Hydraulic Earth Drill Troubleshooting

Solutions to common hydraulic drill troubleshooting questions

Using a hydraulic earth drill can make your projects easier than ever, which is why we want to do everything we can to make sure it’s operating in peak condition. Whether you feel like your hydraulic earth drill might be losing power or the starter rope is becoming difficult to pull, you’ll find the solutions to these questions and more right here. 

Making the Starter Rope Easier to Pull

Hydraulic earth drill fencing

Using a hydraulic earth drill can make your projects easier than ever, which is why we want to do everything we can to make sure it’s operating in peak condition.

If it’s difficult to pull the starter rope on your hydraulic earth drill, check to make sure the quick disconnect couplings are fully engaged. Quick disconnect couplings provide fast and easy connection of fluid lines to easily start the drill. When they are not fully engaged, pulling the starter rope can be difficult.

The hoses can be easily connected without using tools. Connect the handle to the power source, attaching the return side first. This is the long hose that comes from the return line filter. Then, connect the pressure side of the handle to the power source.

Fixing Auger Turning Issues

When the auger turns fine in one direction but does not turn or turns very slowly in the other direction and stops when hitting the ground, your valve control linkage is most likely bent.

The valve control linkage is a small rod that connects the control to the valve spool. To fix this, straighten the linkage, making sure the flat part of the lever (the part you push or pull with your fingers) does not touch the handlebar at any time.

 

Improving Drill Power

If your hydraulic earth drill appears to have lost power, double check the oil that was used at the last service interval. Some retail or automotive stores sell multipurpose oils designed for tractors that are labeled “hydraulic oils.” These oils are not suitable for the Little Beaver power source because they have different additive packages. This can cause the hydraulic components to degrade faster and power to decrease due to friction and internal leakage. If you find that inappropriate oil was used, we suggest having your hydraulic drill checked by a reputable service dealer or calling us at 936-327-3121 and replacing the oil to avoid long term damage. It’s very important to always use the recommended grade when replacing hydraulic oil and to be sure to follow a schedule for regular oil changes.

If the troubleshooting solution you’re looking for isn’t listed here, take a deeper look into our service FAQs for hydraulic earth drills or check out the owner’s manual. If the answer to your problem still isn’t coming up, don’t despair! Contact us to speak with a member of our team for a personalized solution.