To keep your Ditch Witch SK755 running optimally, you want to check and change the air filter. If you leave the dirty filter in place, it could get clogged and become ineffective. It may also start to allow dirt into the engine, which could cause malfunctions. Learn how to change the air filter for this piece of heavy equipment with this simple guide.
How to Change the Air Filter on a Ditch Witch SK755
Table of Content
Step 1: Lift the Arms
You will need to lift the hydraulic arms to access both sides of the hatch to change the filter. Turn on the machine and operate the arms until they are up fully in the air. Then turn off the machine and engage the safety mechanisms on each side of the hydraulic arms. These safety latches will prevent the arms from falling while you work on the machine.
![Putting and Fully engaging the safety stops on a Ditch Witch SK755 Mini Skid Steer Pointing to engaged safety stops on a mini skid steer](https://www.fortishd.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2021/07/Putting-and-Fully-engaging-the-safety-stops-on-a-Ditch-Witch-SK755-Mini-Skid-Steer.png.webp)
Step 2: Warm the Machine
If the machine was cold before this maintenance service, you want to let it run for at least 15-20 minutes before changing the air filter.
![Mechanic warming the ditch witch before working on it Ditch Witch mini skid steer being started up by a heavy equipment mechanic](https://www.fortishd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mechanic-warming-the-ditch-witch-before-working-on-it.gif)
Step 3: Open Lid and Locate Air Filter
Open the lid to the hatch and engage the safety bar to lock it in place. To locate the air filter, it is in the black housing at the top near the cab.
![Opening the hood on the sk755 ditch witch to change the air filter Heavy duty mechanic opening the hood of a Ditch Witch SK755](https://www.fortishd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Opening-the-hood-on-the-sk755-ditch-witch-to-change-the-air-filter.gif)
Step 4: Remove Housing Cap
The air filter cap has two clips: one at the top and one at the bottom. Disengage the clips and pull the cap off. Shake the cap to remove any dirt inside. On one side of the cap is the dust boot, called a valve. The valve is used to catch larger pieces of dirt and debris. Pop the cap off to the dust boot valve. Then wipe out the dirt from the valve and the inside cap.
![Mechanic opening up the air filter housing to change the filter Mechnaic shows where to remove the air filter housing cap on a Ditch Witch SK755](https://www.fortishd.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2021/07/Mechanic-opening-up-the-air-filter-housing-to-change-the-filter.png.webp)
Step 5: Replace Filter
The filter can simply be pulled out. You will find another filter inside. This second filter is a safety filter. They do not always need to be replaced at the same time unless it is also dirty. Wiggle the inner filter out and check it. Then reinstall the safety filter. With the safety filter in place, wipe down the inside of the housing. The inner filter will keep dust from entering the engine. Take out the new filter and compare it to the old one to ensure it is the same diameter before pushing the new one into place.
![mechanic replacing the air filter on a ditch witch Heavy duty mechanic demonstrates putting a new air filter into a mini skid steer](https://www.fortishd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mechanic-replacing-the-air-filter-on-a-ditch-witch.gif)
Step 6: Close the Housing
Place the cap back on the housing by making sure the dust boot valve is at the bottom. Flip and secure the clips. Then close the machine lid and take down the safety mechanisms so you can operate the hydraulic arms.
![Re-installing the air filter housing on an sk755 How install air filter housing on a mini skid steer](https://www.fortishd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Re-installing-the-air-filter-housing-on-an-sk755.gif)
Always set up a regular maintenance schedule to check and replace the air filter on your Ditch Witch SK755.