Ground Hog HD99 User manual

IMPORTANT MANUALDO NOT THROW AWAY
MODEL HD99
HYDRAULIC ONE-MAN EARTH DRILL
Operator’s Manual
P.O.BOX 290 • San Bernardino, CA. 92402
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone] •[phone]
E-mail: [email protected] • www.groundhoginc.com

WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This tool can cause serious injury to the operator and bystanders. The warning and safety
instructions in this manual must be followed to provide reasonable safety and efficiency in
using and storing this earth drill. The operator is responsible for following the warnings and
instructions in this manual and the earth drill. Read the entire Operator’s Manual before
using this earth drill! Restrict the use of this earth drill to persons who read, under-
stand, and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the earth drill.
If you have not read and understand the warnings and instructions in this manual
and on the earth drill, you are not qualified to operate this earth drill!
This product contains and/or emits chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. This statement is made in
compliance to California Proposition 65.
This symbol means DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. Personal injury and/or property
damage may occur unless instructions are followed carefully.
WARNING ~ THIS POWER TOOL CAN BE DANGEROUS!
DANGER
• Keep body parts, foreign objects and clothing clear of rotating auger.
• Always use part # 1300 auger attachment pin for attaching auger bit to
earth drill.
• Coming into contact with buried utilities while digging can cause severe
injuries or DEATH.
• Contact appropriate utility representatives to determine if/where electrical
cables, gas lines, water lines, etc. are buried BEFORE operation.
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WARNING
• Comply with local state and highway regulations when
towing.
• Check that ball is completely inserted into coupler socket
before towing.
• Check that the underjaw is securely closed around bot-
tom of ball.
• Always secure this earth drill with tie downs or similar re-
straints when transporting in a truck or trailer.
• Avoid excessive speeds while towing.

WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS cont’d...
1. Always wear the proper clothing and protec-
tive gear for the job. Eye and ear protection,
hard hat, boots, gloves and dust masks are
some of the items that may be required.
2. Keep hair, fingers, and all other body parts
away from openings and moving parts. Always
wear, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not
wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, san-
dals or go barefoot. Secure hair so it is above
shoulder length.
3. Do not operate this tool when you are tired, ill,
or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or
medication.
4. Always assume the digging location contains
underground utilities or obstructions. Contact
appropriate utility company to determine if/
where electrical cables, gas lines, water lines,
etc. are buried BEFORE operation.
5. Always use extreme caution while operating
this tool. Be sure of your footing and physical
capabilities.
1. Always assume the digging location contains
buried underground utilities or obstructions.
Call 811 to determine if/where electrical ca-
bles, gas lines, water lines, etc. are buried BE-
FORE operation.
2. Always be sure that the area you are going to
drill in is clear of potential hazards, such as
pipes, rocks, wire, boards or any other
materials that could possibly entangle itself
around the auger bit or cause unstable footing
before using the earth drill.
3. Keep others including children, animals, by-
standers and helpers outside a 15 foot hazard
zone from the earth drill.
4. Hold the earth drill handle bar firmly with both
hands.
5. Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach.
6. Keep all parts of your body and clothing away
from the auger bit and other moving parts.
7. Inspect the digging site. Soil conditions, job
specifications and operator experience may
dictate that a different earth drill or method be
used to do the job.
8. Do not leave holes open or unmarked.
1. Maintain this earth drill according to recom-
mended procedures included in this manual.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire before per-
forming maintenance. See engine manual.
3. Stop engine before removing fuel cap.
4. Use only genuine replacement parts as rec-
ommended by Ground Hog or the engine
manufacturer.
1. Inspect the entire earth drill before each use.
Replace damaged or worn parts.
2. Check for fuel leaks and make sure all fasten-
ers are in place and securely fastened. Repair
or replace as needed.
3. Replace auger blades that are severely worn,
missing or damaged in any way before using
this tool.
4. Use only the # 1300 auger attachment pin and
make sure that it is properly attached.
5. Be sure the auger bit stops turning when you
release the throttle.
6. Use only accessories or parts as recom-
mended by Ground Hog, Inc.
1. Refuel outdoors only and where there are no
sparks and flames.
2. Store fuel in a container approved for gaso-
line.
3. Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the earth drill or while using the earth drill.
4. Clean up all fuel spills before starting engine.
5. Move at least 10 feet away from fueling site
before starting engine.
