VP30 Operator’s Manual Overview - 2 Serial Number Location Serial Number Location Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. Pedestrian vibratory plow serial number is located as shown. t56om001h.eps t56om001h.eps Item date of manufacture date of purchase...
Intended Use Intended Use The VP30 is a pedestrian vibratory plow unit designed to install buried cable and pipe in a variety of soils. An optional drilling attachment and reel carrier are available. The unit is designed for operation in ambient ®...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Overview - 5 Operator Orientation Operator Orientation 1. Front of unit 2. Right side of unit 3. Rear of unit 4. Left side of unit Operating Area The operating area (A) is at the rear of the machine, behind the control console.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Overview - 6 About This Manual About This Manual This manual contains information for the proper use of this machine. See the beige Operation Overview pages for basic operating procedures. Cross references such as “See page 50” will direct you to detailed procedures.
If you sell your equipment, be sure to give this manual to the new owner. If you need a replacement copy, contact your Ditch Witch dealer. If you need assistance in locating a dealer, visit our website at www.ditchwitch.com or write to the following address: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
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Part number 053-3030 Copyright 2017 by The Charles Machine Works, Inc. , Ditch Witch, and Roto Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works, Inc. This product and its use may be covered by one or more patents at http://patents.charlesmachine.works.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Contents - 9 Contents Overview machine serial number, information about the type of work this machine is designed to perform, basic machine components, and how to use this manual Foreword part number, revision level, and publication date of this manual, and factory contact...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Contents - 10 Service service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement of wear items, and basic maintenance Specifications machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid capacities Support the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty...
• Fully inspect equipment before operating. Repair or replace any worn or damaged parts. Replace missing or damaged safety shields and safety signs. Contact your Ditch Witch dealer for assistance. • Use equipment carefully. Stop operation and investigate anything that does not look or feel right.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13 Emergency Procedures Emergency Procedures Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety equipment. Before operating any equipment, review emergency procedures and check that all safety precautions have been taken.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 14 Emergency Procedures If an Electric Line is Damaged If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are near pedestrian unit, DO NOT MOVE and do not touch unit. Take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend upon the situation.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15 Emergency Procedures If a Gas Line is Damaged Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite and cause burns. No smoking, no flame, no spark. 275-419 (2P) Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 16 Emergency Procedures If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged Do not look into cut ends of fiber optic or unidentified cable. Vision damage can occur. Contact utility company. If Machine Catches on Fire Perform emergency shutdown procedure and then take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend on the situation.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17 Safety Alert Classifications Safety Alert Classifications These classifications and the icons defined on the following pages work together to alert you to situations which could be harmful to you, jobsite bystanders or your equipment. When you see these words and icons in the book or on the machine, carefully read and follow all instructions.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 18 Machine Safety Alerts Machine Safety Alerts Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442 Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-318 Moving parts could cut off hand or foot. Stay away.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 19 Machine Safety Alerts Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite and cause burns. No smoking, no flame, no spark. 275-419 (2P) Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Controls - 22 Control Console Control Console 1. Plow lift control 4. Hourmeter/Tachometer 2. Plow vibrator/Drilling attachment control 5. Variable speed control 3. Speed/Direction controls Item Description Notes 1. Plow lift control To lower plow, push. To raise plow, pull.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Controls - 23 Control Console Item Description Notes 2. Plow vibrator/Drilling Plow mode: IMPORTANT: attachment control To start plow vibrator, pull • This control changes function toward operator, then push when equipped with optional Roto down to plow position.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Controls - 24 Control Console Item Description Notes 4. Hourmeter/tachometer Displays engine operating Use engine operating times to time and engine speed. schedule service. 5. Variable speed control To increase vibrator speed and decrease ground drive speed, loosen knob, move control up, then tighten knob.