Do you have a question about the SK800 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
richard J piliponis
April 29, 2025
how and where do you add oil
1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
May 15, 2025
To add oil to a Ditch Witch SK800, follow these general steps:
1. Use 15W-40 diesel engine oil. 2. Locate the oil fill cap on the engine. It is usually marked and found near the top of the engine. 3. Remove the oil fill cap. 4. Use a funnel to pour the oil into the engine slowly. 5. Check the oil level with the dipstick to ensure it is within the proper range. 6. Replace the oil fill cap securely.
For exact location of components like the oil fill cap, refer to the equipment manual, specifically page 76 as mentioned in the context.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Overview - 2 Serial Number Location Serial Number Location Record serial number and date of purchase in spaces provided. Serial number is located as shown. t46om013w.eps Item Date of manufacture Date of purchase Machine serial number...
This machine is intended for operation only according to the instructions in this manual. Operate machine in ambient temperatures from 10° to 115°F (-12° to 46°C). Contact your Ditch Witch® dealer for provisions required for operating in extreme temperatures. Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended use.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Overview - 5 Operator Orientation Operator Orientation IMPORTANT: Top view of machine is shown. 1. Front 2. Right side 3. Rear 4. Left side t46om015w.eps Operating Area IMPORTANT: Top view of machine is shown. Operator should stand only in the location shown.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Overview - 6 About This Manual 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.
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 2.0/OM-7/20 Part number 053-2976 Copyright 2017, 2020 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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SK800 Operator’s Manual Contents - 9 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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SK800 Operator’s Manual Contents - 10 Support The warranty policy for this machine and procedures for obtaining warranty consideration and training...
Mark jobsite clearly and keep spectators away. • 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 or at www.ditchwitch.com/safe. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available at www.ditchwitch.com/support. •...
SK800 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13 Emergency Procedures Emergency Procedures Underground utilities. Contact can cause death or serious injury. Locate and verify underground utilities before digging or drilling. Before operating any equipment, review emergency procedures and check that all safety precautions have been taken.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Safety - 14 Emergency Procedures If an Electric Line is Damaged If you suspect an electric line has been damaged, DO NOT MOVE. Take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend on the situation.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 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.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 16 Machine Safety Alerts Machine Safety Alerts Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information. Raised component. Crushing can cause death or serious injury. Stay away or secure raised component with locking...
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 17 Machine Safety Alerts Lifted load. Crushing can cause death or serious injury. Stay away from lifted load and its range of movement. Moving parts. Contact can cause serious injury. Stay away. Misuse of machine can cause death or serious injury.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 20 Prepare Jobsite Prepare Jobsite Underground utilities. Contact can cause death or serious injury. Locate and verify underground utilities before digging or drilling. To help avoid injury: • Expose lines by careful hand digging or soft excavation before operating equipment. Use appropriate equipment and procedures for exposing utility lines.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 21 Prepare Jobsite Identify Hazards Inspect jobsite before transporting equipment. Check for the following: • overall grade or slope • changes in elevation such as hills or open trenches • obstacles such as buildings, railroad crossings, or streams •...
SK800 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 22 Prepare Jobsite Locate Utilities Notify One-Call Services Mark proposed path with white paint and have underground utilities located before working. • In the US or Canada, call 811 (US) or 888-258-0808 (US and Canada). Also contact any local utilities that do not participate in the One-Call service.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 23 Prepare Jobsite Classify Jobsite Select a Classification Jobsites are classified according to underground hazards present, not by line being installed. Jobsite may have more than one classification. If working . . . then classify jobsite as . . .
SK800 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 24 Prepare Jobsite Crystalline Dust Jobsite Precautions Silica dust. Exposure can cause lung disease or cancer. Use breathing protection. Crystalline silica dust is a naturally occurring substance found in soil, sand, concrete, granite, and quartz.
Check that you will have access to a telephone. • 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 or at www.ditchwitch.com/safe. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available at www.ditchwitch.com/support. •...
