Gierkink GMT 035 User manual

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
1
USER MANUAL
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
GIERKINK MACHINE TECHNIEK
Kapelweg 44 NL-7134 RJ Vragender
The Netherlands
Phone. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Email. [email protected]
Website. www.gierkinkmt.nl

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
2
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
4 FELLING WITH THE GRAPPLE.....................................................................................10
4.1 Safety Recommendations........................................................................................10
4.2 Felling.......................................................................................................................11
5 MAINTENACE................................................................................................................12
5.1 Safety Recommendations........................................................................................12
5.2 Daily maintenance....................................................................................................12
5.3 Replacement of the saw bar and chain....................................................................13
5.4 Lubricants.................................................................................................................14
5.5 Oil for hydraulic system............................................................................................14
5.5.1 Quality of the hydraulic oil..................................................................................14
5.6 Chainsaw oil.............................................................................................................14
5.7 Working with the chainsaw.......................................................................................15
5.8 Sharpening the chainsaw.........................................................................................16
6. SETTINGS OF THE FELLING GRAPPLE.....................................................................20
6.1 Pressure settings......................................................................................................21
6.1.1 Setup of the valve block.....................................................................................21
6.1.2 Filling of the accumulator...................................................................................23
6.1.3 Chain lubrication...............................................................................................25
6.1.4 Saw bar speed..................................................................................................25
6.2 Safety requirements for the saw...............................................................................26
7 TROUBLESHOOTINGS MANUAL..................................................................................28
7.1 General ....................................................................................................................28
7.2 Checklist...................................................................................................................28
7.3 Problem list ..............................................................................................................29
7.4 Torques....................................................................................................................30
7.4.1 Repair or welding...............................................................................................30
8 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................31
8.1 Sizes ........................................................................................................................31
9 REMOVAL OF GRAPPLE ..............................................................................................32

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
3
1 GENERAL
1.1 USING THE MANUAL
This users manual is designed for people who already have experience with forestry
machinery. The use of general knowledge and skills will promote the use of this
manual.
WARNING
The warning icons indicate very important information about safety risks. The
dangers of situations can lead to disability or death.
ATTENTION
The attention icons indicate 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 you prior notice.
When you have a problem with the felling grapple, you often can solve the problem
by reading the instructions carefully. When you repair the unit yourself and you
cannot solve the problem, please contact the dealer or an authorized repair shop.
WARNING!
When ordering parts or asking for repair instructions, you must always give the
serial number of the felling grapple. This will increase the delivery and the service.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
4
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 a accident with the felling grapple can be
avoid.
1.2.1 Serial No. plate. 1
Weight: indicates the weight of the felling grapple and the weight of the hydraulic
hoses and oil in the cylinders tubes.
CE: European mark of approval.
Type: Product Name.
1.2.2 Type plate Nr. 2
The 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 Machinetechniek,
