Intended Use The ST37x is a platform, rubber track trencher designed for light-to medium-duty construction work. 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.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Overview - 3 Equipment Modification 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.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Overview - 4 Operator Orientation Operator Orientation 1. Front of unit 2. Right side of unit 3. Rear of unit 4. Left side of unit t54om004h.eps t54om004h.eps About This Manual This manual contains information for the proper use of this machine. See the beige Operation Overview pages for basic operating procedures.
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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Issue number 1.0 / OM-12/16 Part number 053-2977 Copyright 2016 by The Charles Machine Works, Inc. and Ditch Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works, Inc. This product and its use may be covered by one or more patents at http://patents.charlesmachine.works.
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ST37x 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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ST37x Operator’s Manual Contents - 8 Service Record a record of major service performed on the machine Appendix ® additional information about Ditch Witch equipment...
• Fully inspect equipment before operating. Repair or replace any worn or damaged parts. Replace missing or damaged safety shields and safety signs. Contact your Ditch Witch dealer for assistance. • Use equipment carefully. Stop operation and investigate anything that does not look or feel right.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 11 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.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 12 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.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 13 Emergency Procedures If a Gas Line is Damaged Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite and cause burns. No smoking, no flame, no spark. 275-419 (2P) Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 14 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. Contact utility company. 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.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 15 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.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 16 Machine Safety Alerts Machine Safety Alerts Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-318 Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442 Fire or explosion possible. Do not use starter fluid. 273-459 (2P), 274-206 (2P), 700-206 (2P)
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 17 Machine Safety Alerts Moving digging teeth will cause death or serious injury. Trench cave-in can cause you to fall. Stay away. 274-002; 275-097 Read operator’s manual. Know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 23 Graphic Display Item Description Notes 1. High exhaust Indicates high exhaust IMPORTANT: Will light when exhaust temperature indicator temperature. cleaning (DPF regeneration) is occurring. c00ic101w.eps 2. Air filter restriction Indicator will begin flashing To view the air filter percentage before...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 24 Graphic Display Item Description Notes 5. Diagnostic message Appears when there is a Go to Diagnostics menu to see the indicator diagnostic trouble code. active and stored error messages. This indicates a warning code.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 25 Graphic Display Item Description Notes 8. Engine coolant Displays coolant temperature. IMPORTANT: If temperature goes temperature indicator above 230°F (110°C): 1. Stop operation, set throttle to low idle, and allow engine to cool. 2. Stop engine.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 26 Graphic Display Item Description Notes 12. Engine speed decrease To decrease engine speed, IMPORTANT: Each button press button push once. decreases engine by 360 rpm. To decrease to lowest speed, push twice. c00ic108w.eps 13. Menu button Press to go to the menu screen.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 27 Graphic Display Item Description Notes 16. Service reminders Press to go to the service button reminders screen. c00ic112w.eps 17. Engine RPM setpoint Indicates the current throttle IMPORTANT: indicator setpoint. • When in manual throttle mode, this is the RPM the engine will try to maintain.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 28 Graphic Display Item Description Notes 20. Engine percent load Displays the load on the gauge engine. c00ic115w.eps...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 29 Service Interval Screen Service Interval Screen ENGINE INTERVAL REMAINING HOUR ENG HRS RESET t43om032w.eps 1. Selected service reminder 6. Return to main gauge display 2. Service reminder interval 7. Interval decrease 3. Time remaining 8.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 30 Service Interval Screen Item Description Notes 4. Time base calculator Displays the time base for the service reminder. 5. Reset option Resets service reminder. 6. Return to main gauge Returns to the main gauge display display.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 31 Service Interval Screen Item Description Notes 10. Down selection Will move the selection on the screen down. c00ic117w.eps...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 32 Controls Controls t53om006h.eps t53om006h.eps 1. Left track drive control or 4. Ignition switch Track drive joystick (optional) 5. Boom lift control 2. Right track drive control or 6. Attachment drive control Track drive joystick (optional) 7.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 33 Controls Item Description Notes 1. Left track drive control To move forward, push. To turn right, move left control farther forward than right control. 2. Right track drive To move backward, pull. control To turn left, move right control farther To go faster in either forward than left control.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 34 Controls Item Description Notes 5. Boom lift control To lower boom, push. To raise boom, pull. c00ic083a.eps 6. Attachment drive To engage attachment drive IMPORTANT: Use foot pedal to hold control in reverse, push forward.