6. Stop engine before removing fuel cap.
7. Store the earth drill and fuel in an area where
fuel vapors cannot reach sources of combus-
tion like water heaters, electric motors,
1. Always shut off the fuel valve and engine be-
fore transporting or storing.
2. Always allow the engine to cool before trans-
porting or storing.
3. Store earth drill and fuel in an area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sources of combustion
like, water heaters, electric motors, switches,
furnaces, etc.
4. Always secure this earth drill with tie downs or
similar restraints when transporting.
5. Properly attach and inspect the towbar to the
earth drill before towing.
6. Always check that the ball is completely in-
serted into the coupler socket and that the
underjaw is securely closed around the bottom
of the ball.
7. Always check that the coupler handle is prop-
erly locked before towing.
OPERATOR SAFETY DIGGING SAFETY
TOOL SAFETY
FUEL SAFETY
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
TRANSPORTATION AND STORING SAFETY
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INTRODUCTION
It is your responsibility as the operator of this piece of equipment to know what
specific requirements, precautions and work hazards exist. You must read, understand
and follow all of the information contained in this operator’s manual and inform any
person who might be assisting you.
The HD99 one-man earth drill is a unique tool. By separating the engine from the
auger with the use of hydraulics, the digging torque or “kick back” normally associated
with hand operated earth drills is greatly reduced, making for a more comfortable tool
to use. However, it is a tool that can cause injury to the operator or bystanders if it is
not properly maintained or if it is misused. You must be sure that you, as the operator,
understand the use of the tool and the risks involved.
NOTE: This machine is designed to drill holes in soil. It is not intended for any other
purpose.
The rotation of the auger or drill bit on any type of earth drill will cause a counter
rotation of the handle bars while drilling a hole. The force exerted on the operator will
vary according to the type of soil, the diameter of the auger and the condition of the
machine.
In the event that the auger should encounter an object that stops the rotation
suddenly, the digging force could be transmitted directly to the operator. Eventhough
the force is absorbed by the wheel assembly, there is the possibility that the handle
bars could be jerked from the operator’s hands. For this reason, the operator must
have secure footing and control of the machine. The operator must also be both
mentally and physically prepared to react to this force.
Because the HD99 is a hand operated, portable type machine, it is limited in what it
is capable of doing. The job site, soil conditions, job specifications and operator
experience may dictate that a different tool or method be used to do the job.
NOTE: It is not recommended that engines of higher horsepower be installed on this
machine. Consult the factory before making any modifications.
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KEY POINTS OF THE HD99
Up Close Digging and Towing
Handlebar Position
Normal Digging
Handlebar Position
HandlebarControl Lever
ForwardReverse
Latch LeverLatch Lever
Pivot Plate Lock
Swivel Lock
...OR...
Stop Switch
Swivel Lock
Latch LeverLatch Lever
Control Lever
Reverse Forward
Handlebar
Pivot Plate Lock
Stop Switch
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TOWING AND TRANSPORTATION
ATTACHING THE TOWBAR TO THE HD99
Move the earth drill into position as shown below placing towbar on the ground under the
axle.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Towbar attachment stem
Towbar attachment plates Towbar
Move handlebar to transporting position.
WARNING
• Comply with local state and highway regulations when towing.
• Read and follow all instructions in this manual.
• Check that ball is completely inserted into coupler socket before towing.
• Check that underjaw is securely closed around bottom of ball.
• Always secure this earth drill with tie downs or similar when transporting in a truck or trailer.
• Properly attach the towing chains
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Attach the towbar to the axle tow tabs as shown below.
TOWING AND TRANSPORTATION cont’d...
ATTACHING THE TOWBAR TO THE HD99 cont’d...
Lower the earth drill until towbar attachment stem rests in-between the towbar attach-
ment plates .
STEP 3
Towbar
Axle tow tabs
Insert the hitch pin all the way through the holes on the towbar stem and attachment
plates.
STEP 4
STEP 5
Hitch pin
Hitch pin retainer
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TOWING AND TRANSPORTATION cont’d...
WARNING
Failure to obey these rules can cause trailer to detach while towing which may
cause SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH!
• Never exceed weight capacity of ball or load limits stamped on coupler.
• Always use safety chains.
• Always use correct size ball shown by stamp on coupler
• Always check that the ball is completely inserted into coupler socket and that underjaw is securely
closed around the bottom of the ball.
• Always check that the coupler handle is properly locked before towing.
• Always examine coupler and ball for damage before towing. Replace if damaged.
