W & A PTO 360 User manual

TO THE OWNER:
Congratulations on your purchase of a new W & A PTO Ditcher. Your selection is an indication
of your awareness of the need for intensive engineering, research, design, durability and
dependability that has gone into its production.
Be sure to read all the instructions in this manual before placing the machine in use. Safety
precautions along with adjustments should be learned and also taught to anyone who operates
the machine. Remember, an implement which is properly maintained, adjusted, and safely
operated saves time, labor and money.
After the operating season, thoroughly clean your ditcher and inspect it. Preventive maintenance
pays dividends. Your dealer has original equipment parts which assure proper fit and best
performance.
Thank you for purchasing this W&A product.
***********************************************************************
For your convenience, please fill in the following:
Model: ________________________________________ Serial No.__________________
Dealer Name: ___________________________________ Date Purchased ____________
Quality Products from
P.O. Box 5238, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Website: www.wamfgco.com
W & A MANUFACTURING COMPANY
SPECIALIZED
FARM
EQUIPMENT
W & A
PTO POWER DITCHER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
INCLUDING PARTS
1

Ifyou haveany questionsnot answeredin thismanual, requireadditional copies
or the manual is damaged, please contact your dealer or
W & A Manufacturing Company, P.O.Box 5238, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611.
(Telephone) 870-534-7420, (FAX) 870-534-1318
Manuals can also be found at www.wamfgco.com
SAFETY
SI NO LEE INGLES, PIDA AYUDA A AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA PARA
QUE LETRADUZCA LAS MEDIDAS DE SEGURIDAD.
THIS SYMBOL MEANS
-ATTENTION!
-BECOME ALERT!
-YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
SIGNAL WORDS:
The signal words DANGER, WARNING
and CAUTION are used with the safety
messages in this manual and with each safety
sign. They are defined as follows:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently
hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury. This signal
word is to be limited to the most extreme
situations typically for machine components
which, for functional purposes, cannot be
guarded.The color for DANGER is RED.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury, and includeshazards
that are exposed when guards are removed.
It may also be used to alert against unsafe
practices.ThecolorforWARNINGisORANGE.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.The color for
CAUTION is YELLOW.
• Safetyoftheoperatorand bystandersisoneofthemainconcernsin designing
and developing our products. However, every year accidents occur which
could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful
approachto handlingequipment. You, theoperator,canavoidmanyaccidents
by observing the following precautions in this manual. To avoid personal
injury or death, study the following precautions and insist those working with
you, or for you, follow them.
2

This is the safety alert symbol. When you see this symbol on your
machine or in this manual, be alert to the potential for personal
injury or death. Follow the recommended precautions!
SI NO LEE INGLES, PIDA AYUDA A AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA PARA
QUE LETRADUZCA LAS MEDIDAS DE SEGURIDAD.
GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
• Safetyoftheoperatorand bystandersisoneofthemainconcernsin designinganddeveloping
a ditcher. However, every year accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few
seconds of thought and a more careful approach to handling equipment. You, the operator,
can avoid many accidents by observing the following precautions in this manual. To avoid
personal injury or death, study the following precautions and insist those working with your,
or for you, follow them.
• Before operatingyourPTODitcher, thoroughlyreadand understandyour operator’s manual.
If you do not understand any portion of the operator’s manual, contact your dealer or W & A
Manufacturing Company immediately.
• This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its operation. The
operator should be a responsible adult familiar with farm machinery and trained in this
equipment’s operations. Do not allow persons to operate or assemble this unit until
they have read this manual and have developed a thorough understanding of the
safety precautions and of how it works.
• Under no circumstances should children be allowed to operate this equipment.
• Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs which can hinder alertness or coordination while
operating this equipment. Consult your doctor about operating this machine while taking
prescription medications.
• Clear the area of people, especially children, before starting unit.
• Do not allow anyone to ride on any part of the equipment for any reason.
• Place all controls in neutral, stop tractor engine, set park brake, and wait for all moving
parts to stop before service, adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
• If safety signs are missing, unreadable, or damaged, they must be replaced. See list of
safety signs. Keep safety signs clean and legible. Do not paint over safety signs.
3

