Ditch Witch 1820 Assembly instructions

1820 - SERVICE 1
SERIAL NUMBER RECORD
1820 - SERVICE 1
SERIAL NUMBER RECORD
SERVICE
SERIAL NUMBER RECORD
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided.
Serial number plate is mounted on model plate under flaps, as
shown.
Date of purchase
Serial number
Engine serial number
om1635
SERVICE
SERIAL NUMBER RECORD
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided.
Serial number plate is mounted on model plate under flaps, as
shown.
Date of purchase
Serial number
Engine serial number
om1635

21820 - SERVICE
SUPPORT PROCEDURE 21820 - SERVICE
SUPPORT PROCEDURE
SUPPORT PROCEDURE
Notify your dealer immediately of any malfunction or failure of
Ditch Witch equipment.
Always give model, serial number, and approximate date of
equipment purchase. This information should be recorded and
placed on file by owner at time of purchase.
Return damaged parts to dealer for inspection and warranty
consideration.
Order genuine Ditch Witch replacement parts from your
authorized ditch Witch dealer. Use of another manufacturer’s
parts may void warranty.
RESOURCES
Publications
Contact your Ditch Witch dealer for publications and videos
covering safety, operation, service, and repair of your equipment.
Ditch Witch Training
For information about on-site, individualized training, contact your
Ditch Witch dealer.
SUPPORT PROCEDURE
Notify your dealer immediately of any malfunction or failure of
Ditch Witch equipment.
Always give model, serial number, and approximate date of
equipment purchase. This information should be recorded and
placed on file by owner at time of purchase.
Return damaged parts to dealer for inspection and warranty
consideration.
Order genuine Ditch Witch replacement parts from your
authorized ditch Witch dealer. Use of another manufacturer’s
parts may void warranty.
RESOURCES
Publications
Contact your Ditch Witch dealer for publications and videos
covering safety, operation, service, and repair of your equipment.
Ditch Witch Training
For information about on-site, individualized training, contact your
Ditch Witch dealer.

1820 - FOREWORD 3
1820 - FOREWORD 3
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. 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
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. 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.

41820 - FOREWORD 41820 - FOREWORD
Operator's Manual
1820
Issue Number 5.3/OP-5/09
Part Number 054-485
Copyright 1994, 1995, 2003, 2004, 2009
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.,
Perry, Oklahoma, 73077-0066.
, 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.
Operator's Manual
1820
Issue Number 5.3/OP-5/09
Part Number 054-485
Copyright 1994, 1995, 2003, 2004, 2009
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.,
Perry, Oklahoma, 73077-0066.
, 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.

1820 - CONTENTS 5
1820 - CONTENTS 5
CONTENTS
SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Serial Number Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Support Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Underground Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Lifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Hauling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
CONTENTS
SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Serial Number Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Support Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Underground Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Lifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Hauling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

61820 - CONTENTS 61820 - CONTENTS
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Inspect Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
TRENCHING ATTACHMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
DRILLING ATTACHMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Drilling Attachment Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . 44
Prepare Jobsite and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Add Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Backream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Disassemble Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Hydraulic Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Pivot Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Trail Wheel Bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Cross and Bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Reducer Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Inspect Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
TRENCHING ATTACHMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
DRILLING ATTACHMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Drilling Attachment Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . 44
Prepare Jobsite and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Add Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Backream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Disassemble Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Hydraulic Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Pivot Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Trail Wheel Bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Cross and Bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Reducer Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

1820 - CONTENTS 7
1820 - CONTENTS 7
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Headshaft Sprocket Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Trenching Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Headshaft Sprocket Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Trenching Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

81820 - CONTENTS 81820 - CONTENTS

1820 - OVERVIEW 9
1820 - OVERVIEW 9
OVERVIEW
The Ditch Witch 1820 is a self-propelled, walk-along,
hydraulically steered, two-wheel drive trencher designed to dig in
a variety of soils and move large volumes of dirt in a short time.
With an optional drilling unit attached, it is also designed to drill
short distances.
A. Control Panel
B. Restraint Bar
C. Digging Chain/Boom
D. Trail Wheel
E. Drive Wheel
om1641x
OVERVIEW
The Ditch Witch 1820 is a self-propelled, walk-along,
hydraulically steered, two-wheel drive trencher designed to dig in
a variety of soils and move large volumes of dirt in a short time.
With an optional drilling unit attached, it is also designed to drill
short distances.
A. Control Panel
B. Restraint Bar
C. Digging Chain/Boom
D. Trail Wheel
E. Drive Wheel
om1641x

