Ditch Witch RT45 User manual

RT45
Operator’s
Manual
053-1982
Issue 4.0

RT45 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1
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 RT45 Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. RT45 (2) and engine (1) serial numbers
are located as shown.
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
RT45 serial number
Engine serial number
Front attachment serial number
Rear attachment serial number
Trailer serial number

RT45 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
Intended Use
The RT45 is a riding trencher designed to install buried service lines of various sizes using a variety of
Ditch Witch® 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 RT45 should be used with genuine Ditch Witch chain, teeth, and sprockets. It 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.
Attachment Max. width/diameter Max. depth
H313 trencher 12 in (305 mm) 63 in (1.6 m)
H314 trencher, center 12 in (305 mm) 52 in (1.3 m)
H314 trencher, offset 8 in (200 mm) 52 in (1.3 m)
H331 plow 3 in (76 mm) 24 in (610 mm)
H350 combo
trencher 8 in (200 mm) 42 in (1.1 m)
plow 3 in (76 mm) 24 in (610 mm)
H342 saw 5 in (130 mm) 18 in (455 mm)
A323 backhoe 18 in (460 mm) 93.2 in (2.4 m)
MT12 MicroTrencher 0.75-1.25 in (19-32 mm) 6-12.5 in (165-318 mm)

Overview - 4 RT45 Operator’s Manual
Unit Components
Unit Components
1. Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)
2. Right console
3. Left console
4. Operator’s station
5. Center console
6. Engine compartment
7. Backfill blade

RT45 Operator’s Manual Overview - 5
Operator Orientation
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 RT45 Operator’s Manual

RT45 Operator’s Manual Foreword - 7
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 RT45 Operator’s Manual
RT45
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 4.0/OM-04/15
Part number 053-1982
Copyright 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch and Roto Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine
Works, Inc.
This product is covered by one or more of the following patents: U.S. D640290, D640291, D640292, and
8375605 with other U.S. and foreign patents pending.

RT45 Operator’s Manual Contents - 9
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 27
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
59
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path,
and preparing the jobsite for work
63
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown 69
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing 73
Trench
procedures for trenching 83
Plow
procedures for plowing 87
Saw
procedures for sawing 93
Backhoe
procedures for digging with backhoe 99

Contents - 10 RT45 Operator’s Manual
Drill
procedures for drilling 105
Microtrench
procedures for microtrenching 113
Systems and Equipment
chain, teeth, sprockets, and optional equipment 125
Complete the Job
procedures for backfilling and restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing
equipment
131
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
133
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
175
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
193
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 197

RT45 Operator’s Manual Safety - 11
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Machine Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Safety - 12 RT45 Operator’s Manual
Guidelines
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 or at
ditchwitch.com/resources/safety.
• 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.

RT45 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13
Emergency Procedures
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. 274-050
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 - 14 RT45 Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
If an Electric Line is Damaged
If you suspect an electric line has been damaged and you are on drilling unit or bonded equipment, DO
NOT MOVE. Remain on drilling machine 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 self test 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 equipment, 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.

RT45 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
Emergency Procedures
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. 275-419 (2P)
Explosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur.
Follow directions carefully.

Safety - 16 RT45 Operator’s Manual
Emergency Procedures
If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged
Do not look into cut ends of fiber optic or unidentified cable. Vision damage can occur. Contact utility
company.
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.

RT45 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
Safety Alert Classifications
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 ISAT
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 RT45 Operator’s Manual
Machine Safety Alerts
Machine Safety Alerts
1
Read operator’s manual. Know how to use all
controls. Your safety is at stake. 273-475
2
Hot parts may cause burns. Do not touch until cool
or wear gloves. 273-423
3
Rollover could kill or crush. Wear seat belt. 275-303

RT45 Operator’s Manual Safety - 19
Machine Safety Alerts
4
Runaway possible. Start from operator’s position
only. 275-070
5
Fall possible. Riders can fall from machine and be
injured or killed. Only operator is allowed on machine. 273-487
6
Tiedown location. See Transport chapter for more information.
274-318