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Hydraulic Earth Drill Troubleshooting

Hydraulic Earth Drill Troubleshooting

Dec 6, 2021

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.

Mechanical Earth Drill Troubleshooting

Mechanical Earth Drill Troubleshooting

Dec 6, 2021

How to solve problems preventing your mechanical drill from working properly

Mechanical Earth Drill Troubleshooting

For more than 50 years, Little Beaver earth drills have been the #1 choice of rental store owners, fencing contractors and other professionals who want a one-man auger that’s safe and simple to operate.

There’s nothing more frustrating than your mechanical earth drill not performing the way you want it to. For more than 50 years, Little Beaver earth drills have been the #1 choice of rental store owners, fencing contractors and other professionals who want a one-man auger that’s safe and simple to operate. We’re dedicated to your success and have an extensive list of FAQs to address operation and maintenance questions. Check out solutions to some of the most common questions we receive about operating our mechanical earth drills.

The Drill Doesn’t Start

If you’re having trouble starting your mechanical earth drill and you’ve checked the fuel levels, there are a couple things you can try to get it working properly.

We incorporate an engine kill switch on the operating handles to allow quick fingertip control of the shut off for both safety and convenience.  Often overlooked, this switch can be the culprit and an easy fix to a drill that will not start. There is also a switch incorporated in the torque tube bracket that will prevent the unit from running unless the torque tube is installed. This switch provides added safety and operator protection.

If the switch isn’t the culprit, take a moment to inspect your spark plugs. Clear indications that the spark plugs need to be changed include an engine that misfires, surges or consumes significant fuel. While you’re at it, we also recommend checking the engine oil. Although the engine has an alert that prevents operation when levels are too low, proactively checking the levels can save time and avoid hassle in the future.

Getting an Auger “Unstuck”

Occasionally, when drilling, you may encounter soils or circumstances that prove challenging for even the most powerful drills. If your auger is stuck in the ground, disconnect the handle/gearbox. Then use a pipe wrench on top of the auger to turn it in a counter clockwise direction. Be very careful not to damage the auger top.

If the pipe wrench is not successful, we do offer a specially designed tool for this situation. Part #9022-T is a Tee Handle. This handle is used in place of the pipe wrench for added leverage. You can order a Tee Handle by calling 936-327-3121.

To prevent this situation in the future, make sure not to push down on the auger when digging in soft clay or sandy soil. Let the drill do the work to efficiently cut its way through the soil.

Getting the Auger to Turn When the Engine is On

If your engine runs but the auger doesn’t turn, a problem with the drive train is the most likely situation. Frequently, the issue can be traced back to the flexible shaft core. The best way to determine if the flex shaft is the issue is to inspect the core end fittings for cracks or breakage. If the flex shaft core appears to be undamaged, check the key on the clutch drum, the gears or shaft keys within the gearbox and the adapter key on the gearbox output shaft for signs of damage.

If you find damage to the flex shaft or an issue with the gearbox, get in touch with our team to get the necessary repair parts and tips on how to prevent future damage. If both look fine but the auger still doesn’t turn, contact us or check your maintenance manual for further information on this issue.

Keeping the Auger Still When Not Engaged

If your auger turns all the time – even when not engaged – try adjusting the engine idle. If you’re unable to adjust to a low enough level to prevent turning when not engaged, replace the springs on your centrifugal clutch. To get the replacement springs and any tips on how to install them, contact us at 936-327-3121.

When an auger is working properly, the springs in the centrifugal clutch adjust when the auger is engaged so the clutch shoes push back and forth against the clutch housing to propel the auger. When not engaged, the clutch shoes stay still, so the auger stops turning. As the springs wear down, they loosen so the clutch shoes always pulse against the clutch housing.

To help reduce wear on the springs, make sure not to “bog down” the engine when using the drill. It’s important to let the auger turn fast enough that the clutch doesn’t slip because excessive slippage will cause overheating and loss of temper of the springs. 

If you’re still not finding what you’re looking for, take a deeper look into our service FAQs for mechanical earth drills or check out our 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.