• Avoid sharp turns and steep vertical angles when towing which may bend or damage coupler or
its components.
Key points of the hitch coupler
Handle
Open
Position Handle
Locked
Position
Coupler
Ball
Socket
Hitch
Locknut
Tension Spring
Underjaw
Coupler Operating Instructions
Adjust coupler locking pressure on ball before use. Place handle in locked position with ball in cou-
pler. Tighten locknut against tension spring so that coupler is not loose on ball. Correct adjustment
will allow handle to be released with moderate pressure applied to handle.
To open, pull up on coupler handle and rotate forward. Place coupler on ball. When ball is completely
nested in ball socket, rotate coupler handle backward until handle is in locked position.
After towing for 50 miles, check coupler for tightness on ball. Always check tightness before towing.
Be sure coupler handle is in locked position when towing.
ATTACHING THE TOWBAR TO THE HD99 cont’d...
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
DRILLING
1. Depress latch levers and rotate the handle bars to the
normal digging position if it is not already.
2. Slowly depress the right side of the control lever. Use
caution here as the auger will start to turn and dig at this
point.
NOTE: This unit has a throttling feature. The more that
you depress the control lever, the faster the auger will
turn.
3. Allow the auger to dig at its own speed, keeping the
auger straight in the hole by moving the machine back
and forth as needed.
4. Increase or decrease the auger speed until you find a
digging speed that you are comfortable with.
5. Do not attempt to drill the hole in one pass, you could
bury the auger. Drill to a depth of approximately one foot
and lift the auger to spin the dirt off. Be careful not to lift
the auger completely out of the hole. Repeat this
procedure until you have reached the required depth.
6. Release the control lever and lift the rest of the dirt out
for a clean hole.
7. To reverse the rotation of the auger,, depress the left
side of the control lever slowly. Use caution at this point,
the auger will tend to climb out of the hole.
8. For up close digging, rotate the handle bars to the up
close digging position and follow the instructions above.
NOTE: Allow the auger to dig at its own speed.
Attempting to force the auger into hard ground and
through buried objects could result in the auger
becoming locked in the hole. If the auger bit should get
locked in a hole, slowly engage the valve control lever in
reverse to unlock the auger bit.
9. For digging on uneven terrain, rotate the boring head
to the desired angle. Some digging conditions may or
may not require you to tighten the swivel lock.
STARTING THE HD99
1. Start the engine following the procedures outlined in
the engine manual supplied with the earth drill.
2. Before attaching the auger, always start the earthdrill
at the job site and allow it to warm up. While the
machine is running, check the controls to be sure that
everything is working as properly.
STARTING WITH AUGER ATTACHED
1. After the engine has been allowed to warm up, and
everything is operating as it should, shut the motor off
and attach the auger using the clevis pin and clip that
we provide (part #1300).
2. Place the machine in the digging position.
3. Following the procedures outlined in the engine
manual supplied with the machine, start the engine. If
the engine does not start after 3 pulls of the starter rope,
disconnect the auger from the machine and determine
the cause. When the machine is in operating condition
again, follow the procedures listed above before
proceeding to the next step.
4. Set engine to maximum throttle.
DANGER
Determine that the earth drill is in its original,
factory configuration and has not been modi-
fied or damaged and is not missing parts in any
way. If there are any questions about possible
modifications made to the earth drill, do not
use until the modifications have been corrected
using only genuine replacement parts as rec-
ommended by Ground Hog or the engine
manufacturer.
STOPPING THE HD99
There are two stop switches on the earth drill; one on the
pivot plate and one on the engine. Refer to the engine
manual for the switch location on your particular earth
drill. The operator can turn the earth drill off at any time
by switching either stop switch to the “ OFF “ position.
WARNING
Hitting a buried object, such as a rock, could
cause a sudden side thrust against the
operator. Injury could occur if the operator is
not prepared to deal with this condition.
WARNING
Never connect or disconnect the auger while
the engine is running.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS cont’d...
DRILLING WITH EXTENSIONS
It is not recommended to dig with extensions longer than
three feet long.
1. Following the directions listed under “DRILLING”, dig
to the full depth of the auger without using an extension.
2. Stop the engine. Remove the auger from the power
unit and connect the extension shaft to the auger using
the pins provided (part #1300).
3. Connect the female end extension shaft the power
unit and the male end of the extension shaft to the au-
ger.
4. Following the instructions outlined in “DRILLING”, drill
to the desired depth, adding extensions as needed.
