Blue Diamond Heavy Duty Root Grapple User manual

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 2
BLUE DIAMOND ATTACHMENTS
Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Operation and Maintenance Manual
To ensure warranty coverage please register your attachment at:
http://www.bluediamondattachments.com/warranty-registration/
RG-OM-01
Publication Date: April 5, 2018

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 3
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
4/5/2018
Blue Diamond Attachments
4512 Anderson Road
Knoxville, TN 37918
888-376-7027
BLUE DIAMOND is a trademark of Blue Diamond Attachments LLC.
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 Attachments 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.

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 4
Table of Contents
Document History............................................................................................................3
About this Manual ...........................................................................................................5
Hazard Notices Used in this Manual............................................................................5
Terminology.................................................................................................................5
Safety..............................................................................................................................5
Safety Notices .............................................................................................................5
Modifications to Equipment..........................................................................................5
About the Root Grapple Attachment................................................................................6
Root Grapples.................................................................................................................6
Heavy Duty Root Grapple............................................................................................6
Attaching the Root Grapple to the Prime Mover..............................................................7
Removing the Root Grapple from the Prime Mover ........................................................7
Operation and Maintenance............................................................................................8
Equipment Inspection..................................................................................................8
Usage Guidelines ........................................................................................................8
Inspection Checklist.....................................................................................................8
Detailed Parts List...........................................................................................................9
Root Grapple Specifications..........................................................................................10
Warning Decal Placement.............................................................................................11
Manufacturer’s Warranty ...............................................................................................12
One-Year Limited Warranty.......................................................................................12
Warranty Claim..........................................................................................................12
Exclusions of Warranty..............................................................................................12
Outline of Warranty…………………………………………………………………………….13
Warranty Registration…………………………………………………………………………14

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 5
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.

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 6
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. Hydraulic cylinders operate independently to adjust for uneven
loads. Tines curve upward in order to slide across the land without damaging topsoil or catching utility
lines or cables.
Heavy Duty Root Grapple
The Heavy Duty Root Grapple is intended for skid steers or tractors with a lift capacity of 1800 lbs or less.
The Root Grapple is an industrial grapple built for moderate use. It is constructed of 1/2" top-quality steel
plate. 1” pivot pins with grease fittings increase the durability. The Hydraulic cylinders are 2" bore and 8"
stroke. Opened, distance from tine to tine is 32 inches. Depth from inside front to back of the Root
Grapple is 28 inches. Available in 66” and 72”

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 7
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.

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 8
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?

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 9
Parts Break Down
Figure 2 –Root Grapple –Parts List

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Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 10
Table 1 - Parts List
#
Part Name
Description
Size
Part No.
Qty.
1
cylinder
Tie rod cylinder
2”bore X 8” stroke
206110
2
2
Cylinder cover
Steel box protecting cylinder (right side)
208530
1
3
Cylinder cover
Steel box protecting cylinder (left side)
208535
1
4
Main frame
Main frame weldment 66”
66”
1
4
Main frame
Main frame weldment 72”
72”
1
5
Hose kit
Hydraulic hose kit complete 66”- 72”
1/4”
208576
1
6
nut
3/8” Stover nut for step/ hose cover
3/8 stover lock nut
208550
2
7
Steel cover
Step/ hose cover (protects hoses between
cylinder towers)
208540
1
N/A
fitting
Branch t fitting #6 JIC male(Not shown,
covered by #7)
1/4"
208580
2
9
coupler
Male flat face
1/2” pipe thread
224006
1
10
coupler
Female flat face
1/2” pipe thread
224005
1
11
pin
Rear cylinder pivot pin (HD)
1”
208525
2
12
pin
Pivot pin greasable (HD)
1”
208505
4
13
pin
Pin and retainer clip
1”
206115
2
N/A
nut
Nut for cylinder pin retainer(Not shown, fits
#15)
3/8 stover lock nut
208510
6
15
bolt
Bolt for cylinder pin retainer
3/8 –16 bolt
208515
6
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”
8”
1”
8”
1/2”x 4"
1/2" 60,000 psi min
32"
28"
1/2" 60,000 psi min.
Weight
Weight
66" Wide
72” wide
594lbs
620lbs

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 11
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
BD-01
1
02
RG Warning Decal
Warning Wear Eye Protection; Relieve
Hydraulic Pressure
3-1/2"H x 3-1/2"L
BD-02
1
03
RG Warning Decal
Warning Pinch Point Stay Clear
2-1/2"H x 3-1/2"L
BD-03
1
04
RG Warning Decal
Warning Crush Hazard Stay Clear
3-1/2"H x 3-1/2"L
BD-04
1
Table 4 –Warning Stickers
Warning Decal 01
Warning Decal 02
Warning Decal 03
Warning Decal 04

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 12
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.

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 13
Blue Diamond Attachments, a manufacturer of quality attachments, warrants new Blue
Diamond Attachments products 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,
LLC. To file a warranty claim, please contact your nearest Blue Diamond Dealer or sales
representative.
Brush Cutters:
The Blue Diamond Brush Cutters have a two(2) year warranty policy: one year on parts and labor,
and the second year on parts only. Dis-assembly of the cutter in any way, including the blade carrier,
housing components, and/or motor, may void the warranty. Please contact Blue Diamond
Attachments for instructions and authorization before taking apart to verify warranty.
Augers:
Warranty coverage on Blue Diamond Auger attachments is four(4) years on the Heavy Duty Series,
and six(6) years on the Extreme Duty. Bent or Broken auger shafts are void from warranty. Coverage
may be refused by Blue Diamond Attachments if the unit appears to have been abused or misused.
Pallet Forks:
Blue Diamond Pallet Forks have a one(1) year warranty. If the forks are put in an application where
the weight that is lifted exceeds the fork rating, all warranty coverage will be voided.
Grapples:
All Grapples manufactured by Blue Diamond Attachments have a one(1) year warranty. Faulty
cylinders are covered by warranty. Bent tines and/or bent hydraulic cylinders are not covered nor
implied by warranty.
Thumbs:
Blue Diamond Thumbs have a one(1) year warranty on manufacturing defects, including weld cracks
and leaking cylinders. Bent cylinders and/or bent tines/frame are not covered by warranty.
Other Attachments:
All other attachments that are not listed above, have a one(1) year warranty. This covers any
manufacturing defect. Bent tines and/or bent cylinders are not covered. Any modification or
alteration in any way may void the warranty on any piece. Blue Diamond Attachments, LLC reserves
the right to decline any warranty claim at their digression.
**WARRANTY MAY BE VOIDED IF ATTACHMENT IS ALTERED IN ANY WAY**
(May weaken unit and cause damage)

Heavy Duty Root Grapple
Blue Diamond Attachments LLC 14
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,
4512 Anderson Road
Knoxville, TN 37918
888-376-7027