C16x/C24x/C30x
Operator’s
Manual
Issue 1.1
Original Instruction
053-2869
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Equipment Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operating Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
• Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Overview - 2 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. Trencher serial number is located as
shown.
Item
date of manufacture
date of purchase
trencher serial number
trailer serial number
engine serial number
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
Intended Use
The C16x, C24x and C30x pedestrian trenchers are designed to install buried cable and pipe. The
maximum trenching depth is 36” (915 mm) for C16x and C24x and 48” (1220 mm) for C30x. The maximum
trenching width is 6” (200 mm). These un its are inte nded for operation in ambient temperatures from 2 0° to
115°F (-7° to 46°C). Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended use.
C16x, C24x and C30x units should be used with genuine Ditch Witch
should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with their particular characteristics and
acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.
®
chain, teeth, and sprockets. They
Equipment Modification
This equipment was designed and built in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
Modification of equipment could mean that it will no longer meet regulations and may not function properly
or in accordance with the operating instructions. Modification of equipment should only be made by
competent personnel possessing knowledge of applicable standards, regulations, equipment design
functionality/requirements and any required specialized testing.
Overview - 4 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
Unit Components
Unit Components
1. Control console
2. Engine
3. Digging boom and chain
4. Track drive
C16x/C24x/C30x 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.
Any other area less than 6 ft (2 m) from the
machine is a danger area (B). Stay away.
6ft/2m
you to fall. Stay away.
Moving digging teeth can kill. Trench cave-in can cause
To help avoid injury:
• Keep everyone from danger area (B) during operation.
• If someone enters danger area (B) during operation, use emergency shutdown.
Overview - 6 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
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.
Bulleted Lists
Bulleted lists provide helpful or important information or contain procedures that do not have to be
performed in a specific order.
Numbered Lists
Numbered lists contain illustration callouts or list steps that must be performed in order.
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Foreword - 7
Foreword
This manual is an important part of your equipment. It provides safety information and operation
®
instructions to help you use and maintain your Ditch Witch
Read this manual before using your equipment. Keep it with the equipmen t at all times for future reference.
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.
Attn: Marketing Department
PO Box 66
Perry, OK 73077-0066
USA
The descriptions and specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice. The Charles
Machine Works, Inc. reserves the right to improve equipment. Some product improvements may have
taken place after this manual was publishe d. For the latest information on Ditch Witch equipment, see your
Ditch Witch dealer.
equipment.
Thank you for buying and using Ditch Witch equipment.
Foreword - 8 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
C16x/C24x/C30x
Operator’s Manual
Machine Works, Inc.
Issue number 1.1/OM-02/16
Part number 053-2869
Copyright 2016
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch, CMW and Roto Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles
This product and its use may be covered by one or more patents at http://patents.charlesmachine.works.
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Contents - 9
Content s
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
information
Safety
machine safety alerts and emergency procedures
Operation Overview
an overview for completing a job with this machine: planning, setting up, installing
product, and restoring the jobsite; with cross references to detailed procedures
Controls
machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path,
and preparing the jobsite for work
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown
1
7
11
21
23
33
39
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing
Trench
procedures for trenching
Drill
procedures for drilling
Systems and Equipment
chain, teeth, sprockets, and optional equipment
Complete the Job
procedures for backfilling and restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing
equipment
45
51
57
71
79
Contents - 10 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
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
consideration and training
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine
81
105
115
119
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Safety - 11
Safety
Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
• Electric Strike Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Machine Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Attachment Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
• Roto Witch® Drilling Attachment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Safety - 12 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
Guidelines
Guidelines
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
• Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before using equipment.
• Contact your local One-Call (811 in USA) or the One-Call referral number (888-258-0808 in USA and
Canada) to have underground utilities located before digging. Also contact any utilities that do not
participate in the One-Call service. Mark proposed p ath with white paint prior to cont acting One- Call or
utilities.
