Digga GRAPPLE User manual
1
OPERATORS MANUAL
GRAPPLE
PM-000112-A
3
1 TO THE PURCHASER
Congratulations on the purchase of your new DIGGA product! This product was carefully designed and manufactured to give you many
years of dependable service. Only minor maintenance is required to keep it in top working condition. Be sure to observe all maintenance
procedures and safety precautions in this manual and on any safety decals located on the product and on any equipment on which the
attachment is mounted.
This manual has been designed to help you do a better, safer job. Read this manual carefully and become familiar with its contents.
WARNING!
Never let anyone operate this unit without reading the “Safety Precautions” and “Operating Instructions” sections of this
manual. Always choose hard, level ground to park the vehicle on and set the brake so the unit cannot roll. Unless noted
otherwise, right and left sides are determined from the operator’s control position when facing the attachment.
NOTE: The illustrations and data used in this manual were current (according to the information available to us) at the time of
printing, however, we reserve the right to redesign and change the attachment as may be necessary without notication.
BEFORE OPERATION
The primary responsibility for safety with this equipment falls to the operator. Make sure the equipment is operated only by trained
individuals that have read and understand this manual. If there is any portion of this manual or function you do not understand, contact
your local authorized dealer or the manufacturer to obtain further assistance. Keep this manual available for reference.
Provide the manual to any new owners and/or operators.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
This is the “Safety Alert Symbol” used by this industry. This symbol is used to warn of possible injury. Be sure to read all
warnings carefully. They are included for your safety and for the safety of others working with you.
SERVICE
Use only manufacturer replacement parts. Substitute parts may not meet the required standards. Record the model and serial number of
your unit on page 5. The parts department needs this information to insure that you receive the correct parts.
4PM-000112-A Grapple Operators Manual - April 2018
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 TO THE PURCHASER............................................................................... 3
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................. 4
3 SERVICE & PREPARATION FOR USE...................................................... 5
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION............................. 7
5 SAFETY - WORKING WITH THE ATTACHMENT...................................... 13
6 BEFORE USE............................................................................................ 15
7 INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS................................. 16
8MAINTENANCE........................................................................................ 18
9 SAFETY - STICKER LOCATION............................................................... 19
10 SPARE PARTS.......................................................................................... 20
11 TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................... 21
12 WARRANTY............................................................................................... 22
5
GRAPPLE
MODELS COVERED IN THIS MANUAL
3 SERVICE & PREPARATION FOR USE
IMPORTANT: EXCEPT FOR OIL CHANGES, ALL OTHER SERVICE AND REPAIR MUST
BE PERFORMED BY AN AUTHORISED DIGGA SERVICE AGENT, ONLY GENUINE DIGGA
REPLACEMENT PARTS CAN BE USED. SUBSTITUTE PARTS WILL NOT MEET THE STANDARDS
REQUIRED FOR SAFE,DEPENDABLE OPERATION. USE OF NON GENUINE DIGGA PARTS
WILL VOID WARRANTY AND DIGGA WILL ACCEPT NO LIABILITY WHAT SO EVER FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES.
MODEL______________________________________
SERIAL NUMBER______________________________
DATE PURCHASED____________________________
The partsdepartment
needs thisinformation
to ensure accurate
parts can be sent
to the authorised
service agent.
Your Digga Grapple is a user non serviceable part. Unauthorised disassembly will void warranty. All
service and warranty must be performed by an authorised DIGGA service agent. Contact your local Digga
dealer for details.
To facilitate warranty or service, record the model and serial number of your unit in the space provided on this
page. This information may be obtained from the identication plate located on the product.
6PM-000112-A Grapple Operators Manual - April 2018
To avoid any inconvenience before operation, please check that you have received the following item/s which you have ordered.
