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Mechanical Earth Drill Service

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.


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