Ditch Witch SK500 Operator's Manual
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Ditch Witch SK500 Operator's Manual

Ditch Witch SK500 Operator's Manual

Mini skid track loader
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SK500
Operator's
Manual
®
Issue 2.0
CMW
054- 091

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Summary of Contents for Ditch Witch SK500

  • Page 1 SK500 Operator’s Manual ® Issue 2.0 054- 091...

  • Page 2: Overview

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1 Overview Chapter Contents Serial Number Location ..... . 2 Intended Use ....... 3 Unit Components .
  • Page 3 SK500 Operator’s Manual Overview - 2 Serial Number Location Serial Number Location Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. Unit serial number is located as shown. t05om025c.eps Item date of manufacture date of purchase unit serial number...
  • Page 4 The SK500 is a walk-behind, rubber track mini skid steer unit designed for light-to medium-duty construction work. The SK500 has a quick attach mount plate which makes it easy for an operator to connect different attachments. The unit is designed for operation in temperatures typically experienced in earth moving and construction work environments.
  • Page 5 SK500 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 t05om021c.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.

  • Page 6: 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 7 Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005 by The Charles Machine Works, Inc. , Ditch Witch, CMW, AutoCrowd, Modularmatic, Jet Trac, Roto Witch, Subsite, Fluid Miser, Perma-Soil, Power Pipe, Super Witch, Super Witch II, Pierce Airrow, The Underground, and The Underground Authority Worldwide are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works, Inc.

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    SK500 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...
  • Page 9 SK500 Operator’s Manual Contents - 8...

  • Page 10: Safety

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Safety - 9 Safety Chapter Contents Guidelines ....... . 10 Safety Alert Classifications .

  • Page 11: Guidelines

    Use equipment carefully. Stop operation and investigate anything that does not look or feel right. • Do not operate unit where flammable gas is present. • Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any question about operation, maintenance, or equipment use.

  • Page 12: Safety Alert Classifications

    SK500 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.

  • Page 13: Safety Alerts

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Safety - 12 Safety Alerts Safety Alerts Moving digging teeth will kill you or cut off arm or leg. Stay away. Turning shaft will kill you or crush arm or leg. Stay away. Electric shock. Contacting electric lines will cause death or serious injury.
  • Page 14 SK500 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.
  • Page 15 SK500 Operator’s Manual Safety - 14 Safety Alerts Moving traffic - hazardous situation. Death or serious injury could result. Avoid moving vehicles, wear high visibility clothing, post appropriate warning signs. Flying objects may cause injury. Wear hard hat and safety glasses.

  • Page 16: Emergency Procedures

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15 Emergency Procedures Emergency Procedures Before operating any equipment, review emergency procedures and check that all safety precautions have been taken. EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN - Turn ignition switch to STOP. Electric Strike Description When working near electric cables, remember the following: •...

  • Page 17: If An Electric Line Is Damaged

    SK500 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 near pedestrian unit, DO NOT MOVE and do not touch unit. Take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend upon the situation.

  • Page 18: Controls

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Controls - 17 Controls t05om005c.eps 1. Choke 7. Hydraulic fluid temperature indicator 2. Auxiliary power outlet 8. Attachment drive control 3. Ignition switch 9. Lift arm control 4. Fuel gauge 10. Throttle 5. Hourmeter 11. Right track drive control 6.
  • Page 19 SK500 Operator’s Manual Controls - 18 Item Description Notes 3. Ignition switch To start engine, insert key and IMPORTANT: If engine does not start turn clockwise. or stalls, turn key to STOP and then restart. To stop engine, turn key counterclockwise.
  • Page 20 SK500 Operator’s Manual Controls - 19 Item Description Notes 7. Hydraulic fluid Lights when hydraulic fluid is Check hydraulic fluid level. temperature indicator overheating. 8. Attachment drive To engage attachment drive control in reverse, push up. To engage attachment drive in forward, pull down.
  • Page 21 SK500 Operator’s Manual Controls - 20 Item Description Notes 11. Right track drive To move forward, push. To turn right, move left control forward control and right control back. To move backward, pull. To turn left, move right control forward To go faster in either and left control back.

  • Page 22: Prepare

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 21 Prepare Chapter Contents Gather Information ......22 • All Jobs ..........22 •...

  • Page 23: Gather Information

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 22 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.

  • Page 24: Inspect Site

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 23 Inspect Site Inspect Site 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 •...

  • Page 25: Classify Jobsite

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 24 Classify Jobsite Classify Jobsite Inspect Jobsite • Inspect jobsite and perimeter for evidence of underground hazards, such as: – “buried utility” notices – utility facilities without overhead lines – gas or water meters – junction boxes –...

  • Page 26: Apply Precautions

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 25 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. •...

  • Page 27: Check Supplies And Prepare Equipment

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 26 Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Supplies • fuel • keys • lubricants • personal protective equipment, such as hard hat and safety glasses Fluid Levels • fuel • hydraulic fluid •...

