Ditch Witch RT80Q User manual

RT80Q
Operator’s
Manual
053-2528
Issue 1.0
CMW®

RT80Q 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 RT80Q Operator’s Manual
Serial Number Location
CMW
Serial Number Location
Record serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces provided. RT80Q (1) and engine serial numbers (2)
are located as shown.
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
RT80Q serial number
Front attachment serial number
Rear attachment serial number
Trailer serial number
Engine serial number
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2

RT80Q Operator’s Manual Overview - 3
Intended Use
CMW
Intended Use
The RT80Q 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 RT80Q 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 imparied 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
H810 trencher 24” (610 mm) 93” (2.4 m)
H813 trencher 12” (305 mm) 58.4” (1.5 m)
H832 plow n/a 36” (915 mm)
RC80 reel carrier 84” (2.1 m) reel diameter n/a
H853 combo 12” (305 mm) 69” (1.8 m)
A820 backhoe 18” (460 mm) bucket 89” (2.2 m)
HD630 saw See manufacturer’s specifications

Overview - 4 RT80Q 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)
NOTICE: The protection offered by the Rollover Protective System (ROPS) will be imparied 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.
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5

RT80Q 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
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4

Overview - 6 RT80Q Operator’s Manual
About This Manual
CMW

RT80Q 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 RT80Q Operator’s Manual
CMW
RT80 Quad-Track
Operator’s Manual
Issue number 1.0/OM-06/12
Part number 053-2528
Copyright 2012
by The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
, Ditch Witch, CMW, Roto Witch, and The Underground Authority, 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, and D640292
with other U.S. and foreign patents pending.

RT80Q Hydrostat 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 21
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
67
Prepare
procedures for inspecting and classifying the jobsite, planning the installation path,
and preparing the jobsite for work
71
Drive
procedures for startup, cold start, driving, and shutdown 77
Transport
procedures for lifting, hauling, and towing 83
Trench
procedures for trenching 95
Plow
procedures for plowing 101
Reel Carrier
procedures for using reel carrier/winder 109
Saw
procedures for sawing 113

Contents - 10 RT80Q Hydrostat Operator’s Manual
CMW
Backhoe
procedures for digging with backhoe 117
Drill
procedures for drilling 123
Systems and Equipment
chain, teeth, sprockets, and optional equipment 131
Complete the Job
procedures for backfilling and restoring the jobsite and rinsing and storing
equipment
139
Service
service intervals and instructions for this machine including lubrication, replacement
of wear items, and basic maintenance
141
Specifications
machine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid
capacities
187
Support
the warranty policy for this machine, and procedures for obtaining warranty
consideration and training
203
Service Record
a record of major service performed on the machine 209

RT80Q Operator’s Manual Safety - 11
CMW
Safety
Chapter Contents
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Safety Alert Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Safety Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
• Electric Strike Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
• If an Electric Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
• If a Gas Line is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
• If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
• If Machine Catches on Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Safety - 12 RT80Q 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.

RT80Q Operator’s Manual Safety - 13
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 - 14 RT80Q 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.
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.
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.

RT80Q Operator’s Manual Safety - 15
Safety Alerts
CMW
Fall possible. Riders can fall from machine and be injured or killed. Only
operator is allowed on machine.
Rollover possible. If machine rolls over, you could be thrown from seat and
killed or crushed. Wear seat belt.
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.
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 - 16 RT80Q 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.
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).
Breathing crystalline silica dust may cause lung disease. Cutting, drilling, or
working materials such as concrete, sand, or rock containing quartz may result in exposure
to silica dust. Use dust control methods or appropriate breathing protection when exposed
to silica dust.

RT80Q Operator’s Manual Safety - 17
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 - 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 - 18 RT80Q 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 tractor, DO NOT MOVE. Remain on
tractor and 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.
• Raise attachments and drive from immediate area.
• Contact utility company to shut off power.
• Do not return to jobsite or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.
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. The ground surface may be electrified, so take small steps with feet close together to
reduce the hazard of being shocked from one foot to the other. For more information, contact your
Ditch Witch dealer.
• Contact utility company to shut off power.
• Do not return to jobsite or allow anyone into area until given permission by utility company.

RT80Q Operator’s Manual Safety - 19
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.