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Controls - 25 Engine Controls Engine Controls 1. Throttle control 3. Ignition switch 2. Choke control Item Description Notes 1. Throttle control To increase engine speed, pull up. To decrease engine speed, push down. c00ic243h.eps...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Controls - 26 Engine Controls Item Description Notes 2. Choke control To close choke valve, pull Close valve to enrich air/fuel mixture choke control. and help start cold engine. To open choke valve, push Open choke valve after engine runs choke control.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Operation Overview - 28 Planning Planning 1. Gather information about jobsite. See page 32. 2. Inspect jobsite. See page 33. 3. Classify jobsite. See page 34. 4. Consider optional equipment, if necessary. See page 72. 5. Check supplies and prepare equipment. See page 36.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Operation Overview - 29 Drilling Drilling 1. Start unit. See page 38. 2. Dig approach trench and target trench. See page 56. 3. Assemble drill string and position tractor. See page 55. 4. Begin drilling. See page 61.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 32 Gather Information Gather Information A successful job begins before you dig. The first step in planning is reviewing information already available about the job and jobsite. Review Job Plan Review blueprints or other plans. Check for information about existing or planned structures, elevations, or proposed work that may be taking place at the same time.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 33 Inspect Site Inspect Site Identify Hazards Inspect jobsite before transporting equipment. Check for the following: • overall grade or slope • changes in elevation such as hills or other open trenches • obstacles such as buildings, railroad crossings, or streams •...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 34 Classify Jobsite Classify Jobsite Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety equipment. To help avoid injury: • Wear personal protective equipment including hard hat, safety eye wear, and hearing protection.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 35 Classify Jobsite Apply Precautions Once classified, precautions appropriate for jobsite must be taken. Follow U.S. Department of Labor regulations on excavating and trenching (Part 1926, Subpart P) and other similar regulations. Electric Jobsite Precautions Use one or both of these methods.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 36 Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Check Supplies • fuel • keys • personal protective equipment, such as hard hat and safety glasses Prepare Equipment Fluid Levels • fuel •...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drive - 38 Start Start Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475 To help avoid injury: Wear hard hat, safety glasses, and other protective equipment required by job.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drive - 39 Drive Drive General Operation EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN: Release controls and turn ignition switch to OFF position. 1. Remove parking pin from parking position (2) and insert it in drive position (1). 2. Pull plow lift control to raise plow. See “Plow lift control”...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drive - 40 Safe Slope Operation Safe Slope Operation Tipover possible. Machine can tip over and crush you. To help avoid injury: • Operate from uphill side of machine. • Keep digging attachment low. • Drive cautiously at all times.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drive - 41 Shut Down Shut Down 1. When job is complete, drive machine to level ground. 2. Release speed/direction controls. 3. Push plow lift control to lower plow, if space allows. 4. Insert parking pin (1) in the correct parking position (2).
VP30 Operator’s Manual Transport - 44 Lift Lift Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Stay away. Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475 Points Lifting points are identified by lifting decals. Lifting at other points is unsafe and can damage machinery.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Transport - 45 Haul Haul Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475 To help avoid injury: • Read trailer operator’s manual before loading or transporting your machine. Incorrectly loaded machine can slip or cause trailer sway.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Transport - 46 Haul Load Crushing weight. If load falls or moves it could kill or crush you. Stay away. To help avoid injury: • Attach trailer to tow vehicle before loading or unloading. • Load and unload trailer on level ground.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Transport - 47 Haul Tie Down Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Stay away. Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475 Points Tiedown points are identified by tiedown decals. Securing to trailer at other points is unsafe and can damage machinery.
NOTICE: Machine is not approved for towing. Towing can damage components. Do not tow machine. • If machine becomes disabled, repair on location or use lifting procedure to retrieve machine. ® • If machine cannot be repaired or lifted, contact your Ditch Witch dealer.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Plow - 50 Set Up Set Up EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN - Release controls, and turn ignition switch to STOP. Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Stay away. To help avoid injury: Keep everyone at least 6’ (1.8 m) from machine, attachments, and their range of movement.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Plow - 51 Set Up Position Plow 1. Start pedestrian vibratory plow. See “Start” on page 38. 2. Drive to starting point. Move in line with planned trench. See “Drive” on page 39. 3. Set parking pin.
