FX20 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1 Overview Chapter Contents Serial Number Location ..... . 2 Intended Use ....... 2 Unit Components .
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Overview - 2 Serial Number Location Serial Number Location Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. FX20 serial number is located as shown. Date of manufacture Date of purchase FX20 serial number (shown) Engine serial number...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3 Unit Components Unit Components 1. Cyclonic filter reservoir 10. Vacuum filter 2. Cyclonic filter 11. Antifreeze tank 3. Air pre-filter 12. Battery 4. Blower 13. Water pump 5. Water tank 14. Operator’s station 6. Blower silencer 15.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Overview - 4 Operator Orientation Operator Orientation 1. Rear of unit 3. Front of unit 2. Left of unit 4. Right of unit Right and left sides of machine are determined by facing towing vehicle. About This Manual This manual contains information for the proper use of this machine.
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.
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Copyright 2008 by The Charles Machine Works, Inc. , Ditch Witch, CMW, AutoCrowd, Jet Trac, Roto Witch, Subsite, Fluid Miser, Power Pipe, Super Witch, Pierce Airrow, The Underground, The Underground Authority Worldwide, and Zahn are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Contents - 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...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Contents - 8 Service Record a record of major service performed on the machine...
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.
FX20 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.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Safety - 12 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.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13 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.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Safety - 14 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.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Safety - 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. Before operating any equipment, review emergency procedures and check that all safety precautions have been taken.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Safety - 16 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.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Safety - 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. Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur. Follow directions carefully.
FX20 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.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Controls - 20 Engine/Operator’s Station Engine/Operator’s Station 1. Throttle 5. Hourmeter 2. Choke 6. Water pump switch 3. Ignition switch 7. Auxiliary outlet 4. Water pressure gauge 8. Water pressure control Item Description Notes 1. Throttle To increase engine speed, NOTICE: Set engine speed to full move left.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Controls - 21 Engine/Operator’s Station Item Description Notes 3. Ignition switch To start engine, insert key and IMPORTANT: When engine is on, turn clockwise. blower operates and vacuum is present at tank inlet. To stop engine, turn key counterclockwise.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Controls - 22 Engine/Operator’s Station Item Description Notes 8. Water pressure control To increase water pressure, turn clockwise. To decrease water pressure, turn counterclockwise.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Controls - 23 Machine Controls Machine Controls 1. Debris tank sight glass 6. Tank door handle 2. Inlet valve 7. Drain valve 3. Cyclonic filter sight glass 8. Water tank drain valve 4. Battery disconnect switch 9. Antifreeze tank supply valve 5.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Controls - 24 Machine Controls Item Description Notes 4. Battery disconnect To connect, turn clockwise. IMPORTANT: Use battery disconnect switch switch when servicing, welding, and To disconnect, turn during long-term storage. counterclockwise. 5. Vacuum gauge Displays blower vacuum reading in inches of mercury.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Controls - 25 Machine Controls Item Description Notes 9. Antifreeze tank supply To open valve (send IMPORTANT: valve antifreeze through pump and water lance), rotate • Water tank supply valve or counterclockwise. antifreeze supply valve must be...
FX20 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 32 Gather Information Gather Information A successful job begins before the excavation. The first step in planning is reviewing information already available about the job and jobsite. Arrange for Traffic Control If working near a road or other traffic area, contact local authorities about safety procedures and regulations.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 33 Inspect Jobsite Inspect Jobsite • Follow U.S. Department of Labor regulations on excavating and trenching (Part 1926, Subpart P) and other similar regulations. • 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 working.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 34 Prepare Jobsite Prepare Jobsite Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety equipment. NOTICE: • If jobsite classification is in question or if the possibility of unmarked electric utilities exists, classify jobsite as electric.
It should meet legal and regulatory requirements. Lighting Kit If you will need additional light, plug lighting kit into provided outlet. Contact your Ditch Witch dealer for further information. Check Supplies •...
FX20 Operator’s Manual Transport - 38 Lift Lift Crushing weight. If load falls or moves it could kill or crush you. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. Points Lifting points are identified by lifting decals. Lifting at other points is unsafe and can damage machinery.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Transport - 39 Attach Skid to Trailer Attach Skid to Trailer Bolt skid to S4S trailer at 4 locations. Use bolt and nut (1,2) to secure. Tighten to 200-225 ft•lb (270- 305 N•m). Install light strip to rear of tank using bolts and nuts (3,4).
