Ditch Witch FX30 User manual

FX30
Tier 4i
Operator’s
Manual
053-1274
Issue 1.0
CMW®

FX30 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
CMW
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Equipment Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
• Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Overview - 2 FX30 Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
CMW
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. FX30 serial number is located as shown.
Intended Use
The FX30 is a self-contained vacuum excavation unit capable of vacuuming a wide variety of non-
hazardous, non-flammable liquid and solid debris. It is designed to perform efficient soft excavation,
including exposing utilities for visual verification and/or potholing, and 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 FX30 should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with its particular
characteristics and acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
FX30 serial number (shown)
Engine serial number
Blower serial number
Water pump serial number
Trailer serial number
j04om070t.eps

FX30 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Equipment Modification
CMW
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 (500 gallon tank)
1. Inlet valve
2. Primary shut-off valve
3. Vacuum tank
4. Water tank
5. Operator’s station
6. Power pack
7. Hose reel
8. Potholing tools
9. Antifreeze tank
10. Secondary shut-off valve
11. Vacuum filter
12. Drain valve
13. Tool storage
j04om026t.eps
654321
87 9 10 11
1213

Overview - 4 FX30 Operator’s Manual
Unit Components (800 gallon tank)
CMW
Unit Components (800 gallon tank)
1. Inlet valve
2. Vacuum tank
3. Primary shut-off valve
4. Water tank
5. Operator’s station
6. Power pack
7. Hose reel
8. Potholing tools
9. Antifreeze tank
10. Secondary shut-off valve
11. Vacuum filter
12. Drain valve
13. Potholing tools
14. Tool storage
j04om029t.eps
654321
12
1314
910 87 11

FX30 Operator’s Manual Overview - 5
Operator Orientation
CMW
Operator Orientation
Right and left sides of machine are determined by
facing towing vehicle.
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.
1. Front of unit
2. Right of unit
3. Rear of unit
4. Left of unit

Overview - 6 FX30 Operator’s Manual
About This Manual
CMW

FX30 Operator’s Manual Foreword - 7
Reporting Safety Defects
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.
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 Product Safety Coordinator at The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
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 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-
424-9153), go to http://www.safercar.gov, or write to:
Administrator
NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.

Foreword - 8 FX30 Operator’s Manual
CMW
FX30 with Tier 4i Engine
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.0/OM-9/09
Part number 053-1274
Copyright 2009
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch, CMW, AutoCrowd, Jet Trac, Roto Witch, Subsite, Fluid Miser,
Power Pipe, Super Witch, Pierce Airrow, The Underground, The Underground Authority Worldwide, and
Zahn are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
U.S. patents pending.

FX30 Operator’s Manual Contents - 9
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
7
Safety
machine safety alerts and emergency procedures 11
Controls
machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them 21
Operation Overview
an overview for completing a job with this machine: planning, setting up, vacuuming,
potholing, and restoring the jobsite; with cross references to detailed procedures
39
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, and preparing the jobsite for
work
43
Transport
procedures for lifting and hauling 49
Vacuum and Pothole
procedures for removing debris and potholing utility locations 53
Complete the Job
procedures for restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing equipment 65
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
69
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
109
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
119
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 123

Contents - 10 FX30 Operator’s Manual
CMW

FX30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 11
CMW
Safety
Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
• Electric Strike Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Safety - 12 FX30 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 may be present.
• Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any question about operation, maintenance, or equipment
use.

FX30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13
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 - 14 FX30 Operator’s Manual
Safety Alerts
CMW
Safety Alerts
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.
Confined space will cause suffocation. Use proper procedures for entering
or stay away.
Vacuum will suffocate. Maintain distance between face and vacuum inlets.
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.

FX30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
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.
Improper control function could cause death or serious injury. If control does
not work as described in instructions, stop machine and have it serviced.
Fire or explosion possible. Fumes could ignite and cause burns. No
smoking, no flame, no spark.
Moving traffic - hazardous situation. Death or serious injury could result.
Avoid moving vehicles, wear high visibility clothing, post appropriate warning signs.

Safety - 16 FX30 Operator’s Manual
Safety Alerts
CMW
Hot pressurized cooling system fluid could cause serious burns. Allow to
cool before servicing.
Flying objects may cause injury. Wear hard hat and safety glasses.
Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool.
Exposure to high noise levels may cause hearing loss. Wear hearing
protection.
Fall possible. Slips or trips may result in injury. Keep area clean.
Battery acid may cause burns. Avoid contact.
Improper handling or use of chemicals may result in illness, injury, or
equipment damage. Follow instructions on labels and in material safety data sheets
(MSDS).

FX30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
Emergency Procedures
CMW
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. Contacting electric lines will cause death or serious injury.
Know location of lines and stay away.

Safety - 18 FX30 Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
CMW
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.
• Contact utility company to shut off power.
• Do not return to area or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.

FX30 Operator’s Manual Safety - 19
Emergency Procedures
CMW
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.
• 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.
Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur.
Follow directions carefully.