Ditch Witch RT40: Specs, Common Problems, and Durability

Ditch Witch RT40 is a midsized riding trencher that supports a number of applications. Ditch Witch designed the RT40 for use in installing buried service lines. With it, it is possible to install service lines of varying widths. The RT40 shares a lot of similarities with the bigger RT55; the main difference is its smaller size and increased flexibility.

The Ditch Witch RT40 is quite popular for the work it is intended for, and in this article, we take a closer inspection at it. We will be considering the specifications, common problems, and durability of the Ditch Witch RT40 in that order.

Ditch Witch RT40 Specifications

Here, we look at the specification of the Ditch Witch RT40, giving focus to its dimensions, operation, engine, power train, hydraulics, fluid capacities, tire pressure, and battery.

1) Dimensions

The Ditch Witch RT40 trencher dimensions are flexible. It handles digging tasks of varying proportions well because of its maximum trench depth of 63 inches. Its angles of approach and departure stand at 20 and 17 degrees, respectively. Moving around difficult terrains should be easier because of the angles of approach. Furthermore, the RT40 has a 6-inch minimum and 12-inch maximum trench width.

The RT40's flexibility for digging is partly due to its boom angles. It has a downward boom angle of 58 degrees and an upward 50-degree boom angle. Its minimum clearance, both left (35 inches) and right (29 inches), makes it stable during operations. Also, it has a relatively compact overhang beyond the tires of 3.5 inches.

The RT40 is 86 inches tall. It has a headshaft overhang of 24.5 inches that allows it to access tight spots in a way the bigger RT55 (42 inches) cannot. Also, you can move the RT40 easily between locations because of its 155-inch transport length. The Ditch Witch RT40 has a wheelbase of 48 inches. This wheelbase should provide enough stability for the RT40 when active.

An important spec for a trencher is spoil discharge reach. It is the distance that the spoil or excavated material can be transported without significant environmental impact. In this regard, the Ditch Witch RT40's spoil discharge reach is between 17 and 20 inches, which will allow it to dispose of excavated materials efficiently. The trencher has a width of 64 inches, ground clearance of 7 inches, and tread of 46 inches.

2) Operational Specifications

The forward max speed of the RT40 is 4.3 miles per hour (mph). While in reverse, the Ditch Witch RT40 can reach up to 2.7 mph. Additionally, the Ditch Witch RT40 has a max trenching speed of 150 feet per minute under full load.

Another important spec to touch on is the vehicle clearance circle (SAE). A vehicle clearance circle is the minimum space required by a vehicle to make a full turn. It is important for planning work procedures but also for preventing accidents. The RT40 has a 28 feet vehicle clearance circle during front steer and 20 feet for coordinated steer. This is small enough for it to turn even in fairly small spaces.

The Ditch Witch RT40 has a basic unit weight of 4200 pounds (lb.). Its maximum digging speed of 420 feet per minute is impressive. With these operational specifications, there is a balance between power, speed, and maneuverability.

3) Engine

Ditch Witch RT40 uses a Deutz F3M2011 diesel engine. Deutz F3M2011 is an oil-cooled, naturally aspirated engine. The Deutz engine in the Ditch Witch RT40 is a 3-cylinder engine. You get a direct fuel injection system with this engine. The gross power rating for the RT40s engine is 42.2 hp. Also, the F3M2011 has a 2300-rated engine speed. Its estimated net power rating is 39 hp.

Engine displacement for the RT40 is 142 cubic inches. The bore and stroke for the RT40's engine are 3.7 and 4.4 inches, respectively. The RT40's engine is powerful enough for various digging tasks.

For emissions, the RT40's engine complies with the USA environmental protection agencies Tier 2 standard. It also complies with EU stage IIIA.

4) Power Train

A crucial system in trenchers is the powertrain. It powers the trencher cutting head, which digs the trench. It also powers the trencher's movement in a worksite. The ground drive transmission of the RT40 is hydrostatic. You also have the option for limited slip differentials if you want to improve traction. As well, the Ditch Witch RT40 has a disc parking brake ground drive speed/direction control for operational safety.

5) Tires/Pressure

You get 4-ply bar lug tires with the RT40. You have tire options of either 26 x 12.00-12 at 20 psi or 12.50-15 at 30 psi.

