Ditch Witch SK600 Operator's Manual
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Ditch Witch SK600 Operator's Manual

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SK600
Operator's
Manual
Issue 3.0
053-2962
CMW®
Original Instruction

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Summary of Contents for Ditch Witch SK600

  • Page 1 SK600 Operator’s Manual Issue 3.0 053-2962 CMW® Original Instruction...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1 Overview Chapter Contents Serial Number Location ..... 2 Intended Use ......3 Equipment Modification .

  • Page 3: Serial Number Location

    SK600 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. t51om014w.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

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Overview - 4 Machine Components Machine Components t51om013w.eps 1. Operator station 4. Lift arms 2. Tracks 5. Attachment plate 3. Engine compartment...

  • Page 6: Operator Orientation

    SK600 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 t51om001w.eps Operating Area IMPORTANT: Top view of machine is shown. Operator should stand only in the location...

  • Page 7: About This Manual

    SK600 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 Part number 053-2962 Copyright 2016, 2017, 2019 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 SK600 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 SK600 Operator’s Manual Contents - 10 Support The warranty policy for this machine and procedures for obtaining warranty consideration and training...

  • Page 12: Safety Awareness

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 11 Safety Awareness Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Prepare” chapter. Guidelines ....... 12 Emergency Procedures .

  • Page 13: 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 14: Emergency Procedures

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 13 Emergency Procedures • Complete the equipment checklist located at www.ditchwitch.com/safe. 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.

  • Page 15: If An Electric Line Is Damaged

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 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.

  • Page 16: If A Fiber Optic Cable Is Damaged

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 15 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.

  • Page 17: Safety Alert Classification

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 16 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 18 SK600 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 17 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. Misuse of machine can cause death or serious injury.

  • Page 19: Machine Safety Alerts

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Safety Awareness - 18 Machine Safety Alerts 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. Stay away from lifted load and its range of movement.

  • Page 20: Prepare

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 19 Prepare Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety Awareness” chapter. Prepare Jobsite ......20 •...

  • Page 21: Prepare Jobsite

    SK600 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.

  • Page 22: Identify Hazards

    SK600 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 •...

  • Page 23: Locate Utilities

    SK600 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.

  • Page 24: Classify Jobsite

    SK600 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 . . .

  • Page 25: Arrange For Traffic Control

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 24 Prepare Jobsite Natural Gas Jobsite Precautions Position equipment upwind from gas lines and 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. Have gas company test lines before returning them to service.

  • Page 26: 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 27: Prepare Equipment

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 26 Prepare Equipment Prepare Equipment Check Supplies • fuel • keys • marking flags or paint • notepad and pencil • spare fuses • lubricants Check Equipment Fluid Levels • fuel • engine oil •...

  • Page 28: 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 29 SK600 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 28 Prepare Equipment 4. Tilt attachment plate (1) forward. 5. Position attachment plate in the upper lip of the receiver plate (2) on attachment. 6. Raise lift arms while tilting back attachment plate to engage pins.
  • Page 30 SK600 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 29 Prepare Equipment Hydraulic Hoses 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 31 SK600 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 30 Prepare Equipment...

  • Page 32: Controls

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Controls - 31 Controls Chapter Contents Attachment Plate ......32 Battery Disconnect ......33 Engine Compartment .

  • Page 33: Attachment Plate

    SK600 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.

  • Page 34: Battery Disconnect

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Controls - 33 Battery Disconnect Battery Disconnect t51om002w.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 off before disconnecting battery.

  • Page 35: Engine Compartment

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Controls - 34 Engine Compartment Engine Compartment t51om039w.eps Item Description IMPORTANT Hydraulic fluid bypass To open, pull and rotate knob • Use bypass to assist starting a until it seats in the open cold engine. position. •...

