Vermeer RT200 - User Manual

Vermeer RT200 Trencher
Rental Center Guide
Operating Steps and Safety Practices
Visit Vermeer at www.vermeer.com to locate your local Vermeer dealer.
Your rental associate or technician will explain each of the following operating steps and safety practices before you use this
trencher.
WARNING: Do not use or attempt to operate the machine until you understand proper operation and
safety of the machine. Read the operator’s manual. Read safety signs attached to the machine. If
you are unsure of content or meaning of the safety messages or information regarding machine
operation, ask your rental associate or technician for more details.
INTENDED USE: Vermeer RT200 is a pedestrian-operated self-propelled machine equipped with a front-mounted trencher or
root cutter and optional boring attachment to perform various functions such as trenching, root cutting and horizontal boring.
OPERATING STEPS
1. Trencher Start:
a. Check all machine fluid levels and condition of air cleaner before starting machine.
b. Place “Propel” and “Attachment Drive” levers in NEUTRAL/OFF position.
c. Move “Throttle” to mid-range. Fully close “Choke” (cold engine only).
d. Turn “Key Switch” clockwise to start engine. As engine warms up, gradually open “Choke” and reduce “Throttle” to idle.
2. Trencher Transport:
a. Before transporting machine on a trailer, read trailer manual for safety precautions and loading information. Ensure gross weight of
machine with attachments is within the gross weight limits of the trailer and the towing vehicle. Approximate weight of RT200 trencher is
1500 lb. (680 kg).
b. Clean machine to keep any debris off highway. If equipped with optional “Porta Bore” attachment, raise and lock it in transport position.
c. Lower trencher boom half way to increase weight on nose wheel, release “Park Brake,” position machine inline with trailer ramps and set
“Throttle” to half speed. From level ground, drive machine squarely onto trailer and stop at tie-down position.
d. Fully lower trencher boom to trailer bed and set “Park Brake.” Shut off engine and remove key.
e. Secure machine to trailer using standard tie-down procedures with front and rear tie-down points.
f. Reverse procedure for unloading machine from trailer. Ensure trailer is on level ground. Avoid unloading if ramps are slick.
3. Trencher Setup:
a. Contact the local One-Call system in your area to request location of all underground utilities near work area.
b. Operating the machine will require you to wear protective equipment. Always wear a hard hat, safety shoes, hearing protectors and eye
protection. If working near traffic, wear reflective clothing.
c. Examine work area for any obstructions, conditions, or situations which may impair machine operation or create a safety hazard for the
operator or other persons. Look for evidence or notices of underground placements, manhole covers, drop boxes and recent trenching
activity. All utilities in these areas should be marked and avoided.
d. Either the trench cleaner assembly or restraint bar must be in place on the trencher boom while digging. These are intended to help
protect against accidental personal contact with the digging chain.
e. Disengage “Attachment Drive” when driving between trenches. Never ride on machine.
4. Opening a Trench:
a. With red “Operator Presence Button” pushed, use steering and propel controls to line up machine at beginning of trench.
b. If equipped with trench cleaner, shut off machine and raise and secure trench cleaner.
c. Follow Starting Procedure and push down on red “Operator Presence Button” located on the “Propel Lever.” Move “Throttle” to full
speed. The hydraulic power clutch is engaged by depressing the “Operator Presence Button.” If the button is released during operation,
the clutch will disengage, and hydraulic power will be discontinued. If the button is not depressed within 1.5 seconds after being
released, the “Propel and Attachment Drive Levers” must be returned to NEUTRAL before the clutch will re-engage.
d. With “Attachment Drive” engaged in FORWARD, lower trencher boom slowly to the desired digging depth. Lowering boom too quickly
will result in excessive boom and machine bounce. A small amount of rearward ground travel during the plunge cut may help in reducing
boom and machine bounce. Trencher will STOP anytime the “Operator Presence Button” is released.
e. If using trench cleaner, stop “Attachment Drive” after plunge cut, raise trencher boom until chain is out of ground and shut off machine.
Release trench cleaner, restart machine, engage “Attachment Drive” in FORWARD and lower trencher boom to desired digging depth.
f. Adjust rearward ground travel speed for the best productivity when the required trench depth has been reached.
g. Use “Steering Lever” to maintain trenching direction.
5. Restarting Stalled Machine:
a. If digging chain snags material and stalls engine, place “Propel” and “Attachment Drive” levers in NEUTRAL and restart engine. Slightly
raise trencher boom and REVERSE digging chain to free obstruction.
b. Engage “Attachment Drive” in FORWARD, lower trencher boom to desired digging depth and resume trenching.
6. Shutdown Procedure:
a. Place “Propel” and “Attachment Drive” levers in NEUTRAL/OFF position and raise trencher boom.
b. Reduce engine speed to idle, turn off engine and remove key. Set "Park Brake” to prevent machine from rolling.
Operator’s manual and rental center guide are available in other languages. Contact productsafety@vermeer.com. Se dispone del manual del
operador y de la guía de centros de alquiler en otros idiomas. Póngase en contacto con productsafety@vermeer.com.
See other side for Safety Practices
04/2014 Your machine may have product improvements and features not yet contained in this guide. Part Number 105400CP9 Edition 1_00
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice or obligation.
© 2014 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
1210 Vermeer Rd. East, Pella, IA 50219 USA

