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CMW Ditch Witch SK350 Operator's Manual

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SK350
Operator's
Manual
Issue 3.1
®
CMW
Original Instruction

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for CMW Ditch Witch SK350

  • Page 1 SK350 Operator’s Manual Issue 3.1 ® Original Instruction...

  • Page 2: Overview

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1 Overview Chapter Contents Serial Number Location ..... . 2 Intended Use ....... 3 Unit Components .
  • Page 3 SK350 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. Item date of manufacture date of purchase unit serial number engine serial number...
  • Page 4 SK350 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3 Intended Use Intended Use The SK350 is a platform rubber track mini skid steer unit designed for compact construction work. The SK350 has a quick attach mount plate which makes it easy for an operator to connect different attachments.
  • Page 5 SK350 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 About This Manual This manual contains information for the proper use of this machine. Cross references such as “See page 50”...

  • Page 6: Foreword

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Foreword - 5 Foreword This manual is an important part of your equipment. It provides safety information and operation instructions to help you use and maintain your Ditch Witch equipment. Read this manual before using your equipment. Keep it with the equipment at all times for future reference. If you sell your equipment, be sure to give this manual to the new owner.
  • Page 7 Copyright 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014 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

    SK350 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 information Safety machine safety alerts and emergency procedures...
  • Page 9 SK300 Operator’s Manual Contents - 8...

  • Page 10: Safety

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Safety - 9 Safety Chapter Contents Guidelines ....... . 10 Safety Alert Classifications .

  • Page 11: Guidelines

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Safety - 10 Guidelines Guidelines Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment: • Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before using equipment. • Contact your local One-Call (811 in USA) or the One-Call referral number (888-258-0808 in USA and Canada) to have underground utilities located before digging.

  • Page 12: Safety Alert Classifications

    SK350 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

    SK350 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. Know location of lines and stay away.
  • Page 14 SK350 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 SK350 Operator’s Manual Safety - 14 Safety Alerts Tipover possible. Machine can tip over and crush you. • Always operate with load end uphill. • Always carry load low. High load can cause tipping, loss of load or loss of visibility.

  • Page 16: Emergency Procedures

    SK350 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

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Safety - 16 Emergency Procedures If an Electric Line is Damaged If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are on tractor, DO NOT MOVE. Remain on tractor and take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend upon the situation. •...

  • Page 18: If A Fiber Optic Cable Is Damaged

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17 Emergency Procedures If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged Do not look into cut ends of fiber optic or unidentified cable. Vision damage can occur. If Machine Catches on Fire Perform emergency shutdown procedure and then take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend on the situation.
  • Page 19 SK350 Operator’s Manual Safety - 18 Emergency Procedures...

  • Page 20: Controls

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Controls - 19 Controls 1. Throttle 7. Attachment drive control 2. Choke 8. Ignition switch 3. Left track drive control 9. Jumper terminal 4. Right track drive control 10. Attachment drive foot control 5. Tachometer/Hourmeter 11. Parking brake lever 6.
  • Page 21 SK350 Operator’s Manual Controls - 20 Item Description Notes 1. Throttle To increase engine speed, Increasing engine speed also push. increases attachment speed. To decrease engine speed, NOTICE: Always stop engine at full pull. throttle. 2. Choke To help start cold engine, pull knob.
  • Page 22 SK350 Operator’s Manual Controls - 21 Item Description Notes 5. Tachometer/Hourmeter Displays engine speed and Use hourmeter to schedule service. operating time. Flashes “Lube & Chg Oil” alerts for 2 hours at 25-hour intervals. 6. Lift arm control To move lift arms down, push. IMPORTANT: To float, push forward to end.
  • Page 23 SK350 Operator’s Manual Controls - 22 Item Description Notes 10. Attachment drive foot Attachment drive control IMPORTANT: Use this control to hold control handle must be engaged attachment control in the on position before using the foot pedal. when hands are busy operating lift arm controls or track drive.

  • Page 24: Prepare

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 23 Prepare Chapter Contents Gather Information ......24 • All Jobs ..........24 •...

  • Page 25: Gather Information

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 24 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 26: Inspect Site

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 25 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 • signs of utilities (See “Inspect Jobsite”...

  • Page 27: Classify Jobsite

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 26 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 28: Apply Precautions

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 27 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. • Have service shut down while work is in progress.