10 1820 - OVERVIEW 10 1820 - OVERVIEW

1820 - CONTROLS 11
CONSOLE
1820 - CONTROLS 11
CONSOLE
CONTROLS
CONSOLE
Gasoline Engine Diesel Engine
om1783a
om1783
1. Axle lock (blue)
2. Boom control (green)
3. Oil pressure indicator
4. Operator presence switch
(red)
5. Speed/Direction control
(orange)
6. Hydraulic pump control
(orange)
7. Roto Witch control
(optional)
8. Digging chain control
(yellow)
9. Ignition switch
10. Voltmeter
11. Hourmeter
12. Choke (gas only)
13. Throttle
14. Battery disconnect switch
(diesel only)
15. Water temperature gauge
(diesel only)
16. Glowplug indicator(diesel
only)
CONTROLS
CONSOLE
Gasoline Engine Diesel Engine
om1783a
om1783
1. Axle lock (blue)
2. Boom control (green)
3. Oil pressure indicator
4. Operator presence switch
(red)
5. Speed/Direction control
(orange)
6. Hydraulic pump control
(orange)
7. Roto Witch control
(optional)
8. Digging chain control
(yellow)
9. Ignition switch
10. Voltmeter
11. Hourmeter
12. Choke (gas only)
13. Throttle
14. Battery disconnect switch
(diesel only)
15. Water temperature gauge
(diesel only)
16. Glowplug indicator(diesel
only)

12 1820 - CONTROLS
CONSOLE 12 1820 - CONTROLS
CONSOLE
DESCRIPTIONS
Axle Lock (blue)
This lever locks axle (two-wheel drive)
or unlocks axle (one-wheel drive).
• Pull to unlock axle. Use unlocked
axle to turn trencher.
• Push to lock axle. Use locked axle
for straight trenching.
Boom Control (green)
This lever raises or lowers digging
boom. Can be used only when engine
is running.
• Push to lower.
• Pull to raise.
Oil Pressure Indicator
This light indicates low oil pressure.
Light will come on briefly when engine
is started. If light comes on when
engine is running:
• Turn engine off.
• Check oil level.
• Check for leaks before starting
engine.
ic1034
ic1033
om1008.pcx
DESCRIPTIONS
Axle Lock (blue)
This lever locks axle (two-wheel drive)
or unlocks axle (one-wheel drive).
• Pull to unlock axle. Use unlocked
axle to turn trencher.
• Push to lock axle. Use locked axle
for straight trenching.
Boom Control (green)
This lever raises or lowers digging
boom. Can be used only when engine
is running.
• Push to lower.
• Pull to raise.
Oil Pressure Indicator
This light indicates low oil pressure.
Light will come on briefly when engine
is started. If light comes on when
engine is running:
• Turn engine off.
• Check oil level.
• Check for leaks before starting
engine.
ic1034
ic1033
om1008.pcx

1820 - CONTROLS 13
CONSOLE
1820 - CONTROLS 13
CONSOLE
Operator Presence Switch
(red)
This button prevents machine from
running when digging or driving unless
operator is pressing switch. Operator
presence switch is on top of speed/
direction control.
Speed/Direction Control
(orange)
This lever controls unit speed and
direction.
• Push to move toward digging
boom.
• Pull to move toward operator
position.
• To go faster in either direction,
move control farther from center (neutral) position.
• To stop, return to neutral position.
• To turn, move control to left or right while it is in forward,
neutral, or reverse position.
om1014.pcx
ic0029h
Operator Presence Switch
(red)
This button prevents machine from
running when digging or driving unless
operator is pressing switch. Operator
presence switch is on top of speed/
direction control.
Speed/Direction Control
(orange)
This lever controls unit speed and
direction.
• Push to move toward digging
boom.
• Pull to move toward operator
position.
• To go faster in either direction,
move control farther from center (neutral) position.
• To stop, return to neutral position.
• To turn, move control to left or right while it is in forward,
neutral, or reverse position.
om1014.pcx
ic0029h

