Modern AG Grapple - Manual (Page 12)

12 - Grapple
OPerATiNG SeCTiON
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of
this equipment. The operator must be properly trained.
Operators should be familiar with the attachment,
prime mover and all safety practices before starting
operation. Make sure all operators have read the
Owner’s/Operator Manual and are familiar with the
instructions and the safety rules of operation.
All reference to left, right, front, or rear are given from
the operator’s position, facing the direction of forward
travel.
NOTE: Watch for and avoid hidden obstructions, i.e., buried
pipes, rocks, concrete piers, or uneven slabs of concrete,
when operating, or attachment damage may occur. Stop
prime mover and implement immediately upon striking
an obstruction. Turn off engine, remove key, inspect, and
repair any damage before resuming operation.
The tine and scrap grapple buckets are designed to
pick up bulky, unusually shaped, or long materials that
would not stay in an ordinary bucket.
1. Approach the load so that the weight will be centered
on the bottom of the bucket. The heaviest side should
be closest to the back of the bucket and not near the
bucket edge.
2. Before lifting, make certain the bucket is completely
under the load and the bucket bottom is level or tilted
back slightly.
3. Close the grapples as much as possible and lift the
bucket slightly to be certain that the load is secure.
NOTE: If the load appears to be unstable, lower the bucket
to the ground, open the grapple clamps and reposition the
load to attain full stability. Repeat until complete stability
is achieved.
When using the grapples as a rake to drag materials
into position for pick up, THe GrAPPle ClAmPS
muST Be COmPleTely OPeN.
NOTICE: Applying a raking-type force to partially open
grapple clamps will greatly magnify the fluid pressure
in the hydraulic hoses, fittings, and cylinders and may
cause component failure.
• Never heap load heavy material where the combined
weight of the attachment and material could exceed
the rated lifting capacity of the loader.
• Operate the attachment only when properly seated at
the operator’s station.
• Do not exceed the lift capacity of your loader. See
loader specifications.
• Do not handle round bales.
• Be sure the load does not stick out too far in front of
the bucket. A light load sticking out too far can have
the same unbalanced or tipping effect as a heavy load
carried in close.
• When using the grapple, lift the load slightly and
make sure that the load is secure. If the load appears
to be unstable, lower the load, open the grapple and
reposition the load to attain full stability.
• Reduce speed when driving over rough terrain, on a
slope, or turning, to avoid overturning the vehicle.
• Avoid side slope travel whenever possible. Drive up
the slope to pick up a load and then down in reverse.
Carry loads as close to the ground as possible.
• Before exiting the prime mover, lower the bucket to
the ground, turn off the prime mover’s engine, remove
the key and apply the brakes.
• Do not detach loader from tractor with this attachment
installed. Equip loader with materials bucket when
detaching.
DuriNG uSe
Avoid serious injury.
• THE GRAPPLE MOVES QUICKLY! Do not allow anyone
near the grapples.
• Never get between the grapple and the bucket.
• Do not lift any load that is taller than the height of the
fully opened grapple.
• Do not roll back this product so far that the load falls
off toward or on the operator.
• When stacking debris or loading vehicles, make sure
you are operating in an area AWAY FROM OVERHEAD
WIRES.
• Avoid holes, ditches, and obstructions which may
cause prime mover to tip.
WArNiNG