SK650 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...
The SK650 is a platform, rubber track mini skid steer unit designed for light-to medium-duty construction work. The SK650 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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Overview - 4 Unit Components Unit Components 1. Operator station 2. Tracks 3. Engine compartment 4. Lift arms 5. Mount plate Operator Orientation 1. Front of unit 2. Right side of unit 3. Rear of unit 4. Left side of unit...
SK650 Operator’s Manual Overview - 5 About This Manual About This Manual This manual contains information for the proper use of this machine. See the beige Operation Overview pages for basic operating procedures. Cross references such as “See page 50” will direct you to detailed procedures.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Overview - 6 About This Manual...
If you sell your equipment, be sure to give this manual to the new owner. If you need a replacement copy, contact your Ditch Witch dealer. If you need assistance in locating a dealer, visit our website at www.ditchwitch.com or write to the following address: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
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Copyright 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 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.
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SK650 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...
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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13 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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Safety - 14 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.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15 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.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Safety - 16 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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17 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: •...
SK650 Operator’s Manual Safety - 18 Emergency Procedures If an Electric Line is Damaged If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are on platform, DO NOT MOVE. Remain on platform and take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend upon the situation.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Safety - 19 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.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Controls - 22 Gauges and Indicators Item Description Notes 2. Glow plug button To help start cold engine, turn IMPORTANT: Press glow plug button ignition switch to first position. according to temperatures below. Press glow plug button as •...
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Controls - 23 Gauges and Indicators Item Description Notes 7. Engine coolant Lights and alarm sounds 1. Stop operation, set throttle to low temperature indicator when engine coolant idle, and allow engine to cool. temperature is too high.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Controls - 24 Controls Controls 1. Throttle 5. Attachment drive control 2. Left track drive control 6. Lift arm control 3. Right track drive control 7. Attachment drive foot control 4. Parking brake lever Item Description Notes 1.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Controls - 25 Controls Item Description Notes 2. Left track drive control To move forward, push. To turn right, move left control farther forward than right control. To move backward, pull. To turn left, move right control farther To go faster in either forward than left control.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Controls - 26 Controls Item Description Notes 5. Attachment drive To engage attachment drive IMPORTANT: control in reverse, lift lever lock and push forward. • Lever lock engages when control is in neutral. To engage attachment drive •...
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Controls - 27 Engine Compartment Engine Compartment Hydraulic Fluid Bypass Item Description Notes Hydraulic Fluid Bypass Lift knob and start engine. IMPORTANT: Run engine five minutes to • Use the hydraulic fluid bypass to warm hydraulic fluid.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Controls - 28 Tool Carrier Attachment Tool Carrier Attachment 1. Level indicator Item Description Notes 1. Level indicator To level bucket, adjust bucket To level other attachments, adjust position until indicator is at attachment position until it is level.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 30 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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 31 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 •...
SK650 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 33 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. •...
SK650 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 34 Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment Supplies • fuel NOTICE: Use low sulfur or ultra low sulfur fuel only. • keys • lubricants • personal protective equipment, such as hard hat and safety glasses Fluid Levels •...
SK650 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 35 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.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 36 Connect Attachment Hydraulic Hoses If attachment requires hydraulic power for operation, connect hydraulic hoses. Pressurized fluid or air could pierce skin and cause injury or death. Stay away. NOTICE: • Escaping pressurized fluid can cause injury or pierce skin and poison.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Drive - 38 Start Unit Start Unit 1. Ensure all controls are in neutral. 2. If necessary, use glow plugs and/or hydraulic fluid bypass control to warm cold engine. See “Hydraulic Fluid Bypass” on page 27. 3. Move throttle to half open.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Drive - 39 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.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Drive - 40 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 low idle for five minutes to cool. NOTICE: Failure to allow engine to cool before shutdown may cause turbocharger damage.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Transport - 42 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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Transport - 43 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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Transport - 44 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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Transport - 45 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.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Transport - 46 Under normal conditions, unit should not be towed. If unit breaks down and towing is necessary: front tow point rear tow point • attach chains to tow points facing towing vehicle • tow for short distances at less than 1 mph (1.6 km/h) •...
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Transport - 47 Prepare Unit for Towing 1. Block tracks. 2. Engage parking brake (shown). 3. Loosen locknut and loosen bypass valves (shown) three turns. IMPORTANT: Open bypass valves in both front and rear pumps. Return Unit to Normal Operation 1.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 49 Complete the Job Chapter Contents Rinse Equipment ......50 Disconnect Attachment .