Repair or Replace?

Repair or Replace?

Jul 16, 2020

Factors to Consider When Addressing Wear Issues

Nothing ruins productivity like a broken piece of equipment. While that statement may seem fairly obvious, the actions to address problems are not always clear cut. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to get away with a quick fix or repair to extend the life of the machine. But for larger issues, a full replacement might make more sense.

This logic holds true with earth drills just as much as any other piece of equipment in your fleet. There are many working parts to a drill, and while issues aren’t a common occurrence, they certainly can happen. Unfortunately, there is not a guide or rule book to tell you exactly when to repair and when to replace your earth drill. But with a bit of guidance and the help of an expert manufacturer, your decision may be a little easier.

Here are some factors to consider when repairing or replacing your earth drill:

What seems to be the issue?

The flex shaft should be cleaned and greased after every 50 hours of operation

The flex shaft should be cleaned and greased after every 50 hours of operation

Some of the most common earth drill issues include an auger that quits turning or turns when it’s not supposed to. If your auger spins while it’s out of the ground but quits spinning as soon as you start to drill the hole, it’s likely a broken flex shaft. The flex shaft should be cleaned and greased after every 50 hours of operation, but sometimes even routine maintenance can’t prevent breakage. A broken flex shaft can’t be repaired, and usually costs about $600 for the part and up to $100 for installation. In some cases, just replacing the inner core will fix the problem for around $200.

Gearbox issues are a different story. An issue with the gears or the gearbox prevents the drill from spinning altogether.  While low motor oil can cause the motor to lock up and cease functioning, there’s also the possibility of a larger issue, such as the gears being stripped. Gearboxes can be repaired, but can cost nearly as much as a full replacement – a comparison of about $725 to repair or $850 plus installation costs to replace.

f the auger spins at idle, the diagnosis is likely the clutch.

If the auger spins at idle, the diagnosis is likely the clutch.

If the auger spins at idle, the diagnosis is likely the clutch. The auger shouldn’t spin until you depress the throttle and engage the clutch. If the clutch is overheated during operation, the heat-treated springs will no longer keep the shoes from engaging, causing the auger to stay engaged at all times. Similar to the gearbox, the repair cost nears the full replacement cost – a comparison of about $140 and $160 plus installation costs for a new clutch.

If the auger vibrates excessively or “walks” during use, it is likely due to misalignment or wear of the points and blades. Blades should be replaced when worn flush of the auger flighting. If the blades wear into the auger flighting, the auger will need to be repaired or replaced. Points should be replaced when the split or fork in the tip is less than ¼” from the bottom of the split.

What would a replacement part cost?

The cost of parts varies among manufacturers. A general statement of advice is that if the replacement parts cost more than 50% of a new drill, it might be best to invest in a new unit. Keep in mind though, don’t just look at the sticker price. You should also include the labor and cost of lost production, as well as the age of the equipment.

Common replacement parts like the flex shaft and the gearbox can add up to a significant dollar amount. In fact, if both need to be repaired at the same time, it can cost almost 50% of a new drill. While it’s not common for these two parts to break at the same time, it can happen if an operator hits an obstacle while digging at a fast speed.

If two or more parts need to be replaced at the same time, you may be better off replacing the entire drill. However, making the repairs and rebuilds yourself can be a more financially feasible option for those with the experience and tools to do so.

Can you fix it yourself?

Hiring someone to fix your equipment is often a logical choice, as it alleviates the effort required on your part. However, when you take this route, it’s important to factor in repair costs and time that is outside of your control.

The alternative – fixing it yourself – doesn’t have to seem like a daunting undertaking. Many manufacturers have resources to walk you through the process. Little Beaver offers service videos that address common repairs and maintenance questions. It might seem tempting to pay someone to fix your drill, but educating yourself on the components and repair process can save you time and money in the long run. If someone on your staff is mechanically inclined, they should be able to tackle the repairs.

In what application do you use the drill?