  • Page 28: Connect Attachment

    Prepare - 27 Connect Attachment Connect Attachment IMPORTANT: Use only Ditch Witch-approved attachments. Attachments can change the stability and operating characteristics of the unit. Attachment IMPORTANT: Before connecting attachment to unit, ensure that mount and receiver plates are free of dirt and debris.
  • Page 29 SK500 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 28 Connect Attachment Hydraulic Hoses If attachment requires hydraulic power for operation, connect hydraulic hoses. Fluid or air pressure could pierce skin and cause injury or death. Stay away. NOTICE: • Escaping pressurized fluid can cause injury or pierce skin and poison.

  • Page 30: Drive

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Drive - 29 Drive Chapter Contents Start Unit ....... . . 30 Drive .
  • Page 31 For example, an empty bucket makes the rear of the unit the heavy end while a full bucket makes the front of the unit the heavy end. Most Ditch Witch-approved attachments make the front of the unit the heavy end.
  • Page 32 SK500 Operator’s Manual Drive - 31 Shut Down Shut Down 1. Move track drive controls to neutral position. 2. Run engine at low idle for three minutes to cool. 3. Turn ignition switch to STOP. 4. Remove key. NOTICE: •...
  • Page 33 SK500 Operator’s Manual Drive - 32 Shut Down...

  • Page 34: Transport

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Transport - 33 Transport Chapter Contents Lift ........34 •...

  • Page 35: Lift

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Transport - 34 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.

  • Page 36: Haul

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Transport - 35 Haul Haul IMPORTANT: For complete information, see the trailer manufacturer’s manual. Inspect Trailer • Check hitch for wear and cracks. Lubricate if needed. • Check battery for 12V charge, if installed. • Inspect lights for cleanliness and correct operation. Inspect reflectors and replace if needed.

  • Page 37: Load

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Transport - 36 Haul Load Crushing weight. If load falls or moves it could kill or crush you. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. NOTICE: • Load and unload trailer on level ground. • Incorrect loading can cause trailer swaying.

  • Page 38: Tie Down

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Transport - 37 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.

  • Page 39: Unload

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Transport - 38 Haul Unload Crushing weight. If load falls or moves it could kill or crush you. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. NOTICE: • Load and unload trailer on level ground. • Attach trailer to vehicle before loading or unloading.

  • Page 40: Tow

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Transport - 39 Under normal conditions, unit should not be towed. If unit breaks down and towing is necessary: t05om004c.eps • attach chains to tow points facing towing vehicle • tow for short distances at less than 1 mph (1.6 km/h) •...
  • Page 41 SK500 Operator’s Manual Transport - 40 Return Unit to Normal Operation 1. Screw in bypass valve pins and torque to 12.5 ft•lb (17 N•m). IMPORTANT: Close bypass valve in both front and rear pumps. 2. Remove rear access panel. 3. Remove brake pin bolts (3).

  • Page 42: Complete The Job

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 41 Complete the Job Chapter Contents Rinse Equipment ......42 Disconnect Attachment .
  • Page 43 SK500 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 42 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 remove debris from inside of unit.

