Ditch-witch RT Line User Manual

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24Operator’s ManualIssue 1.0Original TranslationCMW®053-2439

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Safety - 9CMWSafetyChapter ContentsGuidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 99RT12CMWVibration LevelsVibration at the operator’s hand during normal operation is 6.639 m/s2

Specifications - 100 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT16CMWRT16Unless otherwise noted, dimensions are based on 18x9.50x8 tires and 24” (610-mm)

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 101RT16CMWGeneralDitch Witch model RT16, self-propelled, hydrostatic, pedestrian, skid steered,

Specifications - 102 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT16CMWGross power @ 3600 rpm 16 hp 11.9 kWRated speed 3600 rpm 3600 rpmMaximum tilt angle*

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 103RT16CMWNoise LevelsOperator 96 dBA sound pressure per ISO 6394Exterior 100 dBA sound power p

Specifications - 104 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT20 and RT24CMWRT20 and RT24Unless otherwise noted, dimensions are based on 18x9.50x8 tires

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 105RT20 and RT24CMWGeneralDitch Witch model RT24, self-propelled, hydrostatic, pedestrian, skid

Specifications - 106 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT20 and RT24CMW Net torque @ 2500 rpm 35.6 lb-ft 48.3 N-mRated speed 3600 rpm 360

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 107RT20 and RT24CMW Fluid Capacities U.S. MetricHydraulic reservoir 8 gal 30 LHydraulic syste

Specifications - 108 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT20 and RT24CMW

Safety - 10 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualGuidelinesCMWGuidelinesFollow these guidelines before operating any jobsite equipment:• Complete prop

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Support - 109ProcedureCMWSupportProcedureNotify your dealer immediately of any malfunction or failure of Ditch W

Warranty - 110 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualCMWWarrantyDitch Witch Equipment and Replacement PartsLimited Warranty PolicySubject to the limita

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service Record - 113CMWService RecordService Performed Date Hours

CMWService Record - 114 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualService Performed Date Hours

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Safety - 11Safety Alert ClassificationsCMWSafety Alert ClassificationsThese classifications and the icons define

Safety - 12 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualSafety AlertsCMWSafety AlertsMoving digging teeth will kill you or cut off arm or leg. Stay away.Turn

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Safety - 13Safety AlertsCMWExplosion possible. Serious injury or equipment damage could occur. Follow directions

Safety - 14 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualSafety AlertsCMWHot pressurized cooling system fluid could cause serious burns. Allow to cool before

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Safety - 15Emergency ProceduresCMWEmergency ProceduresBefore operating any equipment, review emergency procedure

Safety - 16 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualEmergency ProceduresCMWIf an Electric Line is DamagedIf you suspect an electric line has been damaged

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Safety - 17Emergency ProceduresCMWIf a Fiber Optic Cable is DamagedDo not look into cut ends of fiber optic or u

Safety - 18 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualEmergency ProceduresCMW

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Overview - 1CMWOverviewChapter ContentsSerial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Inten

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Operation Overview - 19CMWOperation OverviewChapter ContentsPlanning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operation Overview - 20 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualPlanningCMWPlanning1. Gather information about jobsite. See page 31.2. Inspect jobsite. S

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Controls - 21CMWControlsChapter ContentsControl Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Controls - 22 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualControl ConsoleCMWControl Console1. Digging chain/Roto Witch® control 2. Selector valve control (Ro

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Controls - 23Control ConsoleCMWItem Description Notes1. Digging chain control To start digging chain, pull towa

Controls - 24 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualControl ConsoleCMW4. Speed/direction controls To drive straight forward, push BOTH controls slowly

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Controls - 25Control ConsoleCMW6. Hourmeter/tachometer (RT16 option)6B. (RT12 option)Displays engine operating

Controls - 26 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT12 Engine ControlsCMWRT12 Engine Controls1. Fuel shut-off valveItem Description Notes1. Fuel shut

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Controls - 27RT16 Engine ControlsCMWRT16 Engine Controls1. Throttle control2. Choke control3. Ignition switch4.