It should meet legal and regulatory requirements. Connect Attachment NOTICE: Use only Ditch Witch-approved attachments. Attachments can change the stability and operating characteristics of the machine. See attachment operation manual for instructions regarding proper operation of attachments.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 28 Prepare Equipment 3. Tilt attachment plate (2) forward. 4. Position attachment plate in upper lip of receiver plate (1) on attachment. 5. Raise lift arms while tilting back attachment plate to engage pins. t62om006w19.eps 6.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 29 Prepare Equipment Hydraulic Connection If attachment requires hydraulic power for operation, connect hydraulic hoses. Pressurized fluid or air. Injection can cause death or serious injury. Refer to operator’s manual for correct use. To help avoid injury: •...
SK800 Operator’s Manual Controls - 32 Attachment Plate Attachment Plate t51om034w.eps 1. Level indicator 2. Attachment latches Item Description IMPORTANT 1. Level indicator To level bucket, adjust bucket To level other attachments, adjust position until indicator is at attachment position until it is level.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Controls - 33 Battery Disconnect Battery Disconnect t46om003w.eps Item Description IMPORTANT Battery disconnect switch To disconnect, move left. NOTICE: To connect, move right. • Do not disconnect with engine running. • To avoid equipment damage, wait two minutes after turning engine...
SK800 Operator’s Manual Controls - 34 Gauges and Indicators Gauges and Indicators t46om001w.eps 6. Hourmeter 1. Glow plug button 2. Engine coolant temperature gauge 7. Engine coolant temperature indicator 3. Engine oil pressure indicator 8. Glow plug indicator 4. Hydraulic fluid temperature indicator 9.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Controls - 35 Gauges and Indicators Item Description IMPORTANT 2. Engine coolant Displays coolant temperature gauge temperature. 3. Engine oil pressure Lights when engine oil Lights briefly when engine is started. indicator pressure is low. 4. Hydraulic fluid...
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Controls - 36 Gauges and Indicators Item Description IMPORTANT 7. Engine coolant Lights when engine coolant When indicator lights, alarm will temperature indicator temperature is too high. sound. 8. Glow plug indicator Lights when ignition switch is on and glow plug button is pressed.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Controls - 37 Operator Station Operator Station t46om002w.eps 1. Left track drive control/track drive joystick* Lift arm control 2. Right track drive control/track drive joystick* 6. Attachment drive control 3. Parking brake 7. Throttle 4. Ignition switch 8.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Controls - 38 Operator Station Item Description IMPORTANT 1. Left track drive control To drive forward, push both See “Steer” on page 43. controls forward. 2. Right track drive control To drive in reverse, pull back. To go faster in either direction, move control farther from neutral position.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Controls - 39 Operator Station Item Description IMPORTANT 5. Lift arm control To move lift arms down, push. To float, push to end. To move lift arms up, pull. To curl attachment up, move left. To curl attachment down, move right.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Drive - 41 Drive Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety” and “Prepare” chapters. IMPORTANT: For more information on how to operate controls, see “Controls” chapter. Start ........42 Steer .
Allow hydraulic fluid time to warm before operating in cold weather. Cold hydraulic fluid can lengthen ground drive stopping time. • For starting in extreme temperatures, contact your Ditch Witch dealer. Pre-heater. Fire or explosion can cause death or serious injury. Never use starter fluid.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Drive - 43 Steer Steer Single Joystick Ground Drive To steer while moving forward, push joystick and then move left or right. Machine will gradually turn. To steer while moving in reverse, pull joystick and then move left or right. Machine will gradually turn.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Drive - 44 Operate Slope Guidelines Tipover. Crushing can cause death or serious injury. Follow procedure in operator’s manual. Drive cautiously. To help avoid injury: • Operate at slow speed when on rough terrain. • Avoid driving across slopes.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Drive - 45 Shut Down Reduce Track Wear Rubber tracks are best suited at soil-based jobsites with minimal rocks and debris. To reduce track wear drive slowly and make wide turns. Avoid the following: • spinning tracks under heavy load •...
SK800 Operator’s Manual Transport - 47 Transport Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety” and “Prepare” chapters. IMPORTANT: For more information on how to operate controls, see “Controls” chapter. Lift ........48 •...