  • Page 44: Service

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 43 Service Chapter Contents Precautions ......44 Overview .
  • Page 45 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 44 Precautions Precautions Incorrect procedures could result in death, injury, or property damage. Learn to use equipment correctly. NOTICES: • Unless otherwise instructed, all service should be performed with engine off. • Refer to engine manufacturer’s manual for engine maintenance instructions.
  • Page 46 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 45 Overview Overview 500 h 250 h 100 h 50 h t05om006c.eps...
  • Page 47 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 “Fluid Capacities” on page 67.
  • Page 48 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 47 10 Hour 10 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Check engine oil level GEO* Check hydraulic fluid level Check hydraulic hoses Check air filter Check track tension Traction Unit Check Engine Oil Level Honda t05om009c.eps...
  • Page 49 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 48 10 Hour Kohler Check engine oil level at dipstick (1) every 10 hours. If low, add GEO at fill (2). Check with unit on level surface and at least 15 minutes after stopping engine.
  • Page 50 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 49 10 Hour Check Hydraulic Hoses t05om007c.eps Check hydraulic hoses for leaks every 10 hours. Fluid or air pressure could pierce skin and cause injury or death. Stay away. NOTICE: • Escaping pressurized fluid can cause injury or pierce skin and poison.
  • Page 51 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 50 10 Hour Check Air Filter Honda t05om011c.eps Check air filter every 10 hours. 1. Remove air cleaner cover (1). 2. Remove and inspect foam (2) and paper (3) filter elements. 3. Clean or replace elements if they are dirty or damaged. See “Clean Air Filter” on page 54.
  • Page 52 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 51 10 Hour Kohler Check air filter every 10 hours. Replace as needed. 1. Open air filter housing at latches (1). 2. Remove and inspect primary (2) and secondary (3) elements. 3. Wipe inside of housing and wash end cup.
  • Page 53 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 52 20 Hour 20 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change engine oil Initial service, GEO* Traction Unit Change Engine Oil (Initial) Honda t05om012c.eps t05om013c.eps Change engine oil after 20 hours. Drain oil (1) and add 1.2 qt (1.1 L) of GEO* at fill (2).
  • Page 54 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 53 20 Hour Kohler Change engine oil after 20 hours. Drain oil (2) and add 2.1 qt (2 L) of GEO at fill (1). IMPORTANT: Use oil specified in “Engine Oil Temperature Chart” on page 46.
  • Page 55 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 54 50 Hour 50 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Clean air filter Check battery Traction Unit Clean Air Filter Honda only t05om017c.eps Clean air filter every 50 hours. 1. Remove air filter cover (1), foam filter element (2), and paper filter element (3). See page 50.
  • Page 56 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 55 100 Hour 100 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change engine oil GEO* Traction Unit Change Engine Oil Honda t05om012c.eps t05om013c.eps Change engine oil every 100 hours. Drain oil (1) and add 1.2 qt (1.1 L) of GEO* at fill (2).
  • Page 57 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 56 100 Hour Kohler Change engine oil every 100 hours. Drain oil (2) and add 2.1 qt (2 L) of GEO at fill (1). IMPORTANT: Use oil specified in “Engine Oil Temperature Chart” on page 46.
  • Page 58 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 57 200 Hour 200 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change engine oil filter Traction Unit Change Engine Oil Filter Honda t05om014c.eps Change engine oil filter every 200 hours. Drain oil, change filter (shown) and add 1.5 qt (1.4 L) of GEO* at fill.
  • Page 59 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 58 200 Hour Kohler Change engine oil filter every 200 hours. Drain oil, change filter (shown) and add 2.1 qt (2 L) of GEO at fill. See page 52. IMPORTANT: Use oil specified in “Engine Oil Temperature Chart” on page 46.
  • Page 60 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 59 250 Hour 250 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change hydraulic fluid filter Traction Unit Change Hydraulic Fluid Filter t05om015c.eps Change hydraulic fluid filter every 250 hours.
  • Page 61 Change fuel filter every 300 hours. If you refuel from cans, replace filter more often. See parts manual or contact your Ditch Witch dealer for correct replacement filter. Kohler Change inline fuel filter every 300 hours. See parts manual or contact your Ditch Witch dealer for correct replacement filter. 1. Remove filter.
  • Page 62 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 61 300 Hour Change Air Filter Honda t05om017c.eps Change air filter every 300 hours. Change more often in dusty conditions. 1. Remove air cleaner cover (1). 2. Remove foam (2) and paper (3) filter elements.
  • Page 63 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 62 300 Hour Kohler Change air filter every 300 hours. 1. Open air filter housing at latches (1). 2. Remove primary (2) and secondary (3) elements. 3. Wipe inside of housing and wash end cup.
  • Page 64 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 63 500 Hour 500 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change hydraulic fluid Traction Unit Change Hydraulic Fluid t05om018c.eps Change hydraulic fluid every 500 hours. Drain fluid at plug (2) and add THF at fill (1) until fluid level is at...
  • Page 65 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service - 64 500 Hour...

  • Page 66: Specifications

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 65 Basic Unit Specifications Basic Unit t05om003c.eps Dimensions U.S. Metric Overall height 42.5 in 1.1 m Overall length 72.5 in 1.8 m Weight 2270 lb 1030 kg Hinge pin height, max 81.1 in 2.1 m...
  • Page 67 SK500 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 66 Basic Unit Performance U.S. Metric Ground drive speed, forward 3.6 mph 5.8 km/h Ground drive speed, reverse 2.3 mph 3.7 km/h Ground pressure, 7-in tracks 4.3 psi 0.3 bar Ground pressure, 9-in tracks 3.3 psi 0.2 bar...
  • Page 68 SK500 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 67 Basic Unit Power - Kohler Engine U.S. Metric Engine: Kohler CH740S, gasoline Cooling medium Number of cylinders Displacement 44 in 625 cm Bore 3.3 in 88 mm Stroke 2.6 in 67 mm Installed net power per SAE J1349 (@ 3600 rpm) 27 hp 20.1 kW...
  • Page 69 SK500 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 68 Basic Unit Battery SAE reserve capacity 180 min, SAE cold crank @ 0°F (-18°C) 675 amp, 12V electrical system Noise Levels - Honda Engine Operator 86 dBA sound pressure per ISO 6394 Exterior 101 dBA sound power per ISO 6393...

  • Page 70: Support

    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.
  • Page 71 Subject to the limitations 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 SK500 attachments).

  • Page 74: Service Record

    SK500 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 73 Service Record Service Performed Date Hours...
  • Page 75 SK500 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 74 Service Performed Date Hours...

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