Hurricane STORM 3 PT 8-12 User manual

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
1
Model Number: STORM 3 PT 8-12 Serial Number:___ _________
HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC.
2425 Cathlinette Rd.
Vincennes, IN 47591
812-886-9663 Fax [phone]
www.hurricane-ditcher.com
e-mail: [e-mail]

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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UPDATED: March 2021

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 3
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE STORM 3-PT 8-12 ....................................................................................... 3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 4
WARNING LABELS & ILLUSTRATION .................................................................................................... 5
TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................................................ 6
UNHITCHING FROM TRACTOR ............................................................................................................. 6
USING THE STORM 3-PT 8-12 ............................................................................................................... 6
CHECKLIST BEFORE OPERATION..................................................................................................... 6-7
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................................. 7-8
MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 8
LUBRICATION ........................................................................................................................................ 8
FREE MOVEMENT OF DRIVELINE ........................................................................................................ 9
IDLER ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................................................. 9
LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................... 10
PTO SHAFT ASSEMBLY………………………………………………………………………………………….11
PARTS LIST & ILLUSTRATION ............................................................................................................. 12
MAINTENANCE LOG ............................................................................................................................ 13
DEALER NOTES…………………………………………………………………………………………………...14
DEALER INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………….15
CAUTION!!!!
• Read the Operator’s Manual.
• Learn to operate this machine SAFELY.
• Be alert. Observe ALL Safety Practices.
• Machines can be hazardous in the hands of
an UNFAMILIAR, UNTRAINED or
COMPLACENT operator.
• Do not risk INJURY or DEATH!

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you and congratulations on the purchase of your Hurricane Ditcher Storm 3-PT 8-12. We
certainly hope that it will be helpful and useful to you. As with all of our ditchers, it has been tested and
built with knowledge, precision, and quality for years of dependable service. As a leader in the ditching
industry since 1984, we continually build on our experience and use customer feedback to maintain and
improve the quality and dependability of our machines.
In order to fulfill a need in agriculture, the 3-PT 8-12 was developed in 2014 as an efficient and
affordable machine used to make surface drainage and irrigation ditches using a standard compact
tractor.
Please read and follow all safety precautions, operating procedures and maintenance
requirements. Following these recommendations will prevent injury and operation down time. Proper
maintenance and lubrication will prevent machine breakdown and increase its life expectancy, which will
lead to better performance for you.
Please let us know of any comments, suggestions, or problems that may arise.
HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. YOUR AUTHORIZED HURRICANE DITCHER DEALER:
2425 Cathlinette Road
Vincennes, IN 47591
812-886-9663
www.hurricane-ditcher.com
[e-mail]
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE STORM 3-PT 8-12
• HP required: 30 to 100 HP on 540 or 1000 RPM PTO.
• Width of cut: 8 inches with 6 paddle impeller wheel; 12 inches with 8 paddle impeller wheel.
• Depth of cut: up to 5 inches in a single pass; up to 12 inches in multiple passes with 6 paddle
impeller wheel; up to 16 inches in multiple passes with 8 paddle impeller wheel.
• Weight of machine: approximately 400 pounds without optional components.
• Drive train: 55 series PTO with shear bolts which overload at the tractor end; double 60 roller chain
with idler adjustment.
• Certain brands of tractors could require different length PTO. Contact your dealer for detailed
specifications.

