Ashland GROUNDHOG 2500 User manual

EARTHMOVERS
Ashland Industries Inc.
1115 Rail Drive
P.O. Box 717
Ashland, WI. 54806
Ph: 877-634-4622 Toll Free
Ph: 715-682-4622
Fx: 715-682-9717
www.ashlandind.com
Version 2-07

1
PAGE NO.
Page 2-7. Safety Guidelines
Page 8-11. Operating Instructions
Page 12. Parts Diagram
Page 13. Actuating Assembly
Page 14. Hydraulic Line Tubing & Hydraulic Plumbing
Page 15. Hydraulic Cylinder
Page 16. Main Frame
Page 17. Wheel & Hub Assembly
Page 18. Rock Shaft
Page 19. Oscillating Beam
Page 20. Bowl
Page 21. Decals
Page 22. Limited Warranty Statement
HOW TO ORDER PARTS:
IMPORTANT
Parts must be ordered through your local authorized ASHLAND dealer.
Be sure to state the MODEL and SERIAL NUMBER of your machine, PART NUMBER,
DESCRIPTION and QUANTITY needed.
Unless this is done, we cannot provide prompt service or assure shipment of the
correct parts.
INDEX
Ashland Industries weldable replacement parts are available to rebuild, modify or
update your scraper to current factory specications.

2
SAFETY SIGNAL WORDS
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety
messages. The appropriate signal word for each has been selected using the fol-
lowing guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most ex-
treme situations typically for machine components which, for functional purposes,
cannot be guarded.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when
guards are removed. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against un-
safe practices.
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
Safety of the operator is one of the main concerns in designing and developing a
new piece of equipment. Designers and manufacturers build in as many safety
features as possible. However, every year many accidents occur which could have
been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful approach to handling
equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the follow-
ing precautions in this section. To avoid personal injury, study the following pre-
cautions and insist those working with you, or for you, follow them.
Replace any CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER or instruction safety decal that is not
readable or is missing. Location of such decals is indicated in this booklet.
Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the inuence of drugs or alcohol.
Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its opera-
tion. The operator should be a responsible adult familiar with farm machinery and
trained in this equipment’s operations. Do not allow persons to operate or
assemble this unit until they have read this manual and have developed a
thorough understanding of the safety precautions and of how it works.
To prevent injury or death, use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protective Sys-
tem (ROPS). Do not paint over, remove or deface any safety signs or warning de-
cals on your equipment. Observe all safety signs and practice the instructions on
them.
Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do
so safely, is in question - DON’T TRY IT.
!

3
!
WARNING
!
Because of the potential safety hazard to eyes from hydraulic leaks
and/or ying debris, Ashland Industries feels that the “USE OF PRO-
TECTIVE EYEWEAR IS ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY” for
operators and others in the work area.
Due to the potential of danger of ying debris, it is
“ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY THAT IMPACT RESISTANT
SHIELDING” be provided on the power unit to protect the operator.
The owner of the power unit is responsible for providing the operator
protection devices on the power unit.