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Prepare - 38 Gather Information Gather Information A successful job begins before you start working. The first step in planning is reviewing information already available about the job and jobsite. All Jobs Review Job Plan Review blueprints or other plans. Check for information about existing or planned structures, elevations, or proposed work that may be taking place at the same time.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Prepare - 39 Inspect Site Inspect Site Identify Hazards Inspect jobsite before transporting equipment. Check for the following: • changes in elevation such as hills or other open trenches • obstacles such as buildings, railroad crossings, or streams •...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Prepare - 40 Classify Jobsite Classify Jobsite Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety equipment. To help avoid injury: • Wear personal protective equipment including hard hat, safety eye wear, and hearing protection.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Prepare - 41 Classify Jobsite Apply Precautions Once classified, precautions appropriate for jobsite must be taken. Electric Jobsite Precautions Use one or both of these methods. • Expose line by careful hand digging or soft excavation. •...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Prepare - 42 Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Check Supplies • fuel NOTICE: Use low sulfur or ultra low sulfur fuel only. • keys • lubricants • personal protective equipment, such as hard hat and safety glasses...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Prepare - 43 Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Assemble Accessories Fire Extinguisher If required, mount a fire extinguisher near the power unit but away from possible points of ignition. The fire extinguisher should always be classified for both oil and electric fires. It should meet legal and regulatory...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Drive - 46 Start Unit Start Unit 1. Ensure all controls are in neutral. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Move throttle to half open. 4. Turn ignition switch to start position and release when engine starts. NOTICE: •...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Drive - 47 Drive Safe Slope Operation Tipover possible. Machine can tip over and crush you. To help avoid injury: • Always operate with heavy end uphill. • Drive cautiously at all times. • Never jerk control levers. Use a steady even motion.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Drive - 48 Shut Down Shut Down 1. Lower boom to ground. 2. Move all controls to neutral position. 3. Engage parking brake. 4. Turn ignition switch to STOP. 5. Remove key.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Transport - 50 Lift Lift Crushing weight. If load falls or moves it could kill or crush you. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. To help avoid injury: Only lift unit without attachment installed. Points Lifting points are identified by lifting decals.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Transport - 51 Haul Haul Load Crushing weight. If load falls or moves it could kill or crush you. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. To help avoid injury: • Load and unload trailer on level ground.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Transport - 52 Haul Tie Down Points Tiedown points are identified by tiedown decals. Securing to truck or trailer at other points is unsafe and can damage machinery. Procedure Loop tiedowns around unit at tiedown points. Make sure tiedowns are tight before transporting.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Transport - 53 Haul Unload Crushing weight. If load falls or moves it could kill or crush you. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. To help avoid injury: • Load and unload trailer on level ground.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Transport - 54 Retrieve Retrieve Read operator’s manual. Know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475 Under normal conditions, unit should not be towed. If unit breaks down and retrieval is necessary: t43om010w.eps...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Transport - 55 Retrieve Prepare Unit for Towing 1. Block tracks. 2. Engage parking brake if engine will start (shown). t53om008h.eps t53om008h.eps 3. Loosen bypass valves (shown) three turns. IMPORTANT: Open bypass valves in both front and rear pumps.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Transport - 56 Retrieve...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Trench - 57 Trench Chapter Contents Set Up........58 Adjust Boom Position .
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To help avoid injury: Use attachments or counterweights to make front and rear loads balance when all ® attachments are raised. Contact your Ditch Witch dealer about counterweighting for your equipment. Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Trench - 59 Adjust Boom Position Adjust Boom Position 1. Engage parking brake. 2. Shut down unit. 3. Loosen four bolts (1) on both sides of pivot frame (3). 4. Raise bar (2) and slide boom to desired position.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Trench - 60 Trench Trench Breathing crystalline silica dust. may cause lung disease. Cutting, drilling, or working materials such as concrete, sand, or rock containing quartz may result in exposure to silica dust. Use dust control methods or appropriate breathing protection when exposed to silica dust.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Trench - 61 Trench 1. Adjust throttle to low idle. 2. Engage attachment control. 3. Increase engine speed to full throttle. 4. Slowly lower digging boom to depth. 5. Move ground drive control to desired speed. 6. Pull ground drive control rearward to desired trenching speed.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 63 Complete the Job Chapter Contents Rinse Equipment ......64...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 64 Rinse Equipment Rinse Equipment 1. Spray water onto equipment to remove dirt and mud. NOTICE: Do not spray water onto operator’s console. Electrical components could be damaged. Wipe down instead. 2. Open hood and allow unit to cool. Remove debris from inside of unit.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 66 Precautions Precautions Read operator’s manual. Know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475 To help avoid injury: • Unless otherwise instructed, all service should be performed with engine off. •...
