Bush Hog PHDHF15 User manual

© 2020 Alamo Group Inc.
PHDHF SERIES PHDHC SERIES
PHDHF-2 SERIES
PHDHF15, PHDHF20, PHDHF30
PHDHF15-2, PHDF20-2
PHDHF30-2, PHDHF35
PHDHC20, PHDHC30, PHDHC35
Published 03/20 Part No. 50074550
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
BUSH HOG®
2501 Griffin Ave.
Selma, AL 36703
334-874-2700
www.bushhog.com
HYDRAULIC PLANETARY
DRIVE DIGGER
This Operator's Manual is an integral part of the safe operation of this machine and must
be maintained with the unit at all times. READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the Safety
and Operation Instructions contained in this manual before operating the equipment. C01-
Cover
$0.00

To the Owner/Operator/Dealer
All implements with moving parts are potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded
operator who recognizes the potential hazards and follows reasonable safety practices. The manufacturer has
designed this implement to be used with all its safety equipment properly attached to minimize the chance of
accidents.
BEFORE YOU START! Read the safety messages on the implement and shown in your manual. Observe the rules
of safety and common sense!
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Read and understand the complete Warranty Statement found in this Manual. Fill out the Warranty Registration
Form in full and return it to within 30 Days. Make certain the Serial Number of the Machine is recorded on the
Warranty Card and on the Warranty Form that you retain

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY SECTION .............................................................................................................. 1-1
General Safety Instructions and Practices .........................................................................................................1-2
Operator Safety Instructions and Practices .......................................................................................................1-3
Equipment Operation Safety Instructions and Practices ....................................................................................1-5
Connecting or Disconnecting Implement Safety Instructions and Practices ......................................................1-8
Transporting Safety Instructions and Practices .................................................................................................1-8
Maintenance and Service Safety Instructions and Practices .............................................................................1-9
Storage and Parking Safety Instructions and Practices ...................................................................................1-11
Concluding Safety Instructions and Practices ..................................................................................................1-11
Decal Location - PHDHF Series ......................................................................................................................1-12
Decal Location - PHDHC Series ......................................................................................................................1-13
Decal Location - PHDHF-2 & PHDHF35 Series ...............................................................................................1-14
Decal Location PHDHF, PHDHF-2, PHDHF35, PHDHC Skid Steer Mounts ...................................................1-15
Decal Description .............................................................................................................................................1-16
FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS ..........................................................................................................1-18
INTRODUCTION SECTION ................................................................................................. 2-1
ASSEMBLY SECTION ........................................................................................................ 3-1
LOADER BUCKET HITCH MOUNT ASSEMBLY (PHDHF & PHDHC) .............................................................3-2
SKID STEER HITCH ASSEMBLY (PHDHF & PHDHC) ....................................................................................3-2
LOADER BUCKET HITCH MOUNT ASSEMBLY (PHDHF-2 & PHDHF35) ......................................................3-3
SKID STEER HITCH ASSEMBLY (PHDHF-2 & PHDHF35) ..............................................................................3-3
ATTACHING AUGER TO GEARBOX OUTPUT SHAFT ...................................................................................3-4
ATTACHING DRIVE MOTOR TO HITCH MOUNT ............................................................................................3-4
BACKHOE HYDRAULIC DRILL UNIT ...............................................................................................................3-4
OPERATION SECTION ....................................................................................................... 4-1
Standard Equipment and Specifications ............................................................................................................4-3
OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................................................4-5
POWER UNIT REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................4-6
ROPS and Seat Belt ..........................................................................................................................................4-6
Power Unit Safety Devices ................................................................................................................................4-7
Auxiliary Hydraulics ............................................................................................................................................4-7
GETTING ON AND OFF THE POWER UNIT ....................................................................................................4-8
Boarding the Power Unit ....................................................................................................................................4-8
Dismounting the Power Unit ..............................................................................................................................4-9
STARTING THE POWER UNIT .........................................................................................................................4-9
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND SERVICE ...........................................................................................4-10
Power Unit Pre-Operation Inspection/Service .................................................................................................4-11
Digger Pre-Operation Inspection/Service ........................................................................................................4-11
OPERATING THE POWER UNIT AND IMPLEMENT .....................................................................................4-14
Digger Operating Instructions ..........................................................................................................................4-15
Auger Selection Based on Drilling Application .................................................................................................4-16
IMPLEMENT STORAGE .................................................................................................................................4-17
TRANSPORTING THE POWER UNIT AND IMPLEMENT ..............................................................................4-17
Transporting on Public Roadways ...................................................................................................................4-18
Hauling the Power Unit and Implement ...........................................................................................................4-20
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ........................................................................................................................4-21
MAINTENANCE SECTION .................................................................................................. 5-1
LUBRICATION INFORMATION .........................................................................................................................5-2
AUGER MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................................5-3
MACHINE INSPECTION ...................................................................................................................................5-3