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
OBSERVE THIS SYMBOL THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL. It calls out potential hazards and
dangers. This symbol will be associated with a key SIGNAL WORD that will designate a degree
or level of hazard seriousness. These signal words are as follows:
DANGER! Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, WILL result in death
or serious injury; a danger that safety guards cannot protect against.
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; also
an alert to unsafe practices.
CAUTION! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, MAY result in minor or
moderate injury; also an alert to unsafe practices.
INTENDED USE: 3-PT 8-12 STORM is designed to be pulled by a ROPS- equipped tractor of proper
size. It is not to be used in any other purpose other than its intended use.
BEFORE OPERATION:
• Carefully study and understand this manual. Be sure the operator has read and understands all
operations before using this machine.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing which may catch in moving parts.
• Learn to operate this machine safely. Be alert and observe all safety practices. Machines can be
hazardous in the hands of an unfamiliar, untrained or complacent operator. Never risk injury or
death!
• After servicing, be sure all tools and servicing equipment have been removed from the machine.
• Be certain there is no one near the machine before starting.
• Do not use the ditcher until you are certain that the area in which you are preparing to work is clear.
Be especially watchful for people, animals and moving vehicles that may enter the discharge path.
Remember, soil may be thrown over 50 feet, rocks and other debris may go farther, so use extreme
caution in any area with buildings or objects that could be damaged from flying debris.
WARNING! Do not operate this machine above 1000 RPM. Excessive speed of PTO can be
dangerous and could cause personal injury or damage to your tractor or ditcher.
WARNING! Do not exceed recommended horsepower (100 HP or less) for this machine.
Excessive horsepower can be dangerous.
CAUTION! Make sure drawbar is moved to one side. Do not leave drawbar in middle of your
tractor as PTO damage may occur!
• Before each use, inspect the lower shaft behind the impeller wheel for material wrapped around shaft.
Failure to keep shaft clear could result in bearing failure and is not covered under warranty.
DURING OPERATION:
• Keep all shields in place.
• Allow no one to stand on the left side (discharge side) of the machine while it is in operation, whether
it is moving or standing still.
• NO PASSENGERS ALLOWED! Do not allow anyone to ride on ditcher at any time.
• Keep clear of all moving parts.

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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• Disengage the PTO and shut off tractor engine before servicing, cleaning or clearing a clogged
machine.
WARNING! Avoid overhead wires; contact could cause serious injury or death.
WARNING LABELS & ILLUSTRATION
Your 3-PT 8-12 STORM comes equipped with all safety labels in place. These safety labels are designed
to help you safely operate your equipment. They inform you about possible hazards associated with the
normal operation or foreseeable misuse of the product and how to properly avoid those hazards to
prevent physical injury or death. You are required to read and follow their directions.
1. Keep all safety labels clean and legible.
2. Replace all damaged or missing labels.
3. New equipment installed during repairs may require replacement safety labels to be affixed or
replaced part, if missing, as specified by Hurricane Ditcher Co.
4. Contact your local dealer to order replacement labels.
5. Refer to this section for proper label placement. When installing new labels:
a. Clean placement surface with soapy water or surface cleaning solution and allow to
dry.
b. Peel backing from label, carefully center and place label in proper location ensuring no
creases or air pockets
c. Press label firmly onto the surface and use a straight edge to smooth the label on the
machine for a secure adhesion
Note: Manufacturer will replace decals upon request when worn, damaged or missing.
ITEM
PART #
DESCRIPTION
A1
009040
WARNING – KEEP ALL SHIELDS IN PLACE
B1
009030
WARNING – DO NOT EXCEED 1000 RPM ON PTO
C1
009010
DANGER – STAY CLEAR OF MACHINE WHEN IN OPERATION
D1
009020
DANGER – ROTATING DRIVE LINE

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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Picture of decal B1
A1
B1
C1
D1

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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TRANSPORTATION
If you will be transporting your ditcher on a trailer or in the back of your pickup truck, make sure
the machine is safely secured. It may cause injury to yourself or others, or damage the machine if it is not
securely tied down. You may wish to place boards under each parking stand and the drag plate to
prevent damage to the floor of your pickup or trailer.
UNHITCHING FROM TRACTOR
1) Lower parking stands; insert parking stand lock pins to secure.
2) Lower ditcher until it is sitting firmly on parking stands and drag plate.
WARNING! Always shut tractor engine off before unhooking PTO.
3) Pull the PTO safety slide lock (See page 11 item L5) back on the PTO and remove from tractor
spline.
4) Place PTO in its holder.
5) If using a quick hitch, release the quick hitch latches, lower the quick hitch, and slowly pull forward.
6) If not using a quick hitch, remove the lynch pins, hitch pins, and spacers, and slowly pull forward.
7) Return lynch pins, hitch pins, and spacers to ditcher hitch.
USING THE STORM 3 PT 8-12
Each customer will use their machine for different purposes and in slightly different ways. We cannot tell
you the proper way to use your machine for your particular purpose, but we can make recommendations
for various uses.
When using the Storm on a 30 HP tractor, it is best to cut 2-3 inches deep and travel approximately 2.50
miles per hour. As you increase horsepower, you’ll be capable of cutting slightly deeper and travelling
slightly faster, at a maximum of 6 inches deep per pass, and up to 4.50 miles per hour.
CHECKLIST BEFORE OPERATION
• Read and understand the operator’s manual.
• Read all information on the safety decals on the machine.
• Check all bolts to make sure they are tight.
• Before connecting to tractor PTO and as general daily maintenance, check for free movement of
driveline and/or slack in chain (See Free Movement of Driveline section on page 8-9).