FX20 Operator’s Manual Transport - 40 Haul (Trailer-Mounted Unit) Haul (Trailer-Mounted Unit) Crushing weight. If load falls or moves it could kill or crush you. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. Inspect Trailer • Check hitch for wear and cracks. Lubricate if needed.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Transport - 41 Haul (Trailer-Mounted Unit) Unhitch Trailer 1. Stop tow vehicle and trailer on level ground. 2. Put manual transmission into first or reverse gear or automatic transmission into park. Turn off ignition. Set parking brake.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Vacuum and Pothole - 45 Remove Debris Remove Debris EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN: Turn ignition switch to STOP. Procedure 1. Position vacuum hose in area to be excavated. 2. Start engine. Vacuum will suffocate. Maintain distance between face and vacuum inlets.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Vacuum and Pothole - 46 Pothole Pothole EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN: Turn ignition switch to STOP. 1. Start engine. Vacuum will suffocate. Maintain distance between face and vacuum inlets. Fire or explosion possible. Do not vacuum flammable or combustible substances.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Vacuum and Pothole - 47 Pothole 6. Adjust water pressure as needed to match soil conditions and/or material of utility being exposed. Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety equipment.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Vacuum and Pothole - 48 Drain Tank Drain Tank EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN: Turn ignition switch to STOP. 1. Ensure that unit is hitched to vehicle for trailer-mounted units. See “Hitch Trailer” on page 40. 2. Haul unit to approved dumping area.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Vacuum and Pothole - 49 Drain Tank 5. Allow tank to drain completely. 6. Connect water pressure hose to water lance. 7. Turn water pump switch on. Adjust water pressure. 8. Use water lance to thoroughly rinse inside of tank and around door seal.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 52 Antifreeze Vacuum Excavation Unit Antifreeze Vacuum Excavation Unit Add Antifreeze Follow these steps for overnight or long-term storage of unit during cold weather. 1. Open water tank valve and drain valve to drain all water from water tank.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 53 Rinse Equipment Rinse Equipment Spray water onto equipment to remove dirt and mud. Use water lance. Thoroughly rinse inside of tank and around door seal. Confined space will cause suffocation. Use proper procedures for entering or stay away.
Filter Change, replace, adjust, service or test Proper lubrication and maintenance protects Ditch Witch equipment from damage and failure. Service intervals listed are for minimum requirements. In extreme conditions, service machine more frequently. Use only recommended lubricants. Fill to capacities listed in “Specifications” on page 121.
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For more information on engine lubrication and maintenance, see your engine manual. NOTICE: • Use only genuine Ditch Witch parts, filters, approved lubricants, TJC, and approved coolants to maintain warranty. • Use the “Service Record” on page 91 to record all required service to your machine.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 59 10 Hour Check Strobe Light Check strobe light for proper function every 10 hours. When ignition is on, strobe light should be flashing. Repair if necessary. 10 Hour Location Task Notes Vacuum Check engine oil level...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 60 10 Hour Vacuum System Check Engine Oil Level Check engine oil at dipstick (2) before operation and every 10 hours thereafter. Check with unit on level surface and at least 15 minutes after stopping engine. Add GEO at fill (1) as necessary to keep oil level at highest line on dipstick.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 61 10 Hour Check Blower Check blower every 10 hours for unusual noise or vibration. If malfunction is detected: 1. Stop engine. 2. Consult blower repair manual. Check Water Pump Oil Level With frame level, check water pump oil at dipsitck every 10 hours.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 62 10 Hour Check Water Pump Regulator Check for proper operation of regulator every 10 hours. To check: 1. Ensure there is water in tank. 2. Start engine. 3. Connect water pressure hose to water lance.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 63 10 Hour Clean Vacuum Air Filter Clean filter every 10 hours or as needed. To clean filter: 1. Remove filter from canister. 2. Run low pressure water into inside of filter. NOTICE: Do not use high pressure water to clean filter.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 64 10 Hour Check Spray Nozzle Check spray nozzle every 10 hours. Ensure that water sprays from nozzle in a fan pattern. Clean or replace nozzle as necessary. Fluid or air pressure could pierce skin and cause injury or death.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 65 25 Hour Check Vacuum Tank Door Seals and Fittings Check door seal every 10 hours for wear or damage. Repair if necessary. Check for leaks and loose fittings every 10 hours. Repair or replace if necessary.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 66 50 Hour 50 Hour Location Task Notes Vacuum Check water pump belt tension System Check blower belt tension Check blower relief valve Lube blower bearings Check water pressure hoses Check vacuum air filter and hoses...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 67 50 Hour Check Blower Belt Tension Check belt every 50 hours for correct tension, damage or wear. Replace worn belt. Both ends of tube must touch spring caps for belt to be correctly tensioned. Tighten as needed. See “Adjust Blower Belt Tension”...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 68 50 Hour Check Water Pressure Hoses Check hoses every 50 hours for wear or damage. Replace as needed. Check Vacuum Air Filter and Hoses Check filter and suction hose (shown) every 50 hours for wear or holes. Check more often if working in dusty conditions.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 69 100 Hour 100 Hour Location Task Notes Vacuum Change water pump oil System Check blower drive components Change engine oil Debris Tank Check tank deflector Vacuum System Change Water Pump Oil Change oil after the first 25 hours of operation and every 100 hours thereafter.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 70 100 Hour Change Engine Oil Change engine oil every 100 hours. Remove drain cap, push and turn 1/4 to open. Drain oil (2) and add 1.7-1.9 qt (1.6-1.8 L) of GEO at fill (1).
