Gierkink GMT 035 User manual

USER MANUAL FOR GMT 035
FELLING GRAPPLE
Gierkink Machine Techniek BV
Kapelweg 44a
7134 RJ Vragender
The Netherlands
Tel. [phone]
www.gierkinktmt.nl
[e-mail]

GMT 035 User manual
2015 2
Contents
1 General.................................................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Useofthismanual...............................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Warnings and warning pictograms.....................................................................................................................4
2 Safety guidelines...........................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Basis machine / Carrying vehicle................................................................................................................................7
3 Preparation for use.......................................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Transport..............................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Mounting the felling grapple..............................................................................................................................8
4 Use...............................................................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Safety recommendations..................................................................................................................................11
4.2 Operation of the felling grapple .......................................................................................................................12
4.1 Supplied tools.....................................................................................................................................................13
4.3 Lifting reference for sawing at height..............................................................................................................13
5 Maintenance...............................................................................................................................................................15
5.1 Safety recommendations..................................................................................................................................15
5.2 Daily maintenance.............................................................................................................................................15
5.3 Maintenance schedule......................................................................................................................................15
5.4 Repairs / Welding...............................................................................................................................................16
5.5 Replacementof saw bar and chain...................................................................................................................17
5.6 Lubricants...........................................................................................................................................................18
5.7 Hydraulic fluid............................................................................................................................................................18
5.8 Chainoil..............................................................................................................................................................19
5.9 Handle the chainsaw..........................................................................................................................................20
5.10 Sharpening andmaintenance of saw chain...........................................................................................................21
6 Adjusting the felling grapple......................................................................................................................................24
6.1 Pressure adjustments................................................................................................................................................24
6.2 Saw safety guidelines................................................................................................................................................31
7 Troubleshooting guide................................................................................................................................................33
7.1General.......................................................................................................................................................................33
7.2Checklist.....................................................................................................................................................................33
7.3Commonmalfunctions..............................................................................................................................................34
8 Technicalspecifications..............................................................................................................................................36