3 SERVICE & PREPARATION FOR USE
REF QTY
1 Grapple 1
2 Quick Couplers 2
3 U-bolts 2
4 Nuts 4
5 Owners Manual 1
1
5
3
4
2
7
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION
SIGNAL WORDS: Note the use of signal words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION with the safety messages. The appropriate signal
word for each has been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This signal word is to be
limited to the most extreme situations, typically for machine components which, for functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury, and includes hazards
that are exposed when guards are removed. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices and indicate potential failure or damage
to equipment.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to
alert against unsafe practices.
TAKE NOTE! THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL IS USED TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO
INSTRUCTIONS INVOLVING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY OR OTHERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN
RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
THIS SYMBOL MEANS:
This section is composed of various warnings and safety tips. Read and learn all the information in this section before you attempt
to use your attachment. Also read your machines owner’s manual before using your equipment. This knowledge will help you operate
your unit safely. Do not take this information lightly, it is presented for your benet and for the benet of others working around
you.
The “Safety Alert Symbol” will be used throughout this manual. It will appear with the word DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION,
and a safety message pertaining to the specic topic being covered. Take the time to read these messages as you come across them.
8PM-000112-A Grapple Operators Manual - April 2018
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION
KNOW WHERE UTILITIES ARE
Observe overhead electrical and other utility lines. Be sure equipment will clear them. When digging, call DIAL
BEFORE YOU DIG ON 1100 (in Australia), or your local UTILITIES location service provider for location of buried utility
lines, gas, water, and sewer, as well as any other hazard you may encounter.
EXPOSURE TO RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA DUST ALONG WITH OTHER HAZARDOUS DUSTS MAY
CAUSE SERIOUS OR FATAL RESPIRATORY DISEASE.
It is recommended to use dust suppression, dust collection and if necessary personal protective equipment during the
operation of any attachment that may cause high levels of dust.
REMOVE PAINT BEFORE WELDING OR HEATING
Hazardous fumes/dust can be generated when paint is heated by welding, soldering or using a torch. Do all work
outside or in a well ventilated area and dispose of paint and solvent properly. Remove paint before welding or heating.
When sanding or grinding paint, avoid breathing the dust. Wear an approved respirator. If you use solvent or paint
stripper, remove stripper with soap and water before welding. Remove solvent or paint stripper containers and other
ammable material from area. Allow fumes to disperse at least 15 minutes before welding or heating.
END OF LIFE DISPOSAL
At the completion of the useful life of the unit, drain all uids and dismantle by separating the different materials (rubber,
steel, plastic, etc.). Follow all federal, state and local regulations for recycling and disposal of the uid and components.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
9
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
OPERATING THE GRAPPLE
• An operator must not use drugs or alcohol, which can change his or her alertness or coordination. An operator taking
prescription or over-the-counter drugs should seek medical advice on whether or not he or she can safely operate
equipment.
• All bystanders should be kept a minimum of 20 feet (6 meters) away from the working area of the drive.
• Do not allow Site workers to climb or ride on Rock Bucket or Grapple at any time, including while stationary, in
operation or being moved or rotated.
• Operate only from the operator’s station.
• Avoid steep hillside operation which could cause the machine to overturn. Consult your machines operator’s and safety
manuals for maximum incline allowable.
• Reduce speed when driving over rough terrain, on a slope, or turning, to avoid overturning the vehicle.
• Travel only with the Grapple drive in a safe transport position to prevent uncontrolled movement. Drive slowly over
rough ground and on slopes.
• Do not drive close to ditches, excavations, etc., cave in could result.
• Before exiting the machine, lower the attachment to the ground, apply the parking brakes, turn off the prime mover’s
engine, and remove the key.
• Flow and pressure gauges, ttings, and hoses must have a continuous operating pressure rating of at least 25% higher
than highest pressures of the system.
• Do not smoke when refueling the prime mover. Allow room in the fuel tank for expansion. Wipe up any spilled fuel.
Secure cap tightly when done.
• Remove the Grapple from the prime mover before transporting to and from the job site.
