Figure 14-4.-Auger truck.
NCF. Notice in figure 14-4 that the drill boom lays
down and that extra auger heads are stored in the unit.
This truck can also set or pull poles.
OPERATIONS
Operating procedures may vary among makes and
models of earth augers; therefore, be sure to consult the
manufacturers manual for the specific earth auger you
are using.
Auger operational techniques under ordinary
circumstances are described below. Figure 14-5 shows
the auger controls and how the auger is positioned using
these controls.
Leveling
The leveling valve lever allows for tilting of the
auger shaft to the right or left (fig. 14-5, view A). Use
the leveling spirit level to plumb the auger shaft. Use
support jacks when operating the auger in hardpan or
rocky soil to keep the auger from bouncing.
NOTE: Do not depend on the accuracy of the
leveling bubble. Use a small builders level to level the
auger shaft and machine.
Raising and Lowering
The elevating valve lever is used to raise or lower
the auger shaft for transposing (fig. 14-5, view B).
Drilling and Retracting
To drill with the auger, engage the auger clutch
lever, increase the engine speed by pulling back on the
throttle lever, and push forward on the feed valve lever
to lower the auger into the ground (fig. 14-5, view C).
NOTE: Do NOT overspeed the auger. Run the
engine at a lower speed until you know the texture of the
material with which you are working.
When the auger is deep enough into the ground and
is covered with the cuttings, disengage the auger clutch
lever and pull back on the feed valve lever to raise the
auger from the hole. After the auger has cleared the
hole, engage the auger clutch lever to rotate the auger
14-5