• If the elderly are assisting with farm work, their physical limitations need to be recognized
and accommodated.
• Furnish this manual to the new owner if the machine is sold.
• Use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protective System (ROPS).
• Inspect machine daily for worn parts, leaks, and make necessary repairs. Tighten all bolts
and make sure all fasteners are in place.
• Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery.. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely, is
in question - DON’TTRY IT.
• Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair the function and/or safety and affect
machine life. Make NO unauthorized modifications.
• Never standbetweenimplement and tractorwhenhitching. Extreme care shouldbeused to
prevent injury to the hands or fingers. Stop tractor engine and set brake before installing
hitch pins.
• Lower machine before servicing, adjusting, leaving, or storing ditcher.
• Raised equipment can fall unexpectedly and crush persons underneath. Never allow any-
one to enter the area underneath raised equipment during operation.
• Do not read, eat, drink, talk or text or use a mobile phone while using this equipment.
• Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
SAFETY TRAINING
• Safety is a primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products. Unfortunately,
our efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by a single careless act of an
operator or bystander.
• In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident
prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of
personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of this ditcher.
• It has been said, “The best safety device is an informed, careful operator.” We ask you to
be that kind of an operator. Its the operator’s responsibility to read and understand ALL
Safety and Operating instructions in the manual and to follow these. Accidents can be
avoided.
4

• Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the
manualof yourtractor, before assembly oroperating,to acquaintyourselfwith themachines.
If this machine is used by any person other than yourself, or is loaned or rented, it is the
ditcher owner’s responsibility to make certain that the operator, prior to operating:
1. Reads and understands the operator’s manual.
2. Is instructed in safe and proper use.
• Know your controls and how to stop tractor, engine, and ditcher quickly in an emergency.
Read this manual and the one provided with your tractor.
• Train all new personnel and review instructions frequently with existing workers. Be certain
only properly trained and physically able person will operate the ditcher. A person who has
not read and understood all operating and safety instructions is not qualified to operate the
machine. An untrained operator exposes himself and bystanders to possible serious injury
or death. If the elderly are assisting with farm work, their physical limitations need to be
recognized and accommodated.
TRANSPORTING
• Comply with all federal, state, and local laws for implement transport on public roads.
• At all times, when driving the tractor and equipment on the road or highway under 20 mph
(32 kph) use flashing amber warning lights and a slow moving vehicle (SMA) identification
emblem and appropriate lighting to meet local regulations.Avoid transporting at night or low
lightconditions. Donotexceed20 mph(32kph). Reducespeedonroughroadsand surfaces.
• Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Turn curves or go up and down hills at a low speed and at a gradual steering angle. Make
certainthat atleast 20%ofthetractorsweightison thefront wheelstomaintainsafesteerage.
Slow down on rough or uneven surfaces.
• Never allow riders on either tractor or ditcher.
• Make sure that the brake pedal latch is engaged.You must lock brake pedals together for
road travel.
• Slow down and signal before turning.
5

OPERATIONS
• The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be protected against
by mechanical means or product design. All operators must read and understand this
entire manual, paying particular attention to safety and operating instructions prior to using.
If there is something in this manual you do not understand, ask your supervisor, your dealer,
or phone W&A Manufacturing Company (870-534-7420) to have it explained to you.
• Most accidents occur because of neglect or carelessness. Keep all helpers and bystanders
at least several hundred feet from an operating ditcher. Only properly trained people should
operate this machine.
• Clear area to be ditched of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown, causing
injury or damage.
• Operate only in daylight.
• Ensure ditcher is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
• Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good condition.
• The majority of accidents involve entanglement on the driveline, injury of bystanders by
thrown objects thrown by the rotating blades, and operators being knocked off the tractor by
low hanging limbs and then being run over by the ditcher. Accidents are most likely to occur
withmachinesthat areloaned orrentedto someonewhohas notread theoperator’smanual
and is not familiar with a PTO ditcher.
• Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating. The driveline guard,
tractor and ditcher shields should be used and maintained in good working condition. They
should be inspected carefully, at least daily, for missing shields or guards. Missing, broken
or worn items must be replaced at once to reduce the possibility of injury from thrown
objects or entanglement.
• The area between the tractor and the PTO driven ditcher is a DANGER zone. The driveline
must be attached securely to the tractor and the ditcher. Don’t attach the driveline with a
longer bolt or any other device than those which are original equipment on the ditcher.
Modified equipment can only catch loose clothing, boot-laces or a pant cuff while spinning
rapidly and possibly cause serious bodily injury.
• Make sure the driveline guard can rotate independent of the shaft a full rotation and can
telescope freely.
• Make sure the driveline retaining chain is in place and secured around the ditcher frame
brace tubing.
6

