Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces
provided. Fluid unit serial number is located as shown.
Item
date of manufacture
date of purchase
fluid unit serial number
trailer serial number
engine serial number
Intended Use
The FM5 is a self-contained drilling fluid unit capable of mixing up to 300 gal (1136 L) of drilling fluid per
tank and transferring fluid under pressure to the drilling unit. It is intended for operation in ambient
temperatures from 0° to 115°F (-18° to 46°C). Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended
use.
The FM5 can be used with Ditch Witch drilling units and Ditch Witch Subsite locating equipment. It should
be operated, serviced, and repair ed only by per s ons familia r with its particular ch ar ac teris tic s and
acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.
CMW
FM5 Operator’s ManualOverview - 3
Unit Components
Unit Components
1. tank
2. hopper
3. engine
4. pump
About This Manual
This manual contains information for the proper use of this machine. See the beige Opera ti on Ov erv iew
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.
CMW
Overview - 4FM5 Operator’s Manual
CMW
FM5 Operator’s ManualForeword - 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 - 6FM5 Operator’s Manual
FM5
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.1/OM-11/03
Part number 054-121
Copyright 2003
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
FM5 Operator’s ManualContents - 7
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, handling
drilling fluid, and leaving the jobsite; with cross references to detailed procedures
Prepare
procedures for inspecting the jobsite and preparing the jobsite for work
Transport
procedures for lifting and hauling
1
5
9
17
23
27
31
Drilling Fluid Concepts
procedures for selecting fluid additives, determining fluid requirements, and
measuring viscosity
Complete the Job
procedures for 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
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
•Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before using equipment.
•Contact One-Call (888-258-0808) and any utility companies which do not subscribe to One-Call. Have
all underground pipes and cables located and marked before operating equipment. If you damage a
utility, contact utility company.
•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.
CMW
FM5 Operator’s ManualSafety - 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.
CMW
Safety - 12FM5 Operator’s Manual
Safety Alerts
Safety Alerts
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.
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.
CMW
FM5 Operator’s ManualSafety - 13
Safety Alerts
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.
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
Safety - 14FM5 Operator’s Manual
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 position or push remote engine stop button (if
equipped).
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.
CMW
FM5 Operator’s ManualSafety - 15
Emergency Procedures
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are on truck or trailer, DO NOT MOVE.
Remain on truck or trailer and take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend on the
situation.
•Warn people nearby that an electric strike has occurred. Instruct them to leave the area and contact
utility.
•Contact utility company to shut off power.
•Do not return to area or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are off truck or trailer, DO NOT TOUCH
EQUIPMENT. Take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend on the situation.
•LEAVE AREA.
•Contact utility company to shut off power.
•Do not return to area or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.
CMW
Safety - 16FM5 Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
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 emerg enc y pers onn el and uti lity com pany.
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.