Table of Contents
PRACTISE STEPS
Taken from the "Kör åt skogen rätt och säkert [Correct and safe forest operations]" booklet published by the Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences".
1. One lever at a time
Begin with one function at a time. Operate the crane using a low and even engine speed.
Check which crane movements are suitable for the tractor. The operator must feel
completely comfortable with the grapple loader's movement pattern. Practice starting
and stopping each movement smoothly to ensure the grapple does not sway when in
operation. Do not run grapple loader functions to their end positions at full speed.
2. Parallel adjustment
Once you have mastered the rst exercise, the next one is to place the grapple about
0.5 metres above the ground as far from the trailer as possible with the grapple loader
turned 90 degrees to the trailer. Move the grapple back and forth toward the trailer
parallel to the ground. The stop and start movements should also be smooth.
3. Loading and unloading
Set up a reasonably high pile of logs. Grip the pile and place the gripping point so that
the lowest point of the timber tilts toward the headboard. Lift the timber in towards
the trailer before using any rotating or lifting movements. You are in full control once
grapple movements are smooth and there is no swaying. By following these instructions
you do not have to retighten the hose connections in the rotator so often.
You can practise a movement pattern that, for instance, enhances safety by working calmly
and methodically. The crane operating techniques take a few weeks/months to learn before
you can work at full capacity. The accident risk is greater than normal during the learning
period. Pulling the wrong lever to let the timber slide o the grapple when you least expect it
can be happen easily during this process. Therefore, you should leave a good amount of space
around you when practicing!
USE/OPERATION
• The grapple loader is equipped with a hand lever valve block oering four or more
functions.
The movements available are shown by symbols by the levers.
• Make sure the machine is on stable and safe ground.
• When loading, always remember to grab around the entire log.
• Do not lift the arms higher than necessary for trouble-free handling of loads.
• Icy or wet logs must be handled with extra care.
• Check tyre pressure on the trailer the grapple loader is attached to; see info on sides of tyres.
Do not exceed the maximum pressure!
There is a risk of crushing when working with equipment that has moving parts. Exercise
caution when working with equipment with hydraulic hoses as oil under pressure can
penetrate the skin. Immediately seek medical attention if this should occur.
As hydraulic systems are never 100% sealed, they must be inspected prior to loading
the equipment. Leaks can arise from internal leaks in tractor valves, electrical valves on
frontloaders, internal leaks in the equipment's hydraulic cylinders, etc. Check the extent of
leaks by extending the equipment's cylinder in full and maintaining pressure for one minute.
There is a leak in a seal if the cylinder starts to slowly close. Replace the seal or cylinder.
Always work alone with equipment that is made for working alone. Never overload the
equipment and respect its risk zone.
