Trencher safety

Joe R — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:19:20 +0000

Landscape Safety Series: Using Trenchers Safely1
BEFORE USING THE TRENCHER
Read the operator’s manual before attempting to
operate the machine. Be sure you understand it
completely.
Dress properly for the job. Wear snug-fitting, sturdy
pants and shirt, safety shoes, safety helmet, safety
goggles or screen, and hearing protection.
Check the machine for loose, missing, or broken
parts. Tighten, repair, or replace as needed before
using.
Check all safety devices such as seat belts, roll-over
protective structures (ROPS), shields, warning lights,
etc., to see that they are in place and working.
Read and heed the safety warning decals on the
machine.
Check for hydraulic leaks with a piece of wood or
cardboard. Never use your hand as pinpoint leaks
can penetrate the skin.
When checking radiator coolant, cover the cap with
a cloth to protect yourself from escaping steam.
Open the cap slightly to release pressure, and then
open the rest of the way. Allow engine to cool
before adding any needed coolant.
Fill the fuel tank with engine stopped and cool. Do
not smoke. Be sure there are no sparks or open
flames nearby. If you must refuel during operation,
allow the engine to cool a few minutes before doing
so.
Check for underground utilities in the digging area.
You should request Blue Stake service at least two
days in advance of digging. Don’t take chances. You
could lose your life if you strike a gas or electric
line.
Check for the presence of overhead utility lines as
they can be equally as dangerous.
OPERATING THE TRENCHER
Use care when mounting riding trenchers. Be sure
your hands and shoes are clean and dry. Use the
handrails, not control levers, to guide yourself.
Fasten the seat belt and adjust the seat to a
comfortable position.
Warn others away from the machine and work area
especially children and pets.
Be sure the transmission and other controls are in
the neutral position. Set the brakes on all models.
Start the engine and test all controls.
Lower the trencher boom within a few inches of the
soil.
Engage the chain at slow speed. Be sure you can
control the trencher as the chain can jerk the
machine quickly.
Operate riding trenchers only from the seat. Keep
hands and feet clear of chain and augers on walkbehind
models.
Use caution when operating on slopes as the
machine will want to work down the slope.
Never make sharp turns while digging.
Never adjust or attempt to free a jammed chain
while it is running. Always stop the machine and
engine first.
Trenchers are one person machines — never allow
any riders.
When raising the boom you should disengage the
chain just as it clears the trench.
Follow these steps when shutting the machine down
for any length of time:
1. Lower the trenching boom and attachments to the
ground.
2. Set the parking brake or block the wheels.
3. Put the transmission in park or neutral.
4. Stop the engine.
5. Cycle the hydraulic controls to relieve any
pressure.
6. Remove the ignition key.
7. Dismount carefully using steps and handholds.
TRANSPORTING TRENCHERS
Follow the manufacturer’s manual for specific
loading and unloading procedures.
Be sure all required tie downs, safety chains, etc.,
are properly secured.
If driving the trencher on public roads make certain
that all warning signs, lights, and flags are in place
and visible. The Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV)
emblem must be visible to vehicles approaching
from the rear

1. This document is 8831-Q, a series of the the Cooperative Extension, the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719. Publication date:

2. Lance Fluegel, Safety Coordinator and Bradley Rein, Engineering Specialist, the College of Agriculture, the University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85719.
The University of Arizona College of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity employer authorized to provide research, educational information
and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, Vietnam
Era Veteran’s status, or handicapping condition.

Time to Rent? Help Your Rental Company Help You!

joe — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:54:05 +0000

Here at GRS Rents we work with customers to find the best equipment solutions for their upcoming projects. We do our very best to completely understand your projects so that we can ensure you end up with the right equipment – the first time! How do we do this; you might wonder? Well, it’s quite simple! We take the time to speak with you and completely understand your project. We hope that you’ll take our questions as an assurance that we’re working hard for you; not an annoyance while talking to a guy at the rental store.

Here’s what we’re likely to ask:
1) What type of project are you working on? – We want to understand the application for the equipment you’re asking for. We bring in new equipment all the time and may have a new machine that you’ve never seen before!

2) Do you have any special needs for this equipment? Specific features that you’re expecting? – The GRS Rents staff wants to ensure that the equipment we supply you with completely fits your expectations. We hope you’ll take the time to completely inform us of any specific features you need on the equipment you’re ordering. This information will help ensure that you get what you’re expecting from GRS Rents.

3) Have you or the person that will be using the equipment used this type of equipment before? – It doesn’t matter if you order your equipment from our Crystal Lake Rental Store, Marengo Rental Store, or East Dundee Rental Store – We want to make sure that whoever is using the equipment knows how to operate it safely and with all available features!

4) How long do you think you’ll need the equipment for? – We’re taking the equipment out of rental inventory specifically for you! Let us know how long you’ll need it for to help us accurately plan rental equipment for all of our customers!

So, you see, when the staff at GRS Rents wants to talk about your project with you – we’re just trying to help! We want to envision the work being done and confirm that everything will go according to plan. Stop by GRS Rents in Crystal Lake, Marengo, or East Dundee or just give us a call at 888-477-7687 to plan your next project!

You can reach each store directly at:
GRS Rents – East Dundee: 847-428-7070
GRS Rents – Crystal Lake: 815-477-8888
GRS Rents – Marengo: 815-568-1100

Thanks!

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Trencher safety

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