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SK1550 Operator’s Manual

Overview - 3

Intended Use

Intended Use

The SK1550 is a platform, rubber track compact tool carrier unit designed for medium-duty construction 

work. The machine has a quick attach plate which makes it easy for an operator to connect different 

attachments. 

This machine is intended for operation only according to the instructions in this manual. Operate machine 

in ambient temperatures from 10° to 115°F (-12° to 46°C). Contact your Ditch Witch® dealer for provisions 

required for operating in extreme temperatures. Use in any other way is considered contrary to the 

intended use.

This machine should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by professionals 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 training.

Summary of Contents for SK1550

Page 1: ...SK1550 Yanmar 3TNV86C Operator s Manual CMW 053 2996 Issue 2 0 Original Instruction...

Page 2: ...cation 3 Machine Components 4 Operator Orientation 5 Operating Area 5 About This Manual 6 Bulleted Lists 6 Numbered Lists 6 California Proposition 65 Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents...

Page 3: ...s Manual Serial Number Location Serial Number Location Record serial number and date of purchase in spaces provided Serial number is located as shown Item Date of manufacture Date of purchase Machine...

Page 4: ...ures Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended use This machine should be operated serviced and repaired only by professionals familiar with its particular characteristics and acquai...

Page 5: ...Overview 4 SK1550 Operator s Manual Machine Components Machine Components 1 Operator station platform 2 Tracks 3 Engine compartment 4 Lift arms 5 Attachment plate...

Page 6: ...erator Orientation Operator Orientation 1 Front 2 Right side 3 Rear 4 Left side Operating Area Operator should stand only in the location shown IMPORTANT Top view of machine is shown IMPORTANT Top vie...

Page 7: ...chine 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 pe...

Page 8: ...ontact 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 Depart...

Page 9: ...ssue number 2 0 OM 1 20 Part number 053 2996 Copyright 2017 2018 2020 by The Charles Machine Works Inc and Ditch Witch are registered trademarks of The Charles Machine Works Inc This product and its u...

Page 10: ...es for preparing jobsite preparing operator and preparing equipment Controls 31 Machine controls gauges and indicators and how to use them Drive 49 Procedures for startup cold start driving and shutdo...

Page 11: ...Contents 10 SK1550 Operator s Manual Support 97 The warranty policy for this machine and procedures for obtaining warranty consideration and training...

Page 12: ...12 Emergency Procedures 13 Electric Strike Description 13 If an Electric Line is Damaged 14 If a Gas Line is Damaged 14 If a Fiber Optic Cable is Damaged 14 If Machine Catches on Fire 14 Safety Alert...

Page 13: ...e work begins Safety videos are available from your Ditch Witch dealer or at www ditchwitch com safe Safety Data Sheets SDS are available at www ditchwitch com support Fully inspect equipment before o...

Page 14: ...t 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...

Page 15: ...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 cu...

Page 16: ...his entire section before using your equipment 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 r...

Page 17: ...lerts 1 Lift point See Transport chapter for more information 2 Pre heater Fire or explosion can cause death or serious injury Never use starter fluid 3 Underground utilities Contact can cause death o...

Page 18: ...uipment and procedures 7 Lifted load Crushing can cause death or serious injury Stay away from lifted load and its range of movement 8 Moving parts Contact can cause serious injury Stay away 9 Misuse...

Page 19: ...Safety Awareness 18 SK1550 Operator s Manual Machine Safety Alerts...

Page 20: ...20 Select Start and End Points 20 Identify Hazards 21 Locate Utilities 22 Classify Jobsite 23 Arrange for Traffic Control 24 Prepare Operator 25 Prepare Equipment 26 Check Supplies 26 Check Equipment...

Page 21: ...site Consider how slope will affect setup and operation Assess the risks on each slope to determine if factors affecting risks create an unsafe condition for working See Slope Guidelines on page 55 Sp...