• Make sure the driveline clutch shear bolt is in place and that proper replacement bolts are
readily available.
• Make sure front of tractor is properly weighted for safe steering control and operation.
• Clear the area of people, especially children, before starting the unit.
• Disengage power takeoff (PTO) and place transmission into neutral before attempting to
start engine.
• Always stop the tractor, disengage the PTO, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove
theignition key,lowerimplementtothegroundand allowditcherbladestocometoa complete
stopbeforedismounting tractor. Neverleave theditcherunattended withthe tractorrunning.
• Never place hands or feet under ditcher with the tractor engine on before you are sure all
motion has stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
• Do not reach or place yourself under equipment until it is blocked securely.
• Do not allow riders on the ditcher or tractor at any time. There is no safe place for any
riders.
• Do not operate unless all people, livestock and pets are several hundred feet away to
prevent injury by thrown objects. Never direct discharge toward anyone.
• Never operate tractor and ditcher under trees with low hanging limbs. Operators can be
knocked off the tractor and then run over by the rotating blades.
• The rotatingpartsof thismachinehave beendesignedand testedforrugged use. However,
they could fail upon impact with heavy, solid objects such as steel or concrete. Such impact
could cause the broken objects to be thrown outward at high velocities. To reduce the
possibility of property damage, serious injury, or even death, never allow the cutting blades
to contact such obstacles.
• Stop ditcher and tractor immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn the engine off,
remove key, inspect and repair any damage before resuming operation.
• Stay alert for uneven terrain, rocks and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
• Keep away from drop-offs and hazards that could cause roll over.
7

SERVICE/MAINTENANCE
• Good maintenance is your responsibility. Poor maintenance is an invitation to trouble.
• Before working on this machine stop the tractor, set the brakes, disengage the PTO and
power drives, shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
• Never work under equipment unless it is securely blocked.
• Frequently check ditcher blades. They should be free of nicks and cracks and securely
fastened.
• Periodically tighten all bolts and nuts and check that all cotter pins are properly installed to
ensure unit is in a safe condition.
• Whencompletingamaintenanceorservicefunction, makesure allsafety shieldsandguards
are installed before placing unit in service.
• Always use the proper tools or equipment for the job.
• After servicing, be sure all tools, parts and service equipment are removed from the ditcher.
• Do not allow debris, grease or oil to build up on any part of the machine.
• Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing, genuine
factory replacement parts must be used to restore your ditcher to original specifications.
W&A Manufacturing Company will not be responsible for injuries or damages caused by the
use of unapproved parts and/or accessories.
• Never use machine until all guards and safety devices are securely in place.
STORAGE
• Followingoperation,orwhenunhookingtheditcher,stop thetractor,set thebrakes,disengage
the PTO, shut off the engine and remove the ignition keys.
• Do not allow the driveline to rest on the ground. Hang it on the hook provided. Rust and
mud may interfere with the driveline locking device.
• Store the unit in an area away from human activity.
• Do not allow children to play on or around the stored unit.
8

SAFETY SIGNS
• Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
• Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.
• Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign should also display the current sign.
• Safety signs are available from your dealer or W & A Manufacturing Company.
A. DANGER - Rotating
Driveline Sign
Number 461082
B. DANGER - Guard Missing
Sign Number 461083
(Inside on Shaft)
C. WARNING - Operator’s Manual
Sign Number 461089
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SAFETY SIGNS
D. DANGER - Crushing Hazard
Sign Number 461138
E. WARNING - PTO Speed
Sign Number 461084
H. OIL LEVEL - Sign Number 461090
(Line level with bottom of plug)
• Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
• Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.
• Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign should also display the current sign.
• Safety signs are available from your dealer or W & A Manufacturing Company.
Phone [phone]
G. DANGER - Thrown Object
Hazard. Sign Number 461087
F. DANGER - Rotating Blades
Sign Number 461085
10

