Amco AD-540-OS User manual

AD-540-OS ** AD-540-V ** AD-1000-OS **
AD-1000-V
AMCO DITCHER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PART IDENTIFICATION
AMCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY
800 South Industrial Parkway ●P.O. Box 1107
Yazoo City, Mississippi (MS) 39194 USA
[phone] ●Toll Free: [phone] ●Fax: [phone]
www.amcomfg.com
Revised 5/21/18
OFFSET AND VERTICAL ROTARY DITCHERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword…………………………………………….…...3
Safety……………………………………………….…….4
Specifications………………………………….….……..5
Bolt Torque………………………………………….…...6
Warning Decals……………………………………....…7
Vertical & Offset Ditcher Components………….....….7
Tractor Horsepower Guidelines…….………………....8
Hitching the Ditcher to the Tractor…………………….8
Proper PTO Shaft Alignment...............................…....9
Unhitching the Ditcher from the Tractor…………..…10
Checklist before Using the Ditcher……………….….10
Operating the Ditcher…………………………….…...11
Transportation……………………………………….…13
Maintenance & Lubrication…………………………...13
Drive Chain and Idler Sprocket Adjustment………...14
Leveling the Ditcher……………………………………15
Flat & Concaved Skid Shoe Adjustment…............…16
Cutter Head & Cutting Blades………………………..17
Ditcher Extended Storage……………………............18
Troubleshooting Guide………………………………..19
AD-540-V…………………………………………...20-22
AD-1000-V………………………………….………23-25
AD-540-OS…………………………………………26-28
AD-1000-OS………………………………………..29-31

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FOREWORD
You’ve just joined an exclusive but
rapidly growing club.
For our part, we want to welcome
you to the group and thank you for
buying an AMCO product.
We hope your new AMCO
implement will help you
achieve both increased productivity
and increased efficiency so that you
may generate more profit.
This operator’s manual has been
designed into five major sections:
Foreword, Safety Precautions,
Operation, Troubleshooting and
Parts Identification.
It is important the owner/operator
knows the implement model number
and serial number. Write the serial
and model number in the space
provided and use it in all
correspondence when
referring to the implement.
Throughout the manual, references
may be made to left side and right
side. These terms are used as
viewed from the operator’s seat
facing the front of the tractor.
This SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
indicates important safety messages
in the manual. When you see this
symbol, be alert to the possibility of
PERSONAL INJURY and carefully
read the message that follows.
The word NOTE is used to convey
information that is out of context with
the manual text. It contains special
information such as specifications,
techniques, reference information
and other information of a
supplementary nature.
The word IMPORTANT is used in
the text when immediate damage will
occur to the machine due to
improper technique or operation.
Important will apply to the same
information as specified by NOTE
only of an immediate and urgent
nature.
It is the responsibility of the user to
read the operator’s manual and
comply with the safe and correct
operating procedure and to lubricate
and maintain the product according
to the maintenance schedule in the
operator’s manual.
The user is responsible for
inspecting his machine and for
having parts repaired or
replaced when continued use of the
product would cause damage or
excessive wear to the other parts.
It is the user’s responsibility to
deliver his machine to the AMCO
dealer who sold him the product for
service or replacement of defective
parts that are covered by the
warranty policy.
If you are unable to understand or
follow the instructions provided in the
publication, consult your local AMCO
dealer or contact:
AMCO MANUFACTURING, INC.
662-746-4464
800-748-9022
662-746-6825 (FAX)
Website: www.amcomfg.com
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]

