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Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a 'GRAMEGNA' Hole
Digger.
We are sure that it will give you great satisfaction.
Our hole digger is produced using the latest
techniques and only the finest materials, this is
coupled with the highest technical specifications
which make our machine unique within the
agricultural industry.
We will be pleased to place our technical expertise
at your disposal.
GRAMEGNA S.r.l.
CONTENTS page
MACHINE DESCRIPTION ........................................... 2
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................. 4
SAFETY RULES .......................................................... 4
IMPORTANT WARNINGS ........................................... 5
HITCHING TO THE TRACTOR ................................... 6
OPERATING THE DIGGER ......................................... 7
MAINTENANCE ............................................................ 9
GUARANTEE ............................................................. 10
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Fig. 1
Fig. 1
1) Lower link hitch points
2) Top link hitch point
3) Power take-off
4) Stabilizers
5) Spades
6) Safety guard
7) Lifting eye
1
2
4
3
4
6
7
5
4
1
3
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
1) Frame
2) Transmission housing
3) Hydraulic cylinder - sideshift
4) Hydraulic cylinder - angle
5) Prop
6) Prop lock/release lever
1
4
5
3
2
6
4
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL
kW
HP
lb
kg
in
m
m in
in m
in
m
in
m
rpm
rpm
SB1-40 S
22-51
30-70
726
330
41
1,05
0,48 19
0,48 19
22 0,57
34 0,87
16
0,40
20-23
0,5-0,6
140
540
SB1-40
22-51
30-70
749
340
49
1,25
0,65 26
0,65 26
23 0,60
42 1,08
16
0,40
20-23
0,5-0,6
140
540
SB1-65
22-51
30-70
794
360
51
1,29
0,65 26
0,65 26
25 0,64
44 1,12
25
0,63
20-23
0,5-0,6
140
540
Subject to changes
SAFETY RULES
During the normal operation the hole digger does not require
any manual control either by the operator or anyone else,
therefore it is important that the operator takes care that
nobody gets too near to the machine. Besides the operator
must keep to the following directions:
ALWAYS make sure all safety guards are correctly
mounted before starting working.
DO NOT use the digging machine for other purpose that is
not specified in this manual.
NEVER leave the driver's seat during machine working.
Take into account that by adding the hole digger the weight
distribution on the tractor is different and therefore the
tractor stability is modified.
Pay attention during turns and movements taking into
account that the global dimensions of the tractor are
increased by the presence of the hole digger.
Should it be necessary to travel on public roads then the
maximum dimensions of the machine must be shown as
prescribed by law.
Should damage occur to the safety guards or to any other
part of the digging machine, stop the machine operation
IMMEDIATELY and ask to a qualified technical service for
the eventual repair or replacement.
We recommend to USE ONLY ORIGINAL SPARE PARTS.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY LABELS
Your safety depends upon this informa-
tion!
Read this manual and the manual for the PTO
drive shaft before using the machine.
Contact with rotating driveline can
cause serious injury!
Do not open or remove safety
shields during operation.
Contact with moving parts can cause
serious injury!
Do not open or remove safety shields during
operation.
Contact with tools during operation can
cause serious injury to lower limbs!
Stay a safe distance from the machine.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
1) Due to the nature of the work it is intended for, the
SB1 hole digger cannot be built to the kind of size and
weight specifications that would be compatible
theoretically with big horsepower tractors. It must be
operated with care particularly if used with tractors of
rated power higher than 35 HP (26 kW).
Be especially careful:
to keep the engine at a speed no higher than
1.300 rpm.
to maintain the original clutch setting.
to avoid digging frozen or very hard soil.
to stop digging if the clutch keeps slipping or in
any event if excessive force is needed to
penetrate the soil.
2) Even when hitched to a three-point linkage raised to
its full lifting height, the implement may still clear the
ground by a short distance only.
It is therefore important to be careful when carrying
the implement in the transport position (e.g. over very
uneven surfaces or changing gradients, lifting and
lowering from truck beds etc.) to ensure the lower
parts of the digger do not come into contact
accidentally with the ground.
