Digga BIGFOOT User manual

Operator’s Manual
BIGFOOT, HYDRIVE & MINI BIGFOOT TRENCHERS
PM-000252

2PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022

3
The following criteria would have been taken into account by Digga or your Digga dealer prior to supplying you
with your Trencher. If you have purchased your Trencher from someone other than Digga, be sure to check
the following criteria to ensure e󰀩cient trenching. The parent machine needs to meet the requirements of the
trencher in terms of mass, hydraulic ow and pressure.
CRITERIA EFFECT
Flow Flow to the trencher a󰀨ects the speed of the chain. Excessive ow will damage the
motor.
Pressure Pressure to the trencher a󰀨ects torque of the trencher. Excessive pressure will
damage the motor.
Ground Conditions Ground conditions a󰀨ect the speed and e󰀩ciency at which you can trench.
Chain Type
There are di󰀨erent chains available for di󰀨erent soil conditions, having the incorrect
chain type for the ground condition will a󰀨ect the e󰀩ciency of the trencher operation
and the wear life of the chain.
Parent Machine
Weight
Parent machine weight a󰀨ects the stability of the trencher and machine as a unit,
which will in turn a󰀨ect the e󰀩ciency of the trenching operation.

4PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
1Table of Contents............................................................................................................... 4
2Critical Information - Service Intervals............................................................................ 5
3 To the Purchaser................................................................................................................ 6
4Service and Preparation for Use..................................................................................... 7
5Safety Precautions - General Information...................................................................... 12
6Safety - Working with the Attachment............................................................................. 19
7Safety - Decal Labels........................................................................................................ 21
8Safety - Decal Label Location.......................................................................................... 24
9Installation and Operating Instructions.......................................................................... 27
10 Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 37
11 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................ 50
12 Spare Parts........................................................................................................................ 51
13 Notes: Operator’s Manual................................................................................................ 52
Warranty Statement.......................................................................................................... 53
1 Table of Contents

5
2 Critical Information - Service Intervals
Your Digga Trencher is a high performance attachment, tted with a Digga planetary gearbox, that is designed
for trenching. To avoid premature wear and failure, and to full your terms of warranty please read this statement.
Your Digga Trencher gearbox must have a rst oil change within the rst 30 hours of extreme use or 50
hours of moderate use or 3 months of use (whichever comes rst) to ensure the bed in of the gearbox.
For details, please read the maintenance section of this manual.
If the rst oil change is not performed within this period, excessive wear within the gearbox can occur
that will cause premature failure. All warranty will be voided.
Oil must then be changed thereafter every 300 hours (extreme use) and 500 hours (moderate use) and
a full service every 12 months must be performed by an authorised service agent to ensure Warranty
requirements are met.
In the event of a failure under the warranty period:
• Contact Digga immediately, do-not disassemble your Trencher without rst obtaining written permission
and instructions from Digga.
• Proof of service must be provided in hard copy form of both operational and service history records
(including serial number of gearbox and hydraulic motor). Service must be performed by an authorised
Digga service agent.
Do not connect or operate your Trencher without rst having read and understood the following statement.
NOTE

6PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
Thank you and Congratulations on the purchase of your new Digga product!
This product was carefully designed and manufactured to give you many years of dependable service. It is
mandatory that oil changes are performed at the specied interval to keep it in top working condition (for details
see the maintenance section of this manual).
Before First Use
• Inspect the attachment for any shipping damage. If the damage does exist, do not operate until the
damaged parts have been replaced or repaired.
• Conrm chain speed is correct for application.
• Conrm machine capacity is suitable for use with a trencher (lift capacity, hydraulic ow, and hydraulic
pressure).
• Check chain tension.
• Check crumber has not been damaged in transit and is not contacting the chain.
• Check slide frame is in correct position (ideally trencher should be centred on host machine).
• Check slide frame secure clamping bolts are tight.
• Check nose roller is turning (do this by rotating the chain slowly).
Service
Use only manufacturer replacement parts. Substitute parts may not meet the required standards.
3 To the Purchaser
Never allow anyone to operate this attachment without reading the “Safety precautions” and “Operating instructions”
sections of this manual. Always choose hard and level ground to park the vehicle on and set the brake, so the unit cannot
roll.
CAUTION
MODELS COVERED IN THIS MANUAL
BIGFOOT BIGFOOT XD HYDRIVE HYDRIVE XD MINI TRENCHERS
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7
4 Service and Preparation for Use
The parts department needs this information to ensure accurate parts can be sent to the authorised service agent.
NOTE
Model:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
All Digga Trenchers are designed and manufactured to give dependable service. Except for general cleaning
of the attachment, all service for warranty and assessment for warranty must be performed by an authorised
Digga service agent. Substitute parts will not meet the standards required for safe and dependable operation.
Use of non genuine Digga parts will void warranty and Digga will accept no liability whatsoever for consequential
damages. For details contact your local Digga dealer. To facilitate warranty or service, record the model and serial
number of your unit in the space provided on this page. This information may be obtained from the identication
plate located on the product.
Trencher equipment options are available to help you do a better job in special conditions. These options include
chains, wear parts, crumber bar, spare parts, and di󰀨erent width chains. These are noted throughout this manual
and can be purchased from your Digga dealer.
MODELS COVERED IN THIS MANUAL
BIGFOOT BIGFOOT XD HYDRIVE HYDRIVE XD MINI TRENCHERS
DE-000626 MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Name
Serial No.
Flow (max)
Pressure (max)
Model
WeightYr. Manuf.
Digga Australia PTY LT D
4 Octal St, Yatala
QLD 4207 Australia
Approx. Oil Capacity
Power(max) RPM (max)
DE-000631 MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Name
Serial No.
Flow (max)
Pressure (max)
Model
WeightYr. Manuf.
Digga Australia PTY LT D
4 Octal St, Yatala
QLD 4207 Australia
Approx. Oil Capacity
Power(max) RPM (max)
AUS & NZ EU & UK

8PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
4 Service and Preparation for Use
To avoid any inconvenience before operation, please check that you have received the following items which you
may have ordered.
A
B
C
D
E
G
F
H
BIGFOOT & HYDRIVE TRENCHER

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SERIAL NO. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
A
Complete trencher with Digga boom & danger bar.
(Mini Bigfoot or Bigfoot or Bigfoot XD or Hydrive or Hydrive XD) 01
BSpoil Auger. 01
C Digging chain of your choice. 01
DFrame/Excavator hitch. 01
E Crumber bar. 01
F Hydraulic hose kit. Set
GQuick release couplers. Set
HOperator's Manual 01
4 Service and Preparation for Use
The Digga Trencher receives its power from the parent machine through the Auxiliary Valve Circuit with Quick
release couplers normally located on the machine arms near the front. Attaching points on the Trencher are the
same as the bucket attaching points on your machine. Assemble the Trencher if required and hook up hoses to
auxiliary hydraulics.
Engine must be shut o󰀨. Check that the chain rotation on the Trencher is anti-clockwise when viewed from the
Motor side of the Trencher. Please note that two way ow is required for anti-clockwise rotation. To assure
optimum motor life, run hydraulic motor for one hour on approximately 1/3 RPM before application of full load.
Ensure your machine ow and pressures do not exceed the maximum rated ow and pressures of the Trencher.
This operator’s manual provides measurements in both International System of units (SI) and United States customary
system units (USCS).
NOTE

10 PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
To avoid any inconvenience before operation, please check that you have received the following items which you
may have ordered.
4 Service and Preparation for Use
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
I
L
K
M
MINI TRENCHER

11
SERIAL. NO DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
AGear box and motor assembly. 01
BSpoil auger. 01
C Hitch plate-sliding side shift. 01
D Crumber bar. 01
E Danger bar. 01
FOuter boom. 01
GAdjustable skid foot. 01
HHydraulic hoses. 02
IFemale coupler. 01
JMale coupler. 01
KTrencher sub-assembly (Mini Bigfoot / Bigfoot) with optional side shift frame. 01
L Digging chain of your choice. 01
MOperator’s Manual. 01
4 Service and Preparation for Use
This operator’s manual provides measurements in both International System of units (SI) and United States customary
system units (USCS).
NOTE