STORAGE .........................................................................................................................................................5-3
HYDRAULIC LINES, COUPLERS & ADAPTERS .............................................................................................5-4
PROPER TORQUE FOR FASTENERS ............................................................................................................5-4

Safety Section 1-1
SAFETY SECTION

SAFETY
PHDHF / PHDHC 03/20 Safety Section 1-2
© 2020 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
General Safety Instructions and Practices
A careful operator is the best operator. Safety is of primary importance to the manufacturer and should be to
the owner/operator. Most accidents can be avoided by being aware of your equipment, your surroundings, and
observing certain precautions. The first section of this manual includes a list of Safety Messages that, if
followed, will help protect the operator and bystanders from injury or death. Read and understand these Safety
Messages before assembling, operating or servicing this Implement. This equipment should only be operated
by those persons who have read the manual, who are responsible and trained, and who know how to do so
responsibly.
The Safety Alert Symbol combined with a Signal Word, as seen below, is used throughout this
manual and on decals which are attached to the equipment. The Safety Alert Symbol means:
“ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!” The Symbol and Signal Word
are intended to warn the owner/operator of impending hazards and the degree of possible injury
faced when operating this equipment.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, WILL result in DEATH OR
VERY SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, COULD result in DEATH
OR SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, MAY result in MINOR
INJURY.
Identifies special instructions or procedures that, if not strictly observed, could result in
damage to, or destruction of the machine, attachments or the environment.
NOTE: Identifies points of particular interest for more efficient and convenient operation or repair.(SG-1)
Practice all usual and customary safe working precautions and above all---remember safety is
up to YOU. Only YOU can prevent serious injury or death from unsafe practices.
READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the following Safety Messages. Serious injury or
death may occur unless care is taken to follow the warnings and instructions stated in the
Safety Messages. Always use good common sense to avoid hazards. (SG-2)
Si no lee ingles, pida ayuda a alguien que si lo lea para que le traduzca las
medidas de seguridad. (SG-3)

SAFETY
PHDHF / PHDHC 03/20 Safety Section 1-3
© 2020 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
Operator Safety Instructions and Practices
Never crawl under a raised Implement supported solely by the Power Unit boom. Release
of the control lever or mechanical failure will result in the Implement falling and possible
injury or death. Always securely block up the Implement before crawling underneath to
perform repairs and service. (SPU-33)
Never operate the Power Unit or Implement until you have read and
completely understand this Manual, the Power Unit Operator’s Manual,
and each of the Safety Messages found in the Manual or on the Power
Unit and Implement. Learn how to stop the Power Unit engine suddenly
in an emergency. Never allow inexperienced or untrained personnel too
operate the Power Unit and Implement without supervision. Make sure
the operator has fully read and understood the manuals prior to
operation. (SPU-36)
Always maintain the safety signs in good readable condition. If the safety signs are missing,
damaged, or unreadable, obtain and install replacement safety signs immediately. (SG-5)
The operator and all support personnel should wear hard hats, safety
shoes, safety glasses, and proper hearing protection at all times for
protection from injury including injury from items that may be thrown by
the equipment. (SG-16)
PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE
PERMANENT HEARING LOSS! Tractors with or without an Implement
attached can often be noisy enough to cause permanent hearing loss.
We recommend that you always wear hearing protection if the noise in
the Operator’s position exceeds 80db. Noise over 85db over an
extended period of time will cause severe hearing loss. Noise over 90db
adjacent to the Operator over an extended period of time will cause
permanent or total hearing loss. NOTE: Hearing loss from loud noise
[from tractors, chain saws, radios, and other such sources close to the
ear] is cumulative over a lifetime without hope of natural recovery. (SG-I7)
Always read carefully and comply fully with the manufacturer’s
instructions when handling oil, solvents, cleansers, and any other
chemical agent. (SG-22)

