GMT GMT 050 Manuel utilisateur

USER MANUAL GMT 050
FELLING GRAPPLE (including GMT050 TTC)
Serial number: 255 and up (release date: Oct-2020)

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Contents
1. General ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Use of this manual .................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Warnings and warning pictograms ......................................................................................................... 3
2. Safety guidelines ............................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Serial plate / Carrying vehicle .......................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Serial plate .............................................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Carrying vehicle ...................................................................................................................................... 6
4. Preparation for use ......................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Transport ................................................................................................................................................ 7
4.2 Mounting the felling grapple .................................................................................................................. 8
4.3 Connecting the GMT050 TTC .................................................................................................................. 9
4.4 Installing the drain valve....................................................................................................................... 10
4.5 Installation on Telehandler ................................................................................................................... 11
4.6 Operating pressure ............................................................................................................................... 12
4.6.1 Hydraulic schematic for mounting ............................................................................................... 12
4.6.2 Hydraulic schematic for mounting GMT050 TTC ......................................................................... 13
4.6.3 Hydraulic schematic ..................................................................................................................... 14
5. Application .................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.1 Application GMT050 ............................................................................................................................. 15
5.2 Application GMT050 TTC ...................................................................................................................... 16
5.3 Operation of the felling grapple ........................................................................................................... 17
5.3.1 Felling a tree or branch ................................................................................................................ 18
5.3.2 Felling a tree or branch with TTC ................................................................................................. 20
5.4 Supplied tools ....................................................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Lifting reference for sawing at height .................................................................................................. 22
6. Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................. 24
6.1 Safety recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 24
6.2 Daily maintenance ................................................................................................................................ 24
6.3 Maintenance schedule ......................................................................................................................... 25
6.4 Repairs / Welding ................................................................................................................................. 25
6.5 Replacement of saw bar and chain ...................................................................................................... 26
6.6 Lubricants ............................................................................................................................................. 27
6.7 Hydraulic fluid ....................................................................................................................................... 28
6.8 Chain oil ................................................................................................................................................ 28
6.9 Handle the chainsaw ............................................................................................................................ 29
7. Adjusting the felling grapple ......................................................................................................................... 30
7.1 Pressure adjustments ........................................................................................................................... 30
7.1.1 Adjusting the valve block ............................................................................................................. 30
7.1.2 Pressurizing the accumulator ...................................................................................................... 35
7.1.3 Saw blade speed .......................................................................................................................... 37
7.1.4 Braking force of the TTC .............................................................................................................. 37
7.2 Saw safety guidelines ........................................................................................................................... 38
8. Removal of grapple ....................................................................................................................................... 38
9. Troubleshooting guide .................................................................................................................................. 39
9.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 39
9.2 Checklist................................................................................................................................................ 39
9.3 Common malfunctions ......................................................................................................................... 39
9.3.1 Sawing problems .......................................................................................................................... 39
9.3.2 Problems with tilt up, placing grapple in horizontal position ...................................................... 40
9.3.3 Problems with tilt down, placing grapple in default position ...................................................... 40
10. Technical specifications ................................................................................................................................. 41
10.1 GMT050 ................................................................................................................................................ 41
10.2 GMT050 TTC ......................................................................................................................................... 42

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1. General
1.1 Use of this manual
This user manual has been compiled for persons who have previous practical experience in the use of
(forestry) machinery. Applying common sense and skills will supplement the use of this user manual.
Warning pictograms provide highly important information about
safety risks. The dangers posed by various situations can result in
incapacitation or fatality.
Attention pictograms indicate that products, processes or the
environment can be affected.
All descriptions, instructions and technical details contained in this user manual are based on the most
up-to-date information available on the felling grapple.
This product is constantly being further developed, and the manufacturer therefore reserves the right
to modify the product without prior notice.
Felling grapple malfunctions can often be resolved by carefully reading the user manual. If recovery or
repair is not possible, you must contact the manufacturer or distributor.
1.2 Warnings and warning pictograms
Warnings and warning pictograms have been added to certain components.
These texts and pictograms must be noted in order to prevent injury to persons
and damage to the felling grapple.
This pictogram indicates to the user that mounting, maintenance and repairs to
and of the felling grapple can be aided by thoroughly reading the user manual
and by relying on the information it contains.
If the felling grapple is to be used by multiple persons, the owner must order all
users to work strictly according to the user manual.
Warnings such as ‘’safe distance’’.
The safety distance is set for at least 1 ½ the length of the tree.
Within this safety zone no other persons are allowed.
The operator should be in the area of the escape route.
The escape route is at a 45-degree opposite of the felling direction.
Be sure the escape route is clear of obstacles or hazards.
Often the “safe distance” is referred to 50 meters (165 feet) safety zone.
Tree
Direction
of fall
Escape
route
Escape
route
Danger
area

