Ditch Witch JT520 User manual

JT520
Issue 1.1
Operator’s
Manual
CMW®053-1219

JT520 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
• “Continued” Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Overview - 2 JT520 Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
CMW
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. Drilling unit serial number is located as
shown.
Item
date of manufacture
date of purchase
drilling unit serial number
trailer serial number
engine serial number

JT520 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
CMW
Intended Use
The JT520 is a self-contained horizontal directional drilling unit designed to install buried cable and pipe at
distances to 150’ (45.7 m) depending on soil conditions 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 JT520 can be used with Ditch Witch drilling fluid units and Ditch Witch locating equipment. It should be
operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with its particular characteristics and acquainted
with the relevant safety procedures.
Unit Components
1. Anchoring system
2. Auxiliary wrench
3. Operator’s station
4. Carriage
5. Stabilizer
6. Tracks
7. Spindle
8. Drill frame
9. Front wrench

Overview - 4 JT520 Operator’s Manual
Operator Orientation
CMW
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.
“Continued” Indicators
indicates that a procedure is continued on the next page.
IMPORTANT: Top view of unit is shown.

JT520 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 JT520 Operator’s Manual
CMW
JT520 (Tier 4i)
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.1/OM-10/08
Part number 053-1219
Copyright 2008
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.
This product is covered by one or more of the following patents:
U.S. B1 4,858,704; 4,953,638; 5,148,880; 5,242,026; 5,341,887; 5,490,569; 5,684,466; 5,713,423; 5,794,719; 5,880,680; 5,941,322;
6,085,852; 6,109,371; 6,179,065; 6,216,803; 6,250,403; 6,250,404; 6,290,606; 6,311,790; 6,411,094; 6,543,551; 6,550,547;
6,672,409; 6,739,413; 6,761,231; 6,776,246; 6,808,210; 6,827,158; 6,848,506; 6,871,712; RE37,450; RE37,923; RE37,975;
RE38,418; AU 689,533; 706,544; 718,034; 755,862; CA 2,156,398; 2,217,899; DE 694 17 019; 695 29 634; 297 01 406;
EP 0683845; 0674093; 0817901; 0846841; 0927892; FR 674,093; GB 2,309,239; 2,312,006; EP674,093; EP846,841; JP 3,458,247;
other U.S. and foreign patents pending.

JT520 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 19
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
39
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path,
and preparing the jobsite for work
43
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown 59
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing 63
Conduct a Bore
procedures for drilling and backreaming 71
Systems and Equipment
downhole tools and drill pipe, anchor, electric strike, tracker control, and fluid
systems
85
Complete the Job
procedures for restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing equipment 113
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
117

Contents - 8 JT520 Operator’s Manual
CMW
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
141
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
145
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 149

JT520 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Safety - 10 JT520 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.

JT520 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 JT520 Operator’s Manual
Safety Alerts
CMW
Safety Alerts
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.
Moving tools will kill or injure. Shut off drill string power when anyone can be
struck by moving or thrown tools. Never use pipe wrenches on drill string.
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.

JT520 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.
Pressurized fluid or air could pierce skin and cause injury or
death. Stay away.
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 - 14 JT520 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).

JT520 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. 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, or if strike alarm sounds or flashes, 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 - 16 JT520 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 drilling unit or bonded ground mats,
DO NOT MOVE. Remain on drilling machine or mats 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.
• Have someone contact electric company.
• Reverse drilling direction and try to break contact. Do not touch drill pipe with hands or hand-held
tools.
• Press electric strike system status button.
• If alarm sounds again, stay where you are and wait for electric company to shut off power.
• If alarm does not sound and there is no other indication of a strike, wait at least one full minute
before moving away from equipment. Utility might use automatic reclosers which will restart
current flow. If alarm sounds again while waiting, stay where you are until electric company shuts
off power.
• If alarm does not sound but all lights in strike indicator are on, assume strike is continuing and stay
where you are until electric company shuts off power.
• Do not resume drilling or allow anyone into area until given permission by electric company.
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are off drilling unit or bonded ground mats,
DO NOT TOUCH ANY EQUIPMENT connected to drilling unit. Take the following actions. The order and
degree of action will depend on the situation.
• Stay where you are unless you are wearing electric insulating boots. If you leave, do not return to area
or allow anyone into area until given permission by electric company.

JT520 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
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.

Safety - 18 JT520 Operator’s Manual
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.
• 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.

JT520 Operator’s Manual Controls - 19
CMW
Controls
Chapter Contents
Set-Up Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Operator’s Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
• Gauges and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
• Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
ESID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
750/752 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
• Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
• Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36