Kapelweg 44, 7134 RJ Vragender, Netherlands. (Fax 31
(0) 544-370316) (tel. [phone]
).
1.2.3 Type plate Nr. 3
Warnings "safe distance".
SAFETY DISTANCE: 70m from / the appropriate vehicle / machine.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
5
2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
Not all these safety hazards prevent accidents when using the felling grapple, but
helps as much as possible with dangerous situations and to avoid accidents.
To complement the data and instructions that are given, you also need to follow the
regulations.
Take time to know how to use the felling grapple an dig in the instructions. Before
you are going to work with the wood energy felling grapple.
Follow all instructions in the manual carefully, so you avoid dangerous situations
and you are 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 you dress appropriately for your on safety so you cannot get stuck
behind anything .
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 70m from your machine.
Please be aware of telephone and electricity cables when you are working near
power lines. Make sure you 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
bring yourself to safety as quickly as possible.
Leave the electricity hazard as soon as possible. Do not touch the machine and soil
at the same time .Do not run away, but move on by pressing the legs together and
walk away.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
6
WARNING
Make sure when you install the felling grapple the engine is shut off. Move your
joystick then again so all the pressure is off the system and there cannot be any
pressure on the system any longer.
Under the influence of alcohol or drugs you may not use the felling grapple in any
way (working or maintenance).
Perform maintenance and repair calmly and carefully.
When you need a replacement or spare part please contact Gierkink
Machinetechniek, because only than you will get the original parts.
The pressure measurements and adjustments to the felling grapple need to be
executed / performed by someone who can work precisely and carefully.
If maintenance or repairs needs to be carried out to the felling grapple you must
stop the engine and take the pressure of the system, for your on safety.
The mechanic and the possible needed assistance must be by measuring the
pressure. Be out of range of the moving part(s) of the felling grapple.
Increasing the pressure on the felling grapple can cause damage to the felling
grapple, and also will increase the risk of an accident!
Make sure the hydraulic hoses from the felling grapple kept 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 your work or when you switch off your engine, You always need to
notice if the felling grapple is on a stable surface.
Staying under the felling grapple is strictly forbidden, The felling grapple can lower
his self.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
7
WARNING
Avoid contact with oil and grease as this can give a reaction to the skin and is
harmful for your health. When you are working with these substances you must
always read the instructions and requirements of the manufacturer.
CAUTION: Be careful with hot oil!
Make sure when you are using or working with oil or grease you use the
appropriate safety measures, such as liquid gloves, protective cream and Safety
glasses .
Do not use oil or grease for cleaning your hands because it may contain traces of
metals and additives which can cause serious damage to your hands.
If oil or grease gives you an irritant reaction, on your 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.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
8
3 INSTALLATION
3.1 Mounting the felling grapple on the crane
When You remove the grapple remember than what the hose is for grapple open
and grapple close.
Mount the rotator on the felling grapple in the position so that the line for grapple
close is on the side of the saw oil tank. The hose for grapple close should be
connected to the B line and grapple open should be connected on the A line on the
valve block of the felling grapple.
On the crane valve block you should assemble in the connection for grapple open a
T-connector there you should mount the special valve with the A side to the valve
block and the T side you should mount the hose to the T-port on the valve block.
Between the special valve and the T-port you should also mount the hand leaver
valve for closing the T-line when you are using the normal grapple.
Please note that if you open the felling grapple and if it tilts up that the grapple will
go down by himself. Then you are shore that the line for grapple open is connected
to tank.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
9
Connect the hoses from the rotator and the felling grapple so that it not can be damaged,
and bring plastic spirals on to the hoses this will give them extra protection.
Does your rotator not have an suitable flange, Gierkink Machinetechniek can provide it for
you.
3.1.1 Pressure Level
Always check the maximum work pressure of the base machine. You can measure the
pressure with a pressure gauge. The maximum allowable pressure is 250 bar if the base
machine has more pressure you need to place a pressure reducer .