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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WARNING! Do not operate this machine above 540 RPM if ditcher is rated for 540 RPM; above
1000 RPM if ditcher is rated for 1000 RPM. Excessive speed of PTO can be dangerous and could
cause personal injury or damage to your tractor or ditcher.
• Be sure the PTO is hooked up correctly and will not interfere with the drawbar on the tractor.
• Be sure the hitch is secure.
• Check your tractor’s hydraulic oil reservoir level (See Lubrication section on page 8).
• Lubricate machine (See Lubrication section on page 8).
• Check PTO forward travel. PTO must slide freely and must not bottom out. Damage to bearings and
shaft may occur. Contact your dealer for an optional PTO if bottoming out or separation occurs.
• Before running machine each season or once per year, remove the shear bolts and lock nuts from the
PTO shear yoke assembly to verify that the shear yoke is not corroded and will move freely. Reinstall
shear bolts and lock nuts after inspection is complete.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1) Keep all shields in place.
2) Keep hands, feet and clothing away from all moving parts.
3) Do not allow anyone to ride on this equipment at any time.
4) Learn to operate this machine safely. Be alert and observe all safety practices. Machines can be
hazardous in the hands of an unfamiliar, untrained or complacent operator. Do not risk injury or
death!
5) Do not allow anyone to stand on the left side (discharge side) of the machine while it is in operation,
whether it is moving or standing still.
6) Disengage PTO and shut off tractor engine before servicing, cleaning or clearing a clogged
machine.
7) When the machine is in operation, keep in mind that soil, roots, rocks and other debris may be
thrown 50 feet or more out the discharge side causing damage to an object or harm to a person
within its range.
8) Be sure to keep the slip shaft portion (See page 11 item L9) of the PTO shaft well lubricated (See
Lubrication section on page 8).
9) Do not engage PTO when tractor is running at high RPM. Slow RPM to idle before engaging PTO.
10) There are two (2) shear bolts in the PTO shaft (See page 11 item L4). If these bolts shear, stop the
tractor, disengage the PTO, shut off the tractor engine, and replace the sheared bolts.
WARNING! Shear bolts are designed to break under a specified load. Do not use a stronger bolt
than is specified by manufacturer!
11) If mud or trash prevents soil discharge, stop forward travel and allow the machine to run and clear
itself before moving ahead.

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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WARNING! Do not operate this machine above 540 RPM if ditcher is rated for 540 RPM; above
1000 RPM if ditcher is rated for 1000 RPM. Excessive speed of PTO can be dangerous and
could cause personal injury or damage to your tractor or ditcher.
WARNING! Do not exceed recommended horsepower (100 HP or less) for this machine.
Excessive horsepower can be dangerous and could cause personal injury or damage to your
tractor or ditcher.
WARNING! Do not use this machine with a PTO adaptor. The Agricultural Driveline
Manufacturers Association and The Association of Equipment Manufacturers discourage the
use of PTO adaptors due to serious safety and operational concerns.
MAINTENANCE
If you are not going to use your machine for a period of time, paint the areas where the soil has
worn off the paint particularly the paddles and impeller wheel. Storing your ditcher inside or covering it
with a tarp will extend the life of your ditcher.
After approximately every ten (10) hours of use, disconnect the PTO from tractor and check for
the free movement of driveline and proper chain tension (See Free Movement of Driveline section on
page 9).
Replace paddles when rounded or worn flush with the impeller wheel.
If any component of your ditcher appears to be worn and needs replacement, please contact your
dealer for replacement parts.
LUBRICATION
The Storm 3-PT 8-12 has seven (7) grease fittings. (See PTO Shaft on pg. 11 and Parts Lists on
pg. 12) for the location of these fittings. Read carefully the information below on lubricating those
areas.
NOTE: Damage may occur due to improper lubrication.
A – DAILY (every 8 hours) – Grease the following with gun grease:
1 – The slip joint between PTO halves (remove from tractor, separate halves, apply gun grease to
all four sides of shaft, and reassemble).
2 – The two (2) universal joints at the ends of each PTO half. Slowly apply grease as to not over
grease and blow out seals.
B – 24 HOURS OF OPERATION
1 – Check the enclosed gearbox oil level. Fill to the oil level check plug (near the bottom) on right
side of gearbox. The factory installed gearbox oil is an ISO 680 industrial gear oil. Use of this oil
is recommended as it is specifically formulated for peak performance of your Hurricane Ditcher.
C – 40–60 HOURS OR 1–2 WEEKS OF OPERATION – Grease the following with gun grease:
1 – Four (4) flange ball bearings on gearbox – 1 pump each. Slowly apply grease as to not over
grease and blow out seals.
D – 100 HOURS OF OPERATION
1 – Remove the inspection plate on the top of the gearbox; check for wear on bearings,
sprockets, chain, and idler; and adjust the idler assembly as required (See Idler Adjustment

