ASTEC TF300B - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
25 AU103168 C7B
19. Any steering must be gradual. Actuate the Steering
Brake Levers as necessary to steer the machine.
NOTE:
Do not make sharp turns with the boom in the
ground. Sharp turns with the trencher operating will
cause damage to the machine.
20. Check the digging chain tension when starting a new
trench in each location. See Trencher Digging Chain
Tension in this manual.
21. When the trench is completed, stop the machine.
Raise the boom slowly from the trench. Move the
Trencher Clutch Lever to the right to stop the digging
chain.
22. Turn the Speed Creep Control clockwise several turns
until the control is completely CLOSED.
NOTE:
When transporting the machine or backfilling,
make sure the Speed Creep Control is completely CLOSED
(turned clockwise).
Cutting A Straight Trench
To cut a straight trench, place a string line far enough to
one side of the machine to clear the machine.
PIC00122
B901050
STRING LINE AND ADJUSTABLE POINTER
Align the adjustable pointer at the rear of the machine
with the string. Cut the trench as instructed herein, while
keeping the pointer aligned with the string.
Cutting A Curved Trench
You can cut a gradual curve by pulling the Steering Brake
Lever about half way in the REARWARD position to
disengage power to the track. The machine will gradually
turn in the direction of the disengaged track.
NOTE:
Do not make sharp turns with the boom in the
ground. Sharp turns with the trencher operating will
cause damage to the machine.
To cut a sharp curve with the trencher, see the illustration
below.
B1493A88
Example “A” - If the cable or pipe is flexible enough for
a sharp 90 degree corner, cut a new trench 90 degrees to
the previous trench.
Example “B” - If the cable or pipe is not flexible enough
for a sharp corner, use a backhoe to open up the corner
to allow for a more gradual bend.
BACKFILL BLADE OPERATION
1. See Backfill Blade Controls in this manual. Move the
Steering Brake Levers to the rear of the machine for
backfill operation.
STRING LINE
WARNING: Hillside operation can be
dangerous. Rain snow, ice, loose gravel, soft
ground, etc., change the ground conditions. You
must make a judgement if your machine can be
safely operated on any hillside or slope greater
than 20°.
WARNING: Along a trench, high bank or
overhang, the machine can fall and cause injury
or death. You must make a judgement if your
machine can be safely operated near any of these
areas.
WARNING: Be careful when working near the
side of a trench. Serious injury or death can result
if the walls of the trench fall.
EXAMPLE “A”
EXAMPLE “B”
EXCAVATION
HOLE
BACKHOE