In these cases, it is advisable to use a fairly short top
link such as will allow the implement to be lifted higher
when necessary.
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HITCHING TO THE TRACTOR
NOTE: Before hitching the machine to the tractor, make
certain that the tractor lift links are lowered to approximately 4
ins (10 cm) from the ground. If this is not possible, connect the
machine by using the upper hitch points (page 2 – ref.1).
Set the tractor PTO speed at 540 r.p.m.
PTO DRIVE SHAFT
The PTO drive shaft must be compatible in length with the
tractor onto which the machine is mounted.
The clutch on the cardan drive shaft is set to protect the
mechanical parts of the implement in the event of excessive
power being applied, and must NOT be tampered with.
For everything else regarding the PTO drive shaft we
recommend to consult the relative operator's manual.
CONNECTING THE THREE POINT LINKAGE
AND THE DRIVE SHAFT
1. Place the implement on level ground and back up the
tractor until the ends of the lift links are about 4-6 ins (10-
15 cm) from the hitch points on the digger (1 - fig. 1).
2. Connect the drive shaft to the tractor P.t.o. and secure the
guard with the chains.
3. Connect the links to the hitch points and fit the linch pins.
CONNECTION TO THE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE
PORTS
The SB1 requires hydraulic connections to two pairs of double
acting pressure ports (½”).
These connections allow the operator to control two
movements:
Spade carriage sideshift (1)
Spade penetration angle (2)
ADJUSTING THE WORKING POSITION
1. Adjust the length of the tractor lift links so that the frame of
the implement (1 - fig. 2) is parallel with the transverse axis
of the tractor.
2. Adjust the lift link check chains so that the frame (1 - fig. 2)
is positioned centrally in relation to the tractor.
3. Adjust the length of the top link until the machine is parallel
with the ground or tilted slightly toward the tractor.
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OPERATING THE DIGGER
DIGGING A HOLE
Position the tractor with the implement alongside the digging
area, and lower the lift links completely.
Fig. 1
With the spade carriage in the retracted position, set the
spades at the maximum angle of inclination (fully out, see
"starting position"). Set the spades in rotation to begin
excavating the hole, and operate the sideshift to extend the
carriage (the spades will push the soil away from the starting
position).
Fig. 2
Retract the spade carriage without stopping the rotary motion.
Reduce the inclination (A) of the spades (as far as the
consistency of the soil will allow), and as the next stroke
begins, operate the sideshift again to extend the carriage, then
return the spades to the maximum angle (B).
Fig. 3
Retract the spade mechanism as before (again without
stopping the rotary motion). Reduce the inclination (A) of the
spades partly or totally for the next stroke (as far as the
consistency of the soil will allow).
Operate the sideshift again to extend the carriage, and at the
end of the stroke, return the spades to the maximum angle
(B).
NOTE: If the intention is not to empty the hole completely but
to leave a certain amount of soil in place, do not return the
spades to the maximum angle (B), instead, stop the rotary
motion and raise the implement with the lift links before
retracting the carriage.
fig.1
fig.2
fig.3
STARTING
POSITION
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DIGGING HOLES FOR VINES ON HILLSIDES
WITH ROWS RUNNING ACROSS THE GRADIENT
The procedure for digging the hole is as described on page 7.
In addition, to minimize the movement of loose soil down the
gradient:
Position the tractor and implement on the downhill side of
the row where the hole is to be dug.
Return the spades to the maximum angle of inclination B
(figures 2 and 3, page 7) each time the carriage is
extended.
Raise the implement with the hydraulic lift before
retracting.
REMOVING AN OLD VINE
Medium or soft soil, vines not particularly difficult to
remove.
Following the instructions given on page 5 (fig. 2 onwards).
Hard soil, vines difficult to remove:
Proceed as follows:
1. Dig the hole as close as possible to the vine being
removed.
2. Retract the spade carriage and raise the implement with
the hydraulic lift.
3. Reposition the implement so that one of the spades is in
line with the stock.
4. Reduce the angle of inclination to as near vertical as
possible (see “A” - fig. 3, page 7).
