Ditch Witch RT120 User manual

RT120
Operator’s
Manual
Issue 1.0
Original Translation
CMW®053-2697

RT120 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
CMW
Overview
Chapter Contents
Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Equipment Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Bulleted Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Numbered Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Overview - 2 RT120 Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
CMW
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. RT120 (1) and engine serial numbers (2)
are located as shown.
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
RT120 serial number
Front attachment serial number
Rear attachment serial number
Trailer serial number
Engine serial number
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12

RT120 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
CMW
Intended Use
The RT120 is a riding trencher designed to install buried service lines of various sizes using a variety of
Ditch Witch attachments.
This 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 RT120 should be used with genuine Ditch Witch chain, teeth, and sprockets. It should be operated,
serviced, and repaired only by persons familiar with their 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.
The protection offered by the Rollover Protective System (ROPS) will be impaired if it has been subjected
to any modification, structural damage, or has been involved in an overturn accident. The ROPS must be
replaced after a roll-over.
Attachment Max. width/diameter Max. depth*
H910 trencher 24” (610 mm) 100” (2.5 m)
H911 trencher 24” (610 mm) 96” (2.4 m)
H932 plow 3” (80 mm) 36” (915 mm)
H952 combo
trencher 12” (305 mm) 70” (1.8 m)
plow 3” (76 mm) 36” (915 mm)
H1140 saw 6” (150 mm) 40” (1000 mm)
RC120 reel carrier
A920 backhoe 24” (610 mm) 109” (2.4 m)

Overview - 4 RT120 Operator’s Manual
Unit Components
CMW
Unit Components
1. Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)
2. Operator station
3. Control console
4. Engine compartment
5. Backfill blade (optional)
WARNING: The protection offered by the Rollover Protective System (ROPS) will be impaired if it has
been subjected to any modification, structural damage, or has been involved in an overturn accident.
The ROPS must be replaced after a roll-over.
t41om002w.eps
1
23
4
5

RT120 Operator’s Manual Overview - 5
Operator Orientation
CMW
Operator Orientation
Right and left sides of machine are determined by
facing front of unit while seated at the controls.
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 RT120 Operator’s Manual
About This Manual
CMW

RT120 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 RT120 Operator’s Manual
CMW
RT120 Tier 4i
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.0/OM-09/13
Part number 053-2697
Copyright 2013
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch, CMW, and Roto Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles
Machine Works, Inc.

RT120 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 29
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
73
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path,
and preparing the jobsite for work
77
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown 83
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing 89
Trench
procedures for trenching 101
Plow
procedures for plowing 109
Reel Carrier
procedures for using reel carrier 119
Backhoe
procedures for digging with backhoe 123

Contents - 10 RT120 Operator’s Manual
CMW
Drill
procedures for drilling 129
Saw
procedures for sawing 137
Systems and Equipment
chain, teeth, sprockets, and optional equipment 145
Complete the Job
procedures for backfilling and restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing
equipment
151
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
153
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
197
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
217
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 221

RT120 Operator’s Manual Safety - 11
CMW®
Safety
Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
• Electric Strike Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Machine Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Attachment Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Safety - 12 RT120 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. Mark proposed path with white paint prior to contacting One-Call or
utilities.
• 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.
• Complete the equipment checklist located at www.ditchwitch.com/resources/safety.

RT120 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13
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 - Release all controls and turn ignition switch to STOP.
Electric shock. Contacting electric lines will cause death or serious injury.
Know location of lines and stay away.

Safety - 14 RT120 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.
• Do not allow anyone to touch equipment.
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.

RT120 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
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 and accessible) 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

Safety - 16 RT120 Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
CMW®

RT120 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
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 a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.
indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
Watch for two other words: NOTICE and IMPORTANT.
NOTICE indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related (e.g., messages relating to
property damage).
IMPORTANT can help you do a better job or make your job easier in some way.

Safety - 18 RT120 Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts
CMW®
Machine Safety Alerts
1
Runaway possible. Machine could run over you or
others. Learn how to use all controls. Start and operate only from
operator’s position.
2
Fall possible. Riders can fall from machine and be
injured or killed. Only operator is allowed on machine.
3
Moving parts could cut off hand or foot. Stay away.

RT120 Operator’s Manual Safety - 19
Machine Safety Alerts
CMW®
4
Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
5
Rollover possible. If machine rolls over, you could
be thrown from seat and killed or crushed. Wear seat belt.
6
Read operator’s manual. Know how to use all
controls before operating machine. When you see this sign on
the machine or in the manual, read it and use caution. Your safety
is at stake.