Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. RT45 (2) and engine (1) serial numbers
are located as shown.
CMW
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
RT45 serial number
Engine serial number
Front attachment serial number
Rear attachment serial number
Trailer serial number
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RT45 Operator’s ManualOverview - 3
Intended Use
Intended Use
The RT45 is a riding trencher designed to install buried service lines of various sizes using a variety of
Ditch Witch
®
attachments.
AttachmentMax. width/diameterMax. depth
H313 trencher12 in (305 mm)63 in (1.6 m)
H314 trencher, center12 in (305 mm)52 in (1.3 m)
H314 trencher, offset8 in (200 mm)52 in (1.3 m)
H331 plow3 in (76 mm)24 in (610 mm)
H350 combo
trencher8 in (200 mm)42 in (1.1 m)
plow3 in (76 mm)24 in (610 mm)
H342 saw5 in (130 mm)18 in (455 mm)
A323 backhoe18 in (460 mm)93.2 in (2.4 m)
MT12 MicroTrencher0.75-1.25 in (19-32 mm)6-12.5 in (165-318 mm)
The unit is designed for operation in temperatures typically experienced in earth moving and construction
work environments. Provisions may be required to operate in extreme temperatures. Contact your Ditch
Witch dealer. Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended use.
The RT45 should be used with genuine Ditch Witch chain, teeth, and sprockets. It should be operated,
serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with its particular characteristics and acquainted with the
relevant safety procedures.
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.
CMW
®
Overview - 4RT45 Operator’s Manual
Unit Components
Unit Components
1. Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)
2. Right console
3. Left console
4. Operator’s station
5. Center console
6. Engine compartment
7. Backfill blade
CMW
®
RT45 Operator’s ManualOverview - 5
Operator Orientation
Operator Orientation
1. Front of unit
2. Right of unit
Right and left sides of machine are determined
by facing front of unit while seated at the
controls.
3. Rear of unit
4. Left of unit
About This Manual
This manual contains information for the proper use of this machine. See Operation Overview 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.
CMW
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Overview - 6RT45 Operator’s Manual
CMW
®
RT45 Operator’s ManualForeword - 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 equipment 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 published. For the latest information on Ditch Witch equipment, see your
Ditch Witch dealer.
®
equipment.
Thank you for buying and using Ditch Witch equipment.
CMW
®
Foreword - 8RT45 Operator’s Manual
RT45
Operator’s Manual
Machine Works, Inc.
This manual covers the following model: RT45 Tier 4.
Issue number 2.0/OM-09/14
Part number 053-2746
Copyright 2014
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch, CMW, and Roto Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles
This product is covered by one or more of the following patents: U.S. D640290, D640291, D640292, and
8375605 with other U.S. and foreign patents pending.
®
CMW
RT45 Operator’s ManualContents - 11
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
information
Safety
machine safety alerts and emergency procedures
Controls
machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them
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
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
13
29
61
65
71
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing
Trench
procedures for trenching
Plow
procedures for plowing
Saw
procedures for sawing
Backhoe
procedures for digging with backhoe
75
85
89
95
101
CMW
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Contents - 12RT45 Operator’s Manual
Drill
procedures for drilling
Microtrench
procedures for microtrenching
Systems and Equipment
chain, teeth, sprockets, and optional equipment
Complete the Job
procedures for backfilling and restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing
equipment
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
107
115
127
135
137
183
201
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine
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 path with white paint prior to contacting One-Call or
utilities.
•Classify jobsite based on its hazards and use correct tools and machinery , 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
ditchwitch.com/resources/safety.
•Replace missing or damaged safety shields and safety signs.
®
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.
•Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any question about operation, maintenance, or equipment
use.
•Complete the equipment checklist located at www.ditchwitch.com/resources/safety.
CMW
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RT45 Operator’s ManualSafety - 15
Emergency Procedures
Emergency Procedures
Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury . Use
correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety
equipment. 274-050
Before operating any equipment, review emergency procedures and check that all safety precautions have
been taken.
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN - Turn ignition switch to stop position or push remote engine stop button (if
equipped).
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.
CMW
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Safety - 16 RT45 Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are on tractor, DO NOT MOVE. Remain on
tractor and 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.
•Raise attachments and drive from immediate area.
•Contact utility company to shut off power.
•Do not return to jobsite or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are off tractor, DO NOT TOUCH TRACTOR.
Take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend upon the situation.
•LEAVE AREA. The ground surface may be electrified, so take small steps with feet close together to
reduce the hazard of being shocked from one foot to the other. For more information, contact your
Ditch Witch dealer.
•Contact utility company to shut off power.
•Do not return to jobsite or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.
CMW
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RT45 Operator’s ManualSafety - 17
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.
Follow directions carefully.
If you suspect a gas line has been damaged, take the following actions. The order 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.
CMW
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Safety - 18 RT45 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.
CMW
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RT45 Operator’s ManualSafety - 19
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.
CMW
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Safety - 20RT45 Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts
Machine Safety Alerts
1
2
3
CMW
Runaway possible. Start from operator’s position
only. 275-070
Read operator’s manual. Know how to use all
controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475
Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool
or wear gloves. 273-423
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RT45 Operator’s ManualSafety - 21
Machine Safety Alerts
Rollover could kill or crush. Wear seat belt. 275-303
4
Fall possible. Riders can fall from machine and be
5
6
7
injured or killed. Only operator is allowed on machine. 273-487
Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
274-318
Fire or explosion possible. Do not use starter fluid.
273-459
CMW
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Safety - 22RT45 Operator’s Manual
Attachment Safety Alerts
Attachment Safety Alerts
H313
1
2
3
CMW
Moving digging teeth will cause death or serious
injury. Trench cave-in can cause you to fall. Stay away. 274-002
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442
Moving digging teeth will cause death or serious
injury. Trench cave-in can cause you to fall. Stay away.
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RT45 Operator’s ManualSafety - 23
Attachment Safety Alerts
H314
Moving digging teeth will cause death or serious
1
2
3
injury. Trench cave-in can cause you to fall. Stay away. 274-002
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442
Moving digging teeth will cause death or serious
injury. Trench cave-in can cause you to fall. Stay away.
CMW
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Safety - 24RT45 Operator’s Manual
Attachment Safety Alerts
H331
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442
1
CMW
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RT45 Operator’s ManualSafety - 25
Attachment Safety Alerts
H350
Moving digging teeth will cause death or serious
1
2
injury. Trench cave-in can cause you to fall. Stay away. 274-002
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442
CMW
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Safety - 26RT45 Operator’s Manual
Attachment Safety Alerts
H342
Moving parts could cut off hand. Keep hands away .
1
2
3
4
275-184
Flying objects thrown by machine may strike
people. Wear safety glasses and hard hat. 275-193
Moving digging teeth will cause serious injury or
death. Stay away. 275-443
Crushing weight could cause death or serious
injury. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. 275-326
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442
5
CMW
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RT45 Operator’s ManualSafety - 27
Attachment Safety Alerts
MT12
Moving parts could cut off hand. Keep hands away .
1
2
3
4
275-184
Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
274-318
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442
Flying objects thrown by machine may strike
people. Wear safety glasses and hard hat. 275-193
CMW
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Safety - 28RT45 Operator’s Manual
Attachment Safety Alerts
Moving digging teeth will cause serious injury or
5
6
7
death. Stay away. 275-443
Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool
or wear gloves. 275-355
Fall possible. Riders can fall from machine and be
injured or killed. Only operator is allowed on machine.
273-487
RWIII/RWIV
1
CMW
Turning shaft will kill you or crush arm or leg. Stay