SK800 Operator’s Manual Transport - 48 Lift Lift Lifted load. Crushing weight can cause death or serious injury. Stay away from lifted load and its range of movement. To help avoid injury: Only lift unit without attachment installed. Points Lifting points are identified by lifting decals. Lifting at other points is unsafe and can damage machinery.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Transport - 49 Haul Haul Misuse of machine can cause death or serious injury. Read and understand operator’s manual and all other safety instructions before use. Know how to use all controls. To help avoid injury: •...
SK800 Operator’s Manual Transport - 50 Haul Load Horizontal movement. Crushing can cause death or serious injury. Read and understand operator’s manual and all safety instructions before use. To help avoid injury: Start and operate only from platform. 1. Release parking brake.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Transport - 51 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 a transport chain around each tie down point. See chart below for correct distances between tiedown ends.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Transport - 52 Retrieve Unload Horizontal movement. Crushing can cause death or serious injury. Read and understand operator’s manual and all safety instructions before use. To help avoid injury: Start and operate only from platform. 1. Prepare trailer and ramps for unloading.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Transport - 53 Retrieve 4. Activate tow valves on both front and rear pumps by turning levers into position shown. NOTICE: When bypass valves are open, only parking brake functions. 5. Remove blocks. 6. Release parking brake if engine will start. If engine will not start, remove rear panel and unbolt parking brake assembly.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Transport - 54 Retrieve...
SK800 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 55 Complete the Job Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety” and “Prepare” chapters. Rinse Equipment ......56 Disconnect Attachment .
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 56 Rinse Equipment Rinse Equipment NOTICE: • Do not spray water onto operator’s console or electrical center in engine compartment. Water can damage electrical components. Wipe down instead. • Ensure all mud and debris is rinsed from tracks before parking unit overnight.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 58 Maintenance Precautions Maintenance Precautions Jobsite hazards. Exposure can cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain appropriate safety equipment. To help avoid injury: • Wear personal protective equipment including hard hat, safety eye wear, foot protection, hearing protection, and gloves (except when near rotating equipment).
SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 59 Maintenance Precautions Welding Precaution NOTICE: Welding can damage electronics. • Welding currents can damage electronic components. Always disconnect the ECU ground connection from the frame, harness connections to the ECU, and other electronic components prior to welding on machine or attachments.
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 genuine Ditch Witch parts, filters, approved lubricants, TJC, and approved coolants to maintain warranty. Fill to capacities listed in “Specifications” on page 79.
This machine was filled with coolant meeting ASTM D6210 before shipment from factory. Add or replace only with low-silicate, fully-formulated diesel engine coolant meeting this specification. This coolant is available, pre-diluted, from your Ditch Witch dealer as part number 255-1055.
In certain markets, higher blends may be used if certain steps are taken. Extra attention is needed when using biodiesel, especially when operating in cold weather or storing fuel. Contact your Ditch Witch® dealer or the engine manufacturer for more information. LRC (Less Regulated Countries) This engine is designed to run on diesel fuel.
SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 65 Procedures Procedures Battery Corrosive fluid. Contact can cause death or serious injury. Avoid contact. Wear appropriate gloves. See Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for more information. To help avoid injury: • Never attempt to charge a battery that is leaking, bulging, heavily corroded, frozen, or otherwise damaged.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 66 Procedures Check 1. Disconnect battery at battery disconnect switch, if equipped. 2. Ensure no ignition sources are near battery. 3. Loosen and remove battery cable clamps carefully, negative (-) cable first. 4. Clean cable clamps and terminals to remove dull glaze.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 67 Procedures Charge 1. Park service vehicle close to disabled equipment but do not allow vehicles to touch. 2. Set parking brake in both, if equipped. 3. Turn both off. 4. Disconnect machine controller, if equipped.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 68 Procedures Belt, Fan Check every 150 hours. Adjust tension as needed. Change as needed. Check Check for excessive slack, damage, or wear. Belt is properly tensioned when it moves about 1/4-3/8” (7-9mm) when pushed at long span (shown).