4
AMCO Manufacturing warrants all products manufactured and sold by it against defects in
material. This warranty being expressly limited to replacement at the factory of such parts
or products as will appear to be defective after inspection.
This warranty does not obligate the Company to bear cost of labor in replacement of parts.
It is the policy of the company to make improvements without incurring obligations to add
them to any unit already sold. No warranty is made or authorized to be made, other than
herein set forth. This warranty is in effect for one year after purchase.
Model Number: _________________________
Serial Number: _________________________
Dealer: ___________________
AMCO Manufacturing warrants its own products only and cannot be responsible for
damage to equipment on which mounted.
SAFETY
A brief description of signal words that may be used in this manual:
CAUTION: Used as a general reminder of good safety practices or to direct attention to unsafe
practices.
WARNING: Denotes a specific potential hazard.
DANGER: Denotes the most serious specific potential hazard.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
You can make your farm a safer place to live and work if you observe the safety precautions
given. Study these precautions carefully and insist that they be followed by those working with
you and for you.
WARNING
Never clean, lubricate or adjust a machine that is in motion. Always lower or block the implement
before performing service.
If machine must be serviced in the raised position, jack or block it up to prevent it from
accidentally falling and injuring someone.
Do not allow riders on the tractor or implement.
Use speeds and caution dictated by the terrain being traversed. Do not operate on any slope
steep enough to cause tipping or loss of control.

5
Be sure all personnel are clear of the immediate area before operating.
Read and understand the operator’s manual and require all other persons who will operate the
equipment to do the same.
Be familiar with all tractor and implement controls and be prepared to stop engine and implements
quickly in an emergency.
CAUTION
Consult your implement and tractor operator’s manual for correct and safe operating practices.
Beware of towed implement width and allow safe clearance.
FAILURE TO HEED MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model No.
Description
Approx Weight
Vertical Ditchers (Body Only)
AD
-
540
-
V
Vertical Rotary Ditcher for 540 PTO with Buster Shank
569
lbs.
AD
-
1000
-
V
Vertical Rotary Ditcher for 1000 PTO with Buster Shank
569
lbs.
Offset Ditcher (Body Only)
AD
-
540
-
OS
Left Offset Rotary Ditcher for 540 PTO with Buster Shank
734
lbs.
AD
-
1000
-
OS
Left Offset Rotary Ditcher for 1000 PTO with Buster Shank
734
lbs.
Cutter Heads (5 Blades)
AD
-
CHA18
Cutter Head 18” – 20” 5 Blade (Reversible for longer life)
72
lbs.
AD
-
CHA26
Cutter Head 24” – 26” 5 Blade (Reversible for longer life)
109
lbs.
PTO Driveline
AD
-
DL6S
1-3/8”, 6 Spline 540 PTO
56
lbs.
AD
-
DL21S
1-3/8”, 21 Spline 1000 PTO
56
lbs.
AD
-
DL20S
1-3/4”, 20 Spline 1000 PTO
58
lbs.
DRIVELINE SHEAR BOLTS
1) Bondioli drivelines use a metric M10 bolt, grade 8.8 (equivalent to standard grade 5). The
part numbers to use are 12320-1(bolt) & 10510 (nut).
2) Weasler, which is the current supplier, uses a standard 3/8-16 bolt, grade 5. The part
numbers to use are 10764 (bolt) & 10509 (nut).

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BOLT TORQUE
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, lubricating or repairing:
First, disengage the tractor’s PTO and wait for the cutter head and cutting blades to come to a
complete stop. Then slowly lower the ditcher until skid shoe is touching the ground. Before
dismounting from the tractor shut off the engine set the parking brake and remove the key.
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST:
1. Improperly tightened bolts will result in damage, breakage, expense, and down time.
2. Always replace bolts with the specified grade and type.
3. Torque properly before first use of the machine and every 2-4 hours of use until you are
sure bolts are staying tight.
4. The chart below is a guide for proper torque. Use it unless a specified torque is called out
elsewhere in the manual.
5. Torque is the force you apply to the wrench handle or the cheater bar, times the length of
the handle or bar.
6. Use a torque wrench whenever possible.
The following table shows torque in ft. lbs.

