Ditch Witch ST37x User manual

ST37x
Operator’s
Manual
053-2977
Issue 1.0
Original Instruction

ST37x Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Equipment Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
• Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Overview - 2 ST37x Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. Unit serial number is located as shown.
Intended Use
The ST37x is a platform, rubber track trencher designed for light-to medium-duty construction work. The
unit is designed for operation in temperatures typically experienced in earth moving 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 ST37x should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with its particular
characteristics and acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.
Item
date of manufacture
date of purchase
unit serial number
engine serial number
t54om002h.epst54om002h.eps

ST37x Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Equipment Modification
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. Operator station
2. Tracks
3. Engine compartment
4. Trencher boom
11223344
t54om003h.epst54om003h.eps

Overview - 4 ST37x 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
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.
1
11
33
2244
t54om004h.epst54om004h.eps

ST37x Operator’s Manual Foreword - 5
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 - 6 ST37x Operator’s Manual
ST37x
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.0 / OM-12/16
Part number 053-2977
Copyright 2016
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.

ST37x Operator’s Manual Contents - 7
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
5
Safety
machine safety alerts and emergency procedures 9
Controls
machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them 19
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path (if
needed), preparing the jobsite for work, and connecting attachments
37
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown 45
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing 49
Trench
procedures for trenching 57
Complete the Job
procedures for restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing equipment 63
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
65
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
97
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
101

Contents - 8 ST37x Operator’s Manual
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 105
Appendix
additional information about Ditch Witch®equipment 107

ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 9
Safety
Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Electric Strike Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Safety Alert Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Machine Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Safety - 10 ST37x Operator’s Manual
Guidelines
Guidelines
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.
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. Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 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 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

ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 11
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 - Turn ignition switch to stop position or push remote engine stop button (if
equipped).
Electric shock will cause death or serious injury. Stay
away. 274-049

Safety - 12 ST37x Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are on tractor, DO NOT MOVE. Remain on
tractor and 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.
• Raise attachments and drive from immediate area.
• Contact utility company to shut off power.
• Do not return to jobsite or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are off tractor, DO NOT TOUCH TRACTOR.
Take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend upon the situation.
• LEAVE AREA. The ground surface may be electrified, so take small steps with feet close together to
reduce the hazard of being shocked from one foot to the other. For more information, contact your
Ditch Witch®dealer.
• Contact utility company to shut off power.
• Do not return to jobsite or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.

ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 13
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. 275-419 (2P)
Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur.
Follow directions carefully.

Safety - 14 ST37x 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.

ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
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 - 16 ST37x Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts
Machine Safety Alerts
1
Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
274-318
2
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information. 274-442
3
Fire or explosion possible. Do not use starter fluid.
273-459 (2P), 274-206 (2P), 700-206 (2P)

ST37x Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
Machine Safety Alerts
4
Moving digging teeth will cause death or serious
injury. Trench cave-in can cause you to fall. Stay away.
274-002; 275-097
5
Read operator’s manual. Know how to use all
controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475
6
Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool
or wear gloves. 275-355 (2-P)
7
Exposure to high noise levels may cause hearing
loss. Wear hearing protection. 700-009 (2-P)
8
Jobsite hazards could cause death or serious
injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and maintain
proper safety equipment. 274-050; 274-724 (2P), 700-133

Safety - 18 ST37x Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts

ST37x Operator’s Manual Controls - 19
Controls
Chapter Contents
Gauges and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Graphic Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Service Interval Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35