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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section on page 9). Reinstall inspection plate. Note: Make sure to use rubber gasket under
inspection plate.
FREE MOVEMENT OF DRIVELINE
When adjusted properly and operating correctly, the driveline should move freely by hand with no
slack in the chain.
WARNING! Operation of improperly adjusted machine will cause damage to your ditcher
and possibly to your tractor!
WARNING! Do not use your ditcher with a PTO adaptor. The Agricultural Driveline
Manufacturers Association and The Association of Equipment Manufacturers discourage the
use of PTO adaptors due to serious safety and operational concerns.
To check for free movement of driveline and proper tension on chain:
Step 1 – Grasp the front PTO yoke and quickly rock it back and forth. If the PTO moves before the
impeller turns, the chain requires tightening (See Idler Adjustment section below).
Step 2 – If the impeller is difficult to move, check for debris lodged in the machine. Remove any
interfering debris and return to Step 1. If no interferences are found, continue to Step 3.
Step 3 – Remove the inspection plate on top of the gearbox and carefully inspect bearings, sprockets,
chain, and idler for damage. If damage is found, repair as needed, reinstall inspection plate and return to
Step 1. If no damage is found, continue to Step 4.
Step 4 – Release chain tension until impeller wheel and PTO turn freely (See Idler Adjustment section
below).
IDLER ADJUSTMENT
Remove the inspection plate on top of the gearbox. Visually inspect the UHMW plastic wear pad
for wear or damage. Replace if needed. The idler adjustment assembly has one (1) bolt and one (1) nut
(See illustration below). The bolt holds the idler assembly against the chain and the nut acts as a jam nut
to lock the assembly in position. Reinstall inspection plate using the rubber gasket under the inspection
plate. Note: If rubber gasket is cracked or torn order a new one from your dealer.
Chain needs MORE tension:
§ Loosen Nut
§ Tighten Bolt to remove any slack and apply slight
tension on chain
§ Tighten Nut to secure the assembly
Chain needs LESS tension:
§ Loosen Nut
§ Loosen Bolt until chain is too loose
§ Tighten bolt to remove any slack and apply slight tension
on chain
§ Tighten Nut to secure the assembly
•

