Ditch Witch RT55 User Manual

RT55

Tier 4i

Operator’s Manual

CMW

Issue 1.1

053- 1297

RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Overview - 1

Overview

Chapter Contents

Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Equipment Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

• Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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Overview - 2 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Serial Number Location

Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. RT55 T4i (1) and engine (2) serial numbers are located as shown.

Date of manufacture Date of purchase RT55 T4i serial number Engine serial number Front attachment serial number Rear attachment serial number Trailer serial number

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Overview - 3

Intended Use

The RT55 T4i is a riding trencher designed to install buried service lines of various sizes using a variety of Ditch Witch attachments.

Attachment Max. width/diameter Max. depth

H515 trencher 12 in (305 mm) 62 in (1.6 m) H533 plow 3 in (76 mm) 30 in (762 mm) H553 combo

trencher 12 in (305 mm) 62 in (1.6 m) plow 3 in (76 mm) 30 in (762 mm)

A523 backhoe 18 in (460 mm) 93.2 in (2.4 m)

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 RT55 T4i 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.

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Overview - 4 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Unit Components

1. Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)

2. Rear console

3. Right console

4. Operator’s station

5. Center console

6. Engine compartment

7. Backfill blade

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

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Overview - 5

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.

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Overview - 6 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

About This Manual

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RT55 T4i 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 equipment.

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.

Thank you for buying and using Ditch Witch equipment.

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Foreword - 8 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

RT55 Tier 4i

Operator’s Manual

Issue number 1.1 - 8/10

Part number 053-1297

by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.

, Ditch Witch, CMW, AutoCrowd, Modularmatic, Jet Trac, Roto Witch, Subsite, Fluid Miser, Perma-Soil, Power Pipe, Super Witch, Super Witch II, Pierce Airrow, The Underground, and The Underground Authority Worldwide are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works, Inc.

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Contents - 19

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

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

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Contents - 20 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

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

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

101

107

113

115

151

120

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Safety - 10

Safety

Chapter Contents

Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

• Electric Strike Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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Safety - 11 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

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.

• 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 dealer.

• Replace missing or damaged safety shields and safety signs.

• 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.

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Safety - 12

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 an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or

serious injury.

indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or

serious injury.

indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or

moderate injury.

Watch for two other words: NOTICE and IMPORTANT. NOTICE can keep you from doing something that might damage the machine or someone's property. It

can also alert you against unsafe practices.

IMPORTANT can help you do a better job or make your job easier in some way.

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Safety - 13 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Safety Alerts

Moving digging teeth will kill you or cut off arm or leg. Stay away.

Turning shaft will kill you or crush arm or leg. Stay away.

Electric shock. Contacting electric lines will cause death or serious injury.

Know location of lines and stay away.

Deadly gases. Lack of oxygen or presence of gas will cause sickness or

death. Provide ventilation.

correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety equipment.

proper procedures and equipment or stay away.

Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use

Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Use

Moving parts could cut off hand or foot. Stay away.

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Safety - 14

Safety Alerts

Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur.

Follow directions carefully.

Incorrect procedures could result in death, injury, or property damage.

Learn to use equipment correctly.

Improper control function could cause death or serious injury. If control does

not work as described in instructions, stop machine and have it serviced.

Looking into fiber optic cable could result in permanent vision damage. Do

not look into ends of fiber optic or unidentified cable.

Pressurized fluid or air could pierce skin and cause injury or

death. Stay away.

Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite and cause burns. No

smoking, no flame, no spark.

Moving traffic - hazardous situation. Death or serious injury could result.

Avoid moving vehicles, wear high visibility clothing, post appropriate warning signs.

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Safety - 15 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Safety Alerts

Hot pressurized cooling system fluid could cause serious burns. Allow to

cool before servicing.

Flying objects may cause injury. Wear hard hat and safety glasses.

Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool.

Exposure to high noise levels may cause hearing loss. Wear hearing

protection.

Fall possible. Slips or trips may result in injury. Keep area clean.

Battery acid may cause burns. Avoid contact.

Improper handling or use of chemicals may result in illness, injury, or equipment damage. Follow instructions on labels and in material safety data sheets (MSDS).

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Safety - 16

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.

EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN - Release all controls and turn ignition switch to STOP.

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.

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Safety - 17 RT55 T4i 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.

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 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.

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Safety - 18

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.

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) 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.

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Safety - 19 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Emergency Procedures

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Controls - 21

Controls

Chapter Contents

Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

• Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

• Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

• Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Right Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Seat Deck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Rear Console. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

• Optional Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

• Trencher Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

• Plow Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

• Combo Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

• Saw Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Backhoe Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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Controls - 22 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Center Console

Gauges

1. Voltmeter

2. Tachometer/hourmeter

3. Engine oil pressure gauge

Item Description Notes

1. Voltmeter Displays system voltage. Should show 12-14V with engine

4. Engine temperature gauge

5. Fuel gauge

running.

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Controls - 23

Center Console

Item Description Notes

2. Tachometer/Hourmeter Displays engine speed and

records engine operating time.