SPECIFICATIONS
The Model 360 and Model 370 Power Ditchers are connected to the tractor PTO shaft by means
of a shielded protrusion free slide collar. The driveline shield is non-rotating for increased life and
complies with safety standards worldwide. The shear bolt clutch protects the driveline against
machine blockages. The 1-15/16” diameter high carbon steel in-put and out-put shafts are
connected by a #100 roller chain with a continuous oil bath lubrication. The drive system rotates
on four triple seal greaseable ball bearings. The Model 360 has a 18 tooth in-put sprocket and a
18 tooth out-put sprocket with a cutter head speed of 540 RPM. The Model 370 has a 14 tooth
in-put sprocket and a 22 tooth out-put sprocket with a cutter head speed of 630 RPM. The entire
chain drive system is housed inside a 12” x 6” structural steel case, easily accessible by two (2)
removable rear plates. The dirt shielded cutter drum has four (4) high carbon plow steel blades
with a cutting diameter adjustable from 17” to 19”.
The Model 360 is designed for use on tractor with 65 to 110 horsepower and 540 RPM Power
Take Off. The Model 370 is designed for tractors with 80 to 160 horsepower and 1000 RPM
Power Take Off. Use on tractors with more horsepower could cause high maintenance
cost or personal injury.
Model 360 Model 370
For use on tractors with For use on tractors with
HORSEPOWER 540 RPM PTO from 50 1000 RPM PTO from 80
RECOMMENDATION to 110 horsepower. to 160 horsepower.
TRACTOR HITCH Category II or III Standard or Quick Hitch
CUTTER Adjustable 17” to 19” diameter. Features
HEAD four (4) replaceable high carbon steel blades.
Rotates at 540 RPM Rotates at 630 RPM
Heavy-duty, endless #100 roller chain.
Shafts 1-15/16” diameter high-carbon.
CHAIN Top sprockets have 18 teeth Top sprockets have 14 teeth
DRIVE and bottom sprockets have and bottom sprockets have
18 teeth. 22 teeth.
CLUTCH SHEAR BOLT M10 x 60-8.8 Hex head cap screw
UNIVERSAL 1-3/8” 6 Spline. Quick 1-3/8” - 21 Spline or 1-3/4” - 20
DRIVE SHAFT coupler connects to 540 RPM Quick coupler connects to 1000
tractor PTO shaft. Shaft is RPM tractor PTO shaft. Shaft is
telescoping & fully shielded. telescoping & fully shielded.
CHAIN 12” X 6” X 1/4” structural tubing welded
HOUSING into rigid, one piece, all welded main frame.
Because of our continuing effort to improve our products, we reserve the right to change design and specifications without notice.
11

ADJUSTMENTS & OPERATION
BEFORE ATTACHING YOUR DITCHER, STOP THE TRACTOR AND
DISENGAGE THE PTO AND POWER DRIVE.
INSTALL PROPER BALLAST ON FRONT OF TRACTOR TO INSURE
SAFE AND PROPER STEERING AT ALL TIMES.
1. Make all adjustments on a flat level surface.
2. Attach ditcher to tractor three point linkage.
EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE USED WHEN HITCHING DITCHER TO
TRACTOR TO PREVENT INJURY TO HANDS OR FINGERS. DO NOT
STAND BETWEEN THE DITCHER AND TRACTOR WHEN IT IS IN
MOTION. STOP TRACTOR ENGINE AND SET BRAKE BEFORE
INSTALLING PINS.
3. The yoke of the driveline is then attached to the PTO shaft of the tractor. Be sure the
slide collar snaps into place to secure the shaft and check that the tractor master safety
shield is in place.
MAKE SURE THE DRIVELINE GUARD CAN ROTATE INDEPENDENT
OF THE SHAFT A FULL ROTATION AND TELESCOPE FREELY.
MAKE SURE THE SAFETY CHAIN IS ATTACHED TO THE DRIVELINE
AND SECURED AROUND THE LEFT SIDE 2” SQUARE TUBING FRAME
BRACE.
4. The tractor’s top link should be extended or retracted until the ditcher chain housing is
vertical when lowered to the operating position. The driveline must have an equal
offset in each joint.
5. If the tractor is equipped with a float position on the three point lift, this should be used.
12