• Grapples shall be used only for their designed intent and shall not be loaded beyond their rated capacity. Overloading
or exceeding the manufacturers specications will void all warranty.
10 PM-000112-A Grapple Operators Manual - April 2018
STORAGE OF THE GRAPPLE
• Seal hydraulic couplers from contaminants and secure all hydraulic hoses off the ground to help prevent damage.
• Clean the unit thoroughly, removing all mud, dirt, and grease.
• Inspect for visible signs of wear, breakage, or damage. Order any parts required and make the necessary repairs to
avoid delays upon removal from storage.
• Grease all nipples and pivot points to prevent rust and reduce wear.
• Tighten loose nuts, capscrews and hydraulic connections.
• Replace decals that are damaged or in unreadable condition.
• Store unit in a dry and protected place. Leaving the unit outside will materially shorten its life.
WARNING
WARNING
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION
11
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION
MAINTAINING THE GRAPPLE
• Before performing maintenance, lower the attachment to the ground, apply the parking brakes, turn off the
engine, and remove the key.
• Only properly trained and qualied individuals are permitted to perform repairs and maintenance.
• Never adjust a relief valve for pressure higher than recommended by the machine’s manufacturer.
WARNING
WARNING
TRANSPORTING
• Follow all local government regulations that may apply along with recommended tie down points and any
equipment safety precautions at the front of this handbook when transporting your attachment.
TIE DOWN POINTS
• Tie down points are identied by tie down decals where required. Securing to trailer at other points is unsafe
and can damage attachment.
• Do not attach tie down accessories around cylinders or in any way that may damage hoses or hydraulic
components.
• Attach tie down accessories to unit as recommended.
• Check unit stability before transporting.
Verify that all tie down accessories (chains, slings, ropes, shackles and etc.) are capable of maintaining attachment
stability during transporting and are attached in such a way to prevent unintended disengagement or shifting of the
unit. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury or death.
GROUND PERSONNEL AND BYSTANDERS
• Be alert to others in the work area. Be sure others know when and where you will be working. Make sure no
one is behind equipment or within 6 metres of it operating.
• Loose tting clothing, long hair, jewellery and equipment which might become entangled in moving equipment
are prohibited while working near Grapple.
• Operators, helpers, and other personnel working near the Grapple must wear steel-toe safety shoes, safety
glasses, and hard hats as a minimum. Hearing protection, respirators, and personnel protective clothing will be
specied in the site-specic Health and Safety Plan.
WARNING
WARNING
12 PM-000112-A Grapple Operators Manual - April 2018
TO THE OPERATOR
The primary responsibility for safety with this equipment falls to the operator. Make sure that the equipment is operated only by trained
individuals that have read and understand this manual. Don’t hurry the learning process or take the unit for granted.
It is the skill, care, common sense, and good judgement of the operator that will determine how efciently and safely the job is performed.
Know your equipment before you start. Know its capabilities and how to operate all the controls.
Visually inspect your equipment before you start, ensure correct assembly and installation of the attachment and never operate equipment
that is not in proper working order.
Practice the operation of your new attachment and become familiar with the controls and the way it handles on your machine. If there is
any portion of this manual or function you do not understand, contact your local authorized Digga dealer or the manufacturer.
1. Never operate the Attachment without rst reading and understanding the entire operator’s manual.
2. Do not paint over, remove or deface any safety signs or warning decals on your equipment.
3. Follow all safety decals. Keep them clean and replace them if they become worn, damaged or illegible.
4. Know your equipment inside and out. Know how to operate all controls and know emergency shut down procedures.
5. Keep all stepping surfaces, pedals, and controls free from dirt, grease and oil. Keep equipment clean to help avoid injury from
slipping or a fall when getting on or off equipment.