Controls - 28 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT16 Engine ControlsCMW2. Choke control To close choke valve, pull choke control. This valve can be

Overview - 2 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualSerial Number LocationCMWSerial Number LocationRecord serial numbers and date of purchase in spaces

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Controls - 29RT20/RT24 Engine ControlsCMWRT20/RT24 Engine Controls1. Throttle control2. Choke control3. Ignition

Controls - 30 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT20/RT24 Engine ControlsCMW2. Choke control To close choke valve, pull choke control. This valve c

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 31CMWPrepareChapter ContentsGather Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32• R

Prepare - 32 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualGather InformationCMWGather InformationA successful job begins before you dig. The first step in pla

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 33Inspect SiteCMWInspect SiteInspect jobsite before transporting equipment. Check for the following:•

Prepare - 34 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualClassify JobsiteCMWClassify JobsiteInspect Jobsite• Follow U.S. Department of Labor regulations on e

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Prepare - 35Classify JobsiteCMWApply PrecautionsOnce classified, precautions appropriate for jobsite must be tak

Prepare - 36 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualCheck Supplies and Prepare EquipmentCMWCheck Supplies and Prepare EquipmentSupplies• fuel• keys• per

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Drive - 37CMWDriveChapter ContentsStart Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Drive - 38 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualStart UnitCMWStart Unit1. Check that all controls are in neutral.2. If necessary, use choke control to

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Overview - 3Intended UseCMWIntended UseThe RT12, RT16, RT20, and RT24 pedestrian trenchers are designed to insta

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Drive - 39DriveCMWDrive1. Disengage parking brake.2. Pull boom control to raise digging boom.3. Move throttle to

Drive - 40 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualCMW

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Transport - 41TransportChapter ContentsLift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transport - 42 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualLiftLiftPointsLifting points are identified by lifting decals. Lifting at other points is unsafe a

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Transport - 43HaulHaulLoad1. Disengage parking brake.2. Start engine. 3. Pull boom control to raise digging boom

Transport - 44 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualHaulTie DownPointsTiedown points are identified by tiedown decals. Securing to truck or trailer at

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Transport - 45HaulWithout Tie-Down KitLoop tiedowns around unit at tiedown points. Make sure tiedowns are tight

Transport - 46 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualTowUnload1. Lower trailer or ramps.2. Remove tiedowns.3. Open fuel shut-off valve.4. Start engine.

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Transport - 47TowPrepare Unit for Towing 1. Ensure parking brake is engaged.2. Block wheels.3. Connect to tow

Transport - 48 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualTow

Overview - 4 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualOperator OrientationCMWOperator Orientation1. Front of unit2. Right side of unit3. Rear of unit4. Le

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Trench - 49TrenchChapter ContentsTrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Trench - 50 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualJobsite hazards could cause death or serious injury. Use correct equipment and work methods. Use and

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Trench - 51TrenchTrench1. Remove backfill blade, if equipped.2. Drive trencher to starting point. Move in line w

Trench - 52 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualTrench7. Push boom control to slowly lower digging boom to desired trench depth.8. Move speed/directi

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Drill - 53CMWDrillChapter ContentsDrilling Attachment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Prepare

Drill - 54 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualCMWTurning shaft will kill you or crush arm or leg. Stay away.NOTICE: • Keep everybody at least 10’ (3

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Drill - 55Prepare Jobsite and EquipmentCMWPrepare Jobsite and EquipmentApproach Trench (1)1. Mark path where you

Drill - 56 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualPrepare Jobsite and EquipmentCMWDrill Rod and Equipment1. Assemble at least 20’ (6 m), but not more th

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Drill - 57DrillCMWDrill1. Pull selector valve upward to select drill mode. 2. Start engine and begin clockwise (

Drill - 58 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualDrillCMWUsing Drill String GuideUse drill string guide to align drill string as it enters the soil. Wh

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Foreword - 5CMWForewordThis manual is an important part of your equipment. It provides safety information and op

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Drill - 59Add RodCMWAdd Rod1. Use control to stop drilling attachment.2. Use ground drive controls to back up un

Drill - 60 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualDisassemble JointsCMWDisassemble Joints1. Press tab through hole in female side of joint (1) using spe

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Systems and Equipment - 61Systems and EquipmentChapter ContentsChain, Teeth, and Sprockets . . . . . . . . . . .

Systems and Equipment - 62 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualChain, Teeth, and SprocketsChain, Teeth, and SprocketsChain and Tooth Maintenance• Alw

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Systems and Equipment - 63Chain, Teeth, and SprocketsChain SelectionThese charts are meant as a guideline only.