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 50 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 allow unit to cool. Remove debris from inside of unit.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 52 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.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 53 Precautions Jump Starting Precaution Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur. Follow directions carefully. NOTICE: • Sparks can cause battery to explode. • Electronic components can be easily damaged. • Jump starting is not recommended except in extreme circumstances. Follow procedures on page 69 if jump starting is necessary.
Check level of fluid or lubricant Check condition 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 on page 75. NOTICE: • Use only genuine Ditch Witch parts, filters, and approved lubricants to maintain warranty. • Use the “Service Record” on page 81 to record all required service to your machine.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 56 Startup/10 Hour Startup/10 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Check engine oil level Check engine air filter service indicator Check engine coolant level DEAC Grease front track idler rollers Check hydraulic fluid level Check brake operation...
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 57 Startup/10 Hour Check Hydraulic Fluid Level Check hydraulic fluid level at startup and every 10 hours. Maintain fluid level at halfway point on sight glass (2), when engine is off, cylinders are fully retracted, and fluid is cool. If low, add THF at fill (1).
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 58 Startup/10 Hour Lube Front Track Idler Rollers Use MPG to lubricate front track idler rollers at startup and every 10 hours. Pump MPG into zerks until grease is visible. Note: The purpose of this lubrication is to displace water, dirt, and mud from the idler assembly.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 59 Startup/10 Hour Check Hydraulic Hoses Pressurized fluid or air could pierce skin and cause injury or death. Stay away. NOTICE: • Escaping pressurized fluid can cause injury or pierce skin and poison. • Before disconnecting a hydraulic line, turn engine off and operate all controls to relieve pressure.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 60 50 Hour 50 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Change engine oil and filter initial service Change hydraulic fluid filter initial Check fuel hose and clamp band Check radiator for dirt and debris Change Engine Oil and Filter (Initial) Change engine oil after 50 hours.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 61 50 Hour Change Hydraulic Filter (initial) Change hydraulic filter every 50 hours. Check Fuel Hose and Clamp Bands Check fuel hose and clamp bands every 50 hours. If the clamp is loose, apply oil to the threads and retighten it.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 62 100 Hour 100 Hour Location Task Notes Traction Unit Clean fuel filter element Check fan belt tension and damage 1/4-1/3” (7-9 mm) Lubricate parking brake Check battery electrolyte level Clean Fuel Filter Element Use kerosene to rinse the filter cup and filter element every 100 hours.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 63 100 Hour Lubricate Parking Brake Lubricate parking brake every 100 hours. Pump MPG into two zerks (shown) at rear track sprocket. t18om059t.eps Remove rear panel and lift rubber flap to access three zerks (shown). Pump MPG into zerks.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 64 100 Hour Check Battery Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur. Follow directions carefully. NOTICE: • Battery gas can explode. Keep sparks and flames away from battery. • Always remove negative (-) battery cable first and replace it last.
Change Fuel Filter Change fuel filter every 500 hours. If you refuel from cans, replace filter more often. See parts manual or contact your Ditch Witch dealer for correct replacement filter. Change Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Change hydraulic fluid and filter every 500 hours.
SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 68 2000 Hour 2000 Hour Change Engine Coolant Drain cooling system at drain (2). Add approved coolant at fill (1) every two years or 2000 hours. NOTICE: • The use of non-approved coolant may lead to engine damage or premature engine failure and will void engine warranty.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 69 As Needed Jump Start Unit Incorrect procedures could result in death, injury, or property damage. Use equipment correctly. NOTICE: • Park on level area. • Put all drive controls in neutral and lower all unstowed attachments.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 70 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.
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 71 As Needed 6. Connect black negative (-) cable clamp to negative (-) post of battery (A) in service vehicle. 7. Connect the other black negative (-) cable clamp to the engine or frame ground on the disabled vehicle, at least 12”...
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Service - 72 As Needed...
SK650 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 73 Basic Unit Specifications Basic Unit Dimensions U.S. Metric Operating height, max, with 44” bucket 102 in 2.6 m Hinge pin height, max 81 in 2.06 m Overall height of machine 53 in 1.3 m Overall length of machine, with 44”...
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 74 Basic Unit Dimensions U.S. Metric Bucket width, max 44 in 1.1 m Bucket width, min 36 in 914 mm Track width, max 42 in 1.1 m Track width, min 36 in 914 mm Loader width, excluding tracks...
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SK650 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 75 Basic Unit Power U.S. Metric Engine: Kubota D1105-T, diesel (Use low sulfur or ultra low sulfur fuel only.) Number of cylinders Displacement 1.12 L 68.5 in Bore 3.07 in 78 mm Stroke 3.09 in 78.4 mm...
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.
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Subject to the limitation 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 SK5 attachments).
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