Gierkink GMT 035 User manual

USER MANUAL
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
Gierkink Machine Techniek
Kapelweg 44
7134 RJ Vragender
The Netherlands
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
E. [e-mail]
I. www.gierkinkmt.nl

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Index
1 GENERAL.........................................................................................................................3
1.1 Using the manual .......................................................................................................3
1.2 Warnings and warning icons......................................................................................4
1.2.1 Serial No. plate. 1................................................................................................4
1.2.2 Type plate Nr. 2...................................................................................................4
1.2.3 Type plate Nr. 3...................................................................................................4
2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................................5
3 INSTALLATION................................................................................................................8
3.1 Mounting the felling grapple on the crane ..................................................................8
3.1.1 Pressure level......................................................................................................9
3.2 Hydraulic schedule for mounting..............................................................................10
4 FELLING WITH THE GRAPPLE.....................................................................................11
4.1 Safety recommendations..........................................................................................11
4.2 Felling.......................................................................................................................12
4.3 Lifting schedule........................................................................................................13
4.4 Special tools.............................................................................................................15
5 MAINTENACE ................................................................................................................16
5.1 Safety recommendations..........................................................................................16
5.2 Daily maintenance....................................................................................................16
5.3 Storage of Felling grapple........................................................................................16
5.4 Replacing the saw bar and chain.............................................................................17
5.5 Lubricants.................................................................................................................18
5.6 Oil for hydraulic system............................................................................................18
5.6.1 Quality of the hydraulic oil..................................................................................18
5.7 Chainsaw oil.............................................................................................................19
5.7.1 Chain lubrication................................................................................................19
5.8 Working with the chainsaw.......................................................................................20
5.9 Sharpening the chain ...............................................................................................21
6 SETTINGS OF THE FELLING GRAPPLE......................................................................25
6.1 Pressure settings......................................................................................................25
6.1.1 Setup of the valve block.....................................................................................26
6.1.3 Saw bar speed...................................................................................................31
6.2 Safety requirements for the saw...............................................................................32
7 TROUBLESHOOTINGS MANUAL..................................................................................34
7.1 General ....................................................................................................................34
7.2 Checklist...................................................................................................................34
7.3 Problem list ..............................................................................................................35
7.4 Torques....................................................................................................................36
7.4.1 Repair or welding...............................................................................................36
8 SPECIAL SPECIFICATION............................................................................................37
8.1 Sizes ........................................................................................................................37
9 REMOVAL OF GRAPPLE ..............................................................................................38

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1 GENERAL
1.1 Using the manual
This user manual is designed for people who already have experience with forestry
machines. Using of the general knowledge and skills will promote the use of this manual.
WARNING
The warning icons indicates very important information about safety risks. The dangers of
situations could lead to disability or death.
ATTENTION
The attention icons indicates that a product, process or environment maybe can be
affected.
All descriptions, instructions and technical data from this manual are based on the most
recent information from the construction of the felling grapple.
The product is constantly in development and therefore the manufacturer retains the right
to make changes to the product without giving prior notice.
When there are problems with the felling grapple, you often can solve the problem by
reading the instructions carefully. When repairing the unit yourself and can’t solve the
problem, please contact the dealer or an authorized repair shop.
WARNING!
When ordering parts or asking for repair instructions, always give the serial number of the
felling grapple. This will increase the delivery and the service.

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1.2 Warnings and warning icons
There are warnings and warning signs installed on certain parts. On basis of those texts
and icons, personal damage or an accident with the felling grapple can be avoid.
1.2.1 Serial No. plate. 1
Type plate
Weight: indicates the weight of the felling grapple including oil from cylinders and hoses.
CE: European mark of approval.
Type: Product Name.
Type: GMT 035
Serial No.: Serial No.
Year/Weight: Year 240 Kg
Max. load: Max. load 2000 Kg
Max pressure: Max. Pressure 250 Bar
1.2.2 Type plate Nr. 2
This icon indicates the user that installation, maintenance and
repair of the felling grapple may well be aided by carefully reading
the manual.
If the felling grapple will be used by more than one person, then
the owner needs to make sure to point the user to read the
manual and follow the instructions given.
Mailing address for delivery: Gierkink Machine Techniek,
Kapelweg 44, 7134 RJ Vragender, The Netherlands.
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
1.2.3 Type plate Nr. 3
Warning ‘safety distance’.
SAFETY DISTANCE: 70 meter from the appropriate vehicle / machine.