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 69 Procedures Coolant NOTICE: See “Approved Coolant” on page 61. Check before startup and every 10 hours. Change every 1000 hours. Check Level 1. Check at overflow bottle (2). 2. Add DEAC at fill (1) as needed to keep level at halfway point on overflow bottle.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 70 Procedures Engine Compartment NOTICE: Check more often if operating in large brush, grassy conditions, or if machine is being stored. Check for debris every 10 hours. Remove debris from engine compartment manually. Do not use water or compressed air.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 71 Procedures Filter, Fuel Change canister filter (1) and inline filter (2) every 600 hours. If refueling from cans, replace filters more often. t35om028w.eps t35om030w.eps Filter, Hydraulic Fluid Change filter (shown) at 50 hours and every 300 hours thereafter.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 72 Procedures Fluid Hydraulic NOTICE: Change every 250 hours if jobsite temperature exceeds 100°F (38°C) more than 50% of the time. IMPORTANT: Ensure cylinders are fully retracted. Check before startup and every 10 hours. Change every 600 hours.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 73 Procedures Fuel Hose Check fuel hose (shown) and clamp bands every 50 hours. If clamp is loose, apply oil to the threads and retighten. If hose is worn, replace. Bleed fuel system if hose and/or clamp is changed.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 74 Procedures Hydraulic Hoses Pressurized fluid or air. Injection can cause death or serious injury. Refer to operator’s manual for correct use. To help avoid injury: • Use a piece of cardboard or wood, rather than hands, to check for leaks.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 75 Procedures Idler Roller Bearings Check idler roller bearings (shown) at 50 hours and every 300 hours thereafter. Adjust as needed. Check 1. Lift machine. 2. Release track tension. See “Track Tension” on page 78.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 76 Procedures Intake Air Line NOTICE: Keep dust out of the intake air line to prevent damage to the engine. Check intake air line (shown) for dirt and debris every 300 hours. If clamp is loose, apply oil to threads and retighten.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 77 Procedures Parking Brake Check before startup and every 10 hours. 1. Start engine. 2. Ensure parking brake pin (shown) moves freely allowing brake to be set and released. 3. Clean mud and debris from area around pin.
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 78 Procedures Track Tension Contents under pressure. Impact can cause death or serious injury. Relieve pressure before opening. To help avoid injury: • Service track grease cylinder only while standing away from zerk. • Cover connection with heavy cloth when relieving pressure in cylinder.
Chapter Contents SK800 ........80 Declaration of Conformity ....83...
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 80 SK800 SK800 t35om026w.eps Dimensions Metric Angle of departure 27° 27° Overall height of machine 57” 1450mm Hinge pin height, max 83” 2108mm Operating height, max, standard bucket 105” 2667mm Overall length of loader, no attachment 86”...
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 81 SK800 Dimensions Metric Bucket width, max 44” 1120mm Bucket width, min 36” 915mm Dump angle, standard bucket at max dump height 35° 35° Dump height, max, with standard bucket 66” 1676mm Reach, standard bucket at max dump height 17”...
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SK800 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 83 Declaration of Conformity Declaration of Conformity Countries in the European Union should have received a Declaration of Conformity (DOC) with this machine similar to the example below. The Charles Machine Works, Inc. PO Box 661959 West Fir Avenue...
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Support Registration If your equipment was purchased through a Ditch Witch dealer, it is already registered. If you purchased from any other source, please email productsupportwarrantyadmin@ditchwitch.com or fill out the registration card located in the back of the parts manual. Registration enables you to receive updates on this equipment as well as information on new products of interest.
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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.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the SK800 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
how and where do you add oil
To add oil to a Ditch Witch SK800, follow these general steps:
1. Use 15W-40 diesel engine oil.
2. Locate the oil fill cap on the engine. It is usually marked and found near the top of the engine.
3. Remove the oil fill cap.
4. Use a funnel to pour the oil into the engine slowly.
5. Check the oil level with the dipstick to ensure it is within the proper range.
6. Replace the oil fill cap securely.
For exact location of components like the oil fill cap, refer to the equipment manual, specifically page 76 as mentioned in the context.
This answer is automatically generated
how and ware do you add oil