7
Shear Bolt Torque Rating
Metric bolt torque for M12 Class 8.8 zinc plated is 55.1 foot-pounds.
WARNING DECALS
Familiarize yourself with the warning decals affixed to the ditcher. It is important for you to operate
the ditcher safely. Read and follow the safety directions on all warning decals.
1. For operator safety make sure all warning decals are clean and legible.
2. Immediately replace any damaged or missing warning decals.
3. Never cover or obscure a warning decal.
4. Refer to the Parts Identification Section of this manual for correct warning decal locations.
5. Replacement warning decals can be obtained from your AMCO Dealer or by contacting
AMCO at amcomfg.com.
VERTICAL AND OFFSET DITCHER COMPONENTS
1. PTO Shaft 6. Buster Shank
2. Chain Case 7. Input and Output Shafts
3. Concave Skid Shoe 8. Reversible Ditcher Cutting Blades
4. Ratchet Jack Adjustment 9. Operator’s Manual Storage Tube
5. Parking Stand 10. Serial Number Plate
V
ERTICAL DITCHER
O
FFSET DITCHER

8
TRACTOR HORSEPOWER GUIDELINES
WARNING
Never operate the ditcher above its RPM rating; Excessive PTO speed can cause personal injury
or damage to your tractor and ditcher.
All 540 RPM ditcher models are designed for use on tractors from 50 to 110 PTO horsepower.
All 1000 RPM ditcher models are designed for use on tractors from 80 to 150 PTO horsepower.
HITCHING THE DITCHER TO THE TRACTOR
1. Before backing the tractor in front of the ditcher, check the PTO shaft travel. The PTO shaft
must slide freely forward and must not bottom out. If the PTO shaft doesn’t slide freely or
bottoms out, damage to the bearings and shaft may occur.
2. Lubricate the PTO shaft per the instructions in the Maintenance & Lubrication Section of
this manual.
3. Check the shearbolt.
4. Make sure tractor drawbar is moved to one side, retracted or removed.
CAUTION
Make sure the tractor drawbar is moved to one side, retracted or removed. Do not leave the
drawbar in the middle of the tractor as damage may occur to the PTO shaft.
5. The ditcher will fit Category II and III three point hitches or Category II quick coupler.
Careful attention should be given to mounting the ditcher to the tractor. The three tractor lift
links should be connected to the ditcher with the connecting pins. The PTO shaft should be
connected to the tractor PTO shaft by slipping the shaft forward until the quick disconnect
pin slips into the groove on the tractor PTO shaft. Periodic cleaning and a few drops of oil
on the splined surfaces and on the quick disconnect pin will simplify this operation. Be
careful, the universal drive shaft could slip off the tractor PTO shaft if the quick disconnect
pin is not properly seated.
6. The parking stands should be raised and pinned in the raised position. The ditcher should
be slowly raised and lowered to check the drive shaft length. At least 6" of the shaft should
be engaged in the tubular portion of the universal drive shaft. Check the drive shaft in the
fully retracted position to make sure it is not binding and will turn freely. Also check to be
sure the drive shaft will not hit the tractor drawbar.

9
7. The tractor’s top lift link should be extended or retracted until the chain case is vertical
when lowered to the normal operating position. The universal drive shaft must have an
equal offset in each joint (see photo in Proper PTO Shaft Alignment section in this manual).
As an example, if the front joint is offset 6 degrees the rear joint must also have a 6 degree
offset. Should the rear joint be offset 4 degrees or 8 degrees the cutter head will not run at
a constant speed and will vibrate excessively. Operating the ditcher in this condition will
cause drive shaft, shear bolt and chain failures.
PROPER PTO SHAFT ALIGNMENT
The tractor’s top lift link should be extended or retracted until the chain case is vertical when
lowered to the normal operating position. The drive line must have an equal offset in each joint.
See photo below. As an example, if the front joint is offset 4 degrees or 8 degrees, the cutter
head will not run at a constant speed and will vibrate excessively. Operating the Ditcher in this
condition will cause drive line, shear bolt, and chain failures.