GMT 035 User manual
2015 3
1 General
1.1 Use of this manual
This user manual has been compiled for persons who have previous practical experience in the use of
(forestry) machinery. Applying common sense and skills will supplement the use of this usermanual.
Warningpictogramsprovidehighlyimportantinformationaboutsafetyrisks.Thedangersposedbyvarious
situationscan resultin incapacitation or fatality.
Attention pictograms indicate that products, processes or the environment can beaffected.
All descriptions,instructionsand technical details contained in thisuser manualare basedon the mostup-
to-date information available on the felling grapple.
This product is constantly being further developed, and the manufacturer therefore reserves the right to
modify theproduct withoutpriornotice.
Felling grapple malfunctions can often be resolved by carefully reading the user manual. If recovery or
repairis notpossible, you must contact the manufacturer or distributor.
PLEASE NOTE!
When ordering spare parts or requesting repair instructions, please provide the manufacturer or
distributor with the details found on the serial plate. This will ensure faster processing of your order or
service.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 4
1.2 Warnings and warning pictograms
Warnings and warning pictograms have been added to certain components. These texts and pictograms
mustbe noted in order to prevent injury to persons and damage to the felling grapple.
1.2.1 Serial plate
Type Name of the product
SerialNo. Serialnumber
Year / Weight Year of manufacture (month/year) / Ready-for-use weight of the felling grapple
in kg
Max.pressure Maximum system pressurein mega Pascal
CE European conformity marking
1.2.2
This pictogram indicates to the user that mounting, maintenance and repairs to
and of the felling grapple can be aided by thoroughly reading the user manual
and by relying on theinformation it contains.
If the felling grapple is to beused by multiplepersons, the owner must order all
usersto work strictly according to theuser manual.
Postal address for possible shipments to the manufacturer:
Gierkink Machine Techniek BV, Kapelweg 44a, 7134 RJ Vragender, the
Netherlands.
1.2.3
Warnings such as ‘’safedistance’’.
SAFE DISTANCE: 50 metres from the basic machine/carrying vehicle.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 5
2Safety guidelines
These safety regulations cannot eliminate all hazardous situations and accidents related to use of the
felling grapple. However,they willbe as effective as possible in preventing potential hazardous situations
and accidents.
Legalregulationsmustalsobeobserved in addition tothedetails and instructionsprovided here.
Familiarise yourself with the felling grapple before use. Knowledge about (energy) wood felling and tree
maintenance is also preferred.
Observe all instructions contained in the user manual in order to prevent hazardous situations and avoid
endangering any persons.
The felling grapple may only be used once all safety regulations have been thoroughly read and all
components havebeen correctly attached/installed.
Wear appropriate clothing to preventbeing trapped by the machinery.
Use PPE such as safety gloves,safety glasses, a safetyhelmet and hearing protection.
Be awareof the risk of losing your footing when working on/with the felling grapple.
Make sure thatno bystanders are within a 50-metre radius of the equipment.
Bewareof telephoneand electricitycableswhen working near telephoneand high-voltagepylons.Keep a
safedistance and do not endanger any persons. Ifyou are notconfident about the situation, contact the
local electricity operator. Ifyou are forced to abandon the equipment, your own safety is imperative. Do
not pause to secure the machinery.
Leave the scene of potential electrical danger as quickly as possible. Never run, but move forward by
pressing your legs together and walking away.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 6
The carrying vehiclemustbeturnedoffduring mountingof thefelling grapple.Makesurethat the
system is depressurised, or depressurise itby moving the joystick or handle.
The carrying vehiclewith the felling grapple may in no way whatsoever be operated or repaired if
the operator is under the influence ofalcohol and/or narcotics.
Maintenance and/or repairs must be carried outslowly and carefully.
If replacement or spare parts are needed, these must be ordered from the felling grapple
manufacturer or distributor. This is the only way of obtaining original parts.
An ability to work preciselyis required in order to measurepressuresand to set/adjust the felling
grapple.
The carrying vehicle must be turned off and the system must be depressurised before
maintenance/repair is carried out on the felling grapple. This is essential to ensure that work is
carried out safely.
When measuringpressures,anymechanicsand/orpossibleassistants muststay beyond therange
of the moving parts of the felling grapple.
Arise inpressure inside/on thesystemcan resultindamage to thefellinggrappleand can increase
the risk of accidents!
Make sure that the hydraulic hoses of the felling grapple are in good condition. Whenever
necessary, replacedamagedhosesor couplingsin good time. Pressurised jetsof fluidfrom leaking
hoses can pierce the skin and result in serious infections. If this happens, consult a physician
immediately!
Rest the felling grappleon a firm surface when work is complete or when temporarily turning off
the carrying vehicle.
Standing under a ‘hanging’ felling grapple is strictly prohibited. The appliance boom can drop
unexpectedly!

GMT 035 User manual
2015 7
Avoid contact with hydraulic fluid and lubricants. These can have an irritating effect on the skin and can
be harmful to health. When using these substances, instructions and guidelines from the relevant
manufacturer must be read thoroughly in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: Beware of hydraulic fluid at operating temperature!
Apply appropriate safety precautions when using hydraulic fluid and lubricants. These include the use of
fluid-protective gloves, protective cream and safety glasses.
Do not use hydraulic fluid or lubricants for cleaning hands. These can contain steel splinters and/or
additives that can damage the hands.
Ifhydraulic fluid or lubricants have caused irritation tothehands or other bodyparts,consulta physician
immediately!
Defective and/or soiled hydraulic hoses must be disposed of correctly at an appropriate facility.
2.1 Basis machine / Carrying vehicle
Thecabinofthecarryingvehiclemustbefitted withsafetyglass.Thesawchainoperatesatextremelyhigh
revolutions. If this chain breaks or splits apart, the resulting flying fragments can cause serious injury.
(Forestry) crane
Minimum crane size: 5 ton/metre crane.
Excavator: from 4,5 tons.
Maximum grapple load: 2,5 tons.
Recommended operating pressure: 180 –250bar
Flow:at least 40 l/min

