Ditch Witch RT Line User Manual

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24
Operator’s Manual
CMW
®
Issue 1.0
Original Translation
053-2439

Overview

Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Equipment Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
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Overview - 2 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 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.
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Item
date of manufacture date of purchase trencher serial number trailer serial number engine serial number

Intended Use

Intended Use
The RT12, RT16, RT20, and RT24 pedestrian trenchers are designed to install buried cable and pipe to depths of 48” (1220 mm) and widths of 8” (200 mm). These units are intended for operation in ambient temperatures from 20° to 115°F (-7° to 46°C). Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended use.
RT12, RT16, RT20, and RT24 units should be used with genuine Ditch Witch chain, teeth, and sprockets. They should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with their 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.

Unit Components

1. Control console
2. Engine
3. Digging boom and chain
4. Trail wheel
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Overview - 4 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual

Operator Orientation

Operator Orientation
1. Front of unit
2. Right side of unit
3. Rear of unit
4. Left side of unit

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.
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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 - 6 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual
RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24
Operator’s Manual
Machine Works, Inc.
Issue number 1.0/OM-12/11
Part number 053-2439
Copyright 2011
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch, CMW, and Roto Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles
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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
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
1
5
9
21
31
37
41
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
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement of wear items, and basic maintenance
49
53
61
69
71
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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
95
109
113
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Safety

Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Electric Strike Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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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.
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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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.
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Safety Alerts

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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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 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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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.
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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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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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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Emergency Procedures
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Operation Overview

Chapter Contents
Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Trenching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Leaving Jobsite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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Operation Overview - 20 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual

Planning

Planning
1. Gather information about jobsite. See page 31.
2. Inspect jobsite. See page 33.
3. Classify jobsite. See page 34.
4. Select best chain type and tooth pattern for your application. See page 62.
5. Consider optional equipment, if necessary. See page 64.
6. Check supplies and prepare equipment. See page 36.
7. Load unit onto trailer. See page 43.

Trenching

1. Unload unit from trailer. See page 46.
2. Leave optional backfill blade, if equipped, in stowed position with digging boom low to ground.
3. Start unit. See page 38.
4. Drive to starting point of trench. See page 39.
5. Dig the trench. See page 51.
6. Shut down unit. See page 39.

Leaving Jobsite

1. Restore the jobsite. See page 70.
2. Rinse unit and stow tools. See page 70.
3. Load unit onto trailer. See page 43.
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Controls

Chapter Contents
Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
RT12 Engine Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
RT16 Engine Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
RT20 and RT24 Engine Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
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Control Console

Control Console
1. Digging chain/Roto Witch® control
2. Selector valve control (Roto Witch® option)
3. Boom lift control
4. Speed/direction controls
5. Parking brake lever
6. Hourmeter/tachometer (RT16 option) 6B. Hourmeter (RT 12 option)
7. Ignition Switch (RT12)
8. Throttle switch (RT12)
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Control Console
Item Description Notes
1. Digging chain control To start digging chain, pull
toward operator, then push down to dig position.
To stop digging chain, release 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.
NOTICE: Trenching movement is always backward (toward you).
NOTICE: To dislodge obstructions, reverse chain.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to travel with digging chain control pulled up (chain in reverse position).
2. Selector valve control Optional selector valve control used on units equipped with Roto Witch to change function of digging
chain control. To select drill mode, pull up. To select dig mode, push
down.
3. Boom lift control To lower boom, push. To raise boom, pull.
NOTICE: Keep digging boom low when operating on a slope or transporting. Drive slowly and cautiously at all times.
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Control Console
Item Description Notes
4. Speed/direction
controls
5. Parking brake To engage parking brake,
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.
move lever to the right. To disengage parking brake,
move lever left to notch.
NOTICE: Trenching movement is always backward (toward you).
IMPORTANT:
Move unit slightly to ensure parking brake pins are engaged.
It might be necessary to move unit slightly to disengage parking brake.
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Control Console
Item Description Notes
6. Hourmeter/tachometer (RT16 option)
Displays engine operating time and engine speed.
6B. (RT12 option)
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7. Ignition switch (RT12) To start engine, turn key all
the way clockwise. Release key as engine starts.
Use engine operating times to schedule service.
To stop engine, turn key counterclockwise.
8. Throttle control (RT12) To increase engine speed,
press bottom. To decrease engine speed,
press top.
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Start unit with throttle switch in the low position.
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RT12 Engine Controls

RT12 Engine Controls
1
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1. Fuel shut-off valve
Item Description Notes
1. Fuel shut-off valve To stop fuel flow from fuel
tank to engine, slide lever away from engine.
To allow fuel flow, slide lever toward engine.
Close valve when transporting unit to or from jobsite, or whenever machine is parked.
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RT16 Engine Controls

RT16 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.
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3. Ignition switch
4. Fuel shut-off valve
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Controls - 28 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual
RT16 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.
This valve can be closed 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.
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RT20/RT24 Engine Controls

RT20/RT24 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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