Charles Machine Works S2B User manual

S2B
Issue 1.0
Operator’s
Manual
053-2946

S2B Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Overview
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
Record VIN and date of purchase in spaces
provided. VIN tag (shown) is located toward the
front of the trailer frame.
Unit Components
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
Trailer VIN
1. Hitch
2. Jack
3. Lights/Reflectors
4. Tiedown
5. Ramps
6. Deck

Overview - 2 S2B Operator’s Manual
Intended Use
Intended Use
Ditch Witch®trailers are intended for tying down and transporting Ditch Witch and other equipment
weighing less than the maximum load weight rating (MLWR) and with a load that can be properly
distributed on the trailer. They are intended to be towed with an appropriately-sized vehicle.
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.

S2B Operator’s Manual Foreword - 3
Reporting Safety Defects 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.
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying The Charles Machine Works, Inc, Attn: Product Safety Coordinator.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists
in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in any individual problems between you, your Ditch Witch dealer, or The Charles Machine Works,
Inc.
To contact NHTSA you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (366-0123 in
Washington, DC area) or write to:
NHTSA
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 7th Street SW (NSA-11)
Washington, DC 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Foreword - 4 S2B Operator’s Manual
S2B
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.0/OM-5/16
Part number 053-2946
Copyright 2016
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
and Ditch Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works, Inc.

S2B Operator’s Manual Contents - 5
Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• Serial Number/Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
• Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
• Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
• Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
• Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
• Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Prepare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Inspect Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
• Inspect Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
• Lay Out Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Operate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• Hitch to Tow Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
• Unhitch from Tow Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
• Load and Unload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
• Clean Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Contents - 6 S2B Operator’s Manual
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
• Each Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
• Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• Tire Safety Information

S2B Operator’s Manual Safety - 7
Guidelines Safety
Guidelines
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
• Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before using equipment.
• Inspect trailer before each use.
• Use equipment carefully. Stop operation and investigate anything that does not look or feel right
• Observe and follow trailer load ratings. Always tie down equipment and properly stow accessories,
even if traveling short distances.
• Position equipment on trailer to provide proper weight distribution..
• Contact your Ditch Witch®dealer if you have any question about operation, maintenance, or
equipment use.
Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and
know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475
To help avoid injury:
• At least ten to fifteen percent of total trailer weight (equipment plus trailer) must be on
tongue to help prevent trailer sway.
• Do not exceed tow vehicle capacities. See tow vehicle manual.
• Do not exceed maximum trailer tongue load specification or hitch capabilities.

Safety - 8 S2B 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 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.

S2B Operator’s Manual Safety - 9
Safety Alerts
Safety Alerts
Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and
know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475

Safety - 10 S2B Operator’s Manual
Safety Alerts

S2B Operator’s Manual Prepare - 11
Inspect Trailer Prepare
Inspect Trailer
• Check ramps and trailer bed for damage.
• Check lights and reflectors for cleanliness and verify that lights operate.
• Verify that signs, guards, and shields are in place. Replace if damaged or missing.
• Check hitch for wear and cracks. Lubricate if needed.
• Check pins and retainer clips. Replace if damaged or missing.
• Check tire pressure. See “Check Tire Pressure” on page 20.
• Check lug nut torque with a torque wrench. Adjust if needed. See “Check Lug Nut Torque” on page 21.
• Check jack.
• Check safety chain/hooks.
• Check tiedowns for cracks or deformation. Replace if damaged.
• Check trailer decking.

Prepare - 12 S2B Operator’s Manual
Lay Out Equipment
Lay Out Equipment
1. Determine what equipment and other items will be carried on trailer.
2. Lay out equipment positions to balance load and obtain correct tongue load.
• Consider factory-approved tiedown stand weight.
• Consider unit weight. See unit operator’s manual.
• Consider the weight of anything else you plan to haul, such as sod or other pieces of equipment.
• Ensure that load will remain balanced with and without consumables (such as sod or water)
loaded.
• Check loading on each side of trailer by weighing.
Read operator’s manual. Follow safety rules and
know how to use all controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475
To help avoid injury:
• At least ten to fifteen percent of total trailer weight (equipment plus trailer) must be on
tongue to help prevent trailer sway.
• Do not exceed tow vehicle capacities. See tow vehicle manual.
• Do not exceed maximum trailer tongue load specification or hitch capabilities.