Thiswillallow theadjustable skidshoeto controlthedepth ofcut. Togeta deeperditch,
raise the skid shoe by means of the adjusting crank at the rear of the chain housing up
to 15”deep. To get a more shallow ditch, lower the skid shoe by means of the adjusting
crank.
6. The cutting diameter may be adjusted by moving the location of the blades on the
cutter drum. Location in the inside set of holes will give a 17” diameter cut. Locating
the blades in the outside holes will give a 19” diameter cut. Be sure all blades are in the
same set of holes and all bolts are tightened securely.
7. Lift the ditcher from the ground and raise the parking stands securing them with the
pins provided.
8. Raise and lower the ditcher slowly to check engagement of the drive shaft. Make sure
your three-point hitch and drawbar are correctly positioned so neither interferes with
the driveline.
BEFOREOPERATING YOURPTO DITCHERTHOROUGHLY READAND
UNDERSTAND THE SAFETY SECTION OF THIS MANUAL.
9. The ditcher should be lowered to just above the ground and the PTO engaged. The
PTO should not be engaged with the blades resting on the ground. This sudden shock
could result in broken shear bolts, chain, or driveline. After the cutter head has started
rotating, set the engine speed for 540 or 1000 RPM PTO speed. Start the forward
motion of the tractor and lower the ditcher into the ground. Forward speed and depth
of cut should be matched to soil conditions.
When backing or turning, the ditcher should be raised to clear the ground. The ditcher
should never be raised to maximum height with the PTO engaged.
DISENGAGETHEPTO ANDSTOPBLADE ROTATIONIFBYSTANDERS
COME WITHIN SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET.
13

LUBRICATION
BEFORE WORKING ON THIS MACHINE STOP THE TRACTOR, SET
THE BRAKES, DISENGAGE THE PTO, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND
REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY.
CHAIN HOUSING:
Gear oil has been added to the chain
case during final assembly. Recheck
lubricant level before initial operation of
the ditcher. The fluid level should be
checked from time to time. With the
machine level, remove the ¼” plug (A)
located at the bottom rear bearing plate.
The gear oil should be level with the
bottom of the ¼” plug hole at all times.
To add gear oil remove the ½” vented plug (B) on the inspection cover. Add HD 85W-140 gear
oil until seen at the bottom of the ¼” plug hole. DO NOT FILL ABOVE BOTTOM OF PLUG.
Reassemble both pipe plugs.
DRIVELINE & BEARINGS:
The driveline and bearings should be lubricated with a good grade of grease
every 8 hours of operation. There are six (6) driveline grease fittings as
shown in the illustration and four bearing grease fittings.
WHEN COMPLETING A MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE FUNCTION,
MAKE SURE ALL SAFETY SHIELDS AND GUARDS ARE INSTALLED
BEFORE PLACING UNIT IN SERVICE.
14

MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
BEFORE WORKING ON THIS MACHINE STOP THE TRACTOR, SET
THE BRAKES, DISENGAGE THE PTO, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND
REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY.
Daily or every eight (8) hours of operation:
• Visually check chain housing for oil leaks.
• Inspect for loose or damaged blades.
• Visually inspect entire Power Ditcher for worn, loose, damaged or missing parts.
• Grease 1-15/16” chain housing bearings.
• Grease driveline. Use a good grade of clean grease. (See Lubrication Page 13)
• Check chain housing oil level. Use a good grade of clean HD 85W-140 gear lube when
adding oil. (See Lubrication Page 13)
Every Season or every 250 hours of operation:
• Inspect for worn or damaged parts. Replace if needed.
• Remove oil from chain housing and flush case with kerosene or diesel fuel to remove
contamination. Replace oil with a good grade of clean HD 85W-140 gear lube.
• Inspect chain, sprockets and bearings for wear. Replace if needed.
• Inspect universal drive shaft for worn or damaged parts. Replace if needed.
• Inspect blades for wear, replacing blades if worn or damaged.
• Thoroughly inspect entire Power Ditcher for missing, worn or damaged parts. Repair or
replacethesepartsduringthe“off-season”toassuredependable,trouble-freeperformance
during the season of use.
• Review safety regulations and rules with all operators and personnel.
Chain Adjustment
The chain adjusting bolt is located on the right hand side of chain housing. Tighten to
“finger tight” in order to remove excess chain slack. Do not over tighten.
Secure by tightening jam nut.
WHEN COMPLETING A MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE FUNCTION,
MAKE SURE ALL SAFETY SHIELDS AND GUARDS ARE INSTALLED
BEFORE PLACING UNIT IN SERVICE.
15