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SK900
Yanmar® 3TNV80FT
Operator's
Manual
Issue 1.0
053-3357
CMW®
Original Instruction

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Ditch Witch SK900

  • Page 1 SK900 Yanmar® 3TNV80FT Operator’s Manual Issue 1.0 053-3357 CMW® Original Instruction...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1 Overview Chapter Contents Serial Number Location ..... 2 Intended Use ......3 Equipment Modification .
  • Page 3: Serial Number Location

    SK900 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...
  • Page 4: Intended Use

    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.
  • Page 5: Machine Components

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Overview - 4 Machine Components Machine Components t46om014w.eps 1. Operator station platform 4. Lift arms 2. Tracks 5. Attachment plate 3. Engine compartment...
  • Page 6: Operator Orientation

    SK900 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.
  • Page 7: About This Manual

    SK900 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.
  • Page 8: Foreword

    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.
  • Page 9 Issue number 1.0/OM-10/21 Part number 053-3357 Copyright 2021 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.
  • Page 10 SK900 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...
  • Page 11 SK900 Operator’s Manual Contents - 10 Support The warranty policy for this machine and procedures for obtaining warranty consideration and training...
  • Page 12: Safety

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 11 Safety Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Prepare” chapter. Safety Alert Classification ....12 Guidelines ....... 13 Emergency Procedures .
  • Page 13: Safety Alert Classification

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 12 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.
  • Page 14: Guidelines

    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. •...
  • Page 15: Emergency Procedures

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 14 Emergency Procedures • Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any questions about operation, maintenance, or equipment use. • Complete the equipment checklist located at www.ditchwitch.com/safe. Emergency Procedures Underground utilities. Contact can cause death or serious injury.
  • Page 16: If An Electric Line Is Damaged

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15 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.
  • Page 17: If A Fiber Optic Cable Is Damaged

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 16 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.
  • Page 18: Machine Safety Alerts

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17 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.
  • Page 19 SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 18 Machine Safety Alerts Machine Safety Alerts Raised component. Crushing can cause death or serious injury. Stay away or secure raised component with locking device. Use correct equipment and procedures. Underground utilities. Contact can cause death or serious injury.
  • Page 20 SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 19 Machine Safety Alerts Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information. Moving parts. Contact can cause serious injury. Stay away. Lifted load. Crushing can cause death or serious injury.
  • Page 21 SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 20 Machine Safety Alerts...
  • Page 22: Prepare

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 21 Prepare Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety” chapter. Prepare Jobsite ......22 •...
  • Page 23: Prepare Jobsite

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 22 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.
  • Page 24: Identify Hazards

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 23 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 •...
  • Page 25: Locate Utilities

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 24 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.
  • Page 26: Classify Jobsite

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 25 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 . . .
  • Page 27: Arrange For Traffic Control

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 26 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.
  • Page 28: Prepare Operator

    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. •...
  • Page 29: Prepare Equipment

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 28 Prepare Equipment Prepare Equipment Check Supplies • fuel • diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), if needed • marking flags or paint • notepad and pencil • spare fuses • lubricants Check Equipment Fluid Levels •...
  • Page 30: Assemble Accessories

    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.
  • Page 31 SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 30 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.
  • Page 32 SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 31 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: •...
  • Page 33 SK900 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 32 Prepare Equipment...
  • Page 34: Controls

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Controls - 33 Controls Chapter Contents Attachment Plate ......34 Battery Disconnect ......35 Gauges and Indicators .
  • Page 35: Attachment Plate

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Controls - 34 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.
  • Page 36: Battery Disconnect

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Controls - 35 Battery Disconnect Battery Disconnect t65om002w21.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...
  • Page 37: Gauges And Indicators

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Controls - 36 Gauges and Indicators Gauges and Indicators 003 21 4. Hydraulic fluid temperature indicator 1. Display 2. Hydraulic fluid level sight glass 5. Fuel gauge 3. Engine oil pressure indicator Item Description IMPORTANT 1. Display Displays information.
  • Page 38 SK900 Operator’s Manual Controls - 37 Gauges and Indicators Item Description IMPORTANT 3. Engine oil pressure Lights when engine oil Lights briefly when engine is started. indicator pressure is low. c00ic424w.eps 4. Hydraulic fluid Lights when hydraulic fluid When indicator lights, alarm will temperature indicator temperature is too high.
  • Page 39: Operator Station