WHEN NOT IN USE
• Store the earth drill and fuel in an area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sources of combustion like
water heaters, electric motors, switches, furnaces,
etc.
• Always shut off the fuel valve and engine before
storing or transporting.
• Always shut off the stop switches when not in use.
• Keep children, bystanders and animals clear of earth
drill at all times.
• Secure the earth drill in a manner that will not allow
it fall, tip over or roll.
• Always place the earth drill on level ground and use
wheel chalks to prevent the earth drill from rolling
when not in use.
• Always remove the auger bit from the earth drill
when not in use.
The earth drill shall be stored in a manner that
prevents it from falling, rolling or tipping over.
The picture below shows the proper position
of the earth drill when not in use. This position
is acceptable with or without the towbar.
WARNING
Never connect or disconnect the auger or au-
ger extensions while the engine is running.
WARNING
The earth drill shall be stored in a manner that
prevents it from falling, rolling or tipping over.
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HD99

Hire and Rental Industry Association Ltd
Product Safety Assessment Sheet
PLANT INFORMATION
PSA Ref #: 00301
Model No: HD99SX
Plant Name: GROUND HOG 1MAN EARTH AUGER HD99SX
Manufacturer: Crommelins Machinery WA
Manufacturer's Website: www.crommelins.com.au
Web Link for Plant: www.crommelins.com.au.
Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment:
Dust Mask Foot Hearing Protective
Protection and Clothing
Eye Protection
RISK ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
Operator Competency: Plant Licence Not Required
Potential Hazard(s) Risk Level Control Measure(s)
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
if working outdoors. Medium • Wear sunscreen, hat, long sleeves and long trousers.
Explosion or fire from fuel
vapours. Medium • Stop the engine before refuelling. Do not refuel while hot. Avoid spillage of fuel when
refuelling. Ensure the fuel cap is properly
secured after refuelling. Carry out visual
inspection for fuel leaks and repair before
operation. Keep flammables away from the
engine. Do not smoke while operating,
servicing or refuelling this machine.
Coming into contact with hot
parts of the engine. Medium/Low • The muffler is fitted with a heat shield. Let the engine cool down before attempting any
maintenance. Avoid contact with hot
components.
Inhaling exhaust or fuel fumes. Medium/Low • Only operate in a well ventilated area. Do not
operate in a confined space. Avoid breathing
petrol fumes. Avoid skin contact with petrol.
Hearing damage from excessive
noise. Medium/Low • Hearing protection with a rating of 20db must be worn.
Inhalation or eye contact with
dust generated from digging in
the ground.
Low • Wear an approved dust mask and eye
protection to avoid contact with any dust
generated during drilling.
Issue #: 24 • Issued Nov 11, 2008 • Printed Mar 6, 2009 • Copyright ©2009 HRIA Ltd. Page 1 of 2

Coming into contact with auger. Low • Keep hands and feet well clear of the rotating
auger. Protective footwear must be worn at
all times.
Coming into contact with moving
parts. Low • A belt guard is fitted to the plant. Do not remove guards or covers.
Risk of electric shock due to
auger coming into contact with
underground cables.
Low • Always check the relevant authority for
underground obstacles before digging.
Customer Identified Hazard(s)
Key Operating Instructions
Use unleaded fuel only.
Check the handle bars are set to the normal digging position.
Before operating connect the auger selected.
To start, turn on the fuel tap by moving the lever to the down position.
Ensure all stop switches are in the ON position.
For cold starting close the choke lever.
Start the engine by pulling the recoil rope with the throttle in high speed position.
As the engine warms up return the choke lever to the open position.
Set the auger over the position of the hole to be drilled.
While firmly holding the machine slowly depress the control lever to commence drilling. Do not start the
engine with the auger in the hole.
Allow the auger to drill at its own speed, keep the auger straight in the hole.
To clear the hole lift the machine and spin off the soil, do not lift the auger completely out of the hole.
To STOP release the control lever, return the throttle to low speed, turn OFF the stop switch and turn off the
fuel tap.
Please refer to the User Guide and Operator's Manual for Operating Instructions
The Safety Information on this assessment has been developed for the Hire and Rental Industry to assist in
the safe operation of this equipment.
This information contains general information only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
professional advice, which the user should seek before operating.
Once printed this is an uncontrolled copy.
Issue #: 24 • Issued Nov 11, 2008 • Printed Mar 6, 2009 • Copyright ©2009 HRIA Ltd. Page 2 of 2