3. Engine oil pressure gauge

4. Engine temperature gauge

Displays engine oil pressure. Indicator will light and alarm

will sound if pressure falls below 8-12 psi (.5-.8 bar).

Displays engine temperature. Engine temperature indicator

will light and alarm will sound if temperature rises above 284° F (140° C).

Use engine operating times to schedule service.

Normal operating pressure is 15-50 psi (1-3 bar).

If pressure is low:

• Check oil level.

• If pressure is still low, consult engine manual.

Normal temperature is 190°-284° F (90°-140° C).

If temperature is high:

• Turn off engine and let it cool.

• Check for low engine oil level, seal damage, or leaks.

• Check oil cooler for dirt and debris.

5. Fuel gauge Displays fuel level in tank. NOTICE: Use low sulfur or ultra low sulfur fuel only.

Fuel tank holds 19.5 gal (74 L).

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Controls - 24 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Center Console

Indicators

1. Operator presence indicator

2. Attachment speed/direction indicator

3. Ground drive indicator

4. Cruise control indicator

5. Hydraulic fluid temperature indicator

6. Hydraulic filter restriction indicator

Item Description Notes

1. Operator presence

indicator

Lights when operator is in seat.

7. Low speed indicator

8. High speed indicator

9. Shift alert indicator

10. Cold start wait indicator

11. Engine shutdown indicator

12. Parking brake indicator

IMPORTANT: This indicator is part of the the start interlock system. All four start interlock indicators must be on to start engine.

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Controls - 25

Center Console

Item Description Notes

2. Attachment speed/

direction indicator

3. Ground drive indicator Light when ground drive hand

4. Cruise control indicator Lights when cruise control is

Lights when attachment speed/direction control is in neutral.

and foot controls are in neutral.

operating.

IMPORTANT: This indicator is part of the the start interlock system. All four start interlock indicators must be on to start engine.

IMPORTANT: These indicators are part of the the start interlock system. All four start interlock indicators must be on to start engine.

5. Hydraulic fluid

temperature indicator

Lights and alarm sounds if hydraulic fluid overheats.

• Turn off engine and let it cool.

• Check hydraulic fluid level.

• Check front of hydraulic fluid

cooler for debris.

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Controls - 26 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Center Console

Item Description Notes

6. Hydraulic filter

restriction indicator

7. High speed indicator Lights when transmission is in

8. Low speed indicator Lights when transmission is in

Lights when hydraulic filter is restricted.

May also light in cold weather.

high.

low.

When indicator lights, change filter.

Run tractor at low engine speed until hydraulic fluid warms. Indicator will turn off after hydraulic fluid warms.

9. Shift alert indicator Lights and alarm sounds

when transmission is not fully in high or low gear.

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If shift does not complete:

• Return ground drive controls to

neutral.

• Press opposite side of gearbox

shift control, then try to shift again.

• If shift still does not complete,

move tractor slightly forward or backward, return ground drive controls to neutral, and shift again.

RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Controls - 27

Center Console

Item Description Notes

10. Cold start wait indicator Lights when intake air pre-

heater is operating. Wait until lamp goes off

before starting engine.

11. Engine shutdown

indicator

12. Parking brake indicator Lights when parking brake is

Lights and alarm sounds if engine temperature rises above 284° F (140° C).

Lights and alarm sounds when oil pressure falls below 8-12 psi (.5-.8 bar). Light will come on briefly when engine is started.

engaged.

See page 63 for more information.

• Turn off engine and let it cool.

• Check for low engine oil level,

seal damage, or leaks.

• Check oil cooler for dirt and

debris.

• Consult engine manual.

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Controls - 28 RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual

Center Console

Controls

1. Reel carrier control*

2. Horn

3. Drilling attachment control*

6. Parking brake switch

7. Gearbox shift control

8. Auxiliary outlet

4. Ignition switch

5. Ground drive foot control

*optional

Item Description Notes

1. Reel carrier control To raise, press top.

To lower, press bottom.

c00ic205h.eps

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RT55 T4i Operator’s Manual Controls - 29

Center Console

Item Description Notes

2. Horn To sound horn, press.

3. Drilling attachment

control

c00ic218h.eps

4. Ignition switch To start engine, insert key and

5. Ground drive foot

control

To rotate clockwise, press top.

To rotate counterclockwise, press bottom.

turn clockwise. To stop engine, turn

counterclockwise.

To move tractor forward, push top of pedal.

To move tractor backward, push bottom of pedal.

IMPORTANT: Always rotate clockwise during drilling and backreaming. Rotate counterclockwise only to dislodge a dry bore bit or reamer that has siezed in the bore hole.

For more information about drilling attachment, see page 101.

IMPORTANT: If engine does not start on first attempt, check that all interlock requirements have been met, return switch to STOP, and try again.

Note: Pedal returns to neutral when released.

To increase speed in either direction, push pedal farther from center.

To stop, release pedal.

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+ 147 hidden pages