Junkyard Ditch Witch C99 Trencher - Will It Run?

[@oldschoolsprinklers9000]

Nice trencher! I have a C-9 model that I bought from a sprinkler contractor back in 1978 that is identical to yours. It has a rope pulley start. It was setting out in his storage yard not running for years so probably a 1960’s vintage. It had a piston bearing journal insert blown out and did not damage the crankshaft. Got a new journal bearing, put it back together and it still runs to this day. What a testament to the Wisconsin AENLD engines. There are true work horses. I also have had to repair/replace hub locks, the gear reduction box, the digging chain and teeth along with the sprockets over the years. The parts can be challenge at times but worth it to me. Just have to keep an eye out for them. I was lucky to acquire a complete extra motor as well. Mine has a belt guard shroud over the belts that looks original from the factory. Glad you got yours rescued and to run so nice. It’s great to see them out there. Happy trenching!

[@tomtokar7640]

Sorry, I'm following -- I just picked up an M$ that is very similar -- I guess I'll have to learn about hub locks (they're locked!) do you have part numbers or size of the triple drive belts? Mide are gone. Thank you.

[@oldschoolsprinklers9000]

I was able to find a web site link that might be able to help on some of the parts. Check it out…. And Good luck on your trencher..! www.ballantineinc.com/sites/default/files/doc/Ditch-Witch-Catalog-10-08.pdf

[@oldschoolsprinklers9000]

Look up Ballantine Inc. they have parts for a lot of various models of Ditch Witch. Check it out and good luck with your trencher

[@BonnieCox-lw7gi]

the c99 trencher is easy to steer because the left rear is freewheeling ,just push down on the handles to lift the front up and move where you want to go

[@Brandon-sg2ly]

Excellent video. I’m picking one up tomorrow that has been sitting for a couple years.

[@BrandonsGarage]

Make sure its complete! Otherwise you'll probably be making parts for it.

[@billg4630]

Had one of these for years...needed work...this vid was perfect...thanks for sharing

[@effthegop]

THANK YOU!!!! for posting this video. I picked up a decent C99 last year but it won't go into drive for transport so I have to drag it around into place which is quite a chore, It looks like a PITA to get it apart since I am always lacking proper mechanics tools and I dread this kind of work, but I'm ready to tackle it now that I know it may not need obsolete parts. Seeing in guts really helped me understand the mechanism. I already tried a can of WD40 and hitting it with a hammer :)

[@BrandonsGarage]

Ya know, I don't remember doing it, but I'm glad I'm filmed it so I can look at it again someday. I remember it being pretty easy now that I think about it.

[@jschnell1203]

This video was so helpful. I bought the same model about a year ago and needed to run a new electric line last minute so I had to get it running and basically the same issues and ran great. Great job

[@haroldfisher2256]

A Bobcat or something similar will be nice. Thanks for sharing this with us. Keep them coming.

[@jimmeroniuk8266]

Thanks Just picked up a C9 Ditch Witch.Overall pretty close in operation and construction. Good job on the video.

[@samtate1260]

I just love bringing back to life those old motors great videos 👍

[@harriswb3]

Thanks for the video. I just picked up one yesterday. Needs a condenser (and maybe points) but I'll put a new condenser in it and hopefully, off we go.

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Wow, Cool old machine you were lucky enough to pick up. It's sweet to have one that what's on it can be cleaned up to run again

[@jayfromtexas6718]

Great video! I can tell you gotta lot more smarts than me. Think you've convinced me to stay away from something like this. Got my eyes on a couple. Probably a bad idea for me. Thanks!

[@davekimbler2308]

When I used one ( back in the 70’s ) they were difficult to get parts then ! I think the carb is obtainable and the starter is also , a friend has or did have a couple of them out in his barn ( I don’t know if he still has them ) if you want I could check and see if has some parts laying around . They are nice units to have and handy for sprinkler system install and burying cable and drain tile !

[@AlexBalcazar-b3q]

i need the the chain if his got one let me know thanks dave

[@tomtokar7640]

Brandon, great video! Did you determine the Warn Hub model? -- Thanks!

[@AlexBalcazar-b3q]

by any chance do you know what how many quartz does the motor take of oil and also the gear box that drives belts what type of oil it takes? thanks

[@jlettington]

loved your safety footwear slippers ... where can I get some? :) Love your OMC work ...

[@BrandonsGarage]

Actually funny story, I think I broke a bone in my foot; making standing and walking quite painfull. Its manageable without shoes on. Almost a year later now and it's getting back to normal. And thanks! I'll be getting back to normal videos in a couple months when the garage is done.

[@jballew2239]

For the throttle shaft leaks, pack some silicone grease against the casting where the shaft comes out, then roll on a couple cheap O-rings. This is not a fix, but it will let you get a job done. I've seen people slip on oiled leather washers and sheet-metal press-nuts to accomplish the same thing.

[@davekimbler2308]

I see it a c99 my bad ! But it’s very similar to the 422 the parts might be interchangeable ?!

[@BrandonsGarage]

I'm pretty sure the c99 became the 422, and they are quite close. Or that's just the next size up.

[@josephm40]

That was interesting! Another old machine resurrected by the master. Use it in good health.

[@brucebonkowski9568]

I sure like that trencher that Wisconsin can be bored out

[@anamerican481]

Got a C77 witch still runs like a champ

[@jimfarrell8601]

i traded a c99 and a 77 dodge van for Mercedes Benz sl190 years ago...wish I keep the sl 190 ...its is worth more than the 4k I sold it for

[@joshuamaaz3797]

Any chance you have a carb for a 76 9.9 seahorse? I have been looking everywhere and can’t find one. Let me know if you do and how much it would be for me to buy it from you. Thanks and love your videos!

[@BrandonsGarage]

I do! But I won't be pulling any outboards out of long term storage until closer to summer. But any pre 1990's carb would work for you, just may need to use your original roller. But of you want a year correct, I can help you out in a few months.

[@davekimbler2308]

I forgot to ask is that model M422 or what ?

[@WoodGuy]

Great toy to have when you have to run lines underground, looks like it's going to work just fine.........now all you have to do is pretty it up some, then again, it's designed to work in dirt.

[@Venomrs4]

For the metal tank you can use muriatic acid

[@SuperDrumwolf]

Also that motor is reverse rotation

[@BrandonsGarage]

why do you say that?

[@jeffspersonalvideos5016]

Just got one today not tried anything been sitting in storage 5 years not seized

[@DougsMessyGarage]

Ah, isn't it cute. Seriously, good little resurrection video. You are still having issues with audio coming and going though.

[@fryreartechnology7611]

Dirt chain saw

[@johnhiebert2089]

check out Ballantine Inc. they have a lot of the parts for these units. P.S. Stop putting your finger over the speaker.

[@boaterbil]

You REALLY need a microphone

[@marfy01]

Great machines, until you have to order parts.

[@BrandonsGarage]

Ain't that the truth. I don't know what parts even cost; you have compile a list of part numbers, then submit the order for a quote. I'm sure even a washer will set you back $15

[@marfy01]

@@BrandonsGarage I was honestly baffled when I called for a price quote to replace the lower drive sprocket for the dirt chain . $335 for a 4” round sprocket. The new dirt chain was $1090

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Wow, Cool old machine you were lucky enough to pick up. It's sweet to have one that what's on it can be cleaned up to run again