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2. Safety guidelines
These safety regulations cannot eliminate all hazardous situations
and accidents related to use of the felling grapple. However, they
will be as effective as possible in preventing potential hazardous
situations and accidents.
Legal regulations must also be observed in addition to the details and instructions provided here.
Wear appropriate clothing to prevent being trapped by the machinery.
Use PPE such as safety gloves, safety glasses, a safety helmet and hearing protection.
Be aware of the risk of losing your footing when working on/with the felling grapple.
Beware of telephone and electricity cables when working near telephone and high-voltage pylons.
Keep a safe distance and do not endanger any persons. If you are not confident about the situation,
contact the local electricity operator. If you are forced to abandon the equipment, your own safety is
imperative. Do not pause to secure the machinery.
Leave the scene of potential electrical danger as quickly as possible. Never run, but move forward by
pressing your legs together and walking away.
Make sure that no persons, animals and/or goods are within the 50-meter safety zone (165 feet) while
the machine is in use.
Various weather conditions can affect use of the felling grapple. Such conditions include wind, snow
and/or storms. Weather conditions must be taken into account before use of the felling grapple.
Weather circumstances at the site allow use of the felling grapple must also be determined. If this
proves to not be the case, appropriate precautions must be taken
Familiarize yourself with the felling grapple before use. Knowledge about (energy) wood felling and
tree maintenance is also preferred.
Observe all instructions contained in the user manual of the felling grapple, the crane and the carrying
vehicle in order to prevent hazardous situations and avoid endangering any persons.
The felling grapple may only be used once all safety regulations have been thoroughly read and all
components have been correctly attached/installed.
The carrying vehicle must be turned off during mounting of the felling grapple. Make sure that the
system is depressurized, or depressurize it by moving the joystick or handle. This is essential to ensure
that work is carried out safely.
The carrying vehicle with the felling grapple may in no way whatsoever be operated or repaired if the
operator is under the influence of alcohol and/or narcotics.
An ability to work precisely is required in order to measure pressures and to set/adjust the felling
grapple.
A rise in pressure inside/on the system can result in damage to the felling grapple and can increase the
risk of accidents!

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Rest the felling grapple on a firm surface when work is complete or when temporarily turning off the
carrying vehicle.
Standing under a ‘hanging’ felling grapple is strictly prohibited. The appliance boom can drop
unexpectedly!
If the carrying vehicle is located on a steep incline or on a soft surface, you are advised to engage the
parking brake when operating the felling grapple.
Check all felling grapple functions before commencing work.
Make sure that you have a good view of the entire site at all times.
If a remote-controlled carrying vehicle is used, the operator must be positioned at right angles to the
drop trajectory of the felling grapple. Watch the load and the felling grapple at all times.
Only competent persons are permitted to operate the machinery. The operator is responsible for
ensuring that no damage is caused.
If the felling grapple is used by more than one person, the owner should advise the user that the
instructions for use must be carefully followed
Maintenance and/or repairs must be carried out slowly and carefully.
If replacement or spare parts are needed, these must be ordered from the felling grapple manufacturer
or distributor. This is the only way of obtaining original parts.
Make sure that the hydraulic hoses of the felling grapple are in good condition. Whenever necessary,
replace damaged hoses or couplings in good time. Pressurized jets of fluid from leaking hoses can
pierce the skin and result in serious infections. If this happens, consult a physician immediately!
Avoid contact with hydraulic fluid and lubricants. These can have an irritating effect on the skin and
can be harmful to health. When using these substances, instructions and guidelines from the relevant
manufacturer must be read thoroughly in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: Beware of hydraulic fluid at operating temperature!
Do not use hydraulic fluid or lubricants for cleaning hands. These can contain steel splinters and/or
additives that can damage the hands.
If hydraulic fluid or lubricants have caused irritation to the hands or other body parts, consult a
physician immediately!
Defective and/or soiled hydraulic hoses must be disposed of correctly at an appropriate facility.