SAFETY
PHDHF / PHDHC 03/20 Safety Section 1-4
© 2020 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
Never run the Power Unit engine in a closed building or without adequate ventilation. The
exhaust fumes can be hazardous to your health. (SPU-23)
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING ELEMENTS to prevent entanglement
and possible serious injury or death. (SPHD-2)
NEVER put hands on the Post Hole Digger Auger, Gearbox, or Boom to locate the Auger
when there is any sign of rotation of the Driveline or Auger. Post Hole Diggers are
operated by one person from the tractor seat. Keep all bystanders and/or coworkers away
from the Post Hole Digger. (SPHD-4)
Never use body weight to try to push Auger into the ground to prevent entanglement and
possible serious injury or death. (See Operating Instructions for advice on drilling in hard
ground or rocky conditions.) (SPHD-8)
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards in the operation of this Post Hole Digger.
REMEMBER! This machine can be operated on hillsides and slopes and in other rough
conditions which require increased care and increased awareness of the potential hazards
on both the operator’s and any bystander's part. Serious injury or even death may occur
unless care is taken to insure the safety of the operator, helpers, and any bystanders. (SPHD-11)
Always keep a careful lookout and use extreme care when working around overhead
obstructions. Never allow the Auger within 10 feet of any power line. When working close
to overhead power lines exercise caution and consult your electric company for a safe code
of operation. (SPHD-13)
Dig holes only while seated in the Operator’s seat with the seatbelt securely fastened.
Keep all other persons a minimum distance of 10 feet away from the Tractor and Digger.
Always engage the Tractor parking brakes and set the transmission in park when operating
the digger. (SPHD-14)
Never allow children to play on or around Power Unit or Implement. Children can slip or fall
off the Equipment and be injured or killed. Children can cause the Implement to shift or fall
crushing themselves or others. (SPU-24)

SAFETY
PHDHF / PHDHC 03/20 Safety Section 1-5
© 2020 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
Equipment Operation Safety Instructions and Practices
NEVER use drugs or alcohol immediately before or while operating the
Power Unit and Implement. Drugs and alcohol will affect an operator’s
alertness and coordination and therefore affect the operator’s ability to
operate the equipment safely. Before operating the Power Unit or Implement,
an operator on prescription or over-the-counter medication must consult a
medical professional regarding any side effects of the medication that would
hinder their ability to operate the Equipment safely. NEVER knowingly allow
anyone to operate this equipment when their alertness or coordination is
impaired. Serious injury or death to the operator or others could result if the
operator is under the influnce of drugs or alcohol. (SPU-25)
Prolonged operation may cause operator boredom and fatigue affecting safe operation.
Take scheduled work breaks to help prevent these potentially impaired operating
conditions. Never operate the Implement and Tractor in a fatigued or bored mental state
which impairs proper and safe operation. (SG-32)
Use extreme caution when getting onto the Implement to perform repairs, maintenance and
when removing accumulated material. Only stand on solid flat surfaces to ensure good
footing. Use a ladder or raised stand to access high spots which cannot be reached from
ground level. Slipping and falling can cause serious injury or death. (SG-33)
Avoid contact with hot surfaces including hydraulic oil tanks, pumps, motors, valves and
hose connections. Relieve hydraulic pressure before performing maintenance or repairs.
Use gloves and eye protection when servicing hot components. Contact with a hot surface
or fluid can cause serious injury from burns or scalding. (SG-34)
Avoid contact with hot surfaces of the engine or muffler. Use gloves and eye protection
when servicing hot components. Contact with a hot surface or fluid can cause serious injury
from burns or scalding. (SG-38)
Do not operate the implement while wearing loose fitting clothing. Entanglement of the
clothing with the rotating elements can result in serious injury or even death. Stay clear of
all rotating elements at all times. (SSP-03)
Never leave the Tractor and Implement unattended while the Implement is in the lifted
position. Accidental operation of lifting lever or a hydraulic failure may cause sudden drop
of unit with injury or death by crushing. To properly park the implement when disconnecting
it from the tractor, lower the stand and put the retaining pin securely in place, or put a secure
support under the A-Frame. Lower the implement carefully to the ground. Do not put hands
or feet under lifted components. (S3PT-1)

SAFETY
PHDHF / PHDHC 03/20 Safety Section 1-6
© 2020 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
Be sure you have adequate knowledge of the property you will be working on. Take time to
make yourself aware of any area underwater or underground lines or cables. Contact with
buried lines or cable could result in serious injury or death. (STL-1)
Operate this Equipment only with a Power Unit equipped with an
approved operator Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS). Always
wear seat belts. Serious injury or even death could result from falling
off the Power Unit--particularly during a turnover when the operator
could be pinned under the Operator Protective Structure. (SPU-14)
BEFORE leaving the Power Unit seat, always engage the brake and set the Power Unit
transmission in parking gear, disengage the auxiliary hydraulics, stop the engine, remove
the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. Place the Power Unit shift lever into a low
range or parking gear to prevent the tractor from rolling. Never dismount a Power Unit that
is moving or while the engine is running. Operate the Power Unit controls from the
operator seat only. (SPU-15)
Never allow children to operate or ride on the Power Unit or Implement.
(SPU-17)
Never allow children to operate, ride on, or come close to the Tractor or
Implement. Usually, 16-17 year-old children who are mature and
responsible can operate the implement with adult supervision, if they
have read and understand the Operator’s Manuals, been trained in
proper operation of the tractor and Implement, and are physically large
enough to reach and operate the controls easily. (SG-11)
Do not mount the Power Unit while the Power Unit is moving. Mount the
Power Unit only when the Power Unit and all moving parts are
completely stopped. (SPU-18)