Blue Diamond Extreme Duty Root Grapple User manual

Publication Date: March 11, 2016
BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS
Extreme Duty Root Grapple
Operation and Maintenance Manual
To ensure warranty coverage please register your attachment at:
http://www.bluediamondattachments.com/warranty-registration/
MAKE SURE TO REGISTER YOUR WARRANTY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF
PURCHASE.
Visit www.bluediamondattachments.com to register.
(Or see last page of manual)

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Blue Diamond Attachments 2
Document History
The table below lists all revisions of the Root Grapple Operation and Maintenance Manual.
Document Revision
Summary of Changes
Publication Date
First publication
First revision
3/11/2016
Blue Diamond Attachments
4512 Anderson Road
Knoxville, TN 37918
888-376-7027
Notice: This document is for informational purposes only and does not set forth any warranty, expressed or implied, concerning
any equipment, equipment feature, or service offered or to be offered by Blue Diamond. Blue Diamond reserves the right to make
changes to this document at any time, without notice, and assumes no responsibility for its use. This informational document
describes features that may not be currently available. Contact a Blue Diamond sales office for information on feature and
product availability.

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Blue Diamond Attachments 3
Table of Contents
Document History............................................................................................................2
About this Manual ...........................................................................................................4
Hazard Notices Used in this Manual............................................................................4
Terminology.................................................................................................................4
Safety..............................................................................................................................4
Safety Notices .............................................................................................................4
Modifications to Equipment..........................................................................................4
About the Root Grapple Attachment................................................................................5
Root Grapples.................................................................................................................5
Standard Root Grapple................................................................................................5
Attaching the Root Grapple to the Prime Mover..............................................................6
Removing the Root Grapple from the Prime Mover ........................................................6
Operation and Maintenance............................................................................................7
Equipment Inspection..................................................................................................7
Usage Guidelines ........................................................................................................7
Inspection Checklist.....................................................................................................7
Detailed Parts List...........................................................................................................8
Root Grapple Specifications............................................................................................9
Warning Decal Placement.............................................................................................10
Manufacturer’s Warranty ...............................................................................................11
One-Year Limited Warranty.......................................................................................11
Warranty Claim..........................................................................................................11
Exclusions of Warranty..............................................................................................11

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About this Manual
This manual contains information about the usage and maintenance required for the equipment. This
document must be available for review by the operator before using the attachment to ensure proper
safety, maintenance, and usage.
Hazard Notices Used in this Manual
The following hazard notices are used in this document:
NOTE –Notes are used to indicate important information. This information may be repeated in
other areas of the manual.
CAUTION –Cautions are used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in damage to the equipment or other property.
WARNING –Warnings are used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
DANGER –Danger is used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in serious injury or death.
Terminology
Prime Mover: The root grapple can be attached to many different pieces of equipment; therefore
the term “prime mover” will be used. A prime mover is any equipment, tractor, or skid steer
providing power to the attachment.
Safety
Safety Notices
Before operating or conducting maintenance on this equipment, it is important to wear proper protection.
Recommended safety equipment when operating and maintaining this equipment includes earplugs, eye
protection, and a hard hat.
NOTE: Additional safety equipment may be required depending on the operating environment and
worksite conditions.
Only qualified and trained personnel should operate, maintain, and service this attachment. It is
recommended that this equipment be inspected regularly for leaks, cracks, or other conditions that may
impair proper usage of the equipment. Verify that all repairs have been completed and inspected prior to
using the attachment under load.
It is the responsibility of the user to follow all local, state, and federal safety regulations. Improper use of
this equipment may result in personal injury, property damage, and/or damage to the equipment.
Modifications to Equipment
Any modifications made to this equipment may void any warranty and relieve the manufacturer of liability
of any resulting injury or damage.

