Ditch Witch FM25 User manual

FM25/FM25X
Operator’s
Manual
Issue 2.0 053-1187

FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
• Bulleted Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
• Numbered Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Overview - 2 FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in
spaces provided. Fluid unit serial number is
located as shown.
Intended Use
The FM25/FM25X is a self-contained drilling fluid unit capable of mixing up to 950 gal (3596 L) of drilling
fluid per tank and transferring fluid under pressure to the drilling unit. It is intended for operation in ambient
temperatures from 0° to 115°F (-18° to 46°C). Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended
use.
The FM25/FM25X can be used with Ditch Witch®drilling units and locating equipment. It 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
fluid unit serial number
engine serial number

FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Unit Components
Unit Components
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. tank
2. hopper
3. pumps
4. power unit

Overview - 4 FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual

FM25/FM25X 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 FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual
FM25/FM25X
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 2.0/OM-11/17
Part number 053-1187
Copyright 2007, 2017
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.

FM25/FM25X 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
Operation Overview
an overview for completing a job with this machine: planning, setting up, handling
drilling fluid, and leaving the jobsite; with cross references to detailed procedures
27
Prepare
procedures for inspecting the jobsite and preparing the jobsite for work 31
Transport
procedures for lifting and hauling 35
Drilling Fluid Concepts
procedures for selecting fluid additives, determining fluid requirements, and
measuring viscosity
39
Complete the Job
procedures for rinsing and storing equipment 45
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
47
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
63
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
67
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 71

Contents - 8 FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual

FM25/FM25X 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Machine Safety Alerts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Safety - 10 FM25/FM25X 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 (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 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 machine 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

FM25/FM25X 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 FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are on truck or trailer, DO NOT MOVE.
Remain on truck or trailer and take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend on 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.
• Do not allow anyone to touch equipment.
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are off truck or trailer, DO NOT TOUCH
EQUIPMENT. Take the following actions. The order and degree of action will depend on the situation.
• LEAVE AREA. The ground surface may be electrified so take small shuffle steps with feet close
together to reduce the hazard of being shocked from one foot to the other.
• Contact utility company to shut off power.
• Do not return to area or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.

FM25/FM25X 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 FM25/FM25X 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.

FM25/FM25X 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 FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts
Machine Safety Alerts
1
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information.
2
Tiedown point. See Transport chapter for more information.
3
Misuse of machine can cause death or serious
injury. Read and understand operator’s manual and all other safety
instructions before use.
4
Hot parts. Contact can cause burns. Do not touch
unit cool. Wear gloves.
5
Moving parts. Contact can cause serious injury.
Stay away.

FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
Machine Safety Alerts
6
Silica dust. Exposure can cause lung disease. Use
breathing protection.
7
Buried electric lines. Contact will cause death or
serious injury. Know locations of lines. Stay away.

Safety - 18 FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts
Tanks
1
Buried electric lines. Contact will cause death or
serious injury. Know locations of lines. Stay away.
2
Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
3
Lift point. See Transport chapter for more information.

FM25/FM25X Operator’s Manual Controls - 19
Controls
Chapter Contents
Power Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mixing Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25