Ditch Witch SK350 User Manual

SK350

Operator’s

Manual

CMW®

Issue 3.1

Original Instruction

SK350 Operator’s Manual

Overview - 1

Overview

Chapter Contents

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

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

Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

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

•	Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4
•	Numbered Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4
•	“Continued” Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4

CMW

Overview - 2

SK350 Operator’s Manual

Serial Number Location

Serial Number Location

Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. Unit serial number is located as shown.

Item

date of manufacture

date of purchase

unit serial number

engine serial number

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SK350 Operator’s Manual

Overview - 3

Intended Use

Intended Use

The SK350 is a platform rubber track mini skid steer unit designed for compact construction work. The SK350 has a quick attach mount plate which makes it easy for an operator to connect different attachments. 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 SK350 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.

Unit Components

1.Operator station

2.Tracks

3.Engine compartment

4.Lift arms

5.Mount plate

CMW

Overview - 4

SK350 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. 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.

“Continued” Indicators

indicates that a procedure is continued on the next page.

CMW

SK350 Operator’s Manual

Foreword - 5

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.

CMW

Foreword - 6	SK350 Operator’s Manual

SK350

Operator’s Manual

Issue number 3.1/OM-7/14

Part number 054-137

Copyright 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014 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.

CMW

SK350 Operator’s Manual

Contents - 7

Contents

Overview

1

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

5

part number, revision level, and publication date of this manual, and factory contact information

Safety	9
machine safety alerts and emergency procedures
Controls	19
machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them
Prepare	23
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path (if
needed), preparing the jobsite for work, and connecting attachments
Drive	31
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown
Transport	35
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing
Complete the Job	43
procedures for restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing equipment
Service	45
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
Specifications	67
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
Support	71
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
Service Record	75
a record of major service performed on the machine

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Contents - 8	SK300 Operator’s Manual

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SK350 Operator’s Manual

Safety - 9

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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Safety - 10

SK350 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.

•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 is present.

•Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any question about operation, maintenance, or equipment use.

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SK350 Operator’s Manual

Safety - 11

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 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 - 12

SK350 Operator’s Manual

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.

Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety equipment.

Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away.

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

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SK350 Operator’s Manual

Safety Alerts

Safety - 13

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.

Fluid or air pressure could pierce skin and cause injury or death. Stay away.

Runaway possible. Machine could run over you or others. Learn how to use all controls. Start and operate only from operator’s position.

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 - 14

SK350 Operator’s Manual

Safety Alerts

Tipover possible. Machine can tip over and crush you.

• Always operate with load end uphill.

• Always carry load low. High load can cause tipping, loss of load or loss of visibility.

• Never jerk control levers. Use a steady even motion.

• See operator’s manual for tip capacity.

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).

CMW

SK350 Operator’s Manual

Safety - 15

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Procedures

Before operating any equipment, review emergency procedures and check that all safety precautions have been taken.

EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN - Turn ignition switch to STOP.

Electric Strike Description

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. Almost one-third of 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 - 16

SK350 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.

If a Gas Line is Damaged

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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SK350 Operator’s Manual

Safety - 17

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 - 18

SK350 Operator’s Manual

Emergency Procedures

CMW

SK350 Operator’s Manual	Controls - 19
	Controls

1.	Throttle	7.	Attachment drive control
2.	Choke	8.	Ignition switch
3.	Left track drive control	9.	Jumper terminal
4.	Right track drive control	10.	Attachment drive foot control
5.	Tachometer/Hourmeter	11.	Parking brake lever
6.	Lift arm control

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Controls - 20	SK350 Operator’s Manual

Item		Description	Notes
1. Throttle		To increase engine speed,	Increasing engine speed also
		push.	increases attachment speed.
		To decrease engine speed,	NOTICE: Always stop engine at full
		pull.	throttle.

2. Choke		To help start cold engine, pull
		knob.
		When engine has warmed,
		push in completely.

3. Left track drive control			To move forward, push.	To turn right, move left control forward
			To move backward, pull.	and right control back.
				To turn left, move right control forward
			To go faster in either	and left control back.
			direction, move control farther
			from neutral.	To counter-rotate in either direction,
				move controls fully to ends in the
			To stop, move to neutral.	directions indicated above.

4. Right track drive		To move forward, push.	To turn right, move left control forward
	control	To move backward, pull.	and right control back.
			To turn left, move right control forward
		To go faster in either	and left control back.
		direction, move control farther
		from neutral.	To counter-rotate in either direction,
			move controls fully to ends in the
		To stop, move to neutral.	directions indicated above.

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SK350 Operator’s Manual				Controls - 21
Item			Description	Notes
5. Tachometer/Hourmeter			Displays engine speed and	Use hourmeter to schedule service.
			operating time.	Flashes “Lube & Chg Oil” alerts for 2
				hours at 25-hour intervals.

6.	Lift arm control		To move lift arms down, push.	IMPORTANT:
			To float, push forward to end.	• Do not exceed rated operating
				capacity when lifting loads. See
			To move lift arms up, pull.	page 68.
			To curl attachment up, move	• In float, weight of attachment
				allows attachment to follow
			to left.
				ground contour.
			To curl attachment down,
			move to right.
7.	Attachment drive		To engage attachment drive	IMPORTANT: See attachment drive
	control		in reverse, lift lever release	foot control on page 22.
			then push to left.

To engage attachment drive in forward, lift lever release, then push right.

8. Ignition switch		To start engine, insert key and	IMPORTANT: If engine does not start
		turn clockwise.	or stalls, turn key to STOP and then
		To stop engine, turn key	restart.
			NOTICE: Always stop engine at full
		counterclockwise.
			throttle.

9. Jumper terminal	Use to start engine when	IMPORTANT: See “Park service
	battery is dead.	vehicle close to disabled equipment
		but do not allow vehicles to touch.” on
		page 65.

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Controls - 22		SK350 Operator’s Manual
Item	Description	Notes
10. Attachment drive foot	Attachment drive control	IMPORTANT: Use this control to hold
control	handle must be engaged	attachment control in the on position
	before using the foot pedal.	when hands are busy operating lift
	To hold attachment drive in	arm controls or track drive.
	forward position, press pedal.
	To return attachment drive
	control to neutral, release
	pedal.
11. Parking brake lever	To disengage, push down.	IMPORTANT:
	To engage, push down and	• Lever locks into position under
	outward, then pull up.	tab.
		• Lever must be moved outward to
		clear tab.

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SK350 Operator’s Manual

Prepare - 23

Prepare

Chapter Contents

Gather Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

•	All Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
•	Ground-Penetrating Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
•	Above-Ground Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Inspect Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		25
•	Identify Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Classify Jobsite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		26
•	Inspect Jobsite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
•	Select a Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
•	Apply Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment . . . . . . .		28
•	Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
•	Fluid Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
•	Condition and Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
•	Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28

Connect Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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