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2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
Not all these safety hazards prevent accidents when using the felling grapple, but they
help as much as possible with dangerous situations and to avoid accidents.
To complement the data and instructions that are given, it’s also needed to follow the
regulations.
Take time to know how to use the felling grapple an dig in the instructions before going to
work with the wood energy felling grapple.
Follow all instructions in the manual carefully to avoid dangerous situations and not putting
yourself in danger.
Using the felling grapple is allowed only when all safety instructions are read and
everything is installed correctly.
Make sure to dress appropriately for your on safety so getting stuck behind anything
doesn’t occur.
Use PPE such as safety shoes, safety goggles, helmets and ear protection.
Be aware of the risk of slipping out when working with the felling grapple .
Make sure that no outsiders are within a radius of 70 meter from the basic machine.
Please be aware of telephone and electricity cables when working near power lines. Make
sure to stay at a safe distance and not endanger yourself. If you are not familiar with the
area, please contact the local power plant. When you are forced to leave the machine do
not hesitate to bring the machine to safety, but yourself as quickly as possible.
Leave the electricity hazard as soon as possible. Do not touch the machine and soil at the
same time. Don’t run away, but move on by pressing your legs together and walk away.

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WARNING
Make sure when installing the felling grapple the engine is shut down. Operate the joystick
a few times to make sure that all the pressure is of the system.
Under the influence of alcohol or drugs using the felling grapple is forbidden under any
circumstances (working or maintenance).
Perform maintenance and repair calmly and carefully.
When a replacement or spare part is needed, please contact Gierkink Machine Techniek.
This is the only way to get the original parts.
The pressure measurements and adjustments to the felling grapple are need to by done
by someone who can work precisely and carefully.
When maintenance or repairs needs to be carried out to the felling grapple, top the engine
and take the pressure of the system, this is for your own safety.
The mechanic and the possible needed assistant must be out of range from moving parts
while measuring the pressure of the hydraulic system.
Increasing the pressure on the hydraulic system can cause damage to the felling grapple,
and also will increase the risk of an accident!
Make sure to keep the hydraulic hoses from the felling grapple in good condition. Replace
if necessary a damaged hose or connection on time. The high pressure jet of oil can
penetrate the skin and cause severe infections. Should this happen consult a doctor
immediately.
At the end of the day, or when switching off the engine, notice if the felling grapple is on a
stable surface.
Staying under the felling grapple is strictly forbidden, the crane boom can lower by his self.

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WARNING
Avoid direct contact with oil and grease as this can give a reaction to the skin and is
harmful for your health. When working with these substances, always read the instructions
and requirements of the manufacturer.
CAUTION: Be careful with hot oil!
Make sure when using or working with oil or grease to use the appropriate safety
measures, such as liquid gloves, protective cream and safety glasses .
Do not use oil or grease for cleaning your hands. These may contain traces of metals and
additives which can cause serious damage to the hands.
If oil or grease gives an irritant reaction on hands or other body parts, go to a consult or
doctor immediately.
Faulty or soiled hoses must be properly removed at the appropriate drainage address.
Base-machine / Support-vehicle
The cabin of the machine must be carried out with safety-glass. The chainsaw can reach a
very high velocity. If the chain splits or breaks, flying parts can become dangerous objects.
Forwarder crane
Minimal crane size: 5 Ton/Meter crane
Mobile crane: From 4.5 Ton.
Maximum clamping force of gripper: 2.5 Ton

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3 INSTALLATION
3.1 Mounting the felling grapple on the crane
Remember when disassembling a normal grapple which hose is for grapple open and for
grapple close. Mount the rotator on the felling grapple as the connection for grapple close
is on the side of the cutting oil tank. The hose for closing the grapple must be connected to
the ‘B’ nipple on the valve block. The hose for opening the grapple must be connected to
the ‘A’ nipple on the valve block.
Between the hose for grapple open on the valve block has to be mount a T-connector with
a special valve. This T-connector is already mounted on the special valve which is
delivered with the felling grapple. The A side of this valve must be connected to the T-
connector, the T side (tank) of the valve is connected to a ball valve. This ball valve should
be closed as soon there will be worked with a normal grapple. Attention: when the grapple
of the felling head is opened and in felling position, will this automatically lower if not
operated. This is how you know that the ball valve and the special valve are connected
properly.

