ASTEC RT130 User manual

RT130 Trencher
Operator’s Manual
AU106984
G7B

Safety Decals on this machine use the words Danger, Warning or Caution, which
are defined as follows:
•DANGER: Indicates an immediate hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
The color associated with Danger is RED.
•WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided will result in serious injury.
The color associated with Warning is ORANGE.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
The color associated with Caution is YELLOW.
© 2006 Astec Underground
THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL INDICATES IMPORTANT SAFETY
MESSAGES IN THIS MANUAL. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL,
CAREFULLY READ THE MESSAGE THAT FOLLOWS AND BE ALERT TO
THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
IMPROPER OPERATION OF THIS MACHINE CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE, MAKE CERTAIN THAT EVERY OPERATOR:
• Is instructed in safe and proper use of the machine.
• Reads and understands the Manual(s) pertaining to the machine.
• Reads and understands ALL Safety Decals on the machine.
• Clears the area of other persons.
• Learns and practices safe use of machine controls in a safe, clear area
before operating this machine on a job site.
It is your responsibility to observe pertinent laws and regulations and
follow Astec instructions on machine operation and maintenance.

i AU106984 G7B
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TO THE OWNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
RT130 TRENCHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
AFTER DELIVERY CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
RIGHT, LEFT, FRONT AND REAR OF MACHINE . . . . . 2
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
MACHINE COMPONENTS - LEFT SIDE . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MACHINE COMPONENTS - RIGHT SIDE . . . . . . . . . . 4
SAFETY/DECALS/HAND SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SAFETY MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PERSONAL SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
UTILITY SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BEFORE OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
FAILURE IN OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MACHINE OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
PARKING THE MACHINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CAST DUCTILE IRON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
BURN PREVENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PRESSURIZED HYDRAULIC FLUID AND GREASE . . . . 8
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
FIRE OR EXPLOSION PREVENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
FIRE EXTINGUISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SAFETY DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
HAND SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CONTROL PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(1) IGNITION SWITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(2) HANDLE BARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(3) OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(4) THROTTLE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(5) BOOM CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(6) DIRECTION/SPEED CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(7) TRANSPORT/WORK CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
(8) DIGGING CHAIN CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
(9) NEUTRAL INDICATOR LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
(10) ENGINE HOURMETER/TACHOMETER . . . . . . . . 16
ENGINE CHOKE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ENGINE OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
RUN-IN MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
OPERATING IN HOT WEATHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
OPERATING IN COLD WEATHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
STARTING THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ENGINE SPEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
BOOSTER BATTERY CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
PARKING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . 19
MACHINE OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
TRENCHER OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
TRENCHER BOOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
TRENCHER CHAIN AND TEETH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
BEFORE YOU OPERATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE ON A TRAILER . . . . 23
MOVING A DISABLED MACHINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
WHEELS AND TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
GENERAL SAFETY BEFORE SERVICING MACHINE . . 27
PLASTIC AND RESIN PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
CAPACITIES AND LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS . . . 28
LUBRICATION/MAINTENANCE CHART . . . . . . . . . . 29
ACCESS DOORS AND COVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
GREASE FITTINGS LOCATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
ENGINE LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
OIL VISCOSITY/TEMPERATURE USAGE CHART . . . 31
AIR FILTERING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
FUEL SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
HYDRAULIC OIL SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
TRANSAXLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
ADJUSTMENT/MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
CIRCUIT PROTECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
FUSE REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SPARK PLUG SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
VALVE ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
IDLE SPEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
DIGGING CHAIN TENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
DECREASING CHAIN TENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
INCREASING CHAIN TENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
DIGGING CHAIN WEAR PADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
FIRE EXTINGUISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
ELECTRICAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
BATTERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
MACHINE STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
BOOM IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
BASIC MACHINE DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
ENGINE DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
FUEL CAPACITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
SPEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS - DECIMAL HARDWARE 48
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
AFTER DELIVERY CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
AU106984 G7B ii