6) Hydraulic System

The Ditch Witch RT40s hydraulics is responsible for ground drive, attachment drives, and auxiliary equipment. The RT40 has a ground drive pump capacity of 29.3 gallons per minute (gpm). Its pump relief pressure is set at 3750 psi.

The trencher's attachment drive operates at a maximum pressure of 5000 psi. The plow/saw drive max pressure is 3750 psi. The attachment pump capacity is 29.3 gpm. Further, the auxiliary hydraulic pump can do 10.2 gpm. Its pump relief pressure is 2500 psi.

The RT40 uses a 25-psi return/charge pump for filtration. Also, it has a 15-psi bypass and 10 microns nominal filtration level. Filtration helps stop hydraulic contamination. For reliable hydraulic performance, you must prevent any form of contamination.

7) Fluid Capacities

The fluid capacity of the Ditch Witch RT40 helps you know how much continuous work you can achieve without a refill or maintenance.

The RT40 has a 13-gallon fuel capacity. Also, the engine oil capacity of the RT40 is 8 quarts. The oil change period for the Ditch Witch RT40 is also lengthy. Oil changes are recommended at 1000-hour intervals.

Hydraulic fluid is needed to power up the Ditch Witch RT40's various hydraulic functions like locomotion and attachments. The hydraulic system and hydraulic reservoirs can handle up to 13 gallons and 9.5 gallons of fluid, respectively. The hydraulic reservoir stores the fluid. It regulates its temperature as well.

8) Battery

The Ditch Witch RT40s battery reserve capacity rating is 110 minutes. In addition, its cold crank rating is 800 amps, which should be enough for the machine to start in various weather conditions. Furthermore, the RT40s battery can power up auxiliary equipment thanks to its 12-volt, 5-amp power outlet.

9) Attachments

The Ditch Witch RT40 supports both front and rear attachments. Some of the RT40s compatible attachments include:

• H313 trencher
• H314 trencher
• H331 plow
• H350 combo (trencher and plow)
• H341 saw
• A322 backhoe

Common Problems

The Ditch Witch RT40, although reliable, can develop issues. These problems are not unique to the Ditch Witch RT40. Discussed below are two such problems.

1) Hydraulic Issues

Hydraulic-related problems can be a bug in the RT40. This is a big issue because the hydraulic system powers attachments and moves the tractor around the work area. Some users have complained about the Ditch Witch RT40's hydraulic functions completely halting.

A possible reason this may happen is due to low hydraulic fluid levels. So, in case you have hydraulic problems, inspect how much hydraulic fluid level is available. Also, contamination of hydraulic fluid could create issues. You may also want to check for hydraulic fluid leaks. It is not uncommon for trenchers to suffer from hydraulic leaks.

2) Trencher Chain

The RT40 is a trencher, so its trencher chain is quite important. It is possible for the trencher to wear fast without adequate maintenance. If the trencher is not well lubricated, too tight, or misaligned, it may wear out the rollers, teeth, or sprocket. Using non-genuine Ditch Witch chains, sprockets, or teeth could also cause issues for the Ditch Witch RT40.

Durability

The Ditch Witch RT40 is a reliable trencher. Its solid build is a reason the RT40 is so durable. Ditch Witch constructed the RT40's frame with strong materials. Beyond the frame, other components of the RT40 are also well-made. You get a reliable trencher whose chain is resistant to wear with correct maintenance.

Another contributing factor to its durability is its engine. The F3M2011 suffers reduced corrosion because of its choice of oil cooling instead of water cooling. Also, the RT40's engine has low maintenance needs and a long oil change interval. The Ditch Witch RT40 also has heavy-duty hydraulics that can withstand high temperatures and pressure.

Ditch Witch provided a decent warranty for the Ditch Witch RT40. However, it does not matter because you can no longer get a new RT40. Do due diligence if you intend to purchase a used Ditch Witch RT40.

Conclusion

The RT40 is a midsized trencher with a powerful engine and solid hydraulics. You get generous fluid capacities. Consistent power train and support for a number of attachments, including plows, saws, and trenchers.

The Ditch Witch RT40 may be susceptible to issues with its trencher chain and hydraulic system. However, with proper and consistent maintenance, most users should not have much to worry about. You can rely on the RT40 for rigorous work in the long run despite these issues.