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Safety First
Accidents can be prevented by recognizing the
causes or hazards before an accident occurs and
doing something about them. Read this manual
carefully and become familiar with the controls
and proper use of the machine. Know how to
stop the unit by disengagement of the controls.
Be sure the operator knows how to exercise the
mandatory shut down procedure.
Regardless of the care used in the design and
construction of this equipment, there are some
areas that cannot be safeguarded without inter-
fering with accessibility and efcient opera-
tion.
TAKE NOTE! THIS SAFETY ALERT SYM-
BOL FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS MANU-
AL IS USED TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION
TO INSTRUCTIONS INVOLVING YOUR
PERSONAL SAFETY AND THE SAFE-
TY OF OTHERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW
THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN
INJURY OR DEATH.
The following safety information is a general overview
of precautions that should be adhered to:
Read this manual carefully. Become thoroughly fa-
miliar with the controls and proper use of this ma-
chine. Insure that all operators know how to stop
the unit by disengagement of the controls using the
“Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure” as per your
power units operators manual.
Remember, it is the owner’s responsibility for com-
municating all information on the safe and proper
use and maintenance of this machine.
Never allow children to operate equipment. Allow
Adults to operate equipment only after receiving
the proper instructions. Keep the area of operation
clear clear of all unauthorized persons.
1.
2.
3.
Safety Procedures
CAUTION:
Keep children, spectators and other work-
ers off and away from the machine while
it is operating or engine is running. Do not
carry passengers.
Read and observe all warning decals on the
machine and power unit before attempting
to operate the scraper. So not attempt to op-
erate this machine unless all factory devices
and decals are in place. Keep all safety de-
cals free of dirt and grime. Keep all guards,
shields and decals in place.
The operator must not use drugs or alco-
holic beverages which would impair his/
her coordination while working. An opera-
tor who is taking prescription drugs must
get medical advice to determine is he can
safely operate a machine.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or trafc.
Never operate scraper without good light
and visibility.
Make sure all controls, (levers, pedals and
switches), are in neutral position before
starting the loader engine.
WARNING:
Keep all guards, shields & decals in place.
Before working under any hydraulically
controlled implement, be certain it is se-
curely blocked!
Because of the potential safety hazard to
eyes from hydraulic leaks and/or ying
debris, “USE OF PROTECTIVE EYE-
WEAR IS ABSOLUTELY MANDATO-
RY” for operator and others in work area.
Always use an approved roll bar and seat-
belt for safe operation, overturning a loader
without a rollbar and seatbelt can result in
injury or death.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
!

5
The use of handholds and step plates when
getting on and off the loader to prevent
falls. Keep steps and platform cleared of
mud and debris.
Operate the scraper only from the opera-
tor’s seat.
Keep your feet on the pedals, (oor plates)
seat belt fastened snuggly and seat bar low-
ered, when operating the scraper.
Operation Safety:
Because this machine will be operated in a
potentially hazardous environment it is AB-
SOLUTELY MANDATORY that you read
and follow these safety precautions.
WARNING:
Due to the possible danger of ying debris
within the load, it is ABSOLUTELY MAN-
DATORY that IMPACT RESISTANT
SHIELDING” be provided on the power
unit to protect the operator. The owner is
responsible for providing the operator pro-
tection devices on the power unit.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or trafc, do
not carry passengers.
Never operate the scraper without good
light or visibility.
When transporting the scraper on the road
during the day or night, provide adequate
warning to operators and vehicles.
Never park on a steep incline.
Do leave equipment in raised position.
DO NOT allow ANY people or animals
within 100 feet of the work area while op-
erating this machine.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
!
Thoroughly clear the work area of ALL
foriegn objects such as: fence posts, rebar,
and other long objects that can project for-
ward through the cab while loading.
When high pressure uid escapes, it can
be almost invisible, yet have enough pres-
sure to penetrate the skin and enter the
blood stream. Never attempt to use hands
to search for suspected oil leaks. If injured
by escaping uid, consult a doctor at once!
Serious reaction or infection can occur is
proper medical treatment is not obtained
immediately.
Never operate the scraper without guards,
shields, plates or other safety devices in
place. Shields are for your protection,
please keep all shields in place.
!
Danger:
Never get off the Skid steer while it is in
motion.
•
•
•
•