Page 22: ...tacles such as buildings railroad crossings or streams signs of utilities traffic access soil type and condition loose material such as fencing or cable Identify safety hazards and classify jobsite if...

Page 23: ...ce contact all local utility companies to have underground utilities located Verify Underground Utilities Have an experienced locating equipment operator sweep area within 20 6 m to each side of propo...

Page 24: ...ful hand digging or soft excavation Have service shut down while work is in progress Have electric company test lines before returning them to service Natural Gas Jobsite Precautions Position equipmen...

Page 25: ...s You may need to use different methods to safely avoid other underground hazards Talk with those knowledgeable about hazards present at each site to determine which precautions should be taken or if...

Page 26: ...at www ditchwitch com safe Safety Data Sheets SDS are available at www ditchwitch com support Use equipment carefully Stop operation and investigate anything that does not look or feel right Jobsite h...

Page 27: ...nt Fluid Levels fuel engine oil diesel exhaust fluid DEF if needed hydraulic fluid engine coolant Condition and Function all controls battery hoses and valves pumps and motors tires or tracks signs gu...

Page 28: ...nd it to accommodate machine 2 Start engine 3 Tilt attachment plate 2 forward 4 Position attachment plate in upper lip of receiver plate 1 on attachment 5 Raise lift arms while tilting back attachment...

Page 29: ...Prepare 28 SK1550 Operator s Manual Prepare Equipment 6 Ensure pins are engaged by rotating attachment down t43om007w eps...

Page 30: ...n hoses Pressurized fluid or air Injection can cause death or serious injury Refer to operator s manual for correct use To help avoid injury Use a piece of cardboard or wood rather than hands to check...

Page 31: ...in manifold 6 Connect male coupler from attachment to female coupler 2 on machine 7 Connect female coupler from attachment to male coupler 1 on machine 8 If needed connect attachment case drain hose t...

Page 32: ...50 Operator s Manual Controls 31 Controls Chapter Contents Attachment Plate 32 Battery Disconnect 33 Display Version 1 34 Display Version 2 37 Gauges and Indicators 42 Miscellaneous 43 Operator Statio...

Page 33: ...1 Level indicator To level bucket adjust until indicator is at top of sleeve To level other attachments adjust until level and mark indicator position on sleeve Use mark to indicate level with that at...

Page 34: ...Item Description IMPORTANT Battery disconnect switch To disconnect move left To connect move right NOTICE Do not disconnect with engine running To avoid equipment damage wait two minutes after turnin...

Page 35: ...Engine coolant temperature gauge 9 Exhaust cleaning disabled indicator 10 Hourmeter 11 Tachometer 12 Throttle mode indicator 13 Tachometer setpoint indicator 14 Voltmeter gauge 15 Engine load gauge I...

Page 36: ...ts when exhaust cleaning is needed 8 Engine coolant temperature gauge Displays engine coolant temperature 9 Exhaust cleaning disabled indicator Lights when operator has disabled exhaust cleaning NOTIC...

Page 37: ...tle up control To increase engine speed setpoint when in autothrottle mode press 5 Throttle down control To decrease engine speed setpoint when in autothrottle mode press t53om058w20 eps STOP 125 15 2...

Page 38: ...l pressure gauge 8 Engine warning stop indicator 9 High exhaust temperature indicator 10 Exhaust cleaning indicator 11 Exhaust cleaning disabled indicator 12 Engine coolant temperature gauge 13 Voltme...

Page 39: ...ghts when engine oil pressure is too high 8 Engine warning stop indicator Lights when engine needs attention Lights when operator needs to stop engine 9 High exhaust temperature indicator Lights when...

Page 40: ...press 2 Main menu key To select main menu press 3 Throttle down control To decrease engine speed when in display throttle mode press 4 Throttle up control To increase engine speed when in display thro...