10
UNHITCHING THE DITCHER FROM THE TRACTOR
WARNING
Before dismounting from the tractor shut off the engine set the parking brake and remove the key.
1. Prior to unhitching the ditcher from the tractor at the end of the use season or for an
extended period of time review the Extended Ditcher Storage Recommendations Section
of this manual.
2. Raise the ditcher high enough so the skid shoe can be adjusted and both parking stands
can be secured in the holes that match the size of the cutter head.
3. Lower both parking stands to the selected height based on the cutter head diameter and
install the hair pins to lock both stands in place. Double check to make sure both parking
stands are securely in place. Adjust the skid shoe as needed for Step 4.
4. Slowly lower the ditcher until the skid shoe and both parking stands have come in contact
with a firm flat surface. The buster shank and cutter head should be slightly above ground
level.
5. Disconnect the PTO shaft safety chain from tractor.
6. Pull back on the tractor end PTO shaft yoke collar and hold while sliding the PTO shaft
yoke collar off of the tractor PTO shaft.
7. Place the yoke end of the PTO shaft in the PTO hanger attached to the side of the ditcher
3-point hitch. Ditchers built prior to June 1, 2015 hold the yoke end under the upper 3-point
hitch pin and secure it in place with a length of chain and klik pins.
8. Remove the klik pin and pin connecting the tractor 3-point center link to the ditcher. Place
the tractor 3-point center link into its storage position.
9. Remove lower 3-point klik pins and hitch pins from lower 3-point clevises.
10.Lower the 3-point lift arms below the clevises.
11.Use care while driving the tractor away from ditcher make sure the lower 3-point lift arms
are free from the ditcher and do not pull against it.
12.Pull the tractor away from the ditcher. Before dismounting the tractor shut off the engine
set the parking brake and remove the key. Reinstall the ditcher 3-point hitch pins, bushing,
and klik pins.
CHECKLIST BEFORE USING THE DITCHER
CAUTION
Make sure the tractor drawbar is moved to one side, retracted or removed. Do not leave the
drawbar in the middle of the tractor as damage may occur to the PTO shaft.
1. Make sure the ditcher is properly attached to the tractor

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2. Read and understand the operator’s manual.
3. Read and familiarize yourself with the safety and warning decals on the ditcher.
4. Check all bolts to verify proper torque.
5. Level the chain case. See the LEVELING THE DITCHER SECTION of this manual
WARNING
Never operate the ditcher above its RPM rating; Excessive PTO speed can cause personal injury
or damage to your tractor and ditcher!
6. Check the ditcher for parts that are broken or have excessive wear. If any are found
replace them.
7. Check to make sure the tractor 3-point hitch is securely attached to the ditcher.
8. Verify the ditcher has been properly lubricated.
9. Check the chain case oil level. This is done by removing the check plug on the side of the
chain case. The oil level should be level with the bottom of the plug hole.
10.Adjust the skid shoe to the initial depth setting as detailed in the Flat and Concaved Skid
Shoe section of this manual.
11.Verify the PTO shaft is firmly connected to the tractor.
12.Slowly raise and lower the ditcher to check the engagement of the PTO shaft. There
should be at least 6” of engagement between the two halves of the PTO shaft.
OPERATING THE DITCHER
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, lubricating or repairing. First, disengage the tractor’s PTO and
wait for the cutter head and cutting blades to come to a complete stop. Then slowly lower the
ditcher until skid shoe is touching the ground. Before dismounting from the tractor shut off the
engine set the parking brake and remove the key.
CAUTION
Make certain there are no underground utilities or pipelines in the area where the ditcher will be
operated. If you are not sure contact your local utilities so they can mark the area. If
underground utilities or pipeline are buried in the area of operation it is important to ask how close
to the locator markers the ditcher can be operated.