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Requirements:
Low ow hydraulics, with at face couplers, (coupler not included)
Power Unit must meet or exceed 7,000 pound class of machine
70 + Horsepower Required
Must be a track unit or aftermarket tracks installed
Chain down loop on power unit frame for safety chain.
Universal Quick attachment plate.
All operators of this attachment must have read operators manual and fully Understand operation of the skid steer
and this attachment.
Skid Steer must have a cab and a door that is capable of closing.
Cab of skid steer must have a impact resistant door.
Daily inspection of unit before operating:
• Grease all zerks daily
• Check all hydraulic couplers and hydraulic hoses for leaks and condition.
• Check all hydraulic hoses to insure none are pinched or leaking
• Check tire pressure daily
• Check safety chain that is connected
• Check rollers on apron so it turns freely
• Check for excessive pin wear
• Check universal quick attachment plate and locks for cracks or excess wear
• Check cutting edges for excessive wear, cracks or loose plow bolts.
• Check cutting edges so they don’t get wore down to the point that the frog is engaging the dirt (will cause
premature failure of the frog).
Safety:
Never operate the machine unless you fully have read and understand the operation manual thoroughly.
• Contact your local digger’s hotline or underground utility locating service prior to starting the project.
• Before starting a project, check with your local authorities and have proper permissions and/or permits for the
project, locate any property lines and or any buried items such as gas, phone, power lines etc.
• Visually inspect machine for worn parts or leaking hydraulics.
• Make sure safety chain is installed correctly and in good condition.
• Stay alert for hidden hazards or trafc.
• Do not carry passenger(s) on unit at any time.
• Never lift the Ground Hog 2500 off of the ground.
• Be aware of you environment and all hazards (people, telephone poles, guide wires, manholes etc.)
• Due to lowered visibility of operator, personnel on job site must stay at least 100 feet away from the working
machine.
• When transporting skid steer and Ground Hog on the road, provide adequate warning lights to the operators
of other vehicles.
• Never park unit on steep ground.
• Reduce speed when turning.
• When parking unit always lower the blade to the ground.

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Hooking skid steer to the Ground Hog 2500:
• Pull skid steer straight up to the Ground Hog 2500
• Visually inspect the Ground Hog 2500 mounting plate and universal quick attachment plates for dirt or
debris ( if dirt or debris is present clean it out so proper hook up can be achieved)
• Unlock the attachment locks on universal quick attachment plate.
• Roll the universal quick attachment plate forward to engage the mounting plates.
• If you’re unable to get the universal quick attachment plate to engage because it is to low or rolled under,
hook up hydraulic hose and lower bowl to raise universal quick attachment plate.
• Roll the universal quick attachment plate back to engage the mounting plates.
• Secure locks on the universal quick attachment plate, do a visual inspection to make sure both pins are
properly engaged with the mounting plate. If not fully engage unhook and inspect.
• Once connected lower loader arms fully to the bulk head to inspect ground clearance.
• If the bottom of the loader arms are too close to the ground while fully lowered, insert shims onto the bulk
head to raise the loader arms up. The shims are usually available from the skid steer dealer (make sure not
to put to many shims in the arms. Too many shims will limit the maximum depth of cut of the ground hog.)
• Secure the safety chain to the power unit by running it above or below the ground hog rockshaft onto the
chain down loops on the power unit. Route the chain in a manner that it will not damage any hydraulic
lines, attachment levers, shields or frame members.
• Make sure safety chain doesn’t prohibit the operator’s ability to enter or exit the skid steer.
• ALWAYS HOOK SAFETY CHAIN UP SO THE OPERATOR CAN NOT LIFT LOADER
ARMS OFF THE BULKHEAD. IF OPERATED WITH LOADER ARMS UP DAMAGE TO
LOADER ARMS MIGHT OCCUR
Operation of the Ground Hog 2500:
• Always operate with loader arms fully lowered against bulk head while operating.
• Before operating take time to get familiar with the operation of the skid steer controls and auxiliary
hydraulics.
• While operating the groundhog use auxiliary hydraulics only.
• Leave tilt cylinders fully back (to prevent damage to the loader arms).
• When turning do not turn around in a tight circle. By making a wider turn, it will result in less wear on power
unit and allow the operator to have better visibility of obstructions or personnel making for safer operation of
the unit.
Operation of the Ground Hog 2500 while LOADING:
• While skid steer is in motion lower cutting edge using the auxiliary control.
• Always leave the tilt cylinder fully “rolled” back (to prevent damage to the loader arms).
• If you cut with the tilt cylinder “rolled” forward, during the cut, the back of the oor of the bowl will drag