Page 41: ...key 5 Machine settings key 6 Previous selection key 7 Next selection key 8 Select key 9 Return key Item Description IMPORTANT 1 Brightness key To change brightness of display press 2 User settings men...

Page 42: ...ust cleaning information press Parked cleanings can be initiated and automatic exhaust cleanings can be enabled disabled in this screen 5 Machine settings key To customize settings press Throttle mode...

Page 43: ...Item Description IMPORTANT 1 Hydraulicfluid level sight glass Shows level of hydraulic fluid in tank 2 Air filter service indicator Indicates condition of air filter See Filter Air on page 78 3 Fuel...

Page 44: ...Controls 43 Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Item Description IMPORTANT 1 Graphic display Displays graphic symbols for indicators and conditions 2 Auxiliary outlet Provides power for other equipment 12VDC...

Page 45: ...ive joystick 2 Right track drive control Track drive joystick 3 Parking brake switch 4 Auxiliary lock switch 5 Throttle 6 Ignition switch 7 Worklight switch 8 Lift arm control 9 Auxiliary flow selecti...

Page 46: ...control farther from neutral position To steer move left or right Track drive joystick To drive forward push To drive in reverse pull To go faster in any direction move farther from neutral position T...

Page 47: ...changed it must be returned to low in order to function 6 Ignition switch To activate accessories turn right To start engine turn fully right To shut off machine turn left 7 Work light switch To turn...

Page 48: ...hment drivecontrol To move attachment in reverse push To move attachment forward pull Use auxiliary lock switch to lock auxiliary function See Auxiliary lock switch on page 45 11 Auxiliary circuit swi...

Page 49: ...Controls 48 SK1550 Operator s Manual Operator Station...

Page 50: ...Chapter Contents Start 50 Operate 51 Slope Guidelines 52 Reduce Track Wear 53 Shut Down 53 For additional precautions see Safety Awareness and Prepare chapters IMPORTANT For more information on how t...

Page 51: ...e until controls operate as described in controls chapter EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN Shut off machine or press remote engine stop button if equipped Misuse of machine can cause death or serious injury Read an...

Page 52: ...peration manual for instructions regarding proper operation of attachments NOTICE Drive carefully in congested areas Know machine s clearance and turning radius Survey field of vision when operating m...

Page 53: ...ccordingly Maximum engine angle and braking performance are two absolute limits which must never be exceeded These maximums are stated below since they are design limits These design limits usually ex...

Page 54: ...with track edges pressed against hard walls or curbs operating on corrosive materials such as salt or fertilizer Shut Down 1 When job is complete move machine to level ground 2 Stop machine movement...

Page 55: ...Drive 54 SK1550 Operator s Manual Shut Down...

Page 56: ...Contents Lift 56 Points 56 Procedure 56 Haul 57 Inspect Trailer 57 Load 58 Tie Down 59 Unload 60 Retrieve 60 For additional precautions see Safety Awareness and Prepare chapters IMPORTANT For more inf...

Page 57: ...machine s size and weight to lift as shown See Specifications on page 89 or measure and weigh equipment before lifting Lifted load Crushing weight can cause death or serious injury Stay away from lift...

Page 58: ...ine can cause death or serious injury Read and understand operator s manual and all other safety instructions before use Know how to use all controls To help avoid injury Read trailer operator s manua...

Page 59: ...6 Drive forward slowly to move machine onto trailer until tiedown position is reached 7 Lower attachment to trailer bed 8 Set parking brake 9 Ensure all controls are in neutral position 10 Shut off ma...

Page 60: ...ruck or trailer at other points is unsafe and can damage machinery Procedure Loop a transport chain around each tie down point See chart below for correct distances between tiedown ends Ensure tiedown...

Page 61: ...machine should not be towed If machine breaks down and retrieval is necessary Tow for no more than 100 30m at less than 1mph 1 6km h Use towing chains appropriately rated for maximum towing force Use...