12
CAUTION
Soil and debris will be thrown out on the left side of the ditcher. Soil can be thrown in a 50’
pattern from the left side of the ditcher. Rocks and other debris can be thrown farther. Make sure
no person, building or vehicle is within 150’ of either side of the ditcher when it is being operated.
CAUTION
Do not use the ditcher to grind tree stumps or for anything else other than moving soil. Severe
damage could result if the ditcher is used for any application other than moving soil.
1. Make sure the cutter head and cutting blades are not making contact with the soil before
engaging the PTO.
2. To start the ditcher throttle the tractor engine speed to 250 RPMs, lower the ditcher to
slightly above the ground and engage the tractor PTO.
3. After the cutter head has started rotating, set the engine speed as follows: 540 RPM PTO
speed for the 540 RPM rated ditcher models. 1000 RPM PTO speed for the 1000 RPM
rated models.
WARNING
Never operate the ditcher above its RPM rating; Excessive PTO speed can cause personal injury
or damage to your tractor and ditcher.
3. If the tractor is equipped with a float position on the 3-point lift it should be used. This will
allow the skid shoe to control the depth of cut.
4. Slowly move the tractor forward while slowly lowering the ditcher until it has reached the
set working depth.
5. Forward speed and depth of cut should be matched to soil condition. It is best not to
exceed a 6” working depth on a single pass.
6. The ditcher must be raised to clear the soil surface before making sharp turns or backing
up.
7. The ditcher should never be raised to maximum height with the PTO engaged.
8. Operate the ditcher at a 2.5-5 mph for best performance. Ground speed will vary for
various soil types especially in extreme rocky conditions. Rule of thumb for all conditions,
the slower the ground speed the better the ditcher will perform.

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TRANSPORTATION
CAUTION
Always comply with all federal, state and local laws when traveling on public roads whether at
night or during the day. Use accessory lights and devices for adequate warning to operators of
other vehicles.
CAUTION
Always disengage PTO shaft before raising the ditcher to the transport position.
1. When raising the ditcher to transport, be sure that the driveline does not contact tractor or
implement and the parking stand is pinned in the fully up position.
2. Be sure to reduce tractor ground speed when turning. Leave enough clearance so that the
ditcher does not contact obstacles such as buildings, trees, or fences.
3. Select a safe ground travel speed when transporting from one area to another. When
traveling on roadways, transport in such a way that faster moving vehicles may pass you
safely.
4. When traveling over rough or hilly terrain, shift tractor to a lower gear.
MAINTENANCE & LUBRICATION
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, inspections, lubricating or repairing. First, disengage the tractor’s
PTO and wait for the cutter head and cutting blades to come to a complete stop. Then slowly
lower the ditcher until skid shoe is touching the ground. Before dismounting from the tractor shut
off the engine set the parking brake and remove the key.
CAUTION
Never clean, adjust or service when the ditcher is in motion. Block up all elevated components
to prevent accidental lowering or lower to rest on the ground when adjusting or repairing.

14
WARNING
Replace any missing, illegible or damaged safety decals!
Daily or Every Ten (10) Hours of Operation
1. Visually check the chain case for oil leaks.
2. Visually inspect for loose or missing bolts.
3. Inspect for loose or damaged cutting blades.
4. Visually inspect the entire ditcher for worn, loose, damaged or missing parts including
decals.
5. Check the cutter head to see if anything has wrapped around it.
Weekly or Every (50) Hours of Operation
1. Check the chain case oil level. Use quality 90 weight oil when adding oil. The oil level
should be to the bottom of the check plug.
2. Lubricate all PTO shaft fittings with a good quality lithium soap grease.
Every Season or (250) Hours of Operation
1. Inspect for worn or damaged parts. Replace all worn or damaged parts.
2. Drain the oil from the chain case and flush the case with kerosene or diesel fuel to remove
contamination. Fill the chain case with 3 quarts of quality grade 90 weight oil or until it
reaches the bottom of the check plug. Dispose of the used oil and flushing fluid in an
environmental friendly manner.
3. Inspect the chain, sprockets and bearings for wear. Replace worn or damaged parts.
4. Inspect the PTO shaft for worn or damaged parts. Replace worn or damaged parts.
5. Inspect the cutting blades. Replace the blades if worn or damaged. Note: All ditchers
starting with serial number S010038 are equipped with reversible cutting blades for a
longer wear life.
6. Thoroughly inspect the entire ditcher for missing, worn or damaged parts including missing
decals. Repair or replace parts during the “off season” to assure dependable, trouble-free
performance during the use season.
DRIVE CHAIN AND IDLER SPROCKET ADJUSTMENT
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, lubricating or repairing: First, disengage the tractor’s PTO and
wait for the cutter head and cutting blades to come to a complete stop. Then slowly lower the
ditcher until skid shoe is touching the ground. Before dismounting from the tractor shut off the
engine set the parking brake and remove the key.