  • Page 36: Gauges And Indicators

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Controls - 35 Gauges and Indicators Gauges and Indicators t51om038w.eps 7. Ignition switch 1. Auxiliary outlet 2. Glow plug button 8. Engine coolant temperature gauge 3. Hourmeter 9. Fuel gauge 4. Engine oil pressure indicator 10. Engine coolant temperature indicator 5.
  • Page 37 SK600 Operator’s Manual Controls - 36 Gauges and Indicators Item Description IMPORTANT 2. Glow plug button To turn on, press and hold. To help start cold engine, press glow plug button according to ambient temperatures below. • If below 40°F (4°C), press and hold for 5 seconds.
  • Page 38 SK600 Operator’s Manual Controls - 37 Gauges and Indicators Item Description IMPORTANT 7. Ignition switch To activate accessories, turn right. To start engine on, turn right and hold. To shut off machine, turn left. 8. Engine coolant Displays coolant temperature gauge temperature.

  • Page 39: Operator Station

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Controls - 38 Operator Station Operator Station t51om037w.eps 1. Left track drive control/track drive joystick* 4. Parking brake 2. Right track drive control/track drive joystick* 5. Lift arm control 3. Throttle 6. Attachment drive control 7. Attachment drive foot control...
  • Page 40 SK600 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 SK600 Operator’s Manual Controls - 40 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.

  • Page 42: Drive

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Drive - 41 Drive Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety Awareness” 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

    SK600 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

    SK600 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

    SK600 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 SK600 Operator’s Manual Drive - 46 Shut Down...

  • Page 48: Transport

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Transport - 47 Transport Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety Awareness” and “Prepare” chapters. IMPORTANT: For more information on how to operate controls, see “Controls” chapter. Lift ........48 •...

  • Page 49: Lift

    Lifting points are identified by lifting decals. Lifting at other points is unsafe and can damage machinery. Procedure Use equipment capable of supporting the machine’s size and weight to lift as shown. See “SK600” on page 78 or measure and weigh equipment before lifting. t35om022w.eps...

  • Page 50: Haul

    SK600 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

    SK600 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. Start engine.

  • Page 52: Tie Down

    SK600 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 tiedowns around machine tie down points (shown). Ensure tiedowns are tight before transporting.

  • Page 53: Unload

    SK600 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 SK600 Operator’s Manual Transport - 53 Retrieve 3. Attach chain to tow points shown facing towing vehicle. (Operator station not shown.) t51om021w.eps t51om020w.eps 4. Activate tow valves on both front and rear pumps by turning levers into position as shown.
  • Page 55 SK600 Operator’s Manual Transport - 54 Retrieve...

  • Page 56: Complete The Job

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 55 Complete the Job Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety Awareness” and “Prepare” chapters. Rinse Equipment ......56 Disconnect Attachment .
  • Page 57 SK600 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: Service

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 57 Service Chapter Contents For additional precautions, see “Safety Awareness” and “Prepare” chapters. Service Precautions ..... . . 58 •...

  • Page 59: Service Precautions

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 58 Service Precautions Service Precautions 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 60: Welding Precaution

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 59 Service 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. 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 “SK600” on page 78.

  • Page 62: Engine Oil Temperature Chart

    This machine was filled with Fleetguard® ES Compleat™ coolant (blue in color) before shipment from factory. This coolant is available, pre-diluted, from your Ditch Witch® dealer as part number 255-1055. Add or replace with heavy-duty diesel engine coolant meeting ASTM D6210.

  • 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: Service Interval Chart

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 63 Service Interval Chart Service Interval Chart IMPORTANT: Chart indicates first instance of repeated service procedures. See detailed information below. Adjust, service, or test Change, initial Lube, initial Check Change Lube Service Battery Belt, fan...