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About the Root Grapple Attachment
The root grapple attachment is intended for use in materials handling. The primary use of the root
grapple attachment includes land clearing, landscaping, demolition, construction, and grounds
maintenance. Use of this equipment in any other manner is considered to be contrary to the intended use
of the attachment.
Root Grapples
The root grapple attachment is vital in the tree industry and is quickly becoming a necessity among all
contractors today. This unique root grapple is offered in a variety of sizes for a variety of applications.
Figure 1 –Root Grapple
With the Root Grapple, you can perform three jobs in one. In a single pass the Root Grapple rakes away
debris, keeps it in a manageable pile to move around with ease, and the round bottom bar provides the
necessary tool for backfill. The wide tine opening makes easy loading of logs, brush, rocks, demolition
debris, and many other materials into the large bucket area. It is ideal for separating dirt from rock,
lumber, or building materials with ease. The larger capacity means less loading and cost saving in both
time and energy. Hydraulic cylinders operate independently to adjust for uneven loads. Enclosed
cylinders and hoses come standard to minimize maintenance. Tines curve upward in order to slide
across the land without damaging topsoil or catching utility lines or cables.
Extreme Root Grapple
The extreme Root Grapple is intended for anyone who makes a living with skid steers or tractors. The
Root Grapple is industrial strength and produced for everyday use. It is constructed of ½" top-quality
steel plate (60,000 psi). Oversized points and bushings increase the durability. The lifting capacity of this
skid-steer attachment exceeds that of the machine. Hydraulic cylinders are 2" bore and 10" stroke.
Opened, distance from tine to tine is 38 inches. Depth from inside front to back of the Root Grapple is
34.5 inches. Available in five sizes: 60", 66", 72", 78”, and 84".

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Attaching the Root Grapple to the Prime Mover
NOTE: Before attempting to attach the root grapple to the prime mover, verify that all hydraulic couplings
are compatible.
WARNING –Improper attachment to the prime mover may cause personal injury.
CAUTION –All hydraulic connections must be clean and free of debris before making any connection.
1. Place the root grapple attachment on a level surface.
2. Position and align the prime mover to the rear of the attachment, within proximity of the front of
prime mover.
3. Insert and connect the prime mover into the attachment.
4. Connect the hydraulic lines from the attachment to the prime mover.
5. Close latches (or other locking mechanism) to secure the attachment to the prime mover.
6. Using the prime mover, raise the attachment and move the attachment to ensure hydraulic lines
are clear of air and operate properly.
CAUTION –Hydraulics should operate in an even and smooth manner. Hydraulic movement that is
not even and smooth may indicate that air is in the hydraulic lines.
7. Lower the attachment to ground level.
8. Inspect that the attachment is mounted properly and securely. If the attachment does not meet
this requirement, follow the instructions to remove the Root Grapple and re-attach using the
instructions above.
Removing the Root Grapple from the Prime Mover
WARNING –Improper disconnection may result person injury or damage to the attachment and prime
mover.
CAUTION –All hydraulic connections must be clean and free of debris before disconnection.
1. Using the prime mover, lower the attachment to the ground.
2. To prevent contamination, remove any dirt and debris from the couplings. Disconnect the
hydraulic connection between the attachment and the prime mover.
NOTE: Hydraulic connections must be disconnected before disengaging latches to prevent damage to
the prime mover or the attachment.
3. Disengage the prime mover latches (or other locking mechanism) from the attachment.
4. Move the prime mover from the attachment.