12 PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
You must understand all safety statements shown on your attachment (Trencher) and in this manual. Especially
note the information called out by the designations shown below and follow these safety precautions, when
operating or maintaining the Trencher.
5 Safety Precautions - General Information
The DANGER designation indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death.
DANGER
The WARNING designation indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
You will also see information called out with the NOTE designation. This additional safety or general information is important
to the maintenance and operation of your loader.
NOTE
The CAUTION designation indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury or property damage.
CAUTION
During day-to-day operation of your attachment, you will encounter a variety of situations beyond those listed in
this manual. We encourage you to assess the risk present at any job site and in every work task before beginning
work. Apply appropriate risk mitigation strategies to make safety a rst priority at all times, and if these are not
su󰀩cient, stop the job and immediately seek the help of a qualied safety consultant.
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Dial Before You Dig - AUS & NZ only
• Never begin work at a new location until the work area has been fully marked for underground
utilities. Buried electrical, telephone, cable wires, gas, water and sewer lines are likely to be present.
Unintentionally disrupting these hidden hazards while working with your loader can result dangerous
situations and property damage.
• Many countries o󰀨er a “dial before you dig” service which advises the location of underground services
in your area. If available also use this service prior to digging, drilling, trenching or any form of excavating
and earthmoving.
You must ensure that underground utilities have been ofcially marked before working in the area. Markings must be valid
according to state law or practice.
CAUTION
Exposure To Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust Along with Other Hazardous Dusts
• It is recommended to use dust suppression, dust collection and if necessary personal protective
equipment during the operation of any attachment that may cause high levels of dust.
Remove Paint Before Welding or Heating
• Hazardous fumes/dust can be generated when paint is heated by welding, soldering or using a torch. Do
all work outside or in a well ventilated area and dispose of paint and solvent properly.
• Remove paint before welding or heating. When sanding or grinding paint, avoid breathing the dust. Wear
an approved respirator. If you use solvent or paint stripper, remove stripper with soap and water before
welding. Remove solvent or paint stripper containers and other ammable material from area. Allow
fumes to disperse at least 15 minutes before welding or heating.
5 Safety Precautions - General Information
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14 PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
5 Safety Precautions - General Information
End of Life Disposal
• At the completion of the useful life of the unit, drain all uids and dismantle by separating the di󰀨erent
materials (rubber, steel, and plastic etc.). Follow all federal, state and local regulations for recycling and
disposal of the uid and components.
Operating the Trencher
• The primary responsibility for safety with this equipment falls to the operator. Make sure that the
equipment is operated only by trained individuals, who have read and understood this manual.
• An operator must not use drugs or alcohol, which can change his or her alertness or coordination. An
operator taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs should seek medical advice on whether or not he
or she can safely operate equipment.
• Do not hurry the learning process or take the unit for granted.
• It is the skill, care, common sense, and good judgement of the operator that will determine how e󰀩ciently
and safely the job is performed.
• Visually inspect your equipment, ensure correct assembly and installation is done and never operate the
equipment that is not in proper working order.
• Know the capabilities of your equipment and practice its operation to become familiar with the controls,
emergency shut down procedures, and the way it handles on your machine.
• Follow all safety decals and keep them clean. Replace them, if they become worn, damaged or illegible.
• Do not paint over, remove or deface any safety signs or warning decals on your equipment.
• Operate only from the operator’s station and operate only in daylight or with su󰀩cient articial light.
• Always carry loads close to the ground and do not exit the machine with the loader arms raised.
• Do not exceed rated operating capacity (ROC) of the host machine, as machine may become unstable
resulting in loss of control. Overloading or exceeding the manufacturers specications will also void all
warranty.