  • Page 65: Procedures

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 64 Procedures Service Oil, engine Radiator/Hydraulic fluid cooler Track Procedures Battery Explosive hydrogen gas. Fire or explosion can cause death or serious injury. Keep heat flames, sparks, and other sources of ignition away. To help avoid injury: •...
  • Page 66 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 65 Procedures NOTICE: • Electronic components can be easily damaged by electrical surges. Jump starting can damage electronics and electrical systems, and is not recommended. Try to charge the battery instead. Use quality large diameter jumper cables capable of carrying high currents (400 amps or more). Low quality cables may not allow enough current flow to charge a dead/discharged battery.
  • Page 67 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 66 Procedures Charge 1. Park service vehicle close to disabled equipment but do not allow vehicles to touch. 2. Engage parking brake in both vehicles. 3. Turn ignition switch off in both vehicles and turn off all electrical loads.
  • Page 68 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 67 Procedures Belt, Fan Check every 100 hours. Change every 600 hours. 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 the long span (shown).
  • Page 69 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 68 Procedures Coolant NOTICE: See “Approved Coolant” on page 61. Check before startup and every 10 hours. Change every 1200 hours. Check 1. Check level at overflow bottle (1). 2. Add DEAC at fill (2) as needed to keep level at halfway point on overflow bottle.
  • Page 70 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 69 Procedures Engine Compartment NOTICE: • Check more often is operating in large brush, grassy conditions, or if machine is being stored. • Do not use water or compressed air to remove debris. Check engine compartment (shown) for debris every 10 hours and after long-term storage.
  • Page 71 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 70 Procedures Filter, Fuel NOTICE: If refueling from cans, replace filters more often. Change filter (shown) every 400 hours. t51om035w.eps Filter, Hydraulic Fluid t51om005w.eps Change filter (shown) at 50 hours and every 300 hours thereafter.
  • Page 72 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 71 Procedures Fluid Hydraulic NOTICE: Change every 250 hours if jobsite temperature exceeds 100°F (38°C) more than 50% of the time. Check before startup and every 10 hours. Change every 600 hours. Check 1. Check level at sight glass (2).
  • Page 73 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 72 Procedures Fuse Box IMPORTANT: Leave cover in place unless fuses are being checked or replaced. Check fuse box cover for damage before startup. If cover is missing or damaged, replace. Hydraulic Hoses Pressurized fluid or air. Injection can cause death or serious injury.
  • Page 74 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 73 Procedures Idler Roller Bearings Check every 300 hours. Adjust as needed. Check 1. Lift machine off ground. 2. Release track tension. See “Track Tension” on page 76. 3. Check for movement of each hub (shown) when rocked back and forth.
  • Page 75 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 74 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 tighten.
  • Page 76 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 75 Procedures Oil, Engine Check before startup and every 10 hours. Change at 50 hours and every 100 hours thereafter. Check 1. Check level at dipstick (2). 2. Add DEO at fill (2) as needed to keep level at highest line on dipstick.
  • Page 77 SK600 Operator’s Manual Service - 76 Procedures Track Tension Check before startup and every 10 hours. Adjust as needed. Check 1. Remove cover. 2. With tube and tab (top): Measure distance (A) from end of viewing window to front end of spring guide.
  • Page 78 Chapter Contents SK600 ........78 Declaration of Conformity ....81...

  • Page 79: Specifications

    SK600 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 78 SK600 SK600 t51om036w.eps Dimensions Metric Angle of departure 27° 27° Overall height of machine 54” 1390mm Hinge pin height, max 76” 1930mm Operating height, max, standard bucket 103” 2630mm Overall length of loader, no attachment 80”...
  • Page 80 SK600 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 79 SK600 Dimensions Metric Bucket width, min 34” 863mm Dump angle, standard bucket at max dump height 40° 40° Dump height, max, with standard bucket 53” 1355mm Reach, standard bucket at max dump height 25”...
  • Page 81 SK600 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 80 SK600 Hydraulic System Metric Auxiliary: double gear pump Flow rate (pump 1) 6.0gpm 22.7L/min Flow rate (pump 2) 6.0gpm 22.7L/min Pressure 3000psi 207bar Ground drive: dual hydrostat Flow rate 12.5gpm 47.2L/min Pressure 3625psi 250bar...
  • Page 82 SK600 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 81 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...
  • Page 83 SK600 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 82 Declaration of Conformity...
  • Page 84 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 85 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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