Ditch Witch 420sx User manual

420sx
Operator’s
Manual
053- 1110
Issue 3.0
CMW®

420sx Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
CMW
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
• Plow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
• Trencher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
• Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
• Reel Carrier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
• Numbered Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
• “Continued” Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Overview - 2 420sx Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
CMW
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in the spaces provided.
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
H401 trencher serial number (1)
420sx tractor serial number (2)
Engine serial number (3)

420sx Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
CMW
Intended Use
The 420sx is a 41 hp (30 kW), ride-on, articulated vibratory plow designed to install communication, gas,
and electrical lines as well as lawn irrigation systems up to 3” (76 mm) in diameter and up to a 24” (610
mm) cover depth. Optional equipment includes digging boom with 36” (914 mm) maximum depth and 6”
(152 mm) trench width capabilities, front reel carrier, specialized rear reel carrier, light kit, and Roto Witch®
drilling attachment.
The unit is designed for operation in temperatures typically experienced in excavation and construction
work environments. Provisions may be required to operate in extreme temperatures. Contact your Ditch
Witch dealer. Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended use.
The H401 trencher should be used with genuine Ditch Witch chain, teeth, and sprockets. The 420sx
should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with its particular characteristics and
acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.

Overview - 4 420sx Operator’s Manual
Unit Components
CMW
Unit Components
Tractor
1. Folding Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)
2. Control console
3. Engine compartment
4. Articulation joint
5. Frame lock
6. Trencher attachment
7. Drilling attachment
8. Plow vibrator

420sx Operator’s Manual Overview - 5
Unit Components
CMW
Plow
1. Balance spring assembly
2. Vibrator
3. Feed tube
4. Skid shoe
5. Upper over-travel bumper
6. Lift trolley
7. Lower over-travel bumper
8. Sod cutter (optional)
9. Plow blade

Overview - 6 420sx Operator’s Manual
Unit Components
CMW
H401 Trencher
1. Digging chain
2. Trench cleaner (optional)
3. Restraint bar
4. Boom

420sx Operator’s Manual Overview - 7
Unit Components
CMW
Drill
1. Coupler
2. Zerk
3. U-joint

Overview - 8 420sx Operator’s Manual
Unit Components
CMW
Reel Carrier
1. Front reel carrier
2. Front cable guide
3. ROPS cable guide
4. Dual reel carrier
5. Rear cable guide

420sx Operator’s Manual Overview - 9
Operator Orientation
CMW
Operator Orientation
Right and left sides of machine are determined by
facing front of unit while seated at the controls.
About This Manual
This manual contains information for the proper
use of this machine. See Operation Overview
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.
“Continued” Indicators
indicates that a procedure is continued on the next page.
1. Front of unit
2. Left of unit
3. Rear of unit
4. Right of unit

Overview - 10 420sx Operator’s Manual
About This Manual
CMW

420sx Operator’s Manual Foreword - 11
CMW
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 - 12 420sx Operator’s Manual
CMW
420sx
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 3.0/OM-04/08
Part number 053-1110
Copyright 2006, 2007, 2008
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.
U.S. patent pending.

420sx Operator’s Manual Contents - 13
CMW
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
1
Foreword
part number, revision level, and publication date of this manual, and factory contact
information
11
Safety
machine safety alerts and emergency procedures
15
Controls
machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them
25
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
39
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path,
and preparing the jobsite for work
43
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown
49
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing
53
Plow
procedures for plowing
63
Trench
procedures for trenching
71
Drill
procedures for drilling
77
Systems and Equipment
ROPS, plow blades, chain, teeth, sprockets, and optional equipment
83

Contents - 14 420sx Operator’s Manual
CMW
Complete the Job
procedures for backfilling and restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing
equipment
91
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
93
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
129
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
135
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine
139

420sx Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
CMW
Safety
Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
• Electric Strike Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
• If Machine Catches on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Safety - 16 420sx Operator’s Manual
Guidelines
CMW
Guidelines
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
• Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before using equipment.
• Contact your local One-Call (811 in USA) or the One-Call referral number (888-258-0808 in USA and
Canada) to have underground utilities located before digging. Also contact any utilities that do not
participate in the One-Call service.
• 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.

420sx Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
Safety Alert Classifications
CMW
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.

Safety - 18 420sx Operator’s Manual
Safety Alerts
CMW
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.
Know location of lines and stay away.
Deadly gases. Lack of oxygen or presence of gas will cause sickness or
death. Provide ventilation.
Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use
correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain proper safety
equipment.
Crushing weight could cause death or serious injury. Use
proper procedures and equipment or stay away.
Moving parts could cut off hand or foot. Stay away.

420sx Operator’s Manual Safety - 19
Safety Alerts
CMW
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.
Fall possible. Riders can fall from machine and be injured or killed. Only
operator is allowed on machine.
Rollover possible. If machine rolls over, you could be thrown from seat and
killed or crushed. Wear seat belt.
Improper control function could cause death or serious injury. If control does
not work as described in instructions, stop machine and have it serviced.
Looking into fiber optic cable could result in permanent vision damage. Do
not look into ends of fiber optic or unidentified cable.
Pressurized fluid or air could pierce skin and cause injury or
death. Stay away.
Runaway possible. Machine could run over you or others. Learn how to use
all controls. Start and operate only from operator’s position.
Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite and cause burns. No
smoking, no flame, no spark.