GMT 035 User manual
2015 8
3Preparation for use
3.1 Transport
During transport, the felling grapple must be secured to prevent it from tipping and/or rolling over. A
wooden pallet with sufficient supportive strength can be used, as well as a wooden block on which the
saw casing can rest.Subsequently, the felling grapple must be strapped tightly to the pallet to prevent it
fromtipping over. This is how it will arrive if the felling grapple is supplied by Gierkink.
3.2 Mounting the felling grapple
Two hydraulic hosesareattached to thefrontside of the manifold. The longhosefitted to nippleA on the
valveblockmust beattached to the grappleopen ( G.O.) couplingunderneath therotator.The shorthose
fitted to nipple Bon the valveblockmustbeattached to thegrapple close coupling (G.C.) underneath the
rotator.
The rotator must be placed on the tilt frame in such a way that the G.O. (grapple open <>) coupling is
located on the side of the accumulator. This will mean that the G.C. (grapple close ><) coupling is
automatically located on the sideof the chain oil reservoir.
Both hydraulic hoses must form a neat loop when attached to the nipples underneath the rotator. The
short hose mustrest inside the loop created by the long hose.
In order for the felling grapple to perform correctly, a special valve must be attached to the crane valve
block of the carrying vehicle. This valve is supplied in a ready-to-use state in the box containing tools and
fittings.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 9
The T-coupling must be attached to the grapple open line next to the valve block. A hose must run from
the special valveon theT-coupling directly to the hydraulic reservoir, with the special valve and ball valve
in between. The T side ofthe special valve mustface the reservoir.
The ball valve must be closed when work is done with a regular timber grapple. Please note, for testing
purposes: When the felling grappleis placed in tilt-up position (position for vertical felling), it mustlower
itself when grapple open input stops. This allows the user to check whether the special valve has been
attached correctly and/or whether theball valve has been opened.
1) T-coupling in grapple open (G.O.)hydraulic line/hose
2) Special valve for returning drain fluid directly to the hydraulic reservoir.Set at a flowrate of 5-6
l/min.
3) Ball valve Open to operate the felling grapple. Closeto operate a regular timber grapple.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 10
3.2.1 Operatingpressure
For certain carrying vehicles, a manometer must be used to measure the operating pressure in order to
adjust the felling grapple for use.
Check the operating pressure of the base appliance. Further details can be found in the technical
specificationsof the base appliance. The maximum permissible operating pressure for the felling grapple
is 250 bar.
3.2.2. Mounting diagram

GMT 035 User manual
2015 11
4Use
The GMT 035 felling grapple is a timber grapple with a saw function, consisting of a tilt frame,a grapple
frame and a saw casing.The tilting grapple frame ensures that both horizontaland vertical timbercan be
sawed.The following tasks can be carried out with the felling grapple;
Maintenance to or felling of trees, sawing of firewood/residual wood, clearing of storm damage and
mechanised pruningoftrees.A maximum sawingdiameter of35 cm mustbetaken into account in all
the aforementioned cases.
4.1Safety recommendations
If the carrying vehicle is located on a steep incline or on a soft surface,you are advised to engage
the parkingbrake whenoperating the felling grapple.
Please note! When starting up the machinery, no persons should be within the 50-metredanger
zone.
Checkallfelling grapple functions beforecommencing work.
Make sure that you have a good view of the entire site at alltimes.
Make sure that no persons, animals and/or goods are within the 50-metre safety zone while the
machine is in use.
Only competent persons are permitted to operate themachinery.The operator is responsible for
ensuring that no damage is caused.
Various weather conditions can affect use of the felling grapple. Such conditions include wind,
snow and/or storms. Weather conditions must be taken into account before use of the felling
grapple. Whether circumstances at the site allow use of the felling grapple must also be
determined. If this proves to not be the case, appropriateprecautions must be taken.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 12
4.2Operation of the felling grapple
The GMT 035 felling grapple uses the existing two hoses for grapple open and grapple close on the base
appliance. Modifications oradjustments to the carrying vehicle are not necessary.
If ¾ grapple open or grapple close input is applied to the joystick/handle/pedal, the felling grapple will
simply function asa regular timber grapple for the loading and/or relocating of sawn wood.
Ifmaximumgrappleopeninputis applied,pressurein thegrapplecylinderincreases.Thisbringsthefelling
grapple into the tilt-up position, the position for sawing vertical timber. As long as this input continues,
the felling grapple will stay in the tilt-up position. As soon as input stops, the grapple frame will slowly
drop to the tilt-down position.
If maximum grapple close input is applied, pressure in the grapple cylinder increases. This activates the
saw motorand extends the saw bar so that a tree orbranch can be cut.This canbedonein tilt-upposition
to cut verticaltimber, as well as in tilt-down position to cut horizontal timber.
4.2.1 Felling a tree or branch
Do notcut trees with a diameter of more than 35 cm, as this can resultin damage to the felling grapple.
Various tree conditions,such as a frozen state, can reduce the maximum sawing diameter.
Take noteof the pitch of the target tree and take the direction of the wind into account.
Ifa remote-controlled carrying vehicle isused,theoperator must bepositioned atrightanglesto the drop
trajectory of the felling grapple. Watch the load and the felling grapple at alltimes.
Manoeuver the grapple towards a tree or branch. Make sure that the felling grapple is able to position
itself without strain as it grabs hold. The crane must not be moved during the sawing process. This can
resultin a jammed and potentially-bentsaw blade. Be aware of what is being cut. Once the load hasbeen
cut free,it becomesa suspended load that thecarrying vehiclehas to support!
The drop trajectory of the tree or branch will be the same as the tilt-down direction of the felling grapple,
unless the tree has a severe overhang or other factors affect the action, such as strong wind, etc.
Once a tree has been sawed through, it must be lowered slowly. The grapple frame will start to drop to
the tilt-down position because maximum grapple close input is no longer being applied. Before sawing,
make sure that thearea onto which the tree or branch will be lowered hasbeen considered.
The felling grapple must notbe used in strong winds.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 13
4.1 Supplied tools
The below tools are supplied and are intended for their corresponding tasks;
Combination spanner30 Loosening of nuts on clamping plate for chain tensioning, chain
exchange and/or saw blade exchange.
Flexible screwdriver Chain tensioning
Combination spanner 11/16 loosening and tightening of valve locknut
Hex key 3/16 Valve adjustment
Hex key 17 Cap on chain oil reservoir
Hex key set Various hex bolts
Ballvalvehandle Disabling sawaction
Accumulator pressurising kit Increasing or decreasing pressure in both accumulators
4.3Lifting reference forsawing atheight
Thissection should beused asreferencewhensawingbranchesat heightusinga rotatingtelescopicforklift
or a truck/mobile loader crane.
The greatestdangerinvolvesunderestimatingtheweightof the tree orbranchbeingcut.Once ithasbeen
cut, the tree or branch becomes a suspended load that the machine has to support!
Besides the weightof the tree or branch, also take the constant weight of a possible jib and rotator with
felling grapple into account.
The following page contains a lifting reference table, containing the weights of certain lengths of various
typesofwood,in order togiveyou an ideaofthe weight ofa tree orbranch.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 14