1 AU106984 G7B
TO THE OWNER
RT130 TRENCHER
RT130032, RT130030
This manual contains important information about the
safe operation, adjustment and maintenance of your
Astec Trencher. Refer to the Index at the end of this
manual for locating specific items about your machine.
This Trencher conforms to current safety regulations.
Use this manual as a guide. Your Trencher will remain a
reliable working tool as long as it is kept in good working
condition and serviced properly.
Do NOT operate or permit anyone to operate or
service this machine until you or the other persons
have read and understand the safety, operation
and maintenance instructions in this manual. Use
only trained operators who have demonstrated the
ability to operate and service this machine
correctly and safely.
This Trencher, with standard equipment and authorized
attachments, is intended to be used for general earth
moving purposes, handling, ditch digging, etc. Make sure
that the machine is properly equipped and follow the
instructions and safety precautions in this manual.
Do Not use this machine for any application or
purpose other than those described in this manual.
Consult an authorized Astec dealer on changes, additions
or modifications that can be required for this machine to
comply with various country regulations and safety
requirements. Unauthorized modifications will cause
serious injury or death. Anyone making such unauthorized
modifications is responsible for the consequences.
RT130027
This Operator’s Manual is to be stored in the manual
compartment equipped on this machine. Make sure this
manual is complete and in good condition. Contact your
dealer to obtain additional manuals. Contact your dealer
for any further information or assistance about your
machine. Your dealer has Astec-approved service parts.
Your dealer has technicians with special training that
know the best methods of repair and maintenance for
your Trencher.
AFTER DELIVERY CHECK
Two copies of the After Delivery Check are in the back of
this manual. One copy is for you and one copy is for the
dealer. Make sure that your dealer does the After Delivery
Check after the first 50 hours of machine operation.
NOTE:
Your cost for this inspection will be for filters, oil
and/or other accessories. If the dealer comes to your
machine, there can also be a cost for the time and
distance traveled
.

TO THE OWNER
AU106984 G7B 2
RIGHT, LEFT, FRONT AND REAR OF MACHINE
Right-hand and left-hand, when used in this manual, indicate the right and left sides of the machine as seen from the
operators position facing the machine engine and operating the controls.
RT130033, RT130030
REAR FRONT
FRONT REAR
VIEWED FROM RIGHT SIDE
VIEWED FROM LEFT SIDE

3 AU106984 G7B
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
Write your machine Product Identification Number (P.I.N.) and Serial Numbers on the lines provided below. If needed,
give these numbers to your dealer when requesting parts or information for your machine.
Make a record of the numbers and keep the record in a safe place. If the machine is stolen, report the numbers to your
local law enforcement agency.
MACHINE MODEL NUMBER: RT130 Trencher
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (P.I.N.) ________________________________________________________
2. ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER ________________________________________________________
RT130021
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RT130001 2. ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
1

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
AU106984 G7B 4
MACHINE COMPONENTS - LEFT SIDE
RT130030
MACHINE COMPONENTS - RIGHT SIDE
RT130033
2
4
1
8
56
7
39
1. RESTRAINT BAR 4. OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL 7. TRENCHER BOOM
2. ENGINE HOOD 5. DIGGING CHAIN 8. REAR TIE DOWNS
3. GUIDE WHEEL 6. OPERATORS MANUAL STORAGE 9. FRONT TIE DOWN
4
6
9
1
5
7
8
3
2
1. RESTRAINT BAR 4. AUGER 7. TRENCHER BOOM
2. OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL 5. REAR ACCESS AREA 8. REAR TIE DOWN
3. ENGINE COVER 6. DRIVE WHEEL 9. GUIDE WHEEL