S2B Operator’s Manual Prepare - 13
Position Load
Position Load
Position trailer load for proper tongue weight by following procedure. Proper tongue weight will enhance
towing stability and safety.
1. Select appropriate size tow vehicle based on trailer gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
2. Adjust hitch on trailer so that hitch is about 2 in (51 mm) higher than level when coupled to tow vehicle.
3. Load trailer.
4. Pull trailer onto scale. Ensure tow vehicle wheels are off scale.
5. Unhitch trailer from tow vehicle and lower jack to remove all tongue weight from vehicle.
6. Record total unhitched weight of trailer and load. This is gross trailer weight (GTW) and must not
exceed trailer GVWR or tow vehicle GTW.
7. Multiply GTW by 0.9 and record this number as 90% GTW.
8. Hitch trailer to tow vehicle. Raise and stow jack.
9. Watch scale readout while helper positions load. When scale displays 90% GTW value, the load is
positioned properly with at least 10% of GTW on hitch. Do not exceed tow vehicle capabilities. See tow
vehicle manual. Do not exceed maximum trailer tongue load specification or hitch capabilities.
10. Tie down load. See machine operator’s manual.
11. Mark positions of all equipment that will be unloaded at jobsite to allow correct loading when work is
finished.
IMPORTANT: Access to truck scales is required for this procedure.

Prepare - 14 S2B Operator’s Manual
Position Load

S2B Operator’s Manual Operate - 15
Hitch to Tow Vehicle Operate
Hitch to Tow Vehicle
1. Back tow vehicle to trailer.
2. Put manual transmission into first or reverse
gear or automatic transmission into park. Set
parking brake. Turn off ignition.
3. Connect trailer coupler to tow vehicle hitch
and lock in place with lock pin.
4. Connect safety chains (shown) to tow
vehicle, crossing chains under trailer tongue,
as shown.
5. Plug trailer electrical connector into tow
vehicle connector.
6. Use jack crank to raise jack base and stow
handle.
7. Remove wheel blocks.
8. Verify operation of trailer lights.
Unhitch from Tow Vehicle
1. Stop tow vehicle and trailer on level ground.
2. Put manual transmission into first or reverse gear or automatic transmission into park. Set parking
brake. Turn off ignition.
3. Block trailer wheels.
4. Unstow handle and lower jack base.
5. Disconnect trailer electrical connector from tow vehicle connector.
6. Disconnect safety chains from tow vehicle.
7. Disconnect trailer coupler from tow vehicle hitch.
8. Use jack crank to raise trailer tongue clear of tow vehicle hitch.
9. Start tow vehicle engine, release parking brake, and drive tow vehicle away.
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Operate - 16 S2B Operator’s Manual
Load and Unload
Load and Unload
Load Machine
1. Park vehicle with trailer on level and firm ground.
2. Ensure trailer is correctly attached to vehicle.
3. Move machine to rear of trailer. Have boom face ramps. Align tracks or tires with ramps and machine
with center of trailer bed.
4. Slowly drive unit onto trailer, digging boom first, until tiedown position is reached.
5. If space allows, push boom control to lower digging boom onto trailer.
6. Engage parking brake and shut down unit. If present, turn fuel shut-off to off position.
Tie Down
Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Stay
away.
To help avoid injury:
• Keep boom as low as possible during loading procedure.
• Ensure ten to fifteen percent of total weight (machine plus trailer) is on tongue of trailer.
IMPORTANT: See machine operator’s manual for specific loading and tiedown information.
Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Stay
away
To help avoid injury:
• Only use approved tiedown points.
• Use applicable tiedown equipment.
• Ensure tiedowns are secure before transport.
IMPORTANT: See machine operator’s manual for specific loading and tiedown information.

S2B Operator’s Manual Operate - 17
Clean Up
Unload
1. Park vehicle with trailer on level and firm ground.
2. Ensure trailer is correctly attached to vehicle.
3. Lower trailer or ramps.
4. Remove tiedowns.
5. If present, open fuel shut-off valve.
6. Start engine and raise digging boom, but keep it as low as possible.
7. Slowly back unit down or ramps.
Clean Up
Make sure all tools and accessories are securely loaded on trailer.
After unloading, remove all loose debris and spray water onto trailer floor to remove dirt and mud.
Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Stay
away.
To help avoid injury:
• Keep all persons away from machine and trailer.
• Keep boom as low as possible during unloading procedure.

Operate - 18 S2B Operator’s Manual
Clean Up

S2B Operator’s Manual Service - 19
Each Use Service
Each Use
Check Tire Pressure
Check tire pressure each use where shown.
Inflate tires to 50 psi (345 kPa).
Check Lug Nut Torque
Check lug nut torque each use. Tighten lug nuts in
the sequence shown to the specifications below.
• First pass: 20-25 ft•lb (27-34 N•m)
• Second pass: 50-60 ft•lb (68-81 N•m)
• Third pass: 90-120 ft•lb (122-163 N•m)
IMPORTANT: Consult manuals from axle and tire manufacturers for additional service information.
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