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Controls - 38 Operator Station Operator Station t65om004w21.eps 1. Left track drive control/track drive joystick* 5. Throttle 2. Right track drive control/track drive joystick* Lift arm control 3. Parking brake 7. Attachment drive control 4. Ignition switch 8.
  • Page 40 SK900 Operator’s Manual Controls - 39 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.
  • Page 41 SK900 Operator’s Manual Controls - 40 Operator Station Item Description IMPORTANT 5. Throttle To increase engine speed, Increasing engine speed also press up. increases attachment speed. To decrease, press down. c00ic391w.eps 6. Lift arm control To move lift arms down, push.
  • Page 42: Drive

    SK900 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 .
  • Page 43: Start

    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.
  • Page 44: Steer

    SK900 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.
  • Page 45: Slope Guidelines

    SK900 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.
  • Page 46: Reduce Track Wear

    SK900 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 •...
  • Page 47 SK900 Operator’s Manual Drive - 46 Shut Down...
  • Page 48: Transport

    SK900 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 •...
  • Page 49: Lift

    SK900 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.
  • Page 50: Haul

    SK900 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: •...
  • Page 51: Load

    SK900 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.
  • Page 52: Tie Down

    SK900 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.
  • Page 53: Unload

    SK900 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.
  • Page 54 SK900 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.
  • Page 55 SK900 Operator’s Manual Transport - 54 Retrieve...
  • Page 56: Complete The Job

    SK900 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 .
  • Page 57 SK900 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.
  • Page 58: Maintenance

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 57 Maintenance Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety” and “Prepare” chapters. Maintenance Precautions ....58 • Washing Precaution ......... 58 •...
  • Page 59: Maintenance Precautions

    SK900 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).
  • Page 60: Welding Precaution

    SK900 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.
  • Page 61: Recommended Lubricants

    Proper lubrication and maintenance protects Ditch Witch equipment from damage and failure. Maintenance 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.
  • Page 62: Engine Oil Temperature Chart

    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.
  • Page 63: Approved Fuel

    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.
  • Page 64: Maintenance Interval Chart

    SK900 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 63 Maintenance Interval Chart Maintenance Interval Chart IMPORTANT: Chart indicates first instance of repeated maintenance procedures. See detailed information below. Adjust, service, or test Change, initial Lube, initial Check Change Lube Service Battery Coolant Dust ejector valve...
  • Page 65 SK900 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 64 Maintenance Interval Chart Service Radiator/Hydraulic fluid cooler Track tension...
  • Page 66: Procedures

    SK900 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.
  • Page 67 SK900 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.
  • Page 68 SK900 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.
  • Page 69 SK900 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).
  • Page 70 SK900 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.
  • Page 71 SK900 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.
  • Page 72 SK900 Operator’s Manual Maintenance - 71 Procedures Filter, Fuel Change water separator (1) and canister filter (2) every 600 hours. If refueling from cans, replace filters more often. t65om010w21.eps t65om012w21.eps Filter, Hydraulic Fluid Change filter (shown) at 50 hours and every 300 hours thereafter.
  • Page 73 SK900 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.
  • Page 74 SK900 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.
  • Page 75 SK900 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.
  • Page 76 SK900 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.
  • Page 77 SK900 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.
  • Page 78 SK900 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.
  • Page 79 SK900 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.
  • Page 80: Specifications

    Chapter Contents SK900 ........80 Declaration of Conformity ....83...
  • Page 81 SK900 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 80 SK900 SK900 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”...
  • Page 82 SK900 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 81 SK900 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”...
  • Page 83 SK900 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 82 SK900 Power Plant Metric Rated engine speed 2600rpm 2600rpm Hydraulic System Metric Auxiliary: double gear pump Flow rate (pump 1) 6.3gpm 23.8L/min Flow rate (pump 2) 5.7gpm 21.5L/min Pressure 3000psi 207bar Ground drive: dual hydrostat Flow rate 14.4gpm...
  • Page 84 SK900 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 66 1959 West Fir Avenue...
  • Page 85 SK900 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 84 Declaration of Conformity...
  • Page 86 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.
  • Page 87 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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