14 1820 - CONTROLS
CONSOLE 14 1820 - CONTROLS
CONSOLE
Hydraulic Pump Control
(orange)
This lever is used to help start cold
engine.
• Push to engage
• Pull to disengage.
Roto Witch Control
This lever controls optional boring
attachment. Refer to Roto Witch
Operator's Manual for additional
information.
• Push to rotate clockwise.
• Pull to rotate counterclockwise.
DiggingChainControl(yellow)
This lever controls digging chain action
and speed.
• Push to start digging chain.
• Pull to stop digging chain.
ic1036
ic1085b
ic1035a
Hydraulic Pump Control
(orange)
This lever is used to help start cold
engine.
• Push to engage
• Pull to disengage.
Roto Witch Control
This lever controls optional boring
attachment. Refer to Roto Witch
Operator's Manual for additional
information.
• Push to rotate clockwise.
• Pull to rotate counterclockwise.
DiggingChainControl(yellow)
This lever controls digging chain action
and speed.
• Push to start digging chain.
• Pull to stop digging chain.
ic1036
ic1085b
ic1035a

1820 - CONTROLS 15
CONSOLE
1820 - CONTROLS 15
CONSOLE
Ignition Switch
This switch is used to start engine.
Gasoline Engines:
• Insert key and turn it clockwise to
start position (C).
• When engine starts, release key. It
will return to on position (B).
• If engine does not start or is killed, turn switch to off position
(A), then restart.
Diesel Engines:
• Insert key and turn it clockwise to on position (B). Glow plug
indicator will light as engine heats.
• When glow plug indicator goes out, turn key to start position
(C).
• When engine starts, release key. It will return to on position
(B).
• If engine does not start or is killed, turn switch to off position
(A), then restart.
Voltmeter
This gauge measures voltage in
electric system. Reading should be
between 12 and 15 volts with engine
running. If not, stop engine and
investigate.
ic1084
om1132.pcx
Ignition Switch
This switch is used to start engine.
Gasoline Engines:
• Insert key and turn it clockwise to
start position (C).
• When engine starts, release key. It
will return to on position (B).
• If engine does not start or is killed, turn switch to off position
(A), then restart.
Diesel Engines:
• Insert key and turn it clockwise to on position (B). Glow plug
indicator will light as engine heats.
• When glow plug indicator goes out, turn key to start position
(C).
• When engine starts, release key. It will return to on position
(B).
• If engine does not start or is killed, turn switch to off position
(A), then restart.
Voltmeter
This gauge measures voltage in
electric system. Reading should be
between 12 and 15 volts with engine
running. If not, stop engine and
investigate.
ic1084
om1132.pcx

16 1820 - CONTROLS
CONSOLE 16 1820 - CONTROLS
CONSOLE
Hourmeter
This gauge records operating time. Use
to schedule lubrication and
maintenance.
Choke (gas only)
This knob helps start cold engine.
• Pull Choke before starting.
• Push Choke in completely when
engine has warmed.
Throttle
This lever regulates engine speed.
• Push toward rabbit to increase
engine speed.
• Pull toward turtle to slow engine.
om1132.pcx
om1011.pcx
ic1032
Hourmeter
This gauge records operating time. Use
to schedule lubrication and
maintenance.
Choke (gas only)
This knob helps start cold engine.
• Pull Choke before starting.
• Push Choke in completely when
engine has warmed.
Throttle
This lever regulates engine speed.
• Push toward rabbit to increase
engine speed.
• Pull toward turtle to slow engine.
om1132.pcx
om1011.pcx
ic1032

