The Charles Machine Works, Inc., manufacturer of Ditch Witch underground construction equipment, has released its most powerful and productive mini skid steer to date.
The SK650 is designed to be more efficient and accomplish more tasks than any mini skid steer in its class, the company reported. Equipped with a low-maintenance, 31-hp (23 kW) Kubota turbo diesel engine, the SK650 is the only mini skid steer that directs 20 net horsepower (15 kW) to the attachment, enabling this relatively small platform unit to outperform other machines of comparable size—even riding units.
Product Manager Mike Lumbers predicts that the SK650 will build its reputation on three things: efficiency, versatility and productivity.
“The SK650 has a number of features that really make the operator’s life easier,” says Lumbers “For example, both the fuel and hydraulic tanks are mounted on the outside of the machine’s frame. Because the fuel tank is exterior-mounted, we could make it larger, and we did. With an 8-gallon (30 L) capacity, most jobs can be completed without stopping to fuel. Also, with the hydraulic tank on the outside we could increase its capacity for more efficient hydraulic performance.”
Nor does the operator have to shut down the machine to change attachments. Quick-disconnect attachment fittings enable attachments to be changed with the hydraulic system under pressure, which speeds productivity. The SK650 is also equipped with a foot pedal auxiliary control that allows the operator to drive the attachment by foot, freeing up his hands to control depth and ground speed.
To further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of each SK650 attachment, Ditch Witch engineers mounted an attachment-level indicator to the attachment lift frame, allowing the operator to see from the operator’s station if the attachment is level. “We’ve also included a float section on the auxiliary valve to enable the operator to make more efficient use of attachments such as the carry-all leveler, box blade, vibratory plow, and other attachments that follow the contour of the ground,” says Lumbers.
Greater operator comfort was a top priority when designing the SK650—after all, a more comfortable operator works longer. Pilot control valves for ground drive provide highly responsive steering with little or no vibration through the control handles, minimizing operator fatigue.
“We’ve packed a lot of big-machine features in the SK650,” says Lumbers. “Our customers are going to be pleasantly surprised by how well it performs and by how much they can accomplish with this one unit.”