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Connect the hoses from the rotator and the felling grapple so that they can’t be damaged,
and bring plastic spirals on to the hoses, this will give them extra protection.
If the rotator doesn’t have a suitable flange, Gierkink Machine Techniek can provide it.
3.1.1 Pressure level
Always check the maximum work pressure of the basic machine. This can be measured
with a pressure gauge. The maximum allowable pressure is 250 bar. If the basic machine
can deliver more pressure, you will need to place a pressure reducer.

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3.2 Hydraulic schedule for mounting

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4 FELLING WITH THE GRAPPLE
Felling a tree is one of the most dangerous and critical procedures when operating the
felling grapple. Once a tree has been cut off and started to fall, it is almost
impossible to change the direction in which it is falling. Therefore the felling
operation must be well planned before you cut the tree, to make sure that it will fall in the
desired direction.
4.1 Safety recommendations
WARNING
When the working area is a steep slope or a soft surface we’d recommend you to set the
parking brake when using the felling grapple.
WARNING! Always ensure that there is nobody in the danger zone in a round of 70 meter.
Check all functions of the felling grapple before starting a new job.
Make sure to have a clearly visible sight to the entire working area .
Make sure there aren’t people, animals or goods within the safety zone of 70 meter. The
hydraulically driven chainsaw can reach very high speeds. So if a chain does break, there
will be no one in the working zone.
Only qualified personal should operate with the machine. As the operator you are
responsible to bring no one in danger.

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4.2 Felling
When operating the function grapple open at maximum, this will go into tilt up position.
This is the position that’s needed to fell a tree or branch.
Now bring the grapple in tilt up position towards the tree, branch or bushes who are
needed to cut. Note the inclination of the tree and the wind direction so it will or can’t fall
on the machine.
Don’t cut trees thicker than 35 centimetre, because than damaging the felling grapple is a
greater risk. The circumstances of threes (for example a frozen tree) can limit the
maximum cutting size.
When grabbing a tree, make sure the grapple parts close well so the grapple can position
itself well around the tree. Then operate the function grapple close at maximum, this will
activate the saw bar and makes it come out of the case to cut the tree.
While sawing, don’t operate the crane. This can cause clamping of the saw and ensure the
blade can bent.
It’s also possible to cut out the top first and the trunk afterwards. This makes loading
easier.
After sawing the tilt goes back into normal position (tilt down). Make sure that you know
where to deposit the tree before sawing.
Open the grapple and bring it back into felling position.

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4.3 Lifting schedule
Lifting schedule intended for sawing braches on height.
This chapter is created for sawing top of the trees and branches on height, when using a
rotating telescopic handler or truck crane.
The biggest danger while working on these heights is that the length and weight of a
branch will be underestimated.
On the next page there is a lifting schedule. This schedule makes it possible to estimate
the approximately weight of a branch.

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4.4 Special tools
Usage of special tools
Combination spanner 30mm: Screwing and unscrewing nuts on clamping plate of
sawbar.
Flexible screwdriver: Mechanical chain tensioner.
Combination spanner 11/16: Screwing and unscrewing locknuts on valves.
Allen key 3/16: Adjusting valves.
Allen key 17mm: Filling chain oil.
Allen key set: Useful for different Allen screws.
Hand lever: Hand lever for closing saw function.
Accumulator filling set: The throttle valve set for filling the accumulator.