Little Beaver Mechanical earth augerIf you’ve got backup drills in your fleet, waiting for a repair might not be an issue. But for contractors who rely on the unit on a daily or even weekly basis, being without it could result in lost revenue. In the summer, especially, many local lawn and garden repair shops are backed up for 6-12 weeks, which is not a feasible wait time for many people. Depending on how long you’ve owned the machine and what industry you’re in, the decision to repair or replace might make more sense.

Rental

In the rental industry, only drills that operate bring in revenue. So if repairing a drill would take time, replacing it might be a better option. If time is the greatest concern, consider purchasing a second unit as a back-up and additional revenue source until the original drill is fixed.

In the rental industry, appearance of equipment is a large deciding factor for customers. Replacing a worn-out drill with a shiny new one might make more sense for the fleet. If turning inventory is on an annual or 18-month requirement, the chances are low that something would go wrong and require a full replacement before that time. In other instances, a rental center might repair a drill for 20 years. The criteria is different for each business, so make sure the cost and the results make sense for your store.

Fencing

In the fencing industry, it’s important to have a large enough fleet to change out drills if one needs repairs. Fencing contractors likely have more than one drill in their lineup, so taking one out of commission to get it repaired shouldn’t affect productivity. For many contractors, incremental costs broken up monthly are a more feasible option than a single, larger payment. But, it’s important to consider the cost of each of those repairs. Consider the overall age of the drill and how many key components could be showing that age.

What is the age and condition of the drill?

If a drill is maintained well and taken care of, it should last many years. There’s no rule that says “after 10 years or 10,000 hours of use, the motor will go out,” so it’s important to keep an eye on the machine. If a drill is rented out and used for 20 hours a week, it would likely require less maintenance than a fencing contractor who uses the drill 40 hours a week.

When considering repairing or replacing your drill, you’ll want to consider the overall health of the engine. If the engine is older and experiencing issues, replacement might be more logical however, if the engine is a rebuilt system and virtually like new, repair makes more sense.

Making a decision

If you suspect something is wrong with your drill, address it right away. If issues aren’t fixed in a timely manner, they can have a domino effect and create more damage.  Taking care of one component right away can save time and hassle and prevent other issues.

Also, it’s important to remember that if you decide to purchase a brand-new drill, keep your old one on hand for replacement parts. Over time, it might be a good idea to fix up the old drill to use as a backup, too.

It’s hard to provide a cut-and-dry guide to repairing or replacing your equipment. The manufacturer can likely provide advice on your particular situation, so give them a call if you need help with the decision. Addressing problems and repairing or replacing your earth drill will help bring your operation back to maximum productivity.

Mechanical Drill Maintenance: End-of-Year Care

Mechanical Drill Maintenance: End-of-Year Care

Nov 27, 2019

Mechanical Drill Maintenance

Preparing Your Drill for Off-Season Storage

As the end of the busy season wraps up, it’s time to take a closer look at your mechanical earth drill. When it comes to a smooth drilling operation, it’s a matter of a well-operating machine. Yes, choosing a top-performing, reputable drill manufacturer plays a huge role in the success of your drill, but performing routine and end-of-season maintenance is important to prolong the life of your equipment, and ensuring it performs when you really need it.

Routine drill maintenance includes examining, cleaning and lubricating key drill components roughly every 30 days or 40 hours of operation. But what happens at the end of busy season, when your drill makes its way to storage for a few months? Whether owner or a rental center, there are a few steps you can take to ensure a simple transition from storage to usage in the spring.

Inspect the drill

After every use of your earth drill, take a look at all of the components to ensure everything is in working order. End-of-season maintenance includes taking that inspection one step further. Make sure the blades are past the flighting. When the blades start to wear flush with the auger, it’s time to flip the blades or replace them. If the blades wear to the auger flighting and wear the actual flighting, operators will either need to repair the auger flighting or replace the entire auger.