GMT 035 User manual
2015 15
5Maintenance
5.1Safety recommendations
Attention! The following is required before maintenance tasks are carried out.
The carrying vehiclemustbeturned offand thehydraulic system mustbe depressurised.Depressurise the
hydraulics by operating the joystick/handle/pedal once after turning off the base appliance.
During maintenance, wear safety gloves, overalls and safety glasses.
It is also compulsory to always wear safety shoes when working with equipmentand machinery.
5.2Daily maintenance
The felling grapple must be lubricated in the morning before work commences, or at the end of the day
when work is complete. Please note! There are 13 grease nipples.
This lubrication advice onlyapplies if the felling grapple is subjected to regular use and conditions.In case
of heavy use or extreme conditions (high temperatures, dust, etc.), more frequent lubrication will be
required.
During the lubrication process, check for defective hydraulic hoses, loose bolts, axle play, etc.
Remove possible snow,ice and dirtbefore commencing work.
5.3Maintenance schedule
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Checkbolts/nuts
X
Checkattachmentlink
X
Visually check
chain
X
Checkchain tension
X
Check saw blade
X
Lubricate grease nipples
X
Lubricate saw bearings
X
Replenish chain oil
X
Check frame
X
Check hinge points for wear
X
Checkhydraulic hoses
X
Check for possible leaks
X
Check
accumulator pressure
X
If any one of the above points does not pass the check, the part in question must be repaired before any
further work is done with thefelling grapple.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 16
5.4Repairs / Welding
If the felling grapple requires repair or modification, please contact the manufacturer or distributor
beforehand.Themanufacturerordistributorcanprovidenecessaryinformationrelatedtorepairs,welding
or modifications. Incorrect or amateur work can resultin serious damage to the felling grapple.
5.4.1 Torques
The below tableapplies unless otherwise indicated.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 17
5.5Replacementof saw bar and chain
Illustration: Regulator valve
Before the chain and/or saw bar is
replaced, the blue regulator valve must
closed completely. Then, when the saw
function isactivatedagain,thesawbarwill
stay in its extended position and will not
return into the saw casing. Now, the
appliance can be turned off in order to
exchange the saw chain and/orsaw bar.
Illustration:Locknuts forchain tensioner/saw blade

