Ditch Witch SK500 User manual

SK500
Operator’s
Manual
054- 091
Issue 2.0
CMW®

SK500 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
CMW
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
• Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Overview - 2 SK500 Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
CMW
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. Unit serial number is located as shown.
Item
date of manufacture
date of purchase
unit serial number
engine serial number
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SK500 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
CMW
Intended Use
The SK500 is a walk-behind, rubber track mini skid steer unit designed for light-to medium-duty
construction work. The SK500 has 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 SK500 should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with its particular
characteristics and acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.
Unit Components
1. Mount plate
2. Lift arms
3. Engine compartment
4. Tracks
5. Operator station
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Overview - 4 SK500 Operator’s Manual
Operator Orientation
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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.
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3
4

SK500 Operator’s Manual Foreword - 5
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 - 6 SK500 Operator’s Manual
CMW
SK500
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 2.0/OM-1/05
Part number 054-091
Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005
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.

SK500 Operator’s Manual Contents - 7
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
5
Safety
machine safety alerts and emergency procedures 9
Controls
machine controls, gauges, and indicators and how to use them 17
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying thejobsite, planning the installation path (if
needed), preparing the jobsite for work, and connecting attachments
21
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown 29
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing 33
Complete the Job
procedures for restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing equipment 41
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
43
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
65
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
69
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 73

Contents - 8 SK500 Operator’s Manual
CMW

SK500 Operator’s Manual Safety - 9
CMW
Safety
Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• Electric Strike Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
• If Machine Catches on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Safety - 10 SK500 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 One-Call (888-258-0808) and any utility companies which do not subscribe to One-Call. Have
all underground pipes and cables located and marked before operating equipment. If you damage a
utility, contact utility company.
• 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.

SK500 Operator’s Manual Safety - 11
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 - 12 SK500 Operator’s Manual
Safety Alerts
CMW
Safety Alerts
Moving digging teeth will kill you or cut off arm or leg. Stay away.
Turning shaft will kill you or crush arm or leg. Stay away.
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.

SK500 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13
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.
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 - 14 SK500 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).

SK500 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
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. Almost one-third of 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.

Safety - 16 SK500 Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
CMW
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are near pedestrian unit, DO NOT MOVE and
do not touch unit. 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.
• Do not 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.
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.
• Immediately move battery disconnect switch (if equipped) 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.

SK500 Operator’s Manual Controls - 17
CMW
Controls
1. Choke
2. Auxiliary power outlet
3. Ignition switch
4. Fuel gauge
5. Hourmeter
6. Engine oil pressure indicator
7. Hydraulic fluid temperature indicator
8. Attachment drive control
9. Lift arm control
10. Throttle
11. Right track drive control
12. Left track drive control
Item Description Notes
1. Choke To help start cold engine, pull
knob.
When engine has warmed,
push in completely.
2. Auxiliary power outlet To operate work lights or
other 12V devices, plug into
outlet.
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Controls - 18 SK500 Operator’s Manual
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3. Ignition switch To start engine, insert key and
turn clockwise.
To stop engine, turn key
counterclockwise.
IMPORTANT: If engine does not start
or stalls, turn key to STOP and then
restart.
4. Fuel gauge Displays fuel level in tank. Use only unleaded gasoline.
Tank holds 6 gal (23 L).
5. Hourmeter Displays engine operating
time. Use these times to schedule service.
6. Engine oil pressure
indicator Lights when engine oil pressure is low.
Also lights briefly when
engine is started.
Engine will stop.
1. Check oil level.
2. Check for leaks before starting
engine.
Item Description Notes

SK500 Operator’s Manual Controls - 19
CMW
7. Hydraulic fluid
temperature indicator Lights when hydraulic fluid is overheating. Check hydraulic fluid level.
8. Attachment drive
control To engage attachment drive in reverse, push up.
To engage attachment drive
in forward, pull down.
9. Lift arm control To move lift arms down, push.
To float, push forward to end.
To move lift arms up, pull.
To curl attachment up, move
to left.
To curl attachment down,
move to right.
IMPORTANT: Do not exceed rated
operating capacity when lifting loads.
See page 65.
10. Throttle To increase engine speed,
push.
To decrease engine speed,
pull.
Increasing engine speed also
increases attachment speed.
Item Description Notes
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