6. Operate the attachment only in daylight or with sufcient articial light.
7. Always carry loads close to the ground. Do not step off machine platform with load raised.
8. Turn off engine before performing maintenance. All maintenance can be performed with the machine arms lowered. If lift arms must
be left raised for any reason, use a positive lift arm lock to secure the arms in place. Serious damage or personal injury could result
from lift arms accidentally lowering.
9. Do not exceed rated operating capacity of the host machine, as machine may become unstable resulting in loss of control.
10. Always lower the loader arms or machine boom to the ground, shut off the engine and remove the key before getting off the unit.
11. Never use the Grapple on a machine that is not equipped with a cab or ROPS, and operator restraints (seat belts or equivalent
devices).
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION
13
5 SAFETY - WORKING WITH THE ATTACHMENT
WHEN DEALING WITH HYDRAULICS DURING ANY TYPE OF ASSEMBLY,
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, OR OTHER WORK ON OR NEAR THIS PRODUCT
● Hydraulic uid under pressure can penetrate the skin and cause serious injury or death. Hydraulic leaks under pressure
may not be visible!
● If any uid penetrates the skin, GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION!!
● Wear safety glasses, protective clothing, and use a sound piece of cardboard or wood when searching for hydraulic leaks.
DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS!
● Before connecting or disconnecting hydraulic hoses, read your machine or power unit’s operator’s manual for detailed
instructions on connecting and disconnecting hydraulic attachments.
● Make certain that all parts meet the specications for this product when installing or replacing hydraulic hoses or ttings.
● After connecting hydraulic lines:
○ Slowly and carefully raise the loaders arm/s and cycle the rollback / dump cylinders to check hose clearances and to
check for any interference.
○ Operate the hydraulics on this product to ascertain forward and reverse.
○ Make certain that the hoses cannot interfere with or actuate the quick-attach mechanism.
○ Make certain that hoses will not be pinched, or get tangled, in any equipment.
● Do not lock the auxiliary hydraulics of your power unit in the “ON” position.
● Refer to your power unit’s operator’s manual and this manual for procedures and intervals, then inspect and maintain the
entire hydraulic system to insure that the uid remains clean, that all devices function properly, and that there are no uid
leaks.
14 PM-000112-A Grapple Operators Manual - April 2018
WHEN MOUNTING THIS PRODUCT TO YOUR MACHINE
● Refer to the operator’s manuals of your machine, and your quick-attach for special or detailed mounting instructions.
● This product should t onto the quick-attach Frame or Hitch (Machine Mount).
● If this product does not t properly, contact your Digga Dealer before operating.
● Never place any part of your body into the mounting plate, frame, hitch or loader holes. A slight movement of the power unit
and this product could cause serious injury.
● Where ‘Dead Man’ connections are connected or installed it is illegal to disengage, tamper with or remove them.
WHEN ADJUSTING, SERVICING OR REPAIRING THIS PRODUCT
● Make no modications to your Grapple.
● When making repairs use only authorised Digga service agents, use only genuine Digga parts. For fasten ers, hydraulic
hoses, or hydraulic ttings, use only properly rated parts.
● Replacement parts must also have safety signs attached.
5 SAFETY - WORKING WITH THE ATTACHMENT
15
6 BEFORE USE
The key feature of your Digga Grapple is low maintenance. It contains no user serviceable parts, unauthorised disassembly will void warranty.
• Make sure that all nuts and bolts are in place and properly tightened.
• Make sure that all other fasteners are in place and are performing their specied function.
• Make sure that all safety signs are in place, are clean, and are legible. (SEE THE SAFETY SIGN SECTION)
• Wear and tear on Pins, linkages, cutting edges.
• Replace any damaged parts and excessively worn parts.
• Use only manufacturer recommended replacement parts. Other parts may be substandard in t and quality.
• Always wear safety goggles or glasses when inspecting equipment.
SAFETY FIRST!! READ AND UNDERSTAND THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
BEGINNING ANY MAINTENANCE.
