Charles Machine Works Ditch Witch SK5BB User manual

Issue 2.0
Operator’s
Manual
SK5BB
Backfill Blade Attachment

SK5BB Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
Serial Number/Unit Components Overview
Serial Number/Unit Components
Attachment serial number location and unit components
are called out below. Record serial number and date of
purchase in spaces provided.
Manual Swing
Hydraulic Swing
Serial Number Record
Intended Use
The SK5BB backfill blade attachment is used for backfilling trenches and basic grading and scraping. A kit
is available for converting a manual swing blade to hydraulic swing.
1. Receiver plate
2. Swing pin
3. Blade
4. S/N location
1. Receiver plate
2. Swing cylinder
3. Blade
4. S/N location
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
Attachment serial number

Foreword - 2 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
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.
SK5BB Attachment
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 2.0/OM-7/2010
Part number 054-100
Copyright 2003, 2010
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch, CMW, AutoCrowd, Jet Trac, Roto Witch, Subsite, Fluid Miser,
Power Pipe, Super Witch, Pierce Airrow, The Underground, The Underground Authority Worldwide, and
Zahn are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works, Inc.

SK5BB Operator’s Manual Contents - 3
Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• Serial Number and Component Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
• Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Prepare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Inspect Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Connect Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• Attachment Function Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• Operating Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
• Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
• Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
• Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Contents - 4 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
Service and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
• Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
• Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SK5BB Operator’s Manual Safety - 5
Guidelines Safety
Guidelines
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
• Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before using equipment.
• Contact One-Call (888-258-0808) and any utility companies which do not subscribe to One-Call. Have
all underground pipes and cables located and marked before operating equipment. If you damage a
utility, contact utility company.
• 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.
• Replace missing or damaged safety shields and safety signs.
• 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.

Safety - 6 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
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 an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
Watch for two other words: NOTICE and IMPORTANT.
NOTICE can keep you from doing something that might damage the machine or someone's property. It
can also alert you against unsafe practices.
IMPORTANT can help you do a better job or make your job easier in some way.

SK5BB Operator’s Manual Safety - 7
Safety Alerts
Safety Alerts
Electric shock. Contacting electric lines will cause death or serious injury.
Know location of lines and stay away.
Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use
correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety
equipment.
Moving parts could cut off hand or foot. Stay away.
Incorrect procedures could result in death, injury, or property damage.
Learn to use equipment correctly.
Fluid or air pressure could pierce skin and cause injury or
death. Stay away.

Safety - 8 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
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. Almost one-third of 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.
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN - Turn ignition switch to STOP.

SK5BB Operator’s Manual Safety - 9
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.
If a Gas Line is Damaged
If you suspect a gas line has been damaged, take the following actions. The order 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.
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.
• Immediately move battery disconnect switch (if equipped) 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.

Safety - 10 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures

SK5BB Operator’s Manual Prepare - 11
Inspect Site Prepare
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
• traffic
• access
• soil type and condition
Check Supplies and Prepare Equipment
Supplies
• personal protective equipment, such as hard hat and safety glasses
Condition and Function
• blade
• hoses and valves
• signs

Prepare - 12 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
Connect Attachment
Connect Attachment
Attachment
1. Position attachment on level surface with enough
space behind it to accommodate loader.
2. Ensure that lock pin handles (shown) on mount
plate are turned away from center of attachment.
3. Start engine.
4. Tilt mount plate (2) forward.
5. Position mount plate in the upper lip of the receiver
plate (1) on attachment.
6. Raise lift (loader) arms while tilting back mount
plate.
7. Turn ignition switch off and remove key.
8. Rotate lock pin handles toward center of mount
plate to secure attachment to lift plate.
IMPORTANT: Before connecting attachment to loader, ensure that mount and receiver plates are free of
dirt and debris.
IMPORTANT: Attachment should be raised
enough to clear the ground. Mount plate
should be tilted back fully.
NOTICE: To ensure proper connection, verify
that bottoms of lock pins are visible under
attachment receiver plate (shown).
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12
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SK5BB Operator’s Manual Prepare - 13
Connect Attachment
Hydraulic Hoses
If attachment requires hydraulic power for operation, connect hydraulic hoses.
1. Cycle attachment drive (auxiliary) control to relieve
residual pressure at hydraulic couplers.
2. Remove dirt and debris from hydraulic couplers.
3. Connect male coupler on attachment to female
coupler (2) on unit.
4. Connect female coupler on attachment to male
coupler (1) on unit.
5. Ensure that connections are secure by pulling on 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.
• Before disconnecting a hydraulic line, turn engine off and operate all controls to relieve pressure.
Lower, block, or support any raised component with a hoist. Cover connection with heavy cloth and
loosen connector nut slightly to relieve residual pressure. Catch all fluid in a container.
• Before using system, check that all connections are tight and all lines are undamaged.
• Fluid leaks can be hard to detect. Use a piece of cardboard or wood, rather than hands, to search
for leaks.
• Wear protective clothing, including gloves and eye protection.
• If you are injured, seek immediate medical attention from a doctor familiar with this type of injury.
Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool.
NOTICE: Hydraulic couplers, hoses and fluid may be hot. Wear gloves when connecting and
disconnecting hydraulic hoses and wait until unit has cooled before touching hydraulic components.
IMPORTANT: Loader shown is the Ditch Witch
SK500. Hydraulic couplers may be oriented
differently on other manufacturers’ loaders. t05om023c.eps
1
2

