Ditch Witch SK900 User manual

SK900
Yanmar® 3TNV80FT
Operator’s
Manual
CMW® 053-3357
Issue 1.0
Original Instruction

SK900 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Equipment Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Machine Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operator Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operating Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Bulleted Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Numbered Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
California Proposition 65
Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm. www.P65warnings.ca.gov.

Overview - 2 SK900 Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
Serial Number Location
Record serial number and date of purchase in spaces provided. Serial number is located as shown.
Item
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
Machine serial number
t46om013w.eps

SK900 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
Intended Use
The SK900 is a platform, rubber track compact tool carrier unit designed for medium-duty construction
work. The machine has a quick attach plate which makes it easy for an operator to connect different
attachments.
This machine is intended for operation only according to the instructions in this manual. Operate machine
in ambient temperatures from 10° to 115°F (-12° to 46°C). Contact your Ditch Witch® dealer for provisions
required for operating in extreme temperatures. Use in any other way is considered contrary to the
intended use.
This machine should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by professionals familiar with its 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 training.

Overview - 4 SK900 Operator’s Manual
Machine Components
Machine Components
1. Operator station platform
2. Tracks
3. Engine compartment
4. Lift arms
5. Attachment plate
t46om014w.eps
12345

SK900 Operator’s Manual Overview - 5
Operator Orientation
Operator Orientation
1. Front
2. Right side
3. Rear
4. Left side
Operating Area
Operator should stand only in the location shown.
IMPORTANT: Top view of machine is shown.
IMPORTANT: Top view of machine is shown.
t46om015w.eps
1
2
3
4
t62om004w19.eps

Overview - 6 SK900 Operator’s Manual
About This Manual
About This Manual
This manual contains information for the proper use of this machine. 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.

SK900 Operator’s Manual Foreword - 7
Foreword
This manual is an important part of your equipment. It provides safety information and operation
instructions to help 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 - 8 SK900 Operator’s Manual
SK900
Operator’s Manual
Yanmar® 3TNV80FT
Issue number 1.0/OM-10/21
Part number 053-3357
Copyright 2021
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
and Ditch 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.

SK900 Operator’s Manual Contents - 9
Contents
Overview 1
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 7
Part number, revision level, and publication date of this manual, and factory contact
information
Safety 11
Machine safety alerts and emergency procedures
Prepare 19
Procedures for preparing jobsite, preparing operator, and preparing equipment
Controls 31
Machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them
Drive 41
Procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown
Transport 47
Procedures for lifting, hauling, and retrieving
Complete the Job 55
Procedures for restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing equipment
Maintenance 57
Maintenance intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication,
replacement of wear items, and basic maintenance
Specifications 79
Machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities

Contents - 10 SK900 Operator’s Manual
Support 85
The warranty policy for this machine and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training

SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 11
Safety
Chapter Contents
Safety Alert Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• Electric Strike Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• If Machine Catches on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Machine Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
For additional precautions, see “Prepare” chapter.

Safety - 12 SK900 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.

SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13
Guidelines
Guidelines
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
• Complete proper training.
• Read and understand operator’s manual before using equipment.
• Wear personal protective equipment including long pants, hard hat, eye protection, hearing
protection, and protective footwear.
• Do not wear jewelry or loose clothing.
• 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.
• 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. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available at www.ditchwitch.com/support.
• Fully inspect equipment before operating. Repair or replace any worn or damaged parts. Replace
missing or damaged safety shields and safety alert signs. Contact your Ditch Witch dealer for
assistance.
• Follow instructions on all safety alert signs on machine.
• Use equipment carefully per the instructions in this manual. Stop operation and investigate anything
that does not look or feel right.
• Do not operate machine where flammable gas may be present.
• Only operate equipment in well ventilated areas.
• Always tie down equipment and properly stow accessories, even if traveling short distances.
Misuse of machine can cause death or serious injury.
Read and understand operator’s manual and all other safety instructions
before use. Know how to use all controls.
Raised component. Crushing can cause death or serious
injury. Stay away. Use correct equipment and procedures.

Safety - 14 SK900 Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
• Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any questions about operation, maintenance, or
equipment use.
• Complete the equipment checklist located at www.ditchwitch.com/safe.
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.
Underground utilities. Contact can cause death or
serious injury. Locate and verify underground utilities before digging or
drilling.
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN: Shut off machine or press remote engine stop button (if equipped).

SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
Emergency Procedures
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged, DO NOT MOVE. Take the following actions. The order
and degree of action will depend on the situation.
• If you are on the machine, REMAIN ON MACHINE. Raise attachments and drive from immediate area.
•If you are off the machine,
• DO NOT TOUCH ANY EQUIPMENT.
• If you must leave the area, take small steps with feet close together to reduce the hazard of being
shocked from one foot to the other.
• Warn people nearby that an electric strike has occurred. Instruct them to leave the area.
• Have someone contact electric company to shut off power.
• If you leave the area, do not return to jobsite or 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.
• After warning others to 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.

Safety - 16 SK900 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.

SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
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.
When you see this safety alert sign, carefully read and follow all instructions.
YOUR SAFETY IS AT STAKE. Read this entire section before using your equipment.
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 - 18 SK900 Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts
Machine Safety Alerts
1. Raised component. Crushing can cause death or
serious injury. Stay away or secure raised component with locking
device. Use correct equipment and procedures.
2. Underground utilities. Contact can cause death or
serious injury. Locate and verify underground utilities before
digging or drilling.
3. Misuse of machine can cause death or serious
injury. Read and understand operator’s manual and all other safety
instructions before use. Know how to use all controls.

SK900 Operator’s Manual Safety - 19
Machine Safety Alerts
4. Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information.
5. Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
6. Moving parts. Contact can cause serious injury.
Stay away.
7. Lifted load. Crushing can cause death or serious
injury. Stay away from lifted load and its range of movement.
8. Hot parts. Contact can cause burns. Only touch
when cool or wear gloves.
9. High noise levels. Exposure can cause hearing loss.
Wear hearing protection.
10. Pre-heater. Fire or explosion can cause death or
serious injury. Never use starter fluid.
11. Tipover. Crushing can cause death or serious injury.
Follow procedure in operator’s manual. Drive cautiously.