Charles Machine Works C12 User manual

C12/C14/C16
Operator’s
Manual
Issue 1.0
Original Instruction 053-2868

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Overview - 2
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Equipment Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operating Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
• Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Overview - 3 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. Trencher serial number is located as
shown.
Item
date of manufacture
date of purchase
trencher serial number
trailer serial number
engine serial number

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Overview - 4
Intended Use
Intended Use
The C12, C14 and C16 pedestrian trenchers are designed to install buried cable and pipe. The maximum
trenching depth is 30” (762 mm). The maximum trenching width is 6” (200 mm). These units are intended
for operation in ambient temperatures from 20° to 115°F (-7° to 46°C). Use in any other way is considered
contrary to the intended use.
C12, C14 and C16 units should be used with genuine Ditch Witch®chain, teeth, and sprockets. They
should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with their particular characteristics and
acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.
Equipment Modification
This equipment was designed and built in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
Modification of equipment could mean that it will no longer meet regulations and may not function properly
or in accordance with the operating instructions. Modification of equipment should only be made by
competent personnel possessing knowledge of applicable standards, regulations, equipment design
functionality/requirements and any required specialized testing.
Unit Components
1. Control console
2. Engine
3. Digging boom and chain
4. Pivot trail wheel

Overview - 5 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
Operator Orientation
Operator Orientation
1. Front of unit
2. Right side of unit
3. Rear of unit
4. Left side of unit
Operating Area
The operating area (A) is at the rear of the
machine, behind the control console.
Any other area less than 6 ft (2 m) from the
machine is a danger area (B). Stay away.
Moving digging teeth can kill. Trench cave-in can cause
you to fall. Stay away.
To help avoid injury:
• Before you start machine, tell all personnel to go from danger area (B).
• If someone enters danger area (B) during operation, use emergency shutdown.
6ft/2m

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Overview - 6
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.
Bulleted Lists
Bulleted lists provide helpful or important information or contain procedures that do not have to be
performed in a specific order.
Numbered Lists
Numbered lists contain illustration callouts or list steps that must be performed in order.

Overview - 7 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
About This Manual

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Foreword - 8
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.
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.
Attn: Marketing Department
PO Box 66
Perry, OK 73077-0066
USA
The descriptions and specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice. The Charles
Machine Works, Inc. reserves the right to improve equipment. Some product improvements may have
taken place after this manual was published. For the latest information on Ditch Witch equipment, see your
Ditch Witch dealer.
Thank you for buying and using Ditch Witch equipment.

Foreword - 9 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
C12/C14/C16
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.0/OM-03/16
Part number 053-2868
Copyright 2016
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch, CMW and Roto 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.

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Contents - 10
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
2
Foreword
part number, revision level, and publication date of this manual, and factory contact
information
8
Safety
machine safety alerts and emergency procedures 12
Operation Overview
an overview for completing a job with this machine: planning, setting up, installing
product, and restoring the jobsite; with cross references to detailed procedures
22
Controls
machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them 24
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path,
and preparing the jobsite for work
34
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown 42
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing 48
Trench
procedures for trenching 54
Systems and Equipment
chain, teeth, sprockets, and optional equipment 60
Complete the Job
procedures for backfilling and restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing
equipment
66
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
68

Contents - 11 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
98
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
108
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 112

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Safety - 12
Safety
Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• Electric Strike Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Machine Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Safety - 13 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
Guidelines
Guidelines
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
• Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before using equipment.
• 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. In countries that do not have a One-Call service, contact all local
utility companies to have underground utilities located.
• Classify jobsite based on its hazards and use correct tools and machinery, safety equipment, and work
methods for jobsite.
• Mark jobsite clearly and keep spectators away.
• Wear personal protective equipment.
• 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.
• Fully inspect equipment before operating. Repair or replace any worn or damaged parts. Replace
missing or damaged safety shields and safety signs. Contact your Ditch Witch dealer for assistance.
• Use equipment carefully. Stop operation and investigate anything that does not look or feel right.
• Do not operate unit where flammable gas may be present.
• Only operate equipment in well-ventilated areas.
• Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any question about operation, maintenance, or equipment
use.
• Complete the equipment checklist located at www.ditchwitch.com/safe.
California Proposition 65 Warning
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
• battery posts, terminals and related accessories
• engine exhaust
• ethylene glycol

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Safety - 14
Emergency Procedures
Emergency Procedures
Before operating any equipment, review emergency procedures and check that all safety precautions have
been taken.
Electric Strike Description
When working near electric cables, remember the following:
• Electricity follows all paths to ground, not just path of least resistance.
• Pipes, hoses, and cables will conduct electricity back to all equipment.
• Low voltage current can injure or kill. Many work-related electrocutions result from contact with less
than 440 volts.
Most electric strikes are not noticeable, but indications of a strike include:
• power outage
•smoke
•explosion
• popping noises
• arcing electricity
If any of these occur, assume an electric strike has occurred.
Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use
correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety
equipment.
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN: Release controls and turn ignition switch to OFF position.
Electric shock. Contacting electric lines will cause death
or serious injury. Know location of lines and stay away.

Safety - 15 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
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.
• Warn people nearby that an electric strike has occurred. Instruct them to leave the area and contact
utility.
• Do not allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.
• Do not allow anyone to touch equipment.

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Safety - 16
Emergency Procedures
If a Gas Line is Damaged
If you suspect a gas line has been damaged, take the following actions. The orders and degree of action
will depend on the situation.
• Immediately shut off engine(s), if this can be done safely and quickly.
• Remove any ignition source(s), if this can be done safely and quickly.
• Warn others that a gas line has been cut and that they should leave the area.
• Leave jobsite as quickly as possible.
• Immediately call your local emergency phone number and utility company.
• If jobsite is along street, stop traffic from driving near jobsite.
• Do not return to jobsite until given permission by emergency personnel and utility company.
Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite and cause
burns. No smoking, no flame, no spark.
Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur.
Follow directions carefully.

Safety - 17 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
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.
• Immediately move battery disconnect switch (if equipped and accessible) to disconnect position.
• If fire is small and fire extinguisher is available, attempt to extinguish fire.
• If fire cannot be extinguished, leave area as quickly as possible and contact emergency personnel.

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Safety - 18
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. YOUR SAFETY IS AT
STAKE.
Watch for the three safety alert levels: DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION. Learn what each level
means.
indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.
indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
Watch for two other words: NOTICE and IMPORTANT.
NOTICE indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related (e.g., messages relating to
property damage).
IMPORTANT can help you do a better job or make your job easier in some way.

Safety - 19 C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts
Machine Safety Alerts
1
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442
2
Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite
and cause burns. No smoking, no flame, no spark. 275-419
3
Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
274-318
4
Moving digging teeth can kill. Trench cave-in can
cause you to fall. Stay away. 270-6900
6ft/2m

C12/C14/C16 Operator’s Manual Safety - 20
Machine Safety Alerts
5
Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and
know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake.273-475
6
Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious
injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and
maintain proper safety equipment. 700-133
7
Exposure to high noise levels may cause hearing
loss. Wear hearing protection.700-009
8
Moving digging teeth can kill. Trench cave-in can
cause you to fall. Stay away.
9
Tip over possible. When loading/unloading run
at low idle and keep boom low. 270-6705 (C12/C14) / 270-6706 (C16)