15
1. Using a 9/16” wrench, remove 10 bolts that are in the top plate. Clean both the chain case
and top plate removing old gasket.
2. Inspect drive chain, sprockets, and idler bracket for wear. If worn, replace with new parts.
3. To tighten the drive chain, first loosen the idler sprocket jam nut located on the right hand
side of the vertical ditcher and on the bottom side of the offset ditcher. This requires a ¾”
wrench. Back the jam nut off to allow set screw adjustment.
4. Using a small ½” wrench, turn the set screw clockwise to tighten the idler sprocket against
the drive chain.
5. There will be very little slack in the drive chain. Rotate the cutter head to make sure chain
is tight. *NOTE* over tightening of the drive chain can cause major damage to the ditcher
drive mechanism.
6. Once the drive chain is set to the correct tension, turn the set screw 1/4 turn counter
clockwise.
7. Holding the set screw with a 1/2" wrench, tighten the jam nut using a 3/4’’ wrench.
8. Apply a new top plate gasket.
9. Reinstall the 10 bolts and tighten with a 9/16” wrench.
LEVELING THE DITCHER
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, lubricating or repairing:
First, disengage the tractor’s PTO and wait for the cutter head and cutting blades to come to a
complete stop. Then slowly lower the ditcher until skid shoe is touching the ground. Before
dismounting from the tractor shut off the engine set the parking brake and remove the key.
CAUTION
Never tilt the ditcher backwards. Operating the ditcher tilted back will result in excessive wear on
the back side of the cutter head. Plus, it will increase horsepower requirements.

16
Vertical Chain Case Ditcher Models
Lower the ditcher to the normal operating position and extend or retract the tractor’s center link
until the chain case is vertical.
Offset Chain Case Ditcher Models
Lower the ditcher to the normal operating position and extend or retract the tractor’s center link
until the side of the chain case the skid shoe is mounted to is vertical.
FLAT & CONCAVED SKID SHOE ADJUSTMENT
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, lubricating or repairing: First, disengage the tractor’s PTO and
wait for the cutter head and cutting blades to come to a complete stop. Then slowly lower the
ditcher until skid shoe is touching the ground. Before dismounting from the tractor shut off the
engine set the parking brake and remove the key.
For the initial setting both flat and concaved skid shoes are adjusted the same regardless if they
are equipped with an adjusting ratchet or adjusting bar. Initially adjust the bottom of the skid shoe
so it positioned 1/2" to 1" above the bottom of the cutting blades. This will allow the ditcher to
reach normal cutting depth after a few feet of forward travel. The adjusting ratchet or adjusting bar
should then be adjusted as required to hold a uniform cutting depth. To achieve a deeper ditch
raise the skid shoe. Lower the skid shoe to shallow up the ditch.

17
CUTTER HEAD & CUTTING BLADES
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, lubricating or repairing:
First, disengage the tractor’s PTO and wait for the cutter head and cutting blades to come to a
complete stop. Then slowly lower the ditcher until skid shoe is touching the ground. Before
dismounting from the tractor shut off the engine set the parking brake and remove the key.
WARNING
Never operate the ditcher with out-of-balance cutting blades. Check to make certain all cutting
blades are installed using the same mounting holes for either the 18" diameter or 26" diameter
cutter heads.
1. Make sure the cutter head and cutting blades are not making contact with soil before
engaging the PTO.
2. Do not operate the ditcher with missing or damaged cutting blades.
3. Check the cutter head and cutting blades for soil build up.
4. Check the cutter head and output shaft for wrapped wire or twine.
Smaller cutting head 18” – 20”
The cutting diameter may be adjusted by moving the location of the blades on the cutter head.
Locating the blades in the inside set of holes on the smaller cutting head will give an 18” diameter
cut. Locating the blades in the outside set of holes will give a 20” diameter cut.
Larger cutting head 24” – 26”
The cutting diameter may be adjusted by moving the location of the blades on the cutter head.
Locating the blades in the inside set of holes on the larger cutting head will give a 24” diameter
cut. Locating the blades in the outside set of holes will give a 26” diameter cut.