5. Lower the implement again to penetrate, then operate the
sideshift to extend the carriage, returning the spades if
necessary to the maximum angle B (fig.2-3, page 7)
NOTE: power transmitted to the digger through the P.t.o. can
register peak values under these conditions. Remember not to
throttle the engine over 1300 rpm and to stop digging if
excessive force is required to penetrate the soil.
Important: NEVER move the tractor when the spades are in
the soil.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The spades stop rotating when even a minimum of force
is applied:
This problem is due to wear on the clutch discs, caused
normally by continued use of the implement even when
excessive power is applied.
The remedy is to replace the two discs and restore the correct
adjustment. If no torque measuring instruments are available,
proceed as follows:
Tighten the bolts in sequence (uniformly) until the springs
begin to compress. Test the adjustment by operating the
implement briefly, then tightening the bolts one quarter turn.
Continue testing and tightening alternately in this way until the
clutch is just able to withstand the force applied to the
implement in normal operation.
SPADES
Two types are available:
- wide spade (fitted as standard): suitable for use on
medium and soft soils, and wherever old vines need
digging up.
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- tapered spade (available on request): more suitable for
use on hard, dry or generally stubborn soils.
WIDE
TAPERED
MAINTENANCE
The maintenance and the mounting of the machine onto
the tractor are the main occasions of accidents. Before
performing any maintenance work or repair the operator must
keep to the following basic safety rules:
Disengage the power drive, stop the tractor engine and
apply the brake.
Avoid introducing any part of the body under the machine.
If the machine is raised on the tractor's three point lift for
the purpose of spade changing, skid alteration or any other
reason, then suitable blocking or support MUST be used.
NOTE: The maintenance of the hole digger does not require
the use of special tools.
We recommend to USE ONLY ORIGINAL SPARE PARTS
After the first 8 working hours:
Check and tighten the spade bolts (fig.1 n.7). If the
machine is working in hard, dry or stony ground check
every day.
Periodically
Check the condition of the hydraulic hoses (for cracks, cuts
etc.)
LUBRICATION
Every 25 working hours:
Grease the sliding parts of the cardan drive shaft. (For
everything else regarding the PTO drive shaft we
recommend to consult the relative operator's manual).
Grease the P.T.O. shaft bearing at point A (fig. 1)
Grease the joints of the spade angle control linkage at
points B (fig. 1) and C (fig. 2).
fig. 1 fig. 2
A
C
B
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Open the safety guard by loosening the bolt D (fig. 3), then
grease the joints of the rod and crank linkages at points E
and F (fig. 4). Replace the grease nipples if damaged.
Remove the plugs from the lower joints at points G and H
(fig. 4) and fill with an oil having ISO viscosity VG 680 (e.g.
MOBIL GEAR 636 – ESSO SPARTAN 680)
fig. 3 fig. 4
LONG PERIODS OF INACTIVITY
If the machine has to remain idle for a long period, it must be
carefully cleaned and protected from sun, rain, etc.
Lubricate and check functioning of all parts before using the
machine again.
GUARANTEE
The SB1 hole digger is guaranteed for a period of 2 years
from the date of purchase (purchase must be verifiable from a
document issued by the dealer, showing the name of the
dealer and the date on which the sale was made).
The warranty covers repair or replacement at no cost of
machine parts found to be unserviceable due to manufacturing
defects.
The warranty does not cover parts found to be defective as a
result of:
Failure to follow the use and maintenance instructions.
Normal wear associated with use of the machine.
Obstructions (stones, roots, stocks) becoming jammed in
the moving parts of the machine.
Modifications or repairs carried out by unauthorized
persons.
The warranty shall be considered invalidated in all instances
of improper use.
Defective parts must be returned carriage paid to the
Gramegna headquarters at Broni (PV).
The Manufacturer is not liable for any direct or indirect injury to
individuals or damage to property caused by failure to observe
all the instructions in this handbook.
This warranty does not affect consumer rights as embodied in
national legislation regarding the sale of consumer goods.
G
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