BEFORE EACH USE
BEFORE FIRST USE
• Inspect the attachment for shipping damage. If damage does exist, do not operate until the damaged parts have been replaced
or repaired.
• Ensure that all pivot points on the Grapple are greased including the cylinder mounting pins.
• Grease all nipples and pivot points.
EVERY 10 HOURS OF USE
Escaping uid under pressure can have
sufcient force to penetrate the skin
causing serious personal injury. Fluid
escaping from a very small hole
can be almost invisible. Use a piece
of cardboard or wood, rather than
hands to search for suspected leaks.
Keep unprotected body parts, such
as face, eyes, and arms as far away
as possible from a suspected leak.
Flesh injected with hydraulic uid may
develop gangrene or other permanent
disabilities.
IF INJURED BY INJECTED FLUID,
SEE A DOCTOR AT ONCE. IF YOUR
DOCTOR IS NOT FAMILIAR WITH
THIS TYPE OF INJURY, ASK HIM
TO RESEARCH IT IMMEDIATELY TO
DETERMINE PROPER TREATMENT.
WARNING!
CARDBOARD
HYDRAULIC HOSE
OR FITTING
MAGNIFYING GLASS
Always wear safety goggles or glasses when inspecting equipment.
16 PM-000112-A Grapple Operators Manual - April 2018
7 INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove the shipping banding from around the Grapple.
2. Remove any attachments from the front of the Machine.
3. Following all standard safety practices and the instructions for installing an attachment in your machine operator’s manual.
4. The Digga Grapple can only be used when attached to a Rock Bucket. Due to this arrangement, thorough knowledge of the
machinery controls are necessary for machine operation. Read and understand your machine operator’s manual for information
regarding machine operation before attempting to use the grapple. When a Grapple is purchased from Digga or a Digga Dealer/
Distributor the Grapple must be mounted onto a Digga Rock Bucket. Warranty will be void if the Grapple is tted to any rock
bucket other than a Digga Rock bucket without receiving written conrmation from your Digga Dealer. Check the work site and
identify the extent of the work to be carried out and note any possible hazards or constraints. Underground cables, services etc.
Check with relevant government departments on the location of these before commencement of any work. Review the job at hand
and determine the Grapple is appropriate for the intended conditions. For example: Do not use the rock bucket and Grapple to
carry people.
5. Carefully raise the loader and cycle the tilt cylinders to check clearances and to verify that all mounting procedures have been
successfully completed. The machine is now ready for use.
NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THE LOCKING MECHANISM ON YOUR QUICK
ATTACH IS ENGAGED, THEREFORE LOCKING THE ATTACHMENT ONTO THE MACHINE.
STANDARD BUCKET OPERATION
1. Ensure the oor of the Rock Bucket is horizontal and level with the ground.
2. Align the Rock Bucket with the rocks to be moved and scoop under the rocks and tilt the bucket up once sufcient volume has lled
the bucket.
3. It is important to keep the loaded Rock Bucket as low as practical to avoid loader instability.
1. Set the attachment on the ground and follow the standard shut down procedure in your loader operators manual.
2. With the loader OFF, disengage the attachment lock pins.
3. Start the machines engine and make sure that the lift arm is lowered and in contact with the loader frame.
4. Roll the attachment mechanism forward and slowly back up until the attachment is free from the machine.
5. Remove and store the attachment in a dry and protected place. Leaving the Rock Bucket outside will materially shorten its life.
REMOVAL AND STORAGE
17
7 INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
It is a requirement of the Australian Workplace Health and Safety act 1995 that safe systems of work are employed when handling any
attachments. Complete compliance with Workplace Health and Safety issues is compulsory and all due care and attention must be
observed at all times in any method of moving, transporting or storing any such device when not attached to a parent machine. We
recommend attachments are well secured when being moved or in transit and furthermore prior to moving, storing, loading/unloading or
parking it is suggested that the attachment is strapped/secured to a pallet or enclosed in a suitable container to minimise any movement
or loss of the load during such activity. NO responsibility for loss or damage to persons or property in any regard can be attributed
to Digga.