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during the cut causing premature wear of the oor.
• With the cutting edge engaging the ground, continue to lower cutting edge until scraper begins to consis-
tently cut the dirt with the protruding center blade.
• To achieve a smoother cut, take longer shallower cuts while maintaining a constant ground speed.
• By keeping a consistent ground speed, the material that is loading into the bowl will constantly be turning in
the bowl. With the material turning or "boiling" within the bowl, it allows you to develop bigger and quicker
loads.
• During the cut, if the material is coming up onto the skid steer, using the auxiliary controls, slowly raise the
cutting edge of the Ground Hog 2500 until the material quits owing up on the skid steer and continue to
load.
• If skid steer loses traction or loses ground speed slowly raise cutting edge until skid steer regains traction
and/or ground speed.
• When scraper is full, raise cutting edge fully out of the ground and drive to the ll area.
NOTE: When loading, evaluate your job site. Things you should take into consideration, if
possible load downhill, direction of travel of loaded scraper should be the shortest distance to
unload site. Never run the scraper up onto stockpile higher than the operator.
Operation of the Ground Hog while UNLOADING
• When unloading, evaluate your ll site. Things you should take into consideration, if possible unload on
a level at surface, direction of travel of loaded scraper should be the shortest distance to unload site.
• Never run the scraper up onto stockpile higher than the operator.
• With the skid steer moving at a safe speed, use the auxiliary hydraulics to raise the bowl of the scraper
into the dump position.
• Allow the dirt to empty out of the bowl.
• Return the bowl to the carrying position.
Operation when TOP LOADING the Ground Hog 2500:
• Make sure that you do not approach the loader or excavator on there blind side.
• Always come to a complete stop before starting to load the Ground Hog 2500.
• Always lower the Ground Hog 2500 bowl fully to the ground before loading (this will prevent damage to the
lift cylinders and pins of the Ground Hog 2500).
• Never open door of skid steer or get out of the Skid Steer when the Ground Hog 2500 is being top-loaded.
• Once the Ground Hog 2500 is loaded, raise the bowl to a carrying position.
• Make sure the excavator or loader and all personnel are clear of the skid steer and groundhog and proceed
to the ll area.

9
Operation of the Ground Hog on SIDE SLOPES:
• Never under any circumstances operate the unit on a slope greater than a 4:1 (25%)
slope.
• Always consult operator’s manual of skid steer for the limits of unit while operating
on a side slope.
• When operating on a side slope run the unit from the top to bottom (to prevent accidental overturn of skid steer
and Ground Hog.
• When on a side slope always keep the unit as low to the ground as possible (to prevent accidental overturn of
the machine).
• Whenever possible try not to run unit on side slope.
LOADING the Ground Hog onto a TRAILER:
• Always transport the Ground Hog empty.
• Remove any dirt or debris that may fall off during transport.
• Check for obstructions on the trailer bed (chains, blocks, etc.) if present, remove them from trailer before load-
ing.
• Make sure the truck and trailer is rated to carry the gross weight of the skid steer and Ground Hog 2500 (if not
sure consult the owners manual of both units).
• Make sure ramps are properly secured to trailer to prevent ramps from becoming un-attached while loading.
• You may nd it necessary to undo the safety chain to provide higher clearance for the Ground Hog while load-
ing (only lift groundhog high enough to clear the trailer as you are loading it).
• Make sure skid steer is in park or emergency brake is engaged and blade is lowered to the bed of the trailer.
• Make sure skid steer and ground hog is properly chained to trailer before transport.
Unloading from a trailer:
• Visually inspect area (make sure trailer is on a at level surface).
• Remove chains and binders.
• Make sure ramps are properly secured to trailer to prevent ramps from becoming un-attached while unloading.
• Check for obstructions on the trailer bed (chains, blocks, etc.) if present, remove them from trailer before load-
ing.
• Have a spotter present to insure proper alignment of skid steer and groundhog to ramps.
• When the skid steer and Ground Hog 2500 is safely off the trailer, re-attach the safety chain.