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Operation and Maintenance
Equipment Inspection
It is recommended to inspect the equipment for damage and wear before use. Use the following list as a
guideline during equipment inspection.
Check all hardware connections to the prime mover for damage or fatigue such as cracks
or other structural flaws.
Check that all latches or locks are closed.
Check that all hydraulic fittings are tight and free of leaks
Check that all hydraulic lines are free of leaks, holes, or cracks.
WARNING –Do not use hands to check for hydraulic leaks. Keep body parts away from leaking
hydraulic lines and couplings that are under pressure.
Check that the tires on the prime mover are in good condition and have proper load
ratings.
NOTE: Replace any damaged hardware, hoses, and fitting before using the equipment.
Usage Guidelines
Before each use do the following:
Perform daily maintenance as indicated in the Daily Maintenance Schedule.
Inspect the attachment by performing a walk around
Use the root grapple for materials handling only.
DANGER –Keep all body parts away from the root grapple when in use. The upper tines may
open or close unexpectedly causing serious bodily injury or death.
Inspect the root grapple daily before use. It is also recommended to inspect the root grapple after
extreme use or damage. Use the following inspection checklist as a guideline.
Inspection Checklist
Are all safety notices and warning decals in proper locations and visible?
Are there any visible hydraulic leaks?
Are any cracks visible in root grapple structure?
Are the tines worn or bent?
Have all grease fittings (zerk fittings) have been greased?
Are the bolts holding pins secure and tight?
Has the prime mover been properly inspected for hydraulic leaks and proper tire inflation?
Has the prime mover been properly maintained?

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Detailed Parts List
Figure 2 –Root Grapple –Parts List

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Table 1 - Parts List
#
Part Name
Description
Size
Part No.
Qty.
1
RG Cylinder Cover
Cover for Hydraulic cylinder
4-1/4" W x 4-1/2" H
x 16" L
206314
2
2
RG 5-1/4 Pin
Pin 1-1/4" Dia x 5-1/4" Long Pin W/ 3/8"
Hole
1-1/4" Dia. x
5-1/4" Long
206343
6
3
Root Grapple Top Tine
RG Tine Assembly
18” wide
206340
2
4
RG Cylinder
Hydraulic Cylinder
2" x 10" x 1-1/4"
rod
206305
2
5
RG 5-1/4" Pin
Pin 1-1/4" Dia x 5-1/4" Long Pin W/ 3/8"
hole
1-1/4" Dia. x
5-1/4" Long
206343
4
6
RG 6" Pin
Pin 1-1/4" x 6" Long Pin W/ 3/8" Hole
1-1/4" Dia. x
6" Long
206342
2
7
Pivot Pin Bolt and Nut
3/8”x 2 ¾” Pivot Pin bolt and nut
3/8" X 2 ¾”
206344
8
8
RG Short Cylinder Hose
(60" & 66") #6 JIC Female,1/4" NPT Male
OAL 30-1/4"
2
RG Short Cylinder Hose
(72", 78" & 84") #6 JIC Female, 1/4" NPT
Male
OAL 36-1/4"
2
9
RG Long Cylinder Hose
(60" & 66") #6 JIC Female,1/4" NPT Male
OAL 39-3/4"
2
RG Long Cylinder Hose
(72", 78" & 84") #6 JIC Female, 1/4" NPT
Male
OAL 45-5/8"
2
10
3/8" Nut
3/8" Stover Lock Nut
3/8"-- 16
10
11
RG Hose Cover
(60" & 66") Hose Cover W/Step
OAL 12"
206345
1
RG Hose Cover
(72" , 78" & 84") Hose Cover W/ Step
OAL 23-3/4"
206350
1
12
RG Machine Hose
(60", 66", 72" , 78", & 84") #6 JIC Female,
# 6 JIC 90°Elbow
OAL 75"
206360
2
13
90-Degree Elbow
(60", 66", 72" , 78", & 84") #6 JIC Male
1/2" NPT Female 90°Elbow
1/2” pipe X 3/8”
JIC
206362
2
14
Male Coupler
Flat-face Male Quick Coupler
1/2" Female
224006
1
15
Female Coupler
Flat-face Female Quick Coupler
1/2" Female
224005
1
16
Bulkhead Branch Tee
Bulkhead Branch Tee #6 JIC W/Nut
3/8” Male JIC
206355
2
17
RG Main Frame
60" RG Main Frame
60" Wide
1
RG Main Frame
66" RG Main Frame
66" Wide
1
RG Main Frame
72" RG Main Frame
72" Wide
1
RG Main Frame
78" RG Main Frame
78" Wide
1
RG Main Frame
84" RG Main Frame
84" Wide
1
Root Grapple Specifications
Table 2 - Root Grapple Specifications
Hydraulic Cylinders
Bucket Tines
Grapple Tines
Bore
Stroke
Pins
Spacing
Thickness
Material
Opening
Height
Opening
Depth
Material
2”
10”
1.25”
8.5"-9
0.5" x 4"
0.5" 60,000 psi min
38"
34.5"
0.5" 60,000 psi min.
Weight
60" Wide
66" Wide
72" Wide
78" Wide
84" Wide
711 lbs.
723 lbs.
798 lbs.
800 lbs.
872 lbs.