Page 62: ...on ground drive pump 6 Disconnect hoses 3 4 and connect ends together with connector 6 7 Cap ports on ground drive pump 8 Remove blocks 9 If engine will start release parking brake If engine will not...

Page 63: ...Transport 62 SK1550 Operator s Manual Retrieve...

Page 64: ...550 Operator s Manual Complete the Job 63 Complete the Job Chapter Contents Rinse Equipment 64 Disconnect Attachment 64 Stow Tools 64 For additional precautions see Safety Awareness and Prepare chapte...

Page 65: ...2 Turn off engine 3 Disconnect hydraulic hoses if used 4 Start engine 5 Disengage attachment pins 6 Tilt mount plate forward and back machine away from attachment Stow Tools Ensure all tools and acce...

Page 66: ...recaution 66 Welding Precaution 67 Working under Raised Lift Arms 67 Recommended Lubricants 68 Engine Oil Temperature Chart 69 Approved Coolant 69 Approved Fuel 70 Exhaust Cleaning 70 Service Interval...

Page 67: ...ce shield etc available for use depending on jobsite hazards or requirements Misuse of machine can cause death or serious injury Read and understand operator s manual and all other safety instructions...

Page 68: ...other electronic components prior to welding on machine or attachments Connect welder ground close to welding point and make sure no electronic components are in the ground path Disconnect battery at...

Page 69: ...page 89 For more information on engine lubrication and maintenance see your engine manual Item Description DEAC Diesel engine antifreeze coolant low silicate fully formulated meeting CES 14603 See App...

Page 70: ...m your Ditch Witch dealer as part number 255 1055 NOTICE Use only pre diluted coolant or concentrated coolant mixed with distilled water Do not use tap water Using water or high silicate automotive ty...

Page 71: ...le exhaust cleaning for the duration of the job and return to automatic cleaning when the job is finished The exhaust cleaning disabled icon will light and remain on until the system is returned to au...

Page 72: ...r test Change initial Lube initial Check Change Lube Service Startup 10 Hours 50 Hours 100 Hours 250 Hours 500 Hours 1000 Hours As Needed Battery Belt fan Coolant Dust ejector valve Engine compartment...

Page 73: ...50 Operator s Manual Service Interval Chart Oil engine Parking brake Platform switch Radiator Hydraulic fluid cooler Track tension Service Startup 10 Hours 50 Hours 100 Hours 250 Hours 500 Hours 1000...

Page 74: ...e a single 12V maximum source for charging Never connect to rapid chargers or dual batteries Never lean over battery when making connections Never allow vehicles to touch when charging Never short cir...

Page 75: ...3 Loosen and remove battery cable clamps carefully negative cable first 4 Clean cable clamps and terminals to remove dull glaze 5 Check for signs of internal corrosion in cables 6 Connect battery cabl...

Page 76: ...of battery in service vehicle 9 Connect the other black negative cable clamp to engine or frame ground on disabled machine at least 12 305 mm from failed battery as shown 10 Operate service vehicle e...

Page 77: ...xcessive slack damage or wear Belt is properly tensioned when it moves about 1 4 3 8 7 9mm when pushed at long span shown Adjust Tension 1 Loosen two alternator bolt 1 2 2 Adjust position as needed 3...

Page 78: ...ill to keep level at halfway point on overflow bottle Dust Ejector Valve Check dust ejector valve shown before startup and every 10 hours Ensure valve is not inverted damaged plugged or cracked Engine...

Page 79: ...5 Insert new primary element 6 Install cover with dust ejector 6 facing down 7 Reset air filter service indicator Filter Fuel Change filter shown every 500 hours If refueling from cans replace filters...

Page 80: ...ed Check When red floating ring is raised drain Drain 1 Turn off at valve 1 2 Remove plug 2 to drain 3 Install plug 4 Turn on at valve 5 Start engine Filter will purge air from system Change 1 Turn of...