Service intervals listed are for minimum requirements. In extreme conditions, service machine more frequently. Use only genuine Ditch Witch parts, filters, approved lubricants, TJC, and approved coolants to maintain warranty. Fill to capacities listed in “Specifications” on page 97.
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Fleetguard ES Compleat coolant. This ® coolant is available, pre-diluted, from your Ditch Witch dealer as part number 255-1055. Contact your Cummins service partner for a full list of approved coolants meeting CES 14603.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 69 Recommended Lubricants/Service Key Approved Fuel Tier 4 Engine (U.S., Canada, EU, and Japan) Avoid static electricity when fueling. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) poses a greater static ignition hazard than earlier diesel formulations. Avoid death or serious injury from fire or explosion.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 70 Recommended Lubricants/Service Key Exhaust Cleaning - Tier 4 Only This engine has a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that purifies NOx emissions in the exhaust into nitrogen and water. The DPF system uses a small amount of engine lubricating oil to during the high-temperature combustion.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 71 Startup/10 Hour Startup/10 Hour Location Task Notes Power Unit Check engine oil level Check engine air filter service indicator Check hydraulic fluid level Check brake operation Check lug nut torque 88-95 ft•lb (108-129 N•m)
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 72 Startup/10 Hour Check Engine Air Filter Service Indicator Check air filter service indicator (1) and dust ejector (2) at startup and every 10 hours and change filter as needed. t54om013h.eps t54om013h.eps Check Hydraulic Fluid Level Check hydraulic fluid level at startup and every 10 hours.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 73 Startup/10 Hour Check Lug Nut Torque Check lug nut torque at 10 hours, 50 hours and every 200 hours thereafter. Tighten to 88-95 ft•lb (108-129 N•m) as needed. t54om015h.eps t54om015h.eps Check Coolant Level Check coolant level at overflow coolant bottle, with engine cool, at startup and every 10 hours.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 74 Startup/10 Hour Check Water Separator Filter Check water separator filter at startup and every 10 hours. When red float ring is raised, water should be drained. See “Drain Water Separator Filter” on page 88.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 75 Startup/10 Hour Check Hydraulic Hoses Pressurized fluid or air could pierce skin and cause severe injury. Refer to operator’s manual for proper use. 270-6035 To help avoid injury: • Use a piece of cardboard or wood, rather than hands, to search for leaks.
ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 76 Startup/10 Hour Trencher Lube Auger Bearing Lube auger bearing zerk with MPG every 10 hours. t43om035w.eps Check Digging Chain Tension Check digging chain tension every 10 hours and adjust as needed. With boom horizontal, measure distance A from bottom of boom to chain.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 77 Startup/10 Hour Check Restraint Bar Position Check restraint bar position every 10 hours, or anytime the digging chain is adjusted or replaced. The restraint bar is properly positioned when the end of bar extends between the center of the tail...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 78 50 Hour 50 Hour Location Task Notes Change engine oil and filter initial service Check fan belt tension and damage 1/4-1/3” (7-9 mm), initial Change hydraulic fluid filter initial Check fuel hose and clamp band...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 79 50 Hour Check Fan Belt for Tension and Damage Check belt tension after 50 hours. Belt is properly tensioned when it moves about 1/4-3/8” (7-9 mm) when pushed at the long span. Replace the belt when it is worn and sinks into the pulley groove.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 80 50 Hour Check Lug Nut Torque Check lug nut torque at 10 hours, 50 hours and every 200 hours thereafter. Tighten to 88-95 ft•lb (108-129 N•m) as needed. t54om015h.eps t54om015h.eps Check Idler Roller Bearings...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 81 250 Hour 250 Hour Location Task Notes Change engine oil and filter Check intake air line Check fan belt for tension and damage 1/4-1/3” (7-9 mm) Change hydraulic filter Check lug nut torque 88-95 ft•lb (108-129 N•m)
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 82 250 Hour Check Fan Belt for Tension and Damage Check belt tension every 250 hours. Belt is properly tensioned when it moves about 1/4-3/8” (7-9 mm) when pushed at the long span. Replace the belt when it is worn and sinks into the pulley groove.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 83 250 Hour Check Lug Nut Torque Check lug nut torque at initial intervals and every 250 hours thereafter. Tighten to 88-95 ft•lb (108- 129 N•m) as needed. t54om015h.eps t54om015h.eps Check Idler Roller Bearings Check for proper positioning of idler roller bearings every 300 hours.