Take a few more steps to complete the detailed inspection. Ensure all bolts are tight, and make sure all carbide blades (used for hard clay, frozen ground, or hard pan soils) are sharp. If the carbide blades feel worn and rounded, sharpen them with a bench grinder. Using a silicone carbide bench grinding wheel, hold the blade at a 5- to 7-degree relief angle to sharpen it.

The push button connector should be in good shape, with no visible rust. Check the throttle lever for damage or wear. Inspect the throttle cable, too. When you pull the lever, the cable should move freely on the other end. If it sticks, replace it. Some users might be able to remove the cable, clean it and reattach, but if the cable is frayed at all it will be difficult to get back in. Replacing is often the best option.

Inspecting your drill’s flex shaft should be done two or three times a year, but is especially important during end of year maintenance. There shouldn’t be any cracks or wires on the outer housing. If it’s in good shape, simply remove the core, clean it, re-lube it and slide it back in. If the flex shaft shows signs of cracks or wires, it should be replaced.

If any parts are in need of replacement, contact Little Beaver. Addressing replacement parts prior to storage is a better alternative to waiting until spring. Store your drill with peace of mind knowing it’ll be ready to operate in the spring, rather than dealing with potential delays waiting for parts.

Replace fluids and filters

Transmission fluid should be replaced regularly. If your fluid has a lot of metal shavings in it, that can be an indication of excessive gear wear or missing teeth. If the fluid is changed regularly, you won’t experience gear wear. If you hold the output shaft and wiggle it, you shouldn’t feel a lot of movement.

Motor oil and filters should be cleaned and changed. Clean filters with an air hose, or if they’re foam filters they can be shaken out.

Clean and prep for storage

Considering the job, it’s natural that earth drills get dirty. Dirt and clay adhere to the blades of the auger, which can diminish the efficiency and performance of the equipment. Not only should your machine be wiped down after every use, it should also undergo a deep cleaning during end of year maintenance.

Remove all debris from the earth blades using warm, soapy water. Avoid using a power washer, as the pressure can damage the equipment.

To prep for storage, disassemble the drill and remove the torque tube and auger. Drain the fuel or add fuel neutralizer before storage.

Always store the drills upright in a dry place because the steel components will eventually rust if left outside or in places with a lot of moisture, such as propped up outside against a building.

Keep in mind the importance of end-of-year maintenance and the role it plays in overall lifespan of the drill. Cleaning and storing the machine properly contributes to the continued success of your drilling operation.

If you have a maintenance issue or question, make sure to reference Little Beaver’s online parts and operators’ manual, online service videos or contact us for in-house technical consultation.

Navigating Mechanical Drill Maintenance

Navigating Mechanical Drill Maintenance

Apr 8, 2016

Mechanical Drill Maintenance

Minimize Downtime with Proactive Maintenance

A little maintenance work goes a long way to decrease costs, expand the lifespan and enhance the power of your earth drill. Contractors choose our Mechanical Earth Drills for high power in a variety of applications such as fence installation, deck installation or landscaping. Like most equipment, a mechanical drill requires simple, routine maintenance to stay up and running. By maximizing uptime, you’ll generate higher profits across the board from your landscaping projects.

Earth Auger Maintenance Basics:

  • Transmission/gearbox: Every 30 days, or after 40 hours of use, verify the transmission oil level offers adequate lubrication. Low oil can cause excessive gear wear.
  • Flexible Drive Shaft: Examine, clean and grease the flexible drive shaft after every 50 hours of operation. Apply sufficient grease so that it’s not gumming up the flex shaft but not so little that it’s dry and puts the cable at risk of breaking.
  • Clutch: Check the clutch every 30 days or when you lubricate the flexible drive shaft. Clean the shoes and drums and replace if any clutch padding is missing. A worn clutch can slip or cause the drill to jerk. Worn springs might result in the auger spinning at idle or overheating.

A Comprehensive Approach

While these are the most frequent maintenance areas, it’s important to keep other components on your radar, as well. Be sure to monitor other parts, including the throttle, torque tube, augers, points and blades, and the engine to identify any potential issues.