  • Page 29: Check Supplies And Prepare Equipment

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 28 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 30: Connect Attachment

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 29 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 31 SK350 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 30 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 32: Drive

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Drive - 31 Drive Chapter Contents Start Engine....... 32 Drive .
  • Page 33 SK350 Operator’s Manual Drive - 32 Start Engine Start Engine 1. Ensure all controls are in neutral. 2. If necessary, choke cold engine. 3. Move throttle to half open. 4. Turn ignition switch to start position and release when engine starts. NOTICE: If jump starting is required, see “Park service vehicle close to disabled equipment but do not allow vehicles to touch.”...
  • Page 34 SK350 Operator’s Manual Drive - 33 Drive Safe Slope Operation Tipover possible. Machine can tip over and crush you. • Always operate with heavy end uphill. • Always carry load low. High load can cause tipping, loss of load or loss of visibility.
  • Page 35 SK350 Operator’s Manual Drive - 34 Shut Down Shut Down 1. Lower lift arms to ground. 2. Move all controls to neutral position. 3. Apply parking brake. 4. Run engine at full throttle for three minutes to cool. 5. Turn ignition switch to STOP. 6.

  • Page 36: Transport

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Transport - 35 Transport Chapter Contents Lift ........36 •...

  • Page 37: Lift

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Transport - 36 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 38: Haul

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Transport - 37 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 39: Load

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Transport - 38 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. • Attach trailer to vehicle before loading or unloading. •...

  • Page 40: Tie Down

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Transport - 39 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 41: Unload

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Transport - 40 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. 1.

  • Page 42: Tow

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Transport - 41 Under normal conditions, unit should not be towed. If unit breaks down and towing is necessary: • attach chains to tow points facing towing vehicle • tow for short distances at less than 1 mph (1.6 km/h) •...
  • Page 43 SK350 Operator’s Manual Transport - 42 3. Locate bypass valves on top of each of the upper pumps. Turn each valve two turns counterclockwise to open. 4. After towing, turn each valve two turns clockwise to close. NOTICE: Bypass valves on BOTH pumps must be opened for towing.

  • Page 44: Complete The Job

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 43 Complete the Job Chapter Contents Rinse Equipment ......44 Disconnect Attachment .
  • Page 45 SK350 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 44 Rinse Equipment Rinse Equipment 1. Spray water onto equipment to remove dirt and mud, especially at undercarriage. NOTICE: Do not spray water onto operator’s console. Electrical components could be damaged. Wipe down instead. 2.

  • Page 46: Service

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 45 Service Chapter Contents Service Precautions ......46 Overview ....... . . 48 Recommended Lubricants/Service Key .

  • Page 47: Service Precautions

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 46 Service Precautions Service 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. • Stop engine and apply parking brake before opening hood for inspection or service. •...
  • Page 48 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 47 Service Precautions Working Under Raised Lift Arms Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Use proper procedures and equipment or stay away. NOTICE: Support both lift arms before working under raised lift arms. Use safety supports as indicated when working under raised lift arms.

  • Page 49: Overview

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 48 Overview Overview...

  • Page 50: Recommended Lubricants/Service Key

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 49 Recommended Lubricants/Service Key Recommended Lubricants/Service Key Item Description Gasoline engine oil meeting or exceeding SG, SH, or SJ per the API service classifications and SAE viscosity recommended by engine manufacturer (SAE 10W30) Tractor hydraulic fluid, similar to Phillips 66 HG, Mobilfluid 423, Chevron Tractor Hydraulic Fluid, Texaco TDH Oil, or equivalent Check level of fluid or lubricant Check condition...

  • Page 51: Oil Temperature Chart

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 50 Engine Oil Temperature Chart Engine Oil Temperature Chart Temperature range anticipated before next oil change For more information on engine lubrication and maintenance, see your engine manual.

  • Page 52: 10 Hour

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 51 10 Hour 10 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Check engine oil level GEO (SAE 10 W 30) Check hydraulic fluid level Check track tension Check hydraulic hoses Check Engine Oil Level Check engine oil level at dipstick opening (shown) every 10 hours. Oil level should be at top of marking. If low, add 10W30.
  • Page 53 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 52 10 Hour Check Hydraulic Fluid Level Check hydraulic fluid level every 10 hours. Maintain fluid level at halfway point on sight glass (1), when engine is off and fluid is cool. If low, add THF at fill (2). Check Track Tension Check track tension every 10 hours and adjust as needed.
  • Page 54 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 53 10 Hour Check Hydraulic Hoses 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 55: 50 Hour

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 54 50 Hour 50 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Check battery Check drive belt Check air filter Clean oil cooler Change hydraulic filter initial Check Battery Check battery every 50 hours. Keep battery and terminals clean and free of corrosion. Explosion possible.
  • Page 56 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 55 50 Hour Check Drive Belt Check drive belt every 50 hours. Adjust belt tension if necessary. Replace if cracked, stretched, or badly worn. Tensioner should be set at 2.5-3 increment marks. IMPORTANT: See belt changing procedure on page 62. To adjust: 1.
  • Page 57 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 56 50 Hour Check Air Filter Check air filter for wear or holes every 50 hours. Replace as needed. NOTICE: When dirty, change the elements, do not attempt to clean them. • Compressed air or water may damage filter elements. •...
  • Page 58 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 57 50 Hour Change Hydraulic Fluid Filter (initial) Change hydraulic fluid filter at 50 hours for break in process, then change every 250 hours.

