MAINTENANCE, MAKE-READY AND SAFETY CHECKLIST
FOR LITTLE BEAVER HYDRAULIC EARTH DRILLS

Click Here To Download Little Beaver Safety Checklist

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS REQUIRED
Little Beaver Earth Drill — Any Model
1. Water Swivel Adaptor (Part #20023)
2. Water Swivel Assembly (Part #20000)
3. 3/4″ Pipe Collars — enough for connecting pipe sections and attachments
4. 3/4″ Schedule 80 Water Pipe – Long enough for the hole being bored plus 15 feet
5. Water Drill Bit (Part #20022-2,3 or 4″)
Stakes for aiming
Key (Part #20025)

PROCEDURE:
Remove the torque tube from the Little Beaver Earth Drill. Place the key (#20025) over the torque tube connection on the engine. Assemble the attachments, as shown below, and lay them on the ground. A starting trench should be dug on the side of the street or sidewalk from which the bore is to be started and a target hole should be dug on the opposite side. The length of the starting trench depends on the depth at which the bore is to be made. It should be long enough to allow 8 to 10 feet of the bore pipe to lie level. If the bore is to be inclined, bore from the low side if at all possible. This will allow the water and cuttings to flow out.

Aiming may be accomplished by placing one stake vertically above the starting point and another above the target hole. The drill operator can take a sight on these two stakes and guide the bore pipe accordingly. After initial preparations have been completed, connect the adaptor (#20023) to the transmission of the Little Beaver Earth Drill. Place the bore pipe and drill bit into the starting trench and position the bit into the dirt at the desired point.

Turn on the water supply and wait for the water to flow from the hole in the drill bit. Start the drill turning by closing the throttle lever on the handle, and apply a steady pressure to the pipe. Do not force the drill bit, but allow it to cut its way through and flush out the cuttings. Upon completing the bore, the bit may be pulled through backwards, still turning, to ream and clean out the hole.

NOTE: Before each use, lubricate the water swivel assembly with water pump grease or awater proof outboard motor grease.

Q. What type of hydraulic oil should I put in the reservoir of my Little Beaver Hydraulic Earth Drill?
A. Most premium grade, mineral based oils with anti-wear (AW) and anti-foaming additives are suitable. ISO VG 46 grade fluids are recommended for operation in normal temperature environments. Use ISO VG 32 grade in colder climates or ISO VG 68 in warmer climates.

Q. How much hydraulic oil does it take to fill the reservoir of my Hydraulic Earth Drill?
A. The Little Beaver hydraulic earth drill holds 5 gallons of oil. The Little Beaver towable hydraulic earth drill holds 6 gallons of oil. The PS-18 power source holds approximately 2.75 gallons.

Q. What types of daily maintenance do I need to perform on my Hydraulic Earth Drill?
A. Both the engine oil and the hydraulic oil levels should be checked daily. You should also visually inspect the Little Beaver to verify that no parts or fasteners are loose, damaged, or missing, and check the hydraulic hoses for wear and abrasion.

Q. My Hydraulic Earth Drill does not seem to have the power that it used to have. What is wrong?
A. Have you recently changed your hydraulic oil? Some retail or automotive stores sell multipurpose oils designed for tractors that are labeled as hydraulic oils, but are not suitable for use in your power source. Make sure that you always use the recommended grade when replacing your hydraulic oil. Follow the schedule in your operation and maintenance manual regarding oil and filter changes

Q. When using my Hydraulic Earth Drill, the auger turns fine in one direction, but does not turn or turns very slowly in the other direction. When I touch the auger to the ground it stops. What’s wrong?
A. Most likely your valve control linkage is bent. This is the small rod that connects the control to the valve spool. Straighten it out, and then make sure that the flat part of the lever (the part you pull or push with your fingers) does not touch the handlebar at any time.

Q. I’m trying to start the engine on my Hydraulic Earth Drill, but it is hard to pull the starter rope. How do I correct this?
A. Make sure that the quick disconnect couplings are fully engaged. When connecting the handle to the power source, connect the return side first (the long hose that comes from the return line filter), then connect the pressure side.