18
DITCHER EXTENDED STORAGE
CAUTION
Raise the ditcher high enough so the skid shoe can be adjusted and both parking stands can be
secured in the holes that match the size of the cutter head. Before dismounting from the tractor
shut off the engine set the parking brake and remove the key.
1. Before unhitching the ditcher from the tractor clean off any dirt or debris that may have
accumulated on the ditcher and moving parts. Scrape off any compacted dirt from the
cutter head and cutting blades. Then use a power washer to clean the ditcher.
2. Thoroughly inspect the entire ditcher for missing, worn or damaged parts including decals.
Repair or replace parts during the “off season” to assure dependable, trouble-free
performance during the use season.
3. Lubricate the ditcher as detailed in the Maintenance & Lubrication section of this manual.
4. Apply a protective coating to the cutter head and cutting blades.
5. The ditcher should be stored on a solid flat surface in a dry location. It is best to store the
ditcher inside a storage building. Doing so will reduce future maintenance requirements
and prolong the life of the ditcher.
6. To complete unhitching from the tractor follow the instructions in the Unhitching From The
Tractor section in this manual.

19
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem
Cause Solution
PTO shaft vibrates Check for worn out universal
joints
_________________________
Check for bent PTO shaft
Replace universal joint if needed
____________________________
Replace PTO shaft if it is bent
Ditcher is not achieving
desired cutting depth
Ditcher cutting depth is
restricted by tractor 3-point
Adjust tractor 3-point lift arms
to a deeper depth setting.
The skid shoe maybe out of
adjustment. Raise for a deeper cut
Ditcher chain gear case needs
to be adjusted so the cutting
head is running parallel to the
soil surface
Adjust 3-point hitch center link to
align cutting head
Cutting head will not
rotate
PTO shaft is not engaged Engage PTO shaft
PTO shaft shear bolt maybe
sheared
Replace shear bolt
Drive chain may be broken or
has jumped off the drive
sprockets
Repair drive chain or realign on
drive sprockets and adjust tension.
Excessive noise in chain
gear case.
(some noise will be
present during normal
operation)
Drive chain is loose Tighten idler sprocket to remove
slack in chain tension
Sprocket to chain alignment Adjust sprocket to chain alignment
Ditcher gear case has
excessive vibration
Cutting head is out of balance Check for unevenly worn or
missing cutting blades.
Check for soil or other debris build
up on the cutting head
Cutting blades do not
leave a smooth soil
surface
Check the cutting blades
cutting edges for wear.
If the cutting blades are reversible
rotate them. If not or completely
worn out replace them.

20
Key Qty. Part No Description
19 1 10949 Decal – “Warning”
33 1 11713 Serial Plate
41 1 12141 Decal – “Warning”
Key Qty Part No Description
29 1 11465 Decal – “AMCO” logo
42 1 12212 “Caution” Decal-“Warning”
46 1 19021 Made in USA Decal
Key Qty Part No Description
1 2 0939 Parking Stand Ass’y
14 2 10803 Hair Pin - #19
32 2 11697 Klik Pin 7/16
53 2 101739 Lower Hitch Pin
Key Qty Part No Description
9 2 10395 ½-13 Lock Hex Nut SP
10 1 10509 3/8-16 Lock Hex Nut ZP
12 1 10765 3/8-16 x 2-1/2 HHCS Gr 5 ZP
16 2 10870 ½-13 x 1.5 Carriage Bolt Gr 5 ZP
52 1 100699 Deflector
58 1 103363 Shield
AD
-
540
-
V