Change filter every 500 hours. If you refuel from cans, replace filter more often. The canister filter is located in the engine compartment. ® See parts manual or contact your Ditch Witch dealer for correct replacement filter. t54om023h.eps t54om023h.eps Change Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Change hydraulic fluid and filter every 500 hours.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 85 500 Hour Change Water Separator Filter Change water separator filter every 500 hours. 1. Turn off at valve (1). 2. Purge fuel out of filter by unscrewing bottom drain plug (2). 3. Unscrew bottom of filter (3).
ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 88 As Needed Power Unit Change Air Filter Change air filter when red band on indicator (1) is visible. Replace secondary element (4) every third change of primary element (3) or any time primary element has become damaged.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 89 As Needed Adjust Attachment Drive Controls Adjust foot control if stepping on pedal moves attachment drive control handle. To adjust foot control: 1. Stand on platform and press attachment drive foot control pedal down completely.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 90 As Needed Adjust Idler Roller Bearings Adjust idler roller bearings to keep dirt, grass, and other foreign matter from damaging bearings as needed when hubs become loose. 1. Release track tension. See “Check Hydraulic Hoses”...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 91 As Needed Check Battery Check battery as needed. Keep battery clean and terminals free of corrosion. To clean: 1. Turn battery disconnect switch, if equipped, to the off position. 2. Ensure that no ignition sources are near batteries.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 92 As Needed Charge Battery Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur. Follow directions carefully. To help avoid injury: • Use a single 12V maximum source for charging. Do not connect to rapid chargers or dual batteries.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 93 As Needed Charging Procedure (Engine Off) 1. Park service vehicle close to disabled equipment but do not allow vehicles to touch. Engage parking brake in both vehicles. 2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position in both vehicles, and turn off all electrical loads. Disconnect the machine controller.
Check Digging Chain Teeth and Bits ® Inspect digging chain teeth for wear as needed. Replace worn teeth with new Ditch Witch teeth. Each unit is equipped with a standard tooth configuration. When replacing teeth, maintain original tooth pattern.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 95 As Needed Replace Digging Chain Visually check digging chains for wear on rollers and sidebars (2). Check pins (3) and bushing wear by measuring distance between chain pins and comparing it with a new chain. Also check digging teeth (1).
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service - 96 As Needed...
ST37x Operator’s Manual Specifications - 97 ST37x Specifications ST37x t54om001h.eps t54om001h.eps Dimensions U.S. Metric Overall height of machine 57 in 1450 mm Overall length of machine, without chain 104.5 in 2654 mm Overall length of machine, with 36” chain 130 in...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Specifications - 98 ST37x Dimensions U.S. Metric Centerline trench to outside edge of unit, right 21-37 in 533-940 Headshaft height 23 in 584 mm Headshaft overhang 18 in 457 mm Swing radius, front, w/36” chain 81 in...
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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Defects will be determined by an inspection within thirty (30) days of the date of failure of the product or part by Ditch Witch Product Support (DWPS) or its authorized dealer. DWPS will provide the location of its inspection facilities or its nearest authorized dealer upon inquiry.
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service Record - 105 Service Record Service Performed Date Hours...
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ST37x Operator’s Manual Service Record - 106 Service Performed Date Hours...
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P0404 EGR over-voltage fault P1404 EGR under-voltage fault 2791 P1409 EGR feedback malfunction U0401 EGR ECM data fault P0403 Open circuit between the EGR motor coils P1405 522579 Short circuit between the EGR motor coils EGR valve P0488 522580 EGR position sensor malfunction P148A 522581 EGR stuck open valve malfunction...
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