To learn more about warning signs and maintenance tips, check out our online service videos. They offer step-by-step guidance on Little Beaver maintenance protocols. You can find further advice in our product manuals as well as our blogs.

You can also contact us directly regarding any technical issues. Our dedicated support team is just a click or phone call away.

Keep It Moving

Keep It Moving

Mar 21, 2016

mechanical auger maintenance

Mechanical Earth Drill Maintenance

When using an earth drill to install fence posts, deck footings or landscaping, a well-maintained machine is key to ensuring productivity. Mechanical earth drills have many moving parts and some simple maintenance goes a long way toward keeping you up and running with every drill component in top-notch shape.

Completing routine, preventative maintenance allows you to achieve the most uptime for your hole-digging projects and keeps your drills moving along.

Preventative maintenance starts with checking wear parts.

1. Transmission/Gearbox

Check the transmission oil level every 30 days or after 40 hours of operation.

Problem Indicators: Inspect the transmission or gearbox immediately if it begins making unusual sounds or experiences extreme heat. An operator can detect extreme heat if they smell burnt oil or feels warmer than usual. Unusual sounds and heat are the first problem indicators, and if ignored, the motor might start to lock up when in use. This could be a sign of low oil. If you spot oil leaks along the top of the transmission, around the bottom seal and the lower output shaft, check the fluid in the gearbox and change the oil if necessary.

2. Flexible Drive Shaft

Examine, clean and grease the flexible drive shaft after every 50 hours of operation.

Problem Indicators: Replace the shaft housing if there are deep cuts or torn wire braids in the rubber casing. Replace the core of the flex shaft if you find broken wires, sharp kinks or if the motor runs and the gearbox will not turn. Doing so ensures the shaft will function properly. Also remember to use caution when applying grease — excessive grease can gum up in the flex shaft, reducing the shaft’s life. Not enough grease can dry out the cable, which will break easily or generate enough heat to burn through the outer housing. If you hit too many hard objects, like rocks, it will result in helixing of the flex shaft. This damage can cause it to lock up or diminish performance.

3. Clutch

Check the clutch every 30 days or when you lubricate the flexible drive shaft. Clean the shoes and drums and replace if any clutch padding is missing.

Problem Indicators: The clutch slipping or the drill jerking while it’s running is a problem indicator. A clutch will continue to run even if no more clutch padding exists, which causes a weaker performance when engaging the auger and accelerating the engine from idle to full speed. If the auger spins at idle or overheats, this might also indicate that the clutch springs need replacing. Also check the bearing in the clutch drum after replacing the flex shaft. Make sure it’s loose and turns easily. A clutch drum that does not turn easily will lock up and cause the clutch to slip.

4. Other Wear Parts

  • Throttle: If the speed and power of the drills seem a little off and the throttle lever doesn’t pull smoothly, try adjusting the throttle wire to minimize slack.
  • Torque Tube: Before each use, inspect the torque tube for cracks. And always check that the spring-button attachment is securely snapped into place and replace it if it’s bent or broken.
  • Replaceable Points and Blades on the Auger: Look at the replaceable points and blades before and after drilling to ensure they’re not excessively worn and replace if necessary. Using worn blades eventually wears down the auger and may cause a tear or damage to the flighting, resulting in a costly repair or the replacement of the entire auger. Failure to replace blades or keep them sharp causes the drill point to taper, and become cone shaped and as a result, it won’t drill effectively.
  • Engine Maintenance: Depending on the model, mechanical drills differ in the engine that powers them. However a good rule of thumb is to check the engine oil level daily and change every 50 hours or annually. Change air filters every 25 hours or annually. Air filters protect the internal engine parts from dirt. Dirt can cause wear to the intake system and contaminate of the oil, which reduces the engine capability. In dusty conditions, clean and maintain the engine wear parts more often. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s instructions for proper procedures and recommended fuel and oil.

For safety reasons never operate drills with damaged or missing parts. If you have a maintenance issue or question, check out Little Beaver’s online parts and operators’ manual and online service videos or contact us for in-house technical consultation.