15
5 Safety Precautions - General Information
Operating the Trencher (Continued)
• Never use the attachment on a machine that is not equipped with a cab rollover protective structure
(ROPS) and/or falling object protective structure (FOPS), and operator restraints (seat belts or equivalent
devices). This does apply to mini stamdon Loaders.
• Establish and maintain a minimum 6 meters (20 feet) exclusion zone around the working area. No person
other than the operator should enter the work zone, while the parent machine’s engine is running.
• Do not allow site workers to climb or ride on Trencher at any time, including while stationary, in operation
or being moved. Operate only from the operator’s station.
• Avoid steep hillside operation which could cause the machine to overturn. Consult your machine operator
and safety manual for maximum incline allowable.
• Reduce speed when driving over rough terrain, on a slope or turning to avoid overturning the machine.
• Travel only with the trencher in a safe transport position to prevent uncontrolled movement. Drive slowly
over rough ground and on slopes.
• Remove the trencher from the prime mover before transporting to and from the job site.
• Do not drive close to ditches and excavations, etc., cave in could result.
• Flow and pressure gauges, ttings, and hoses must have a continuous operating pressure rating of at
least 25% higher than the highest pressures of the system.
• Do not smoke when refuelling the prime mover. Allow room in the fuel tank for expansion. Wipe up any
spilled fuel and secure cap tightly when done.
• All trenching operations must be stopped in the event of local thunderstorm or lightning activity. During
operation, weather conditions shall be monitored, operations shall cease during electrical storms or
when electrical storms are imminent.
• Trenchers shall be used only for their designed intent and shall not be loaded beyond their rated
capacity. Overloading or exceeding the manufacturers specications will void all warranty.
• The trencher must be stopped before making adjustments to the attachment.

16 PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
5 Safety Precautions - General Information
Operating the Trencher (Continued)
• Before exiting the machine, lower the attachment to the ground, apply the parking brakes, turn o󰀨 the
prime mover’s engine, and remove the key.
• A trench that is left for prolonged periods of time must be capped and agged, so it is clearly identied
on the work site.
Ground Personnel and Bystanders
• Be alert to others in the work area. Be sure others know when and where you will be working.
• Loose tting clothing, long hair, jewellery and equipment which might become entangled in moving
equipment are prohibited while working near the Trencher.
• Operators, helpers, and other personnel working near Trencher must wear steel-toe safety shoes, safety
glasses, and hard hats as a minimum. Hearing protection, respirators, and personal protective clothing
will be specied in the site-specic Health and Safety Plan.
Storing the Trencher
• Seal hydraulic couplers from contaminants and secure all hydraulic hoses o󰀨 the ground to help prevent
damage.
• Clean the unit thoroughly, removing all mud, dirt, and grease.
• Inspect for visible signs of wear, breakage, or damage. Order any parts required and make the
necessary repairs to avoid delays upon removal from storage.
• Coat liberally with grease the output shaft and collar, extension shaft and collar, and all connecting pins
to prevent rust and reduce wear.
• Tighten loose nuts, cap screws and hydraulic connections.
• Replace decals that are damaged or in unreadable condition.
• Store unit in a dry and protected place, as leaving the unit outside will materially shorten its life.