1820 - CONTROLS 17
CONSOLE
1820 - CONTROLS 17
CONSOLE
Water Temperature Gauge
(diesel only)
This gauge displays temperature of
water in cooling system.
Glow Plug Indicator
(diesel only)
This indicator lights when glow plug is
heating.
NOTICE: Do not turn ignition switch to
start until glow plug indicator goes out.
For complete starting instructions, see
OPERATION.
om1463.pcx
ic0026h
Water Temperature Gauge
(diesel only)
This gauge displays temperature of
water in cooling system.
Glow Plug Indicator
(diesel only)
This indicator lights when glow plug is
heating.
NOTICE: Do not turn ignition switch to
start until glow plug indicator goes out.
For complete starting instructions, see
OPERATION.
om1463.pcx
ic0026h

18 1820 - CONTROLS
CONSOLE 18 1820 - CONTROLS
CONSOLE
Battery Disconnect
Use for shut-off, when servicing, and
during long-term storage.
Battery disconnect is optional on
gasoline engines (top illustration) and
standard on diesel engines (bottom
illustration).
Gasoline engine:
• Turn clockwise to connect battery
power.
• Turn counterclockwise to
disconnect battery power.
Diesel engine:
• Turn counterclockwise to connect
battery power.
• Turn clockwise to disconnect
battery power.
om1749
om1486.pcx
Battery Disconnect
Use for shut-off, when servicing, and
during long-term storage.
Battery disconnect is optional on
gasoline engines (top illustration) and
standard on diesel engines (bottom
illustration).
Gasoline engine:
• Turn clockwise to connect battery
power.
• Turn counterclockwise to
disconnect battery power.
Diesel engine:
• Turn counterclockwise to connect
battery power.
• Turn clockwise to disconnect
battery power.
om1749
om1486.pcx

1820 - SAFETY 19
CONSOLE
1820 - SAFETY 19
CONSOLE
SAFETY
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
• Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before
using equipment.
• Contact your local One-Call or utility company. Have all
underground lines 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
equipment, safety equipment, and work methods for jobsite.
• Mark jobsite clearly and keep spectators away.
• Wear personal protective gear.
• Review jobsite hazards, safety and emergency procedures,
and individual responsibilities with all personnel before work
begins.
• Replace missing or damaged safety shields and safety signs.
• Use equipment carefully. Stop operation and investigate
anything that does not look or feel right.
• Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any question
about operation, maintenance, or equipment use.
When you see this safety alert sign, carefully read
and follow all instructions. YOUR SAFETY IS AT
STAKE.
SAFETY
Follow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:
• Complete proper training and read operator’s manual before
using equipment.
• Contact your local One-Call or utility company. Have all
underground lines 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
equipment, safety equipment, and work methods for jobsite.
• Mark jobsite clearly and keep spectators away.
• Wear personal protective gear.
• Review jobsite hazards, safety and emergency procedures,
and individual responsibilities with all personnel before work
begins.
• Replace missing or damaged safety shields and safety signs.
• Use equipment carefully. Stop operation and investigate
anything that does not look or feel right.
• Contact your Ditch Witch dealer if you have any question
about operation, maintenance, or equipment use.
When you see this safety alert sign, carefully read
and follow all instructions. YOUR SAFETY IS AT
STAKE.

20 1820 - SAFETY
UNDERGROUND HAZARDS 20 1820 - SAFETY
UNDERGROUND HAZARDS
UNDERGROUND HAZARDS
Striking underground hazards can cause explosion, electrocution,
fire, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Hazards include:
• Electric cables
• Natural gas pipes
• Fiber optic cables
• Water lines
• Sewer lines
• Pipes carrying other chemicals, liquids, or gases
• Storage tanks
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are off
tractor, DO NOT TOUCH TRACTOR. Take the following actions.
The order and degree of action will depend upon the situation.
• LEAVE AREA.
• Contact utility company to shut off power.
• Do not return to jobsite or allow anyone into area until given
permission by utility company.
UNDERGROUND HAZARDS
Striking underground hazards can cause explosion, electrocution,
fire, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Hazards include:
• Electric cables
• Natural gas pipes
• Fiber optic cables
• Water lines
• Sewer lines
• Pipes carrying other chemicals, liquids, or gases
• Storage tanks
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are off
tractor, DO NOT TOUCH TRACTOR. Take the following actions.
The order and degree of action will depend upon the situation.
• LEAVE AREA.
• Contact utility company to shut off power.
• Do not return to jobsite or allow anyone into area until given
permission by utility company.