10

11
Key # Part # Qty. Required Description
1. A30003 2 Pin: 1-1/4 to NF 1” x 2-1/2” Shoulder, includes nut AFN
00001 & Zerk 14505
2. AFN-00001 2 Nut: Lock 1” NF
3. A012165 2 Act. Arm: Right & Left
4. A123475 2 Transport Lock
5. A30002 2 Roller: Actuating Arm - Cast
6. A4505 2 Pin
7. 7000 4 HHCS: 1/2” NC x 1”
8. A125006 2 Snap Pin
9. 8100 4 1/2” Lock Washer
10. A3318A 2 Pin
11. A2502A 2 Pin
12. A3310 2 Pin
13. A2506 1 Actuating frame
14. 7115 2 HHCS: 5/8 NC x 1-1/4
15. 7530 2 Nut: 5/8
16. A110 2 5/8” LW
17. 14505 2 Grease Zerk st 1/8” npt
18. 8602 4 1/4 x 2 cotter pin
Actuating Frame

12
Hydraulic Line Tubing &
Hydraulic Plumbing
Key # Part # Quantity Description
1. A45H07 4 Adapter: 90 Swiv. 1/2 MP x 1/2 FP S.N.’s 21584 and below
1. AHA-0023 4 Adapter: 90 Swiv. moro → FP ORB S.N.’s 21585 and above
2. AHA-00049 2 Adapter: T 3/4 MJ x 3/4 MJ x 3/4 MJ
3. A125218 1 Hose Ass’y.: Left Cyl. - Rear
4. A125219 1 Hose Ass’y.: Left Cyl. - Front
5. A125218 1 Hose Ass’y.: Right Cyl. - Rear
6. A125219 1 Hose Ass’y.: Right Cyl. - Front
7. A125220 2 Hose Ass’y.: Connecting

13
Key # Part # Quantity Description
1. A22H05 1 Piston nut, 3/4” NF
2. A22H06 1 Cast iron ring, 3-1/2” OD
3. A22H07 2 Back up washer, 3-1/4” OD
4. A22H08 2 O-ring seal, 3-1/2” x 3/16”
5. A22H09 1 Piston, 3-1/2”
6. A22H10 1 Piston Gasket, 3/4” ID
7. A22H11 1 Shaft, 1-1/2” diameter
10. A22H12 1 Barrel Assembly
11. A22H13 1 Head Gland, 3 1/2”
12. A22H14 1 Retainer Ring
13. A22H15B 1 ucup
14. A22H16 1 Head Cap
15. A22H18 3 Gapscrew, 1/4” x 1”
16. A22H17 1 Wiper Seal, 1-1/2” ID
A22H19B Packing Kit containing:
Qty. Part Number Qty. Part Number
1 A22H06 1 A22H15B
2 A22H07 1 A22H10A
2 A22H08 1 A22H17
17. 14505 1 Grease Zerk

14
Key # Part # Quantity Description
1. A123465-21 1 Bushing: Main Pivot Ground Hog (weld-in)
2. A123465-21A 1 Bushing: Main Pivot w/Hole Ground Hog (weld-in)
3. AHL-00002 2 Clamp: Hyd. Line - 2 Tube Ass’y
4. A123465-5 2 Bushing: Apron/Act. Frame Pivot (Weld in)
5. A123466 1 Main Frame
6 A123469-05 1 Pin: Castor Beam Pivot
8. AFB-00089 1 HHCS: 1/2 NC x 5-1/2” Gr. 8
9. 7500 1 Nut: 1/2” NC Gr. 5 zinc
10. A12-5039 2 Tube Ass’y.
11. AHL-00002 2 Tube Clamp Ass’y
Main Frame