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5 MAINTENACE
5.1 Safety recommendations
ATTENTION! Before you start with maintenance of the felling grapple, make sure the
engine is shut down and there’s no more pressure on the entire system. To indulge the
pressure, move your joystick ones or twice after shutting of the engine.
5.2 Daily maintenance
Lubricate all grease nipples every 10 hours. Please note: there are 13 greasing points
on the felling grapple.
The given lubrication advice only counts when the machine is used under normal
conditions. When subjected to heavy loads or poor conditions (high temperatures, dust,
etc.) extra lubrication is necessary.
Also check for damaged hoses, oil leaks, loose bolts and tolerance on shafts, etc. while
lubricating.
Remove snow, ice and dirt from the felling grapple.
5.3 Storage of Felling grapple
Precautions of long period storage for the felling
grapple.
The felling grapple has to be secured against
turning over and/or rolling during storage. Use a
wooden pallet with enough carrying strength and
a wooden block underneath the saw casing.
Remove woodchips and branches. Thereafter the
grapple needs to be cleaned from oil and grease.
After cleaning, all of the lubrications points need
to be lubricated. Attention, there are 13 lubrication
points.
When the felling grapple is ready for storage, the grapple needs to be located in a dry and
clean environment.

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5.4 Replacing the saw bar and chain
Figure: Throttlevalve
When the chain or saw blade needs to
be replaced,
the blue throttle valve need to be
closed.
Now operating the function ‘grapple
close’
ensures that the blade won’t go back in
the saw housing. Next procedure is
shutting down the engine and
maintenance for the saw unit is safe to
begin.
Figure: Clamping nuts sawbracket

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For replacing the chain or saw blade you’ll need to unscrew the two indicated nuts. By
pushing the blade backwards you can take off the chain. Afterwards the saw blade can be
removed by pulling the blade out.
There a several options for the felling grapple. One of them is the chain tensioner. When
having one, tensioning of the chain is very easy. Screw the chain on the right tension, and
afterwards lock the both nuts on the clamp blade of the saw blade.
When the new chain and blade are fitted, the throttle valve can be turned open. Once
opened, the saw bar goes into the saw casing.
5.5 Lubricants
Recommended greases:
-BP Energrease LS-EP
-CASTROL LM Grease
-ESSO Beacon EP 2
-MOBIL Mobilux EP2
-NESTE Allgemeinfett GP 2
-SHELL Alvania EP Grease 2
-TEBOIL Multi-Purpose Extra
-TEXACO Martak All Purpose
5.6 Oil for hydraulic system
Check the viscosity of hydraulic oil. Under normal circumstances, use a prescribed ISO46.
Under extremely cold conditions, consult the manufacturer.
Current bio-oils are suitable for products from Gierkink Machine Techniek.
Due to a high oil temperature, the life duration of hoses and seals will be significantly
reduced. So check the oil level frequent.
5.6.1 Quality of the hydraulic oil
The hydraulic oil must have a purity level of 19/17/14 to ISO 4406 or better.
The hydraulic oil may not contain water and dirt.
Before changing the oil consult the manual from the basic machine.
Work in a clean environment. This will provide clean oil and prevent dirt in the system.

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5.7 Chainsaw oil
The saw oil tank is placed on the right site of the tiltframe. At the end of the day, this tank
should be filled with new chain oil. The tank cap can be opened with the allen key which is
delivered with the other tools. The content of the tank is approximately 2 liters.
5.7.1 Chain lubrication
The chain will be lubricated by every cut. There are three different dosage screws that
secure the chain oil can be adjusted. On the set screws you can see grooves.
-1 groove / length: 45mm 1,5cc chain oil
-2 grooves / length: 47,5mm 1,15cc chain oil
-3 grooves / length: 50 mm 0,75cc chain oil
The felling grapple will be standard delivered with a lubrication of 1,5cc chain oil per cut.
The screws of 1,15cc and 0,75cc are in the set which given by the felling grapple.
Figure: Screws for lubing the chain

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5.8 Working with the chainsaw
ATTENTION
-Switch off the engine before you make contact with the chainsaw!
-Cuts risk!
- Wear protective gloves and use appropriate tools!
- Follow safety regulations!
If the chain breaks it can cause serious accidents, therefore it is strictly forbidden to be in
the danger zone.
When you replace the chain you always need to install a new or controlled chain.
With a sharpened chain, the risk of a broken chain is much lower than with an worn chain.
A broken chain must be carefully monitored (breakage, deformation, cracks, etc.) before
you mount a new connecting link.
After the first few times of cutting check if the chain tension is still good.
When you install a new ‘dry’ saw blade, always lubricate the nose gear.