GMT 035 User manual
2015 18
Chain exchange: Loosen the two M20 nuts using the supplied 30 mm combination spanner. Do not fully
remove the nuts from the bolts, but loosen them just enough so that the chain tensioner can be lifted
slightly and no longer holds the saw blade. Now, the saw blade can be shifted back to create space to
exchange the chain.
Once thenew or sharpened chain isin place, it must be tensioned.This can bedonebyusingthesupplied
flexiblehex screwdriver to tighten the bolt in the chain tensioner. Oncetensioned,the two M20nutsmust
be tightened so that the chain tensioner clamping plate onceagain holds the saw blade.
Saw blade exchange: Replacing the saw bar works according to the same principle. Loosen the nuts and
remove the chain. In this case, the nuts must be loosened somewhat more to create enough play between
the chain tensioner and the saw bar so that the tensioner pin can be removed from the notch in the saw
bar.The sawbar cannowbepulled out.When inserting the newsawbar, makesure thatthe tensionerpin
is placed back in the aforementioned notch. Once a new or sharpened chain is in place, it must be
tensioned. Finally, tighten the locknuts.
Oncethesetasksarecomplete,theblueregulatorvalvecanbefullyreopened.Thebladewillautomatically
retract into the saw casing.
5.6Lubricants
Recommended lubricants:
BP Energrease LS-EP
CASTROL LM Grease
ESSO Beacon EP2
MOBIL Mobilux EP2
NESTE Allgemeinfett GP2
SHELLAlvania EP Grease2
TEBOIL Multi-PurposeExtra
TEXACO Martak All Purpose
5.7 Hydraulic fluid
Checkthat hydraulic fluid with the rightviscosity is used. An ISO46 fluid isrecommended fornormal
conditions. Please consultthe manufacturerabout which fluid to useduring extreme cold.
Present-day bio-fluidsare suitable foruse with the GMT 035 felling grapple.Hydraulic fluid at excessive
temperaturescan significantly reduce the lifespan of hydraulic hosesand seals. For this reason, it would
be wise to frequently check the fluid level of thebaseappliance.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 19
5.7.1 Cleanliness of hydraulic fluid
The hydraulic fluid must have a cleanliness levelof 19/17/14 to ISO 4406 orbetter.
It must not contain any dirt or water. For instructions on exchanging the fluid, please consult the base
appliance user manual. Make sure that the fluid is clean and prevent dirt from entering the system. Work
in a clean environment!
5.8Chain oil
Seen from the front, thechain oilreservoir is located on the right side of the tilt frame. This oil should be
replenished when work commencesor ends. Open thecap on thereservoirwith the supplied 17 mm hex
key. This small reservoir has a volume of approximately 2 litres.
5.8.1 Chain lubrication
The chain is lubricated according to the required cut. The amount of chain oil used can be adjusted with
the use of three different setscrews. There are 1, 2 or3 grooveson the heads of these setscrews.
Setscrew1,one groove 1.5cc oil length ofscrew 45mm
Setscrew2,two grooves 1.15cc oil length of screw 47.5mm
Setscrew3,three grooves 0.75cc oil length ofscrew 50mm
Setscrew1 is installed as standard, while screws 2 & 3 are supplied as extras.

GMT 035 User manual
2015 20
5.9Handle the chainsaw
Turn off the machine before touching the chainsaw!
Risk of laceration!
Wear safety shoes and use appropriate tools!
Observe safety instructions!
Abrokensawchaincanresultinseriousinjuries.Bystandersarethereforestrictlyprohibitedfromentering
the danger zonearound the equipment.
When the chain isexchanged,it must be replaced withan inspected and sharpened chain ora newchain.
When an inspected and sharpened chain is installed,the risk of breakage isconsiderablylower thanwhen
a blunt chain is used.
A broken chain must be thoroughly inspected (forbreaks/bends/cracks/etc.) before anew linkis added.
Check the saw unit every two hours:
Rotate the sawblade1800if the felling grapple is used throughout the entire day. This will ensure
that both sidesofthe blade are exposed to even wear.
Isthechain stillsharp enough?
Is the chain tensioner clamping plate gripping the saw blade firmly? This will prevent a slack or
broken chain.
Lubricate thenosesprocket when a newsawblade is installed.