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3. Serial plate / Carrying vehicle
3.1 Serial plate
Type Name of the product
Serial No. Serial number
Year / Weight Year of manufacture (month/year) / Ready-for-use weight of the felling
Grapple in kilogram
Max. Load Maximum felling grapple load in kilogram
Max. pressure Maximum system pressure in mega Pascal
CE European conformity marking
Serial plate
PLEASE NOTE!
When ordering spare parts or requesting repair instructions, please provide the manufacturer or
distributor with the details found on the serial plate. This will ensure faster processing of your order
or service.
3.2 Carrying vehicle
The cabin of the carrying vehicle must be fitted with safety glass. The saw chain operates at extremely
high revolutions. If this chain breaks or splits apart, the resulting flying fragments can cause serious
injury.
(Forestry) crane
Minimum crane size: 10 ton/meter crane.
Excavator: from 7,5 tons. 16534 pounds
Maximum grapple load: 2,5 tons. 5511 pounds
Recommended operating pressure: 180 – 250 bar 2611 – 3626 psi
Flow: at least 45 l/min 11,9 gallons

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4. Preparation for use
4.1 Transport
During transport, the felling grapple must be secured to prevent it from tipping and/or rolling over. A
wooden pallet with sufficient supportive strength can be used, as well as a wooden block on which the
saw casing can rest. Subsequently, the felling grapple must be strapped tightly to the pallet to prevent
it from tipping over. This is how it will arrive if the felling grapple is supplied by GMT Equipment.
Transport to the pallet
Due to transport requirements the chain lubrication hose is not allowed
to loose oil. This hose is connected between the oil pump and the saw
bracket and has been left empty for transport.
Before the unit can be put into service please ensure the hose is filled with oil again.
Instruction:
Use an air compressor to carefully pressurize the oil tank. The pressure will start the oil flow from the
tank through the oil pump all the way to the saw bracket. When oil bleeds on the chain and the saw
bar the chain lubrication hose has been filled again.

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4.2 Mounting the felling grapple
Two hydraulic hoses are attached to the front side of the manifold. The long hose fitted to nipple A on
the valve block must be attached to the grapple open ( G.O. ) coupling underneath the rotator. The
short hose fitted to nipple B on the valve block must be attached to the grapple close coupling ( G.C. )
underneath the rotator.
Connection of the hoses to the manifold
The rotator must be placed on the tilt frame in such a way that the G.O. (grapple open <>) coupling is
located on the side of the accumulator. This will mean that the G.C. (grapple close ><) coupling is
automatically located on the side of the chain oil reservoir.
Connection of the hoses to the rotator
Both hydraulic hoses must form a neat loop when attached to the nipples underneath the rotator. The
short hose must rest inside the loop created by the long hose.

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4.3 Connecting the GMT050 TTC
The GMT050 TTC will be delivered with hydraulic line connections at the end of the headplate. The 4
hoses of the carrying vehicle will be connected to this end. 2
hoses on both sides. These are the same connections as usual
with the GMT050.
All other connections and settings of the complete set are done
from factory.
A drain valve needs to be installed to ensure correct function
of the tilt-down similar as done with the GMT050 product.
A signal device needs to be installed in the carrying vehicle to
activate the brake functionality. This can be a remote control
button or an additional button on the joystick. Even a foot
pedal signal can used. Whatever the operator prefers.
Connection of the hoses to the GMT050 TTC unit
Note: the GMT050 TTC headplate can be connected to different adapters for forestry cranes,
telehandler and loader cranes.

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4.4 Installing the drain valve
At all times there should be a return-hose created to tank in order to have the tilt-down function
working properly. In order for the felling grapple to perform correctly, a drain valve must be attached
to the crane valve block of the carrying vehicle. This valve is supplied in a ready-to-use state in the box
containing tools and fittings.
Assembly of the drain valve as being supplied with the Grapple
The T-coupling needs to be mounted in the hydraulic line for grapple open near to the crane valve
block of the carrying vehicle. This new connection that has been created needs to go to the hydraulic
tank of the carrying vehicle. In this new line the ball valve and leaking oil valve must be mounted with
the ‘T’ side of the drain valve facing the hydraulic tank.
When a main manifold with a H
-
port connection in
neutral position is present on the carrying vehicle than
the drain valve is not needed to be installed.
See the hydraulic schematic as well in Hydraulic
schematic GMT050
Example of a GMT050 attached to a truck
Ce manuel convient aux modèles suivants
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