Systems and Equipment - 64 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualOptional EquipmentOptional EquipmentSee your Ditch Witch dealer for more information a

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Systems and Equipment - 65Optional EquipmentBackfill BladeThe optional backfill blade slides onto a mounting stu

Systems and Equipment - 66 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualOptional EquipmentCounterweightsSelect the appropriate counterweights to balance the t

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Systems and Equipment - 67Optional EquipmentSelecting Counterweights for the RT12 and RT16 1 Requires t

Systems and Equipment - 68 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualOptional EquipmentSelecting Counterweights for the RT20 and RT24 1 Requires tr

Foreword - 6 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualCMWRT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualIssue number 1.0/OM-12/11Part number 053-2439Copyright 2011b

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Complete the Job - 69CMWComplete the JobChapter ContentsRestore Jobsite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Complete the Job - 70 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRestore JobsiteCMWRestore JobsiteAfter product is installed, return spoils to the trench wi

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 71CMWServiceChapter ContentsPrecautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service - 72 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualPrecautionsCMWPrecautions Welding PrecautionCleaning PrecautionIncorrect procedures could result in

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 73Recommended Lubricants/Service KeyCMWRecommended Lubricants/Service KeyProper lubrication and mainte

Service - 74 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualEngine Oil Temperature ChartCMWEngine Oil Temperature ChartRT12 Honda IGX390RT16 Briggs & Stratt

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 75Engine Oil Temperature ChartCMWRT20 Honda GX630 and RT24 Honda GX690*Below 40° F (4° C) the use of S

Service - 76 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualEach UseCMWEach Use Check Engine Oil LevelRT12 Honda iGX390 Check engine oil at dipstick before

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 77Each UseCMWRT16 Briggs & Stratton Check engine oil at dipstick (1) before each use. If low, add

Service - 78 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualEach UseCMWCheck Air Filter Elements RT12Check air filter element before each use. Replace element

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Contents - 7CMWContentsOverviewmachine serial number, information about the type of work this machine is designe

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 79Each UseCMWRT16 Check air filter element before each use. Replace element if it is dirty or damaged

Service - 80 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualEach UseCMWCheck Hydraulic Fluid LevelWith digging boom fully raised, check hydraulic fluid at sight

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 81Each UseCMWCheck Hydraulic HosesCheck hydraulic hoses for leaks every 10 hours.Fluid or air pressure

Service - 82 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualEach UseCMWCheck Rear Tire PressuresCheck rear tire pressures before each use. Maintain pressure at

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 8310 Hour ServiceCMW10 Hour Service Change Engine OilRT12Change engine oil after the first 10 hours o

Service - 84 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual10 Hour ServiceCMWRT16 Briggs & Stratton Change engine oil and filter after the first 10 hours o

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 8510 Hour ServiceCMWLube Pivot Bushing Lube pivot bushing zerk with MPG every 10 hours. Lube Trail Whe

Service - 86 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual10 Hour ServiceCMWLube Wheel TracksLube wheel tracks, if equipped, at zerk with MPG every 10 hours.C

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 8710 Hour ServiceCMWTo tighten digging chain, pump MPG into cylinder at check valve zerk.To loosen dig

Service - 88 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual50 Hour ServiceCMW50 Hour Service Change Engine Oil and Filter (RT16)Change engine oil and filter e

Contents - 8 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualCMWSpecificationsmachine specifications including weights, measurements, power ratings, and fluid ca

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 89100 Hour ServiceCMW100 Hour Service Change Engine Oil RT12Change engine oil after the first 10 hour

Service - 90 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual100 Hour ServiceCMWChange Air Filter ElementsRT12 Standard Air Filter Change air filter elements ev

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 91100 Hour ServiceCMWRT16 Change air filter element every 100 hours.To change:1. Remove wing nuts and

Service - 92 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual500 Hour ServiceCMW500 Hour Service Change Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Change hydraulic oil and fi

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Service - 93As NeededCMWAs Needed Check Battery Keep battery case and terminals clean. Remove all corrosion fro

Service - 94 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualAs NeededCMWAdjust Wheel Track TensionAdjust wheel track tension, if equipped, when tracks are repla

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 95CMWSpecifications

Specifications - 96 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT12CMWRT12Unless otherwise noted, dimensions are based on 18x9.50x8 tires and 24” (610-mm) b

RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s Manual Specifications - 97RT12CMWGeneralDitch Witch model RT12, self-propelled, hydrostatic, pedestrian, skid steered,

Specifications - 98 RT12/RT16/RT20/RT24 Operator’s ManualRT12CMWMaximum tilt angle* 20° 20°*Exceeding these operational angles will cause engine damag