17
5 Safety Precautions - General Information
Maintaining the Trencher
• All maintenance should be performed with host machine's engine turned o󰀨, parking brakes
applied,machine arms lowered, and hydraulic pressure relieved.
• If lift arms must be left raised for any reason, use a positive lift arm lock to secure the arms in place.
Serious damage or personal injury could result from lift arms accidentally lowering.
• Never adjust a relief valve for pressure higher than recommended by the host machine manufacturer.
Transporting the Trencher
• When transporting your attachment, follow all local government regulations that may apply along with
any equipment safety precautions provided in this manual.
• It is the responsibility of the operator that safe systems of work are employed while handling this
attachment.
• No tie down points are provided on the attachment and its the responsibility of the operator to ensure
that the attachment is rmly fastened without causing any damage to it.
• Attachment should be well secured, when being moved or in transit and furthermore prior to moving,
storing, loading/unloading,or parking.
• Verify that all tie down accessories (chains, slings, ropes, and shackles etc.) are capable of maintaining
attachment stability during transporting and are attached in such a way to prevent unintended
disengagement or shifting of the unit.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the attachment on to a trailer or truck and disconnect hydraulic
couplers from the host machine during the transportation. No responsibility for loss or damage to
persons or property in any regard can be attributed to Digga.
During Trencher operation, maintain a minimum “no-work zone” buffer of 3 meters (10 feet) from any overhead electrical
service and 2 meters (6 feet) from any underground service .
DANGER
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18 PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
5 Safety Precautions - General Information
Complete a Risk Assessment
Your Digga Trencher is a versatile earthmoving machinery attachment, capable of performing its tasks in a
safe and e󰀨ective manner. To ensure the safety of operators and others, it is important to document the work
at hand for hazard and risk. Before beginning work, complete a risk assessment. The following steps provide a
framework for this activity:
1
DOCUMENT THE ACTIVITY
Assemble those involved in the activity. Write down the tasks required for the activity in step-by-step
form.
2
IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS
Next to each task, identify what part of the task may cause injury to those engaged in the task or others
in the vicinity. Rate the consequences and likelihood of the hazard using the risk assessment matrix.
3
DOCUMENT THE CONTROL MEASURES
Using the results from the risk assessment matrix, determine which hazards require attention. List all
mitigation measures that are required to eliminate or minimize those hazards.
4IDENTIFY THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON
Document the name of the person responsible for implementation of the mitigation measure.
5MONITOR AND REVIEW
Ensure that the activity is supervised and that the documented process is being followed.
All bystanders should be kept at a minimum of 6 meters (20 feet) away from the working area of the Trencher.
DANGER
!

19
6 Safety - Working with the Attachment
Take Extreme Care When Dealing with Hydraulics, Whilst Assembling, Operating, Maintaining or
Performing Any Work on this Product
• Hydraulic uid under pressure can penetrate the skin and cause serious injury or death. Hydraulic leaks
under pressure may not be visible!
• If any uid penetrates the skin, get immediate medical attention!
• Wear safety glasses, protective clothing and use a piece of cardboard or wood when searching for
hydraulic leaks. Do not use your hands!
• Before connecting or disconnecting hydraulic hoses, read your host machine or power operator’s manual
for detailed instructions on connecting and disconnecting hydraulic attachments.
• Ensure that all parts meet the specications for this product when installing or replacing hydraulic hoses
or ttings.
• After connecting hydraulic lines:
□ Slowly and carefully raise the loader’s arm(s) and cycle the rollback / dump cylinders to check hose
clearances and to check for any interference.
□Operate the hydraulics on this product to ascertain forward and reverse.
□ Ensure that the hoses cannot interfere with or actuate the quick-attach mechanism.
□ Ensure that hoses will not be pinched, or get tangled, in any equipment.
• Do not lock the auxiliary hydraulics of your power unit in the “ON” position.
• Refer to parent machine operator’s manual and this manual for procedures and intervals. After this,
inspect and maintain the entire hydraulic system to ensure that the uid remains clean, all devices
function properly, and that there are no uid leaks.
For any additional safety information please see “Risk Management Booklet”. To obtain a copy of this document please
contact Digga Head Ofce.
NOTE

20 PM-000252 - Operator’s Manual - Bigfoot, Hydrive & Mini Bigfoot Trenchers - May 2022
6 Safety - Working with the Attachment
When Mounting this Product to Your Machine
• Refer to the operator’s manual of your host excavator for any special or detailed mounting instructions
regarding quick-attach mechanism.
• This product should t onto the quick-attach frame or hitch (machine mount). If this product does not t
properly, contact your Digga dealer before operating.
• Never place any part of your body into the mounting plate, frame, hitch or loader holes. A slight
movement of the power unit and this product could cause serious injury.
• Where "Auxiliary Cut Out or Dead Man" connections are connected or installed it is illegal to disengage,
tamper with, or remove them.
When Adjusting, Servicing or Repairing this Product
• Do not make any modications to your Trencher.
• When making repairs use only authorised Digga service agents and use only genuine Digga parts for the
gearbox. For fasteners, hydraulic hoses, or hydraulic ttings, use only properly rated parts.
• Replacement parts must also have safety signs attached.