Summary

Vermeer RT200 Trencher Operating Steps

Trencher Start Procedures

Steps to start the Vermeer RT200 trencher, including fluid checks and throttle/choke adjustments.

Trencher Transport Guidelines

Procedure for safely transporting the trencher on a trailer, including loading and securing.

Trencher Setup and Preparation

Preparing the machine and work area, including utility checks, protective gear, and boom setup.

Opening a Trench Operation

Detailed steps for starting a trench, engaging controls, and lowering the boom for digging.

Restarting a Stalled Trencher

Procedure to restart the engine and free the machine if the digging chain stalls.

Trencher Shutdown Procedure

Steps to safely shut down the trencher, including disengaging controls and setting the park brake.

Vermeer RT200 Trencher Safety Practices

Spectator and Worker Safety

Ensures all spectators and unprotected workers remain clear of the machine and work area.

Fuel and Fire Safety Precautions

Warning about fuel explosion risk and precautions for refueling, including no flames or smoking.

Utility Location Requirement

Reminder to call the One-Call system before digging to locate underground utilities.

Moving Chain Hazard Warning

Danger of serious injury or death from contact with the moving digging chain or trench cave-in.

Machine Movement Hazards

Warnings about the machine being dragged forward by the chain or tipping over.

Rollover and Runover Prevention

Avoiding rollover situations and keeping feet away from wheels, plus no riding on the machine.

Servicing and Repair Safety

Instructions to use shutdown procedures before servicing, cleaning, repairing, or transporting.

General Safety Adherence

Warning that failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Horizontal Boring (Porta Bore) Operating Steps

Horizontal Boring Setup

Steps for setting up the Porta Bore attachment, including helper roles and rod preparation.

Horizontal Boring Operation

Procedure for operating the Porta Bore, including lining up, starting rotation, and advancing the bore.

Boring Shutdown Procedure

Steps to safely shut down the machine and attachment after completing horizontal boring.

Horizontal Boring (Porta Bore) Safety Practices

Rotating Drill Rod Hazard

Danger of serious injury from pipe wrenches on rotating drill rods.

Rotating Rod and Clothing Safety

Warning that rotating rods can kill and loose clothing can snag.

Guide Tool Safety

Risk of serious injury or death if struck by guide tool; do not assist manually.

Vermeer RT200 Specifications

General

Brand	Vermeer
Model	RT200
Category	Lawn and Garden Equipment
Language	English