Keeping your Ditch Witch RT45 in peak operating condition starts with the right parts and a solid maintenance routine. Ensure your ride-on trencher stays in top shape with high-quality spin-on lube filters, strobes, and more. The RT45 is powered by a Deutz F3M2011 diesel engine delivering 42 hp and offers compatibility with multiple trenching, plowing, backhoe, and saw attachments. With a maximum trench depth of 63 in and industry-standard hydrostatic drive, this unit is purpose-built for installing buried utility lines. Don’t forget to stay on top of your maintenance—secure the parts you need to keep your Ditch Witch RT45 running smoothly!

Walk-Around Inspection

• Check engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and fuel levels
• Inspect tires or tracks, lug nuts, and wheel hubs for wear and torque
• Verify battery terminals are clean and the disconnect switch is in the correct position
• Inspect hoses, belts, lights, and decals for cracks, leaks, or fading
• Check trenching chain, backfill blade, boom, and auger for wear or damage

Daily Maintenance

• Check engine oil and coolant levels
• Inspect hydraulic hoses and filters for damage or leaks
• Clean air filter restriction indicator
• Grease tail roller, auger bearings, pivot points, and universal joints
• Check digging chain tension and sprocket alignment

Every 50 Hours

• Clean radiator and oil cooler fins with compressed air or spray wash
• Check belt tension on the alternator; adjust if needed
• Lubricate backfill blade swing and frame slide

Every 100 Hours

• Lubricate microtrencher tilt adjustment points

Every 500 Hours

• Change engine oil and replace oil filter
• Replace hydraulic return filter and primary fuel filter
• Inspect differential and gearbox oil levels
• Lubricate all cross bearings and universal joints
• Replace plow vibrator oil (if equipped)

Every 1,000 Hours

• Change differential and gearbox oil
• Drain and replace hydraulic oil and filter

As-Needed Maintenance

• Replace worn digging chains, teeth, sprockets, or plow blades
• Adjust or replace brake linkage, seat belt, and safety decals as needed
• Bleed air from hydraulic cylinders or level adjusters if operation becomes erratic
• Replace microtrencher spoils deflectors or clean vac hose passages

Final Maintenance Recommendations

Regular maintenance keeps your Ditch Witch RT45 operating safely and efficiently. For a full range of Ditch Witch parts, explore our extensive EquipmentShare parts catalog. If you can’t find the part you need, reach out to our parts experts for a custom order.