5 AU106984 G7B
SAFETY/DECALS/HAND SIGNALS
SAFETY MESSAGE
This machine has been designed and built to meet or
exceed current safety regulations and standards.
However, this does not completely exclude the risk of
accidents. It is therefore essential to follow basic safety
rules and procedures.
The strict execution of the instructions provided in this
manual will help prevent accidents during machine use,
maintenance and repair operations.
These instructions will only be effective if the machine
receives proper maintenance. Any defects or
abnormalities must be repaired immediately.
Do not use the machine for applications other than those
which are described in this manual.
In the event of a particular problem, requiring some
intervention or application not described in this manual,
contact your Astec dealer immediately.
Most accidents involving machine operation and
maintenance can be avoided by following basic rules and
precautions. Read and understand all the safety
messages in this manual, and the safety signs on the
machine before you operate or service the machine. See
your Astec dealer if you have any questions.
READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY and make sure you
understand the characteristics of speed, stability, and
steering of this machine. The machine must be used only
by trained operators. KEEP THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL IN
THE STORAGE BOX provided and make sure it is always
fastened to the machine, in complete and good condition.
See your dealer for additional manuals. Also see the
inside of the rear cover of this manual.
RT130027
OPERATOR’S MANUAL STORAGE
The safety information given in this manual does not
replace safety codes, insurance regulations, or local laws.
Make sure your machine has the correct equipment
according to these rules or laws.
IMPORTANT:
Safety messages in this section point out
situations which can be encountered during the normal
operation and maintenance of your machine. These safety
messages also give possible ways of dealing with these
conditions. Additional safety messages are used in the
text of the manual to show specific safety hazards.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Safety Decals on this machine use the words Danger,
Warning or Caution, which are defined as follows:
•DANGER:Indicates an immediate
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury. The color associated
with Danger is RED.
• WARNING: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided
will result in serious injury. The color associated with
Warning is ORANGE.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be
used to alert against unsafe practices. The color
associated with Caution is YELLOW.
ISO two panel pictorial symbol decals are shown in both
vertical and horizontal configurations and are defined as
follows:
•The Signal panel indicates the nature of the hazard.
•The Message panel indicates the appropriate avoidance
of the hazard.
•Background color is YELLOW.
•Prohibition symbols such as and if
used are RED.
UTILITY SAFETY
Safety precautions MUST be followed when working near
buried utility lines
During operation it is likely you will be working around or
near buried utility lines which may include, but are not
limited to:
•Electrical Power Line
•Gas Line
•Water Line
•Communication Line - Telephone or Cable Television
•Sewer Line
STOP

SAFETY
AU106984 G7B 6
Before beginning any trenching, drilling or other
construction work it is your responsibility to be
aware of all such utility lines buried in the area of
your project and to avoid them.
ALWAYS have all local utility companies mark the location
of their lines.
In U.S.A. and Canada call one of many “One Call System
Directory” services. If you do not know the local number,
call the national number (U.S.A. and Canada only): 1-888-
258-0808.
Check with local authorities for laws, regulations
and/or strict penalties requiring you to locate and
avoid existing utilities.
RH99G001
CALL ALL LOCAL UTILITY COMPANIES BEFORE YOU TRENCH
Know the utility color code (U.S.A. and Canada):
Electric .......................................................... Red
Gas, Oil or Petroleum.................................. Yellow
Communication, Telephone, Television ........ Orange
Water ................................................. ..........Blue
Sewer.............................................. Green/Brown
Proposed Excavation.................................... White
Surveying ..................................................... Pink
Reclaimed Water and Slurry ........................ Purple
After locating the utility lines, carefully dig a hole by hand
and/or automatic vacuum equipment to the utility line to
verify the location and depth of the line.
BEFORE OPERATIONS
•Avoid loose fitting clothing, loose or uncovered long
hair, jewelry and loose personal articles.
•Different jobs may require different protective
equipment. Items such as hard hats, protective shoes,
heavy gloves, reflector type vests, respirators and ear
protection may be required. Know and use the
equipment that is required before you start the job.
•Be prepared for emergencies. Always have a first aid
kit and a good fire extinguisher close by and know how
to use each.
•Know the hand signals used on your job. Follow the
instructions of the flagman, signs, etc. See Hand
Signals in this manual.
•Check that all guards, covers and safety decals are
installed correctly or closed. NEVER operate the
machine without guards in place.
•Foreign material such as ice or grease on the controls
or handlebar can cause an accident. Keep these areas
clean.
•Remove all loose objects from operators area and from
the machine. Loose objects can jam controls and cause
accidents.
•Make sure all persons are away from the machine
before you start the engine.
•Always face the machine when using the machine. Do
not rush.
•Before you start each day, walk around the machine
and check for oil or fluid leaks. Replace all broken,
loose, worn or missing parts and do the required
lubrication and maintenance as shown in this manual.
•Engine exhaust fumes can cause death. If you operate
this machine in an enclosed area, use good ventilation
to replace the exhaust fumes with fresh air.
•Know the rules, laws and safety equipment necessary
for transporting this machine on a road or highway.
Rotating beacon, backup alarm, SMV and other safety
equipment items are available from you dealer.
•Make sure the parking brake is engaged and that all
controls are in neutral before starting the engine.
WARNING:
Always contact your local One-
Call system and any utility companies which
do not subscribe to One-Call before the start
of your digging project.