Q. I use my Hydraulic Earth Drill for sign erection. Taking it out of the truck bed and back in again is not easy. Is there anything I can do about this?
A. Little Beaver’s Telescoping Torque Tube Kit consists of a 2-man hydraulic handle, bumper mounted swivel bracket, and a telescoping torque tube. With this Kit, the hydraulic power source can remain in the bed of the truck while the swivel bracket allows 180 degree maneuverability. The torque tube mounts to the swivel bracket and extends from 6 to 11 feet. It may be used with any of the Little Beaver hydraulic power sources, truck auxiliary hydraulic power, or other brands of power sources which meet Little Beaver specifications (6-8 GPM flow, 2000 -2500 Maximum PSI).

Q. After traveling to the job site with my Little Beaver Towable Earth Drill, I can’t pull the recoil rope or the engine is flooded. What’s wrong?
A. You probably did not close the fuel shut-off valve during transit. As a result, fuel flooded the cylinder. Close the fuel shut-off valve and remove the spark plug. While standing off to the side of the cylinder, slowly pull the recoil rope a few times to purge gasoline from the cylinder. Be sure to clean up any spilt fuel. Then, clean and replace the spark plug, open the fuel shut-off valve and try starting the engine again.

Q. How fast can I tow my Towable Earth Drill?
A. 25mph is the maximum towing speed allowed when the SMV sign is displayed.

Q. What size trailer ball do I need to tow my Towable Earth Drill?
A. The towable earth drill requires a standard 2” trailer ball.

Q. How deep will the Kwik-Trench Earth Saw dig?
A. Depending on the model, a Kwik-Trench Earth Saw can dig from 8” to 12” deep.

Q. How wide of trench will the Kwik-Trench make?
A. Depending on model, a Kwik-Trench can dig a trench from 2” to 4” wide.

Q. Is there a way to increase or decrease the trenching width?
A. All models offer variable trenching widths by mounting different sets of cutting teeth on the cutting wheel.

Q. Are there self-propelled models available?
A. No. At this time, all Kwik-Trench models are manually pushed forward.

Q. Is the reduction gearbox filled with oil when I receive my new machine?
A. Yes, the separate reduction gearbox on models with 5.5 HP Honda or Briggs & Stratton engines is filled with oil at the factory. However, you should always check the oil level before the first use and at regular intervals thereafter. The gearbox on the 6.5 and 8 HP Honda engines is lubricated by the engine crankcase oil. The engine crankcase must be filled by the owner before the new machine is used.

Q. Will the Kwik-Trench cut through asphalt and tree roots ?
A. Yes. Any model Kwik-Trench with Super Blade Plus or Super Xtra Rock Teeth will easily and cleanly cut through asphalt. It also cuts through tree roots up to 10” in diameter in a matter of seconds.

Q. How long will the trenching teeth last?
A. This depends on the types of material that you are cutting. If you are frequently cutting in rocky conditions, the optional Super Xtra Rock Teeth will last 3 – 5 times longer than the standard teeth.

Q. How long will the clutch facings last?
A. The life of the clutch facings varies greatly depending upon the soil conditions, trench width and depth, and the operator. Many users can get a full season’s use from the clutch facings; others will go through several sets. You should regularly monitor these parts for wear and replace as necessary. Keep the mounting bolts and springs tight at all times.

Q. The cutter wheel quits turning when I push forward. What is causing this?
A. Either the clutch mechanism or the drive belts are slipping. Check the belts for proper tension. Check the condition of the clutch facings and make sure that the springs and shoulder bolts on the pressure plate are tight. In certain conditions, such as very hard clay soils, you should push more slowly and let the machine cut at a slower rate.

Q. How can I cut straight trenches?
A. The rear swivel wheel can be locked in position when straight trenches are required.

Q. How can I transport the Kwik-Trench?
A. The compact Kwik-Trench can be transported in a van, pickup truck, or small trailer. A specially designed tilt bed utility trailer is available from Little Beaver that makes it extremely simple to transport the Kwik-Trench.