15
Wheel & Hub Assembly
Key # Part # Quantity Description
1. A3319A 1 Wheel: 15 x 8” DC 6 Hole
2. A125197 1 Hub
3. A123474-01 1 Axle: Front Caster Wheel
4. ATI-00002 1 Tire: 11L - 15 8 Ply
5. AFN-00010 2 Nut: Slotted 1-1/4” NF
6. 8602 2 Cotter Pin 1/4 x 2
8. A123474-02 2 Spacer
9. A125197-01 2 Bearing: Cup
10. A125197-02 2 Bearing: Cone
11. A125197-03 2 Seal
12. A2236 6 Wheel Bolt

16
Key # Part # Qty. Required Description
1. A123471-03 1/side (2 total) Ball Bushing Mount
2. A123472 1 Rock Shaft Assembly
3. A123466 1 Frame
4. A125212 1/side (2 total) Ball Bushing
5. A125215 1 Safety Chain
6. AFB-00111 4/side (8 total) HHCS: 3/4 NC x 8” Gr. 8 Zinc
7. 750439 4/side (8 total) Nut: Lock 3/4” NC Gr 8 Zinc
Rock Shaft

17
Key # Part # Qty. Required Description
1. A123470 1 Oscillating Beam
2. A125209 2 Bushing: Thrust Ground Hog
3. A125200 1 Bushing: Pivot Ground Hog
4. A123468 1 Caster Fork Ground Hog
5. A4512 3 Seal: Grease 3-7/8”OD x 2-1/2” ID
7. A125205 1 Bearing: Cone top
8. A4514 2 Bearing: Cup
9. A8027 1 Spindle Washer
10. AFN-00010 1 Nut: Slotted 1-1/4” NF
11. 8602 1 Cotter Pin
12. A8026 1 Cap: Hub Mod’s 80 & 900
13. A125216 Cone Bottom
Oscillating Beam

18
Key
#
Part # Qty Required Description
1. AFN-00001 1/per side Nut: Lock 1” NF
2. A30020 1/per side Pin: 1-1/4” to 1” NFx 1-1/8” L Shoul. includes (1)
AFN-00001
3. 7500 11/per set of blades Nut: 1/2” NC Gr. 5 Zinc
4. A30021 1 Blade: Center 1/2 x 6 x 42” (25, 35)
(requires (5) 1/2 x 1 3/4” plow bolts)
5. A2221 1 Blade: Left 1/2 x 4” (25, 35)
(requires (3) - 1/2 x 1 3/4 plow bolts)
6. A2224 1 Blade: Right 1/2 x 4” (25, 35)
(requires (3) 1/2 x 1 3/4 plow bolts)
7. PB5P-NC-050-0175 11 per set Bolt: Plow 1/2 NC x 1-3/4” Gr. 8
8. 14505 1/ per side Grease Zerk
9. A2225 1 Opt 6” Right (requires (3)- 1/2 x 1 3/4” plow bolts)
10. A2222 1 Opt 6” Left (requires (3)- 1/2 x 1 3/4” plow bolts)
11. A2504 1 Bowl
12. A3317 1 Apron
Bucket & Apron

19
Key # Part # Quantity Description
1. 750464 2 Decal: “High Pressure Fluid Hazard”
2. ADS-00011 2 Decal: “Pinch Point”
3. ADS-00029 1 Decal: patent pending
4. ADS-00002 4 Decal: Small Ashland Logo ( 4 x 21.55”)
5. ADS-00030 3 Decal: Turning
6. ADS-00031 1 Decal: Loader Arms
7. ADS-00034 1 Ground Hog decal Long
8. ADS-00033 2 Ground Hog decal Large
9. ADS-00032 1 Ground Hog decal Small
10. ADS-00019 8 Twice Daily
11. ADS-00020 2 Lubricate Rollers
12. ADS-00020 1 www.ashlandind.com