• Classify jobsite based on its hazards and use cor rect tools and machin ery, safety equipment, and work
methods for jobsite.
• Mark jobsite clearly and keep spectators away.
• Wear personal protective equipment.
• Review jobsite hazards, safety and emergency procedures, and individual responsibilities with all
personnel before work begins. Safety videos are available from your Ditch Witch
www.ditchwitch.com/safe.
• 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.
®
dealer or at
• Use equipment carefully. Stop operation and investigate anything that does not look or feel right.
• Do not operate unit where flammable gas may be present.
• Only operate equipment in well-ventilated areas.
• Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any question about operation, ma intenance, or equipment
use.
• Complete the equipment checklist located at www.ditchwitch.com/safe.
California Proposition 65 Warning
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
• battery posts, terminals and related accessories
• engine exhaust
• ethylene glycol
C16x/C24x/C30x 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 proc edures and check that all safety precau tions have
been taken.
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN: Release controls and turn ignition switch to OFF position.
Electric Strike Description
Electric shock. Contacting electric lines will cause death
or serious injury. Know location of lines and stay away.
When working near electric cables, remember the following:
• Electricity follows all paths to ground, not just path of least resistance.
• Pipes, hoses, and cables will conduct electricity back to all equipment.
• Low voltage current can injure or kill. Many work-related electrocutions result from contact with less
than 440 volts.
Most electric strikes are not noticeable, but indications of a strike include:
• power outage
•smoke
•explosion
• popping noises
• arcing electricity
If any of these occur, assume an electric strike has occurred.
Safety - 14 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
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.
• Warn people nearby that an electric strike has occurred. Instruct them to leave the area and contact
utility.
• Do not allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.
• Do not allow anyone to touch equipment.
C16x/C24x/C30x 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.
Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur.
Follow directions carefully.
If you suspect a gas line has been damaged, take the following actions. The orders and degree of action
will depend on the situation.
• Immediately shut off engine(s), if this can be done safely and quickly.
• Remove any ignition source(s), if this can be done safely and quickly.
• Warn others that a gas line has been cut and that they should leave the area.
• Leave jobsite as quickly as possible.
• Immediately call your local emergency phone number and utility company.
• If jobsite is along street, stop traffic from driving near jobsite.
• Do not return to jobsite until given permission by emergency personnel and utility company.
Safety - 16 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
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.
• Immediately move battery disconnect switch (if equipped and accessible) to disconnect position.
• If fire is small and fire extinguisher is available, attempt to extinguish fire.
• If fire cannot be extinguished, leave area as quickly as possible and contact emergency personnel.
C16x/C24x/C30x 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. YOUR SAFETY IS AT
STAKE.
Watch for the three safety alert levels: DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION. Learn what each level
means.
indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.
indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
Watch for two other words: NOTICE and IMPORTANT.
NOTICE indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related (e.g., messages relating to
property damage).
IMPORTANT can help you do a better job or make your job easier in some way.
Safety - 18 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
6ft/2m
Machine Safety Alerts
Machine Safety Alerts
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information.
274-442
1
Moving digging teeth can kill. Trench cave-in can
2
cause you to fall. Stay away.
270-6900
Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious
3
injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and
maintain proper safety equipment.
700-133
Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and
4
know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake.
273-475
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Safety - 19
Machine Safety Alerts
Exposure to high noise levels may cause hearing
5
6
7A*
7B**
loss. Wear hearing protection.
Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
274-318
Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite
and cause burns. No smoking, no flame, no spark.
Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite
and cause burns. No smoking, no flame, no spark.
700-009 (2P)
275-419 (2P)
275-419 (2P)
8
9
* C16x
** C24x, C30x
Tip over possible. When loading/unloading run
at low idle and keep boom low.
Moving digging teeth can kill. Trench cave-in can
cause you to fall. Stay away.