Q. My machine binds when I try to raise or lower it. What can I do to prevent this?
A. Clean the guide tubes and lubricate with a graphite or silicon spray.

Q. Can I upgrade my direct drive earth saw to a belt drive model?
A. Yes. This can be accomplished only by replacing the entire frame/shroud assembly. Contact the factory for details.

Q. How long is the warranty?
A. All models come with a 1 year limited warranty from Little Beaver. Engines are warranted by the manufacturer of the engine for 1 or 2 year periods (refer to the engine warranty sheet for details).

Q. What types of daily maintenance do I need to perform on my Little Beaver Mechanical Earth Drill?
A. Both the engine oil and the gearbox oil should be checked daily. You should also visually inspect the Little Beaver to verify that no parts or fasteners are loose, damaged, or missing.

Q. What type of oil is used in the gearbox of my Mechanical Earth Drill?
A. For your oil-bath gearbox, we recommend 85W-140 gear oil. For the older grease lubricated gearbox, we recommend Exxon Unirex N2 grease.

Q. What type of oil should I use in the engine crankcase of my Mechanical Earth Drill?
A. In most cases, we recommend a 10W30 motor oil. Refer to your engine operator’s manual for more specific recommendations.

Q. Do I need to lubricate the flexible shaft on my Mechanical Earth Drill?
A. Yes. Every 50 hours, inspect the flexible shaft and grease as necessary. Follow the procedures outlined in your operator’s manual.

Q. I can’t start my Mechanical Earth Drill. I’ve checked the fuel and the spark plug and they’re both fine, but it still doesn’t start. What could be the problem?
A. Check that the “on/off” switch on both the engine and the handle are in the “on” position. Also be sure that the torque tube connected to the engine carriage is pushing in the engine safety kill switch. Check that the engine oil is at the proper level. Most engines are equipped with an oil alert or oil guard system to prevent the engine from running if the oil level is too low.

Q. My auger turns all the time. I tried to adjust the engine idle, but I can’t get it low enough. What should I do?
A. Replace the springs on your centrifugal clutch. When using the earth drill, be sure not to “bog down” the engine. Let it turn fast enough that the clutch doesn’t slip. Excessive slippage will cause overheating and loss of temper of the springs.

Q. My engine runs, but the auger doesn’t turn? What could cause this?
A. There is a problem with the drive train. The most likely source is the flexible shaft core. Inspect the core end fittings for cracks or breakage. Other possibilities are the gears or shaft keys within the gearbox, the adapter key on the gearbox output shaft, or the key on the clutch drum. Refer to a servicing dealer or your maintenance manual for further information.

Q. I just received a new flexible shaft and it doesn’t fit into my gearbox. What’s the problem?
A. You need to remove the coupling from the end of your old flexible shaft. Re-install it into the gearbox and tighten the set screw to lock it in place. Then your new flexible shaft will screw into the coupling.

Q. Do the Mechanical Earth Drills have a reverse?
A. No. Only the hydraulic earth drills are reversible.

Q. To get more torque, I’d like to slow down the speed of my Mechanical Earth Drill. Is there any way to do this?
A. By replacing the gear set in your transmission, you can obtain lower cutting speeds (277 RPM, 13:1 ratio or 180 RPM, 20:1 ratio) that will generate greater torque and less vibration in rocky ground.

Q. I have an older Little Beaver mechanical model. Can I replace my old handle with a new handle?
A. Yes. The new ergonomically designed handle kit (part number HCO-M#) can replace an older handle on your oil bath gearbox. If your machine has a grease lubricated gearbox (built prior to June 1992), you will need to order the UK-30# Update Kit.

Q. I wish it were easier to lift the engine end of my Mechanical Earth Drill when loading it. Do you have pick up handles available?
A. Yes. We do have a pick up handle that will fit any model of mechanical earth drill. Adding a roll cage to your machine will also make it easier to lift into a trunk or onto the bed of a pick-up.