  • Page 59: 100 Hour

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 58 100 Hour 100 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change engine oil GEO, 10W30 Change engine oil filter Change Engine Oil Change engine oil every 100 hours. Drain oil at drain plug (1) and add GEO 10W30 at filler (2) until oil level is seen at marking.

  • Page 60: 200 Hour

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 59 200 Hour 200 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Check spark plugs and gap See engine operator’s manual for instructions...
  • Page 61 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 60 250 Hour 250 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change hydraulic fluid filter Change air filter, check inner element Change Hydraulic Fluid Filter Change hydraulic fluid filter every 250 hours. Change Air Filter Change air filter every 250 hours. 1.
  • Page 62 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 61 500 Hour 500 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change hydraulic fluid Change Hydraulic Fluid Change hydraulic fluid every 500 hours. Drain fluid at drain plug (3) and add THF at fill (1) until fluid level is at halfway point on sight glass (2).

  • Page 63: As Needed

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 62 As Needed As Needed Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change drive belts Jump start Change Drive Belt Change drive belt as needed when worn or damaged. Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool. NOTICE: Allow engine to cool before touching parts or performing any service.
  • Page 64 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 63 As Needed 5. Pull tensioner back and slip belt off of the idler pulley. 6. Remove belt from pulleys and carefully work it around fan and through the fan hole. 7. Remove belt through opening. 8.
  • Page 65 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 64 As Needed Jump Start Unit Incorrect procedures could result in death, injury, or property damage. Use equipment correctly. NOTICES: • Park on level area. • Put all drive controls in neutral and lower all unstowed attachments. •...
  • Page 66 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 65 As Needed Before You Start Electronic components can be easily damaged by electrical surges. Jump starting can damage electronics and electrical systems, and is not recommended except in extreme circumstances. Use quality large diameter jumper cables capable of carrying high currents (400 amps or more). Cheap cables may not allow enough current flow to start a dead/discharged battery.
  • Page 67 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service - 66 As Needed IMPORTANT: Some equipment may have a positive jumper cable terminal (1) located externally. If so equipped, connect red positive (+) jumper cable clamp to terminal. 5. Connect the other red positive (+) jumper cable clamp to positive (+) post of battery (A) in the service vehicle.

  • Page 68: Specifications

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 67 Basic Unit Specifications Basic Unit Dimensions U.S. Metric Overall height 42.5 in 1.1 m Overall length 58.2 in 1.5 m Weight 1660 lb 753 kg Hinge pin height, max 70.4 in 1.8 m Wheelbase/track length 30 in 762 mm Track width, max...
  • Page 69 SK350 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 68 Basic Unit Dimensions U.S. Metric Rated operating capacity (@ 35% of tipping capacity) 350 lb 158 kg The rated operating capacity for this machine was determined using a standard bucket in the drive position with center of gravity 7 in (178 mm) from the mounting plate.
  • Page 70 SK350 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 69 Basic Unit Fluid Capacities U.S. Metric Fuel tank 7.5 gal 28.4 L Engine oil, including filter 2 qt 1.9 L Hydraulic reservoir 7 gal 26.5 L Battery SAE reserve capacity 41 min, SAE cold crank @ 0°F (-18°C) 340 amp, 12V electrical system Noise Levels Operator ear sound pressure is 82 dBA per ISO 6394 Exterior sound power level is 99 dBA per ISO 6393...
  • Page 71 SK350 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 70 Basic Unit...

  • Page 72: Support

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Support - 71 Procedure Support Procedure Notify your dealer immediately of any malfunction or failure of Ditch Witch equipment. Always give model, serial number, and approximate date of your equipment purchase. This information should be recorded and placed on file by the owner at the time of purchase. Return damaged parts to dealer for inspection and warranty consideration if in warranty time frame.
  • Page 73 Defects will be determined by an inspection within thirty (30) days of the date of failure of the product or part by CMW or its authorized dealer. CMW will provide the location of its inspection facilities or its nearest authorized dealer upon inquiry. CMW reserves the right to supply remanufactured replacements parts under this warranty as it deems appropriate.

  • Page 76: Service Record

    SK350 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 75 Service Record Service Performed Date Hours...
  • Page 77 SK350 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 76 Service Performed Date Hours...

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