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Warning Decal Placement
Figure 3 - Root Grapple –Rear View
Table 3 - Parts List - Warning Decals
#
Part Name
Description
Size
Part No.
Qty.
01
RG Warning Decal
Warning Before Operating Read Manual
2-1/2"H x 3-1/2"L
1
02
RG Warning Decal
Warning Wear Eye Protection; Relieve
Hydraulic Pressure
3-1/2"H x 3-1/2"L
1
03
RG Warning Decal
Warning Pinch Point Stay Clear
2-1/2"H x 3-1/2"L
1
04
RG Warning Decal
Warning Crush Hazard Stay Clear
3-1/2"H x 3-1/2"L
1
Table 4 –Warning Stickers
Warning Decal 01
Warning Decal 02
Warning Decal 03
Warning Decal 04

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Manufacturer’s Warranty
One-Year Limited Warranty
Blue Diamond Attachments, LLC, hereinafter referred to as BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS, a
manufacturer of quality machinery since 1996, warrants new BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS
machinery and/or attachments at the time of delivery to the original purchaser, to be free from defects in
material and workmanship when properly set up and operated in accordance with the recommendations
set forth by BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS.
BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS’ liability for any defect with respect to accepted goods shall be limited
to repairing the goods at a BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS designated location or at an authorized
dealer location, or replacing them as BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS shall elect. The above shall be
in accordance with BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS warranty adjustment policies. BLUE DIAMOND
ATTACHMENTS’S obligation shall terminate twelve (12) months after the delivery of the goods to original
purchaser. This warranty shall not apply to any machine or attachment which shall have been repaired or
altered outside the BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS factory or authorized BLUE DIAMOND
ATTACHMENTS dealership or in any way so as in BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS’S judgment, to
affect its stability or reliability, nor which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident beyond the
Company recommended machine rated capacity.
Warranty Claim
To submit a warranty claim, a return authorization from BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS must be
obtained. The failed part may then be returned. Tampering with the failed part may void the warranty.
This warranty does not include freight or delivery charges incurred when returning machinery for
servicing. Dealer mileage, service calls, and pickup/delivery charges are the customers' responsibility.
Exclusions of Warranty
Except as otherwise expressly stated herein, BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS makes no representation
or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, AND MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY IN
RESPECT TO ITS MACHINERY AND/OR ATTACHMENTS ARE FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
damages for any breach or warranty, including but not limited to inconvenience, rental of replacement
equipment, loss of profits or other commercial loss. Upon purchase, the buyer assumes all liability for all
personal injury and property resulting from the handling, possession, or use of the goods by the buyer.
No agent, employee, or representative of BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS has any authority to bind
BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS to any affirmation, representation or warranty concerning its
machinery and/or attachments except as specifically set forth herein.
This warranty policy supersedes any previous documents.

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Blue Diamond Attachments 12
Warranty Registration:
Please fill out this warranty registration within 30 days of the purchase of your attachment.
It can be faxed to 865-246-2007 or emailed to: [email protected]
Name and address _______________________________________________________
Phone #___________________________________
Attachment part #__________________________
Attachment serial #_________________________
Date purchased ____________________________
Name of dealer attachment was purchased from:
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Blue Diamond Attachments, Knoxville TN
888-376-7027