Change Fuel Filter Replace fuel filter every 500 hours for normal service. If you refuel from cans, replace filter more often. See parts manual or contact your Ditch Witch dealer for correct replacement filter. 1000 Hour Vacuum System Change Blower Oil Change oil every 1000 hours.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 73 2000 Hour 2000 Hour Location Task Notes Vacuum Replace water pump belt System Replace blower belt Vacuum System Replace Water Pump Belt Replace belt every 2000 hours. Replace Blower Belt Replace belt every 2000 hours.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 75 3000 Mile 3000 Mile Trailer Adjust Brakes Adjust brakes every 3000 miles (5000 km). 1. Place adequate jack stands under frame rails. 2. Remove cover from adjusting slot on bottom of backing plate. 3. Rotate adjuster starwheel with screwdriver or brake spoon to expand brake shoes.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 76 12,000 Mile 12,000 Mile Location Task Notes Trailer Inspect brake shoes and linings Adjust and lubricate bearings Trailer Inspect brake shoes and linings Inspect shoes and linings every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) for wear. When lining is worn to 1/16”...
FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 77 As Needed As Needed Location Task Notes Vacuum Adjust water pump belt tension System Change water pump filter Adjust blower belt tension Lube blower for longterm storage Change blower relief air filter Debris Tank...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 78 As Needed Change Water Pump Filter 1. Open filter housing. 2. Remove element and rinse housing thoroughly with water. 3. Replace element. NOTICE: Be sure filter element is properly seated. 4. Close filter housing.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 79 As Needed Lube Blower for Long-term Storage Lubricate blower before long-term storage to help prevent rust and lockup. 1. Remove plug from fitting at filter. 2. Start engine. 3. Spray light oil into port and run unit for 1-2 minutes.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service - 80 As Needed Debris Tank Clean Primary Shutoff Valve Clean primary shutoff valve as needed. Replace primary shutoff valve as needed. To clean: 1. Open tank door. See “Drain Tank” on page 48. 2. Spray valve housing inside vacuum tank with high-pressure water.
FX20 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 81 Specifications Dimensions (Skid Package) U.S. Metric Length 109 in 2.8 m Height 74 in 1.9 m Width 63 in 1.6 m Dry weight 1594 lb 723 kg Weight with empty water tank and spoils tank filled with water...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 82 Dimensions (S4S Trailer Package) U.S. Metric Length 174 in 4.4 m Height 93 in 2.4 m Width 86 in 2.2 m Dry weight 2576 lb 1168 kg Weight with empty water tank and full spoils tank...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 83 Power U.S. Metric Cooling medium Fuel delivery carburetor Aspiration natural Number of cylinders Displacement 725 cc 44 in Bore 3.27 in 83 mm Stroke 2.64 in 67 mm Engine manufacturer’s gross power rating (per SAE J1940) 27 hp 20.1 kW...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 84 Vacuum system U.S. Metric Filter area 74 ft 6.9 m Cyclonic filter trap capacity 4.5 gal 17 L Suction hose size (standard) 3 in 76 mm Suction hose length (total) 25 ft 7.6 m Water system U.S.
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 85 Trailer - S4S U.S. Metric Dimensions Adj. coupler height 16 in 406 mm Width between fenders 64 in 2.2 m Width outside fenders 86 in 2.2 m General Number of axles Coupler (bolt-on adjustable) 2”, 2 5/16”, 3”...
Return damaged parts to dealer for inspection and warranty consideration if in warranty time frame. Order genuine Ditch Witch replacement or repair parts from your authorized Ditch Witch dealer. Use of another manufacturer's parts may void warranty consideration.
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Subject to the limitation and exclusions herein, free replacement parts will be provided at any authorized Ditch Witch dealership for any Ditch Witch equipment or parts manufactured by The Charles Machine Works, Inc. (CMW) that fail due to a defect in material or workmanship within one (1) year of first commercial use (Exception: 2 years for all SK5 attachments).
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 91 Service Record Service Performed Date Hours...
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FX20 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 92 Service Performed Date Hours...
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