WHEN ATTACHMENTS NOT ON PARENT MACHINE:
TRANSPORTING THE ATTACHMENT
1. Follow all federal, state and local regulations when transporting the unit on public roads.
2. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine onto a trailer or truck. Disconnect hydraulic couplers during transportation.
NOTE: THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR SCOOPING UP MATERIALS AND SIFTING
OUT ROCKS AND DEBRIS. USING IT FOR ANY OTHER APPLICATIONS COULD DAMAGE THE
ROCK BUCKET WITH ATTACHED GRAPPLE AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
18 PM-000112-A Grapple Operators Manual - April 2018
8 MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT: SHUT DOWN TRENCHER & MACHINE BEFORE ANY ADJUSTMENTS ARE MADE
1. Ensure that all moving pivot points are regularly greased.
2. Check attachment for any hydraulic oil leaks from hoses, ttings and hydraulic cylinders. Repair or replace as required.
3. Check that the grapple is pivoting correctly and operating as per design.
4. If any of the grapple teeth are bent and need replacing, remove the 4 X M12x35 long bolts. Repair or replace the tooth and tighten
the bolts to 77Nm torque (Shown in Fig 1).
5. If the hydraulic cylinders are leaking contact your nearest Digga Dealer or contact the Digga Service Department.
Fig 1
19
ITEM 2 ITEM 3
ITEM 4 ITEM 5
9 SAFETY - STICKER LOCATION
PLACEMENT OR REPLACEMENT OF SAFETY SIGNS
1. Clean the area of application with on-ammable
solvent, then wash the same area with soap & water.
2. Allow the surface to fully dry.
3. Remove the backing from the safety sign, exposing
the backing surface.
4. Apply the safety sign to the position shown in the
diagram above and smooth out any bubbles.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Keep all safety signs clean and legible.
• Replace all missing, illegible, or damaged safety signs.
• Replacement parts for parts with safety signs
attached must also have safety signs attached.
• Safety signs are available from your dealer or from
Digga Australia.
1
4
5
3
2
ITEM 1
ITEM NO. ORDER CODE DESCRIPTION QTY
1 DE-000063 SERIAL TAG (ITEM 1) 1
2 DE-000047 DECAL - DIGGA (SMALL) 1
3 DE-000075 DECAL - DIGGA (LARGE) 2
4 DE-000089 DECAL - WARNING 2
5 DE-000129 DECAL - PINCH POINT 2
Please Note: Both items are
located on the rear facing
surface of the upper RHS.
(Rectangular Hollow Section)
10 SPARE PARTS
For further information on spare parts please contact one of the Digga sales ofce below your closest authorised Digga Dealer.
DIGGA INTERNATIONAL SALES OFFICES
NORTH AMERICA EUROPEASIA PACIFIC
DIGGA NORTH AMERICA
2325 Industrial Parkway SW
Dyersville IA 52040
PH: + 1 563 875 7915
WEB: www.diggausa.com
EMAIL: [email protected]
DIGGA EUROPE
Unit 6, Smitham Bridge Road
Hungerford Trading Estate,
Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0QU
England, United Kingdom
PH: +44 (0) 1488 688 550
WEB: www.diggaeurope.com
EMAIL: [email protected]
DIGGA HEAD OFFICE - BRISBANE
4 Octal St, Yatala QLD 4207
PH: (07) 3807 3330
EMAIL: [email protected]
DIGGA NEW SOUTH WALES
19 Mckay Close,
Wetherill Park, NSW 2164
PH: 1300 2 DIGGA
EMAIL: [email protected]
DIGGA VICTORIA
27 Metcalf Street,
Dandenong, VIC 3175
PH: 1300 2 DIGGA
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB: www.digga.com
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