270-6704
Safety - 20 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
Attachment Safety Alerts
Attachment Safety Alerts
Roto Witch® Drilling Attachment
197
Rotating shaft will kill or seriously injure. Stay away. 275-
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Operation Overview - 21
Operation Overview
Chapter Contents
Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Trench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Leave Jobsite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Operation Overview - 22 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
Plan
Plan
1. Gather information about jobsite. See page 33.
2. Inspect jobsite. See page 35.
3. Classify jobsite. See page 36.
4. Select best chain type and tooth pattern for your application. See page 72.
5. Consider optional equipment, if necessary. See page 74.
6. Check supplies and prepare equipment. See page 38.
7. Load unit onto trailer. See page 47.
Trench
1. Unload unit from trailer. See page 50.
2. Leave optional backfill blade, if equipped, in stowed position with digging boom low to ground. See
page 75.
3. Start unit. See page 40.
4. Drive to starting point of trench. See page 41.
5. Dig the trench. See page 54.
6. Shut down unit. See page 43.
Leave Jobsite
1. Restore the jobsite. See page 80.
2. Rinse unit and stow tools. See page 80.
3. Load unit onto trailer. See page 47.
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Controls - 23
Controls
Chapter Contents
Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
C16x Engine Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
C24x Engine Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
C30x Engine Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Controls - 24 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
Control Console
Control Console
1. Boom lift control
®
2. Digging chain/Roto Witch
Item Description Notes
1. Boom lift control To lower boom, push.
control
To raise boom, pull.
3. Speed/Direction controls
4. Hourmeter/Tachometer (C16x and C30x only)
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Controls - 25
Control Console
Item Description Notes
2. Digging chain control To start digging chain, pull
toward operator, then push
down to dig position.
T o stop digging chain, rele ase
control.
To dislodge a rock or other
obstruction, pull up on control
to reverse chain.
IMPORTANT: This control
changes function when
equipped with optional Roto
®
Witch
In drill mode:
To drill clockwise, push down.
To stop drill rotation, release
control.
To drill counterclockwise, pull
up.
.
Trenching movement is always
backward (toward you).
NOTICE: Do not attempt to travel with
digging chain control pulled up (chain
in reverse position).
3. Speed/direction
controls
To drive straight forward,
push BOTH controls slowly
forward.
To drive straight in reverse,
pull BOTH controls slowly
rearward.
To turn left, move RIGHT
speed/direction control for
forward or reverse.
To turn right, move LEFT
speed/direction control for
forward or reverse.
To go faster in any direction,
move controls farther from
neutral position.
To stop, release controls.
Trenching movement is always
backward (toward you).
Controls - 26 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
Control Console
Item Description Notes
4. Hourmeter/tachometer Displays engine operating
time and engine speed.
Use engine operating times to
schedule service.
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Controls - 27
c00ic243h.eps
C16x Engine Controls
C16x Engine Controls
1. Throttle control
2. Choke control
Item Description Notes
1. Throttle control To increase engine speed,
pull up.
To decrease engine speed,
push down.
3. Ignition switch
4. Fuel shut-off valve
Controls - 28 C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual
C16x Engine Controls
Item Description Notes
2. Choke control To close choke valve, pull
choke control.
3. Ignition switch To start engine, turn key all
the way clockwise. Release
key as engine starts.
To stop engine, turn key
counterclockwise.
4. Fuel shut-off valve To stop fuel flow from fuel
tank to engine, turn valve
clockwise.
To allow fuel flow, turn valve
counterclockwise.
Close valve to enrich air/fuel mixture
and help start cold engine.
Open choke valve after engine runs
for a few seconds.
Close valve when transporting unit to
or from jobsite, or whenever machine
is parked.
C16x/C24x/C30x Operator’s Manual Controls - 29
C24x Engine Controls
C24x Engine Controls
1. Throttle control
2. Choke control
3. Ignition switch
Item Description Notes
1. Throttle control To increase engine speed,
pull up.
To decrease engine speed,
push down.
4. Oil pressure indicator
5. Hourmeter
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