Pull Product 1. Insert material into pulling grip. 2. Tape grip with duct tape. Feed Product ® NOTICE: Use only genuine Ditch Witch cable guide. 1. Remove cable guide. 2. Feed cable through tube from top to bottom. 3. Replace cable guide and tighten fasteners.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Plow - 53 Operate Operate Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Stay away. To help avoid injury: Keep everyone at least 6’ (1.8 m) from machine, attachments, and their range of movement. Electric shock will cause death or serious injury. Stay away.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Plow - 54 Finish Job Finish Job 1. When trench is complete, raise plow to ground level while reducing vibrator speed.. NOTICE: Do not operate vibrator when plow is out of the ground. 2. Release plow vibrator control to stop vibration.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 56 Set Up Set Up EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN - Turn ignition switch to STOP. Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety equipment. To help avoid injury: •...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 57 Set Up Dig Target Trench 1. Select a completion point for the bore. 2. Dig a target trench (2) across the intended completion point. IMPORTANT: Ensure that target trench is: • deep enough for drill bit to enter slightly above the trench floor, and •...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 58 Set Up Install Drilling Attachment ® The operating position of the Roto Witch drilling attachment is on the right side of the machine. 1. Ensure engine is shut down. 2. Remove attachment from storage position.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 59 Set Up Install Drill String 1. Assemble at least 20’ (6 m), but not more than 30’ (9 m), of drill rod sections. 2. Install drill bit to the cutting end of the drill string.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 60 Operate Operate Breathing crystalline silica dust may cause lung disease. Cutting, drilling, or working materials such as concrete, sand, or rock containing quartz may result in exposure to silica dust. Use dust control methods or appropriate breathing protection when exposed to silica dust.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 61 Operate Drill Rotating shaft will cause death or serious injury. Stay away. To help avoid injury: • Keep everyone at least 10’ (3 m) away from drill string and machine. • Wear close-fitting clothing and personal protective equipment.
Rotating shaft will cause death or serious injury. Stay away. To help avoid injury: ® • Use only the approved Ditch Witch drill string guide (p/n 118-079). • Do not straddle trench or drill string. • Do not enter trench.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 63 Operate Add Rod If more length is needed, ask a helper to add a rod section. Rotating shaft will cause death or serious injury. Stay away. To help avoid injury: Only access drilling attachment with hands when engine is shut down.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 64 Operate Add Rod Section 1. Shut down machine. 2. Have helper connect new rod section to drilling attachment. 3. Start machine and set engine to low throttle. 4. Slowly move machine forward until new rod section and drill string are about 1’ (30 cm) apart.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 65 Operate Backream After drill bit enters target trench, the bore hole may be enlarged by changing the drill bit to a reamer and pulling it back through the initial bore. NOTICE: Incorrect use may damage components and increase wear.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 66 Operate Install Product To install product, pull it through the bore after drilling or final pass of backreaming. Rotating shaft will cause death or serious injury. Stay away. To help avoid injury: Ensure no one is in target trench or near product being installed.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 67 Operate Remove Rod If the length of rod outside the bore reaches 30’ (9 m), ask a helper to remove rod sections as needed. Rotating shaft will cause death or serious injury. Stay away.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Drill - 68 Operate Reconnect Drill String 1. Start machine and set to low throttle. See “Start” on page 38. 2. Slowly move machine forward until attached rod section and drill string are about 1’ (30 cm) apart. See “Drive”...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Systems and Equipment - 72 Optional Equipment Optional Equipment ® See your Ditch Witch dealer for more information about the following optional equipment. Equipment Description drilling attachment drill under sidewalks and driveways blades several blade options are available...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 73 Complete the Job Chapter Contents Restore Jobsite ......74 Rinse Equipment .
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 74 Restore Jobsite Restore Jobsite After product is installed, return additional spoils to the trench with shovels or small earth-moving equipment. Rinse Equipment Spray water onto equipment to remove dirt and mud. NOTICE: •...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 75 Service Chapter Contents Precautions ....... 76 •...
VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 76 Precautions Precautions Read operator's manual. Know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. To help avoid injury: • Unless otherwise instructed, all service should be performed with engine off. • Refer to engine manufacturer’s manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Service intervals listed are for minimum requirements. In extreme conditions, service machine more frequently. Use only genuine Ditch Witch parts, filters, approved lubricants, TJC, and approved coolants to maintain warranty. Fill to capacities listed in “Specifications” on page 95.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 78 Recommended Lubricants/Service Key Engine Oil Temperature Chart SAE 30 10W - 30 Synthetic 5W - 30 5W - 30 C-30 Temperature range anticipated before next oil change t56om034h.eps Approved Fuel NOTICE: Incorrect fuel will damage the engine. Only use approved fuel.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 79 Each Use Each Use Location Task Notes MACHINE Check engine oil level Check lug nut torque 65 ft•lb (88 N•m) Check fuel level and refuel Clean dust ejector valve Check hydraulic fluid level and reservoir cap...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 80 Each Use Check Fuel Level and Refuel Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable. Fire or explosion can cause death or serious injury. To help avoid injury: • Keep heat, sparks, flames and other ignition sources away.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 81 Each Use Check Hydraulic Fluid Level and Reservoir Cap Contents under pressure. Relieve pressure before opening. Death or injury could occur. To help avoid injury: • Wear gloves and safety glasses. • Wait until cool to decrease pressure in hydraulic reservoir.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 82 10 Hour 10 Hour Location Task Notes MACHINE Check hydraulic hoses Change engine oil Initial, GEO PLOW Check plow vibrator oil level Machine Check Hydraulic Hoses Pressurized fluid or air could pierce skin and cause severe injury.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 83 10 Hour Change Engine Oil (Initial Service) IMPORTANT: See “Recommended Lubricants/ Service Key” on page 77. Change engine oil after the first 10 hours of operation and every 100 hours thereafter. To change: 1. While oil is warm, remove drain plug (1).
VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 84 100 Hour 100 Hour Location Task Notes MACHINE Change engine oil and filter Check spark plug Change air filter PLOW Change plow vibrator oil Initial, MPL Machine Change Engine Oil and Filter IMPORTANT: See “Recommended Lubricants/ Service Key”...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 85 100 Hour Change Air Filter Change air filter every 100 hours. To change: 1. Remove air filter cover (4). 2. Remove primary (3) and secondary (2) elements. 3. Wipe inside of housing (1) and wash cover.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 86 100 Hour Plow Change Plow Vibrator Oil Change engine oil after the first 100 hours of operation and every 300 hours thereafter. To change: Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool.
VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 87 300 Hour 300 Hour Location Task Notes PLOW Change plow vibrator oil Plow Change Plow Vibrator Oil Change plow vibrator oil every 300 hours. To change: Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool.
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Replace in-line fuel filter as needed. To replace: 1. Open clips and remove filter. 2. Replace filter. 3. Reattach filter. ® See parts manual or contact Ditch Witch dealer for correct replacement filter. t56om041h.eps t56om041h.eps Clean Hydraulic Fluid Cooler Clean hydraulic fluid cooler with compressed air if required.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 91 As Needed Check Battery Check battery as needed. Keep battery clean and terminals free of corrosion. To clean: 1. Turn battery disconnect switch, if equipped, to the off position. 2. Ensure that no ignition sources are near batteries.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 92 As Needed Charge Battery Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur. Follow directions carefully. To help avoid injury: • Use a single 12V maximum source for charging. Do not connect to rapid chargers or dual batteries.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 93 As Needed Charging Procedure (Engine Off) 1. Park service vehicle close to disabled equipment but do not allow vehicles to touch. Set parking brake in both vehicles. 2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position in both vehicles, and turn off all electrical loads. Disconnect the machine controller.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service - 94 As Needed Plow Clean Feed Tube Clean feed tube as needed. t56om037h.eps t56om037h.eps Replace Sod Cutter and Blade Replace worn sod cutter and plow blade as needed. t56om038h.eps t56om038h.eps Check Plow Blade Bolts Check plow blade bolts as needed. If loose, use Loctite®...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 95 VP30 Specifications VP30 t56om031h.eps t56om031h.eps Dimensions U.S. Metric Diameter of product reel, maximum 20 in 508 mm Plow depth, maximum 12 in 305 mm Ground clearance with plow in stow, minimum 6 in 152 mm...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 96 VP30 Operation U.S. Metric Ground drive speed Forward 1.41 mph 2.27 km/h Reverse 1.43 mph 2.30 km/h Ground Pressure 7 (180 mm) tracks 4.1 psi .28 bar Approach angle: plow blade dependent With adjustable feed blade 35°...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 97 VP30 Hydraulic System U.S. Metric Dual pump total capacity 13 gpm 49.2 L/min Auxiliary circuit: double gear pump Pressure 3000 psi 207 bar Flow rate, maximum 13.25 gpm 60.3 L/min Ground drive: dual hydrostatic pumps...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 98 Declaration of Conformity Information Declaration of Conformity Information Countries in the European Union should have received a Declaration of Conformity (DOC) with this machine similar to the example below. The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
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Return damaged parts to dealer for inspection and warranty consideration if in warranty time frame. Order genuine Ditch Witch replacement or repair parts from your authorized Ditch Witch dealer. Use of another manufacturer's parts may void warranty consideration.
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Defects will be determined by an inspection within thirty (30) days of the date of failure of the product or part by Ditch Witch Product Support (DWPS) or its authorized dealer. DWPS will provide the location of its inspection facilities or its nearest authorized dealer upon inquiry.
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 103 Service Record Service Performed Date Hours...
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VP30 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 104 Service Performed Date Hours...
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