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
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LIMITED WARRANTY
Hurricane Ditcher Company, Inc. shall be considered the “Company” throughout this warranty
statement.
The Company warrants each new Company product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship. This warranty is applicable only for the normal service life expectancy of the product or
components, not to exceed twelve (12) consecutive months from the date of delivery of the new Company
product to the end user for personal use. This warranty shall not exceed ninety (90) days from the date of
delivery to the end user for commercial use.
Under no circumstances will it cover any merchandise or components thereof, which, in the
opinion of the Company, has been subjected to misuse, unauthorized modifications, alterations, an
accident, or if repairs have been made with parts other than those obtainable through the Company. The
Company in no way warrants tires or other trade accessories since their respective manufacturers
warrant these items separately. The Company’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited to
repairing or replacing free of charge to the original purchaser, any part that, in the Company’s judgment,
shall show evidence of such defect, provided further that such part shall be returned within thirty (30)
days from the date of failure to the Company routed through the dealer and distributor from whom the
purchase was made, transportation charges prepaid.
This warranty shall not be interpreted to render the Company liable for injury or damages of any
kind or nature to person or property. This warranty does not extend to the loss of crops, loss because of
delay in harvesting, or any expense or loss incurred for labor, substitute machinery, rental or for any other
reason.
Except as set forth above, the Company shall have no obligation or liability of any kind on the
account of any of its equipment and shall not be liable for special or consequential damages. The
Company makes no other warranty, expressed or implied, and specifically, the Company disclaims any
implied warranty or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Some states or provinces do not
permit limitations or exclusions of implied warranties or incidental or consequential damages, so the
limitations or exclusions in this warranty may not apply in those areas.
This warranty is subject to any existing conditions of supply, which may directly affect our ability
to obtain materials or manufacture replacement parts. The Company reserves the right to make
improvements in design or changes in specifications at any time, without incurring any obligation to
owners of units previously sold. No one is authorized to alter, modify, or enlarge this warranty. To
enhance warranty, replace decals when worn, damaged or missing.
No warranty will be issued for bearing failure resulting from material wrapping around impeller
shaft.
This warranty is not valid unless registered with Company within 30 days from the date of delivery
to the end user.
HURRICANE DITCHER COMPANY, INC.
2425 Cathlinette Road
Vincennes, IN 47591
812-886-9663
www.hurricane-ditcher.com
[e-mail]

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. STORM 3-PT 8-12
13
PTO SHAFT ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
PTO SHAFT ASSEMBLY
ITEM
PART #
DESCRIPTION
QTY.
L1
000680
PTO SHAFT COMPLETE (INCLUDES ITEMS L4 THRU L15)
1
L2
000685
1 3/8” 21 SPLINE PTO SHAFT FRONT HALF (INCLUDES ITEMS L4 THRU L11)
1
000697
1 3/8” 6 SPLINE PTO SHAFT FRONT HALF 540 (INCLUDES ITEMS L4 THRU L11)
L3
000700
PTO SHAFT REAR HALF (INCLUDES ITEMS L8 & L11 THRU L15)
1
L4
001005/ 1005.1
SHEAR BOLT (HEX HEAD CAP SCREW 3/8-16UNC X 1 GR.8)
2
L5
000725
1 3/8” PTO SAFETY LOCK ASSEMBLY
1
L6
000740
SHEAR YOKE ASSEMBLY 1 3/8 21 SPLINE
1
000745
SHEAR YOKE ASSEMBLY 1 3/8” 6 SPLINE
L7
001255
HEX LOCK NUT 3/8-16UNC
2
L8
001890
UNIVERSAL JOINT 1 3/4 55 SERIES
2
L9
000820
YOKE AND SHAFT
1
L10
000770
PTO GUARD (FRONT HALF)
1
L11
000715
RETAINER & NYLON KIT (NOT SHOWN)
2
L13
000775
PTO GUARD (REAR HALF)
1
L14
000785
YOKE, TUBE, AND SLIP SLEEVE
1
L17
001320
HEX LOCK NUT 3/8-16UNC
1
L15
001255
YOKE 1 3/4 KEYED
1
L16
000815
HEX HEAD CAP SCREW 3/8-16UNC X 3 1/2 GRADE 8
1
L18
002811
SET SCREW 3/8 X 3/8
1
L19
002812
SET SCREW 3/8 x ¼
1
INDICATES A PARTS LIST ITEM NUMBER
LUBRICATIONS REQUIRED- SEE LUBRICATION,
PAGE 8

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC. PARTS LIST & ILLUSTRATION STORM 3-PT 8-12
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..

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC DEALER STORM 3-PT 8-12
PAGE 14

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC DEALER STORM 3-PT 8-12
PAGE 14
MAINTENANCE LOG
DATE
SERVICE PERFORMED
SERVICE TECHNICIAN

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC DEALER STORM 3-PT 8-12
PAGE 14
NOTES

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC DEALER STORM 3-PT 8-12
PAGE 14
INFORMATION
DEALER NAME
DEALER ADDRESS
DEALER TELEPHONE #
SALESPERSON
DATE DITCHER PURCHASED
DITCHER MODEL #
DITCHER SERIAL #

HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC DEALER STORM 3-PT 8-12
PAGE 14

18
HURRICANE DITCHER CO., INC.
2425 Cathlinette Rd.
Vincennes, IN 47591
812-886-9663 Fax [phone]
www.hurricane-ditcher.com
e-mail: [e-mail]