Ditch Witch XT855 User manual

XT855
Operator’s
Manual
053-1985
Issue 1.0
CMW®

XT855 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
CMW
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
• Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Overview - 2 XT855 Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
CMW
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. XT855 Tier 4i serial number is located as
shown.
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
XT855 Tier 4i serial number
Engine serial number
Attachment serial number(s)

XT855 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
CMW
Intended Use
The XT855 is a ride-on, track-driven excavator/tool carrier unit designed for light-to medium-duty
construction work. The XT855 excavator allows 260° swing and digging depths to 83” (2.1 m). The XT855
lift arms have a quick attach mount plate which makes it easy for an operator to connect different
attachments. 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 XT855 should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons 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 testing.

Overview - 4 XT855 Operator’s Manual
Unit Components
CMW
Unit Components
Operator Orientation
Right and left sides of machine are determined by
facing front (toward lift arms) of unit while seated in the
operator’s station.
1. attachment receiver plate
2. lift arms
3. engine compartment
4. tracks
5. operator’s station
6. ROPS/FOPS
7. excavator
8. excavator stow lock
1. Front of unit
2. Right of unit
3. Rear of unit
4. Left of unit

XT855 Operator’s Manual Overview - 5
About This Manual
CMW
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.

Overview - 6 XT855 Operator’s Manual
CMW

XT855 Operator’s Manual Foreword - 7
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 - 8 XT855 Operator’s Manual
CMW
XT855
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.0/OM-10/09
Part number 053-1985
Copyright 2009
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.
This product is covered by one or more of the following patents:
U.S. D511, 531; Community Design: 000205117-0001; other U.S. and foreign patents pending.

XT855 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, installing
product, and restoring the jobsite; with cross references to detailed procedures
37
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path,
and preparing the jobsite for work
39
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown 45
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing 49
Dig
procedures for using excavator to dig trenches and move material 61
Systems and Equipment
procedures for changing excavator control pattern, using SK attachments, and a list
of optional equipment
67
Complete the Job
procedures for restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing equipment 73
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
75

Contents - 10 XT855 Operator’s Manual
CMW
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
95
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
243
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 105

XT855 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
• If Machine Catches on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Safety - 12 XT855 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.

XT855 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 XT855 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.
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.
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.

XT855 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
Safety Alerts
CMW
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.
Fluid or air pressure 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.

Safety - 16 XT855 Operator’s Manual
Safety Alerts
CMW
Moving traffic - hazardous situation. Death or serious injury could result.
Avoid moving vehicles, wear high visibility clothing, post appropriate warning signs.
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).

XT855 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.
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN - Turn ignition switch to STOP or press engine stop button.

Safety - 18 XT855 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 unit, DO NOT MOVE. Remain on unit
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 attachment and/or excavator 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 unit, DO NOT TOUCH UNIT. 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.
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.

XT855 Operator’s Manual Safety - 19
Emergency Procedures
CMW
If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged
Do not look into cut ends of fiber optic or unidentified cable. Vision damage can occur.
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.
• 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.