Prepare - 14 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
Connect Attachment

SK5BB Operator’s Manual Operate - 15
Attachment Function Overview Operate
Attachment Function Overview
IMPORTANT: Refer to loader operator’s manual for proper control movement to achieve desired
attachment movement.
Attachment Function
To raise blade, raise lift (loader) arms.
To lower blade, lower lift (loader) arms.
To curl blade up, tilt mount plate up.
To curl blade down, tilt mount plate down.
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Operate - 16 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
Attachment Function Overview
To swing blade left (hydraulic swing), engage attachment drive (auxiliary)
control in reverse.
To swing blade right (hydraulic swing), engage attachment drive (auxiliary)
control in forward.
To swing blade left (manual swing), place pin in hole on right.
IMPORTANT: To lock swing position, verify that pin goes through all four ears
and ball on bottom of pin engages below lower ear.
To swing blade right (manual swing), place pin in hole on left.
IMPORTANT: To lock swing position, verify that pin goes through all four ears
and ball on bottom of pin engages below lower ear.
Attachment Function
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SK5BB Operator’s Manual Operate - 17
Operating Procedure
Operating Procedure
Backfilling
1. Use track drive controls to position loader at end of
trench, several feet from spoils. Aim loader at outer
edge of spoils.
2. Angle blade as needed.
With hydraulic swing, use attachment drive (auxiliary)
control to position blade.
With manual swing, stop loader engine and manually
position blade.
3. Use lift (loader) arm control to adjust backfill blade to
fit land contour.
4. Use track drive controls to drive forward and move
outer edge of spoils toward trench. Take two or more
passes at spoils rather than moving all spoils at once.
5. Repeat on other side of trench, if necessary.
6. Use lift (loader) arms control to engage float and make final pass over trench.
Grading/Scraping
1. Use track drive controls to move loader toward pile of material.
2. Position blade as needed.
With hydraulic swing, use attachment drive (auxiliary) control to position blade.
With manual swing, stop loader engine and manually position blade.
3. Use lift (loader) arm control to lower blade to ground level.
4. Use track drive controls to move loader slowly forward.
1
2
3
4
5
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Operate - 18 SK5BB Operator’s Manual
Operating Tips
Operating Tips
• Keep bystanders clear of work area.
• Do not walk or work under raised attachments unless lift (loader) arms are securely supported.
• Drive up or down, not across, slopes.
• Avoid sudden starts and stops.
Cleanup
Spray water onto attachment to remove dirt and mud.
Make sure all tools and accessories are loaded on trailer.
Storage
Store attachment in a clean, dry place. Cover attachment to keep it clean.

SK5BB Operator’s Manual Service and Specifications - 19
Service Service and Specifications
Service
10-Hour
Check Hydraulic Hoses and Fittings
Check hydraulic hoses for leaks every 10 hours.
Task Notes
Check hydraulic hoses and fittings (with hydraulic swing)
Check condition of backfill blade
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.
• Before disconnecting a hydraulic line, turn engine off and operate all controls to relieve pressure.
Lower, block, or support any raised component with a hoist. Cover connection with heavy cloth and
loosen connector nut slightly to relieve residual pressure. Catch all fluid in a container.
• Before using system, check that all connections are tight and all lines are undamaged.
• Fluid leaks can be hard to detect. Use a piece of cardboard or wood, rather than hands, to search
for leaks.
• Wear protective clothing, including gloves and eye protection.
• If you are injured, seek immediate medical attention from a doctor familiar with this type of injury.