Page 81: ...ully retracted and fluid is cool Change Fluid 1 Remove plug 3 to drain 2 Install plug 3 Add THF at fill to keep level at halfway point on sight glass Fuel Hose Check fuel hose shown and clamp bands ev...

Page 82: ...s Manual Service 81 Procedures Fuse Box Check fuse box cover for damage before startup If cover is missing or damaged replace IMPORTANT Leave cover in place unless fuses are being checked or replaced...

Page 83: ...ather than hands to check for leaks Before disconnecting a hydraulic line turn engine off and operate all controls to relieve pressure Lower block or support any raised component with a hoist Cover co...

Page 84: ...and forth If hub has noticeable movement adjust 4 Adjust track tension Lube 1 Remove cap 2 2 Add MPG until it comes out small hole 1 3 Replace cap Adjust 1 Remove lug nuts 6 to remove dust cap cover...

Page 85: ...worn replace Lug Nuts Check lug nuts shown at 10 hours 50 hours and every 250 hours thereafter Tighten to 88 95ft lb 108 129N m as needed NOTICE If hole is visible in slot but cotter pin cannot be in...

Page 86: ...t line on dipstick Change Oil and Filter 1 While oil is warm remove plug 1 to drain 2 Install plug 3 Remove filter 2 and replace with new filter 4 Add DEO at fill to keep level at highest line on dips...

Page 87: ...screws 3 Stand on platform and turn ignition switch 4 Ensure auxiliary control s stay engaged 5 Repeat steps 1 4 if needed If control does not return to neutral when operator steps off platform 1 Loos...

Page 88: ...ar Check hose clamps for proper tightness Clean 1 Clean fins with compressed air or spray wash 2 Open rear hood and spray through radiator toward engine 3 If grease and oil are present on radiator spr...

Page 89: ...ge A Distance should be 0 5 13mm Adjust 1 Lift track 2 Adjust tension To tighten pump MPG into grease zerk shown until distance measures 0 5 13mm To loosen remove zerk and drain all grease Then follow...

Page 90: ...when gauge measures 700 900psi 48 62bar Adjust 1 Lift track 2 Remove gauge from stored location 3 Thread gauge into connection 4 Adjust tension To tighten pump MPG into grease zerk until gauge measur...

Page 91: ...Service 90 SK1550 Operator s Manual Procedures...

Page 92: ...SK1550 Operator s Manual Specifications 91 Specifications Chapter Contents SK1550 92 Declaration of Conformity 95...

Page 93: ...gth of loader no attachment 99 7 2531 4mm F Wheelbase track length 50 6 1285 3mm G Dump height max with 60 1 5m bucket 68 5 1739 9mm H Reach 60 1 5m bucket at max dump height 33 2 843 3mm I Ground cle...

Page 94: ...ht kit 1995lb 905kg Tipping capacity The rated operating capacity for this machine was determined using a standard bucket in the maximum reach position with center of gravity 7 18cm from the attachmen...

Page 95: ...lant 1 28gal 4 8L Engine oil with filter 5 0qt 4 7L Fuel tank 10 5gal 40L Hydraulic reservoir 9 2gal 35L Battery SAE reserve capacity 110min SAE cold crank 0 F 18 C 800amp 12V electrical system Vibrat...

Page 96: ...pe Machine Type Engine Power xxx kW Serial Number i CMWXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Conforms to the requirements of 2006 42 EC Machinery Directive 2004 108 EC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2000 14 EC Nois...

Page 97: ...Specifications 96 SK1550 Operator s Manual Declaration of Conformity...

Page 98: ...f Ditch Witch equipment Always give model serial number and approximate date of your equipment purchase This information should be recorded and placed on file by the owner at the time of purchase Retu...

Page 99: ...R PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY IF THE PRODUCTS ARE PURCHASED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES AS DEFINED BY THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE THEN THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE FACE HEREOF AND THERE...

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