETY MANUAL

FOR GEORIPPER MODELS GR16, GR20, GR27

WARNING!

Read and understand this Manual. Always follow safety

precautions in the Operator’s and Safety Manual.

Improper use can cause serious injury!

TERRATRENCH USA, INC. dba MiniTrencher

815 NE 172

nd

Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684

877.694.0141 www.MiniTrencher.com

®

Thank you for purchasing the GeoRipper® minitrencher.

The unique features and benefits of the GeoRipper include multi-stage air filtration technology,
vibration isolation and the latest developments in durable digging chains. These lightweight
trenchers are designed to provide many years of dependable performance when used in
accordance to the instructions within this manual.

For more information and operating techniques, refer to the website:

www.MiniTrencher.com

WARNING!

Read and understand this Manual. Always follow safety precautions in the Operator’s and

Safety Manual. Improper use can cause serious injury!

WARNING!

FUELS WITH MORE THAN 10% ETHANOL ARE NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN GEORIPPER

2-STROKE AND 4-STROKE ENGINES! Use of alternative fuels, such as E-20 (20% ethanol), E-85

(85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting MINITRENCHER requirements are not approved for

use in GEORIPPER MINITRENCHERS!

USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS CAN CAUSE THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS:

Poor performance, loss of power, overheating, fuel vapor lock, improper clutch

engagement, premature deterioration of fuel lines, premature deterioration of gaskets,

premature deterioration of carburetors.

USING ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND/OR 2-STROKE OILS NOT ACCORDING TO JASO FC OR

ISO-L-EGD IN GEORIPPER MINITRENCHER 2-STROKE ENGINES WILL VOID YOUR ENGINE

WARRANTY!

i

CONTENTS PAGE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................... 1

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................... 3

DIGGING CHAIN INFORMATION .............................................................................................. 5

BEFORE YOU START TRENCHING ................................................................................................. 5

USING THE GEORIPPER® MINITRENCHER .................................................................................... 6

SPECIAL SITUATIONS ................................................................................................................ 7

MAINTENANCE, CLEANING AND STORAGE .............................................................................. 7

FUEL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ 8

GUIDE TO MAINTAINING DIGGING COMPONENTS ................................................................. 9

USING MINITRENCHER EZ KART™ .............................................................................................. 10

TIPS FOR EZ KART™ USE ......................................................................................................... 11

GEORIPPER® TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................. 11

SERVICE AND PARTS .................................................................................................................. 12

REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR GEORIPPER® MINITRENCHER ..................................................... 12

WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................ 13

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .......................................................................................... 14

ii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

To prevent serious injury:

All operators of the GeoRipper® minitrencher must read and fully understand this Operator’s
and Safety Manual prior to operating the minitrencher.

All operators must use required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as outlined by local or
national safety codes. PPE for feet, legs, eyes, hands, face and ears should be worn at all times
while operating the GeoRipper minitrencher. At minimum, the operator shall wear safety-toe
boots, safety glasses and ear plugs.

KEEP FEET AND HANDS CLEAR OF DIGGING CHAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Before you dig: check the location of all underground services, especially electric

cables. ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN CAUSE SEVERE OR FATAL INJURY.

Check that the powerhead, including handles, and all safety apparatus are in good working
order.

Ensure that the GeoRipper® minitrencher is correctly fitted to the powerhead, the chain and
belt are correctly tensioned, all nuts and bolts are tight and the belt guard is in place. Before
starting the engine, remove and inspect the digging chain for any damage.

When starting the powerhead (see Fig. B), use the correct safety starting techniques as outlined
in the powerhead operator’s manual and ensure that the digging chain is clear of contact with
the ground or any other object. For extra safety, make sure the area around the digging chain
is clear of loose vegetation, the digging chain may rotate upon startup of the powerhead. To
stop chain from rotating, depress throttle control to increase engine RPM. After engine slows
to idle, the chain should be stationary.

DIGGING CHAIN MUST BE STATIONARY WHEN POWERHEAD IS AT IDLE.

(Refer to powerhead operator’s manual for correct idle adjustment.)

1