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
10
4 FELLING WITH THE GRAPPLE
Is one of the most dangerous and critical procedures when operating the felling
grapple. Once the tree has been cut off, and has 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 , so that the tree is felled in a
safe way and in the desired direction.
4.1 Safety Recommendations
WARNING
When you are on a steep slope or a soft surface with your machine we recommend
you to set the parking brake when you are going to fell the trees.
WARNING! Always ensure that when you a starting the engine nobody is in the
danger zone of 70m.
Check all functions of the felling grapple before you start your work.
Make sure you have a clearly visible sight to the entire working area .
Make sure there are no people, animals or goods within the safety zone of 70m
Because The hydraulically driven saw chain can reach very high speeds.
This means that if the chain breaks parts of it can fly like bullets.
Only qualified persons should operate the machine. As the driver you are
responsible that you bring no other in to danger.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
11
4.2 Felling
When you open the grapple, you need to hold the joystick function (open grapple)
than the grapple will go into tilt position .
Place the felling grapple on to the tree you want to fell. Note the direction of the
wind and in which direction the tree is leaning. So it will not fall on the machine.
Do not cut trees thicker than 35cm, this can cause damage to the felling grapple,
The circumstances of the tree (example a frozen tree) can limit the max. cutting
size.
Grab the tree with the felling grapple make sure you close the grapple so the felling
grapple can position itself well to the tree. Press the joystick 100% so that the saw
comes out and the tree will be cut. While you are sawing do not move the crane up
and down, this can clamp and bent the saw blade.
It is also possible with high trees to saw the top at first and then saw off the trunk,
so you can load directly / easy.
After sawing the tree, you pull the tree away the tree will fall over. Make sure that
before you start to saw you already keep the tree in the direction where you want to
resign it.
Open the forks and bring the felling grapple back in the felling position.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
12
5 MAINTENACE
5.1 Safety Recommendations
ATTENTION! Before you start with the maintenance of the felling grapple.
The engine of the machine is stopped and there is no longer any pressure on the
entire system. This will happen when you shut off the engine and you move the
joystick so the system will depressurized.
5.2 Daily maintenance
Lubricate all grease fittings every 10 hours , Please note: There are 13 greasing
points.
The lubrication advice given counts only when the machine is used under normal
conditions When the machine is subjected to heavy loads or poor conditions (high
temperatures, dust, etc.) then you need to lubricate more.
Also check when you are lubricating on damaged hoses, oil leaks, loose bolts and
tolerance on shafts,ect
Remove snow, ice and dirt from the felling grapple.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
13
5.3 Replacement of the saw bar and chain
Throttle control valve
Saw blade clamp nuts
When the chain or the saw bar needs to be
replaced you have to shut off the blue-line
throttle valve completely.
Then the driver needs to operate the saw
again than the blade will stay outside the
saw housing. Now you have to stop the
engine of the base machine, to maintenance
the Saw-unit.
To replace the chain or saw bar you have
to turn the 2 nuts lose see picture .
Now you can push the blade backwards and
take of the chain. Afterwards you can pull
out the saw bar with a screwdriver in the
hole between saw bar and tensioning plate.
You can also order a chain tensioner, than you can screw the chain on the right
tension and afterwards lock the both nuts for the saw bar.
When the new chain or the new bar is fitted, you need to fully open the throttle-
control valve. Than the saw bar will go back in to the saw housing.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
14
5.4 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
5.5 Oil for hydraulic system
Check the viscosity of hydraulic oil. Under normal circumstances, a prescribed
ISO46. Under extremely cold conditions, consult the manufacturer.
Current bio-oils are suitable for products from Gierkink Machine Engineering.
Due to a high oil temperature, The life duration of hoses and seals will be
significantly reduced. So check the oil level frequent.
5.5.1 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.
5.6 Chainsaw oil
On the right side of the tilt frame is the saw oil tank. Every day you should fill it with
chain oil. The tank cap can be opened with the hex wrench delivered to you. The
contents of the tank is approximately 2 liters.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
15
5.7 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 " sawbar you must always lubricate the nose gear.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
16
5.8 Sharpening the chainsaw
IMPORTANT: The condition of the chain has an important influence on the outcome
and quality of the sawing.
The chain is as follows sharpened.
The correct grind is Ø 7 / 32 "(5.5 mm). For sharpening of
the chain the grind must be 10 degrees downwards.
(see Figure 1)
Angle of the upper disc (see Figure 2)
Keep the grind as much as possible in the angle of 35
degrees during sharpening.
Sharpening direction: from the inside to the outside of the
cut joints.
Angle of the chisel (Fig. 3)
The angle of the chisel affects the diameter of the file and
the file position.
Cutting angle (Fig. 4)
The correct cutting angle occurs automatically when the
upper edge of the cutting teeth and the angle of the
chisel are right .
The height of the depth counter (see Figure 5)
The depth counter will change after all joints are
sharpened. Therefore, the depth counter must be 1 to 2 mm lower as the cutting
tooth.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
17
Common Errors when sharpening the chain
IMPORTANT: The instructions for sharpening the chain are also for a mechanical
chain sharpener.
If the grind is kept too high, the cutting
angle will become negative, making the
switch stump (too large cutting angle).
The chain thereby tolerates a high
strength. The wear of the links and
sliding surfaces will become much larger
(see 1), there for you must keep the
chain sharp.
If the grind will be kept to low, the
cutting angle will become positive which
makes the angle too sharp (too small
cutting angle)
The chain has the tendency to bounce.
This will increase the risk of breakage.
Also the wear of the chain will be many
times higher. (see 2).
If the tooth is damaged (by cutting a
stone). All cutters must be sharpened
until the most damaged link. So the’
distance'' A is the same everywhere.
When a ''distance'' is less than 3 or 4
mm the chain must be replaced. (see 3).

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
18
Maintenance of the Saw flange
The maintenance and modifications have a major impact on the lifetime of the saw.
Therefore, follow the instructions carefully.
Blue color on the chain
The normal Saw speed is about 1-3 seconds depending on the diameter of the tree.
The lubrication pump will at each start of a stroke deliver a little oil , At the end of
the lifetime of a chain the lubrication will be lesser making the chain weaker.
At a longer saw time, the chain Saw will get warmer,
leading to a blue color. The blue color indicates the hardening of the chain. This can
lead to cracking and breaking of the chain.
Curved saw blade
A bent saw blade can be directed if there are no sharp bends in it and the grooves
are not damaged. Especially after the directing of a saw blade, the chain must be
checked completely if it runs smoothly over the grooves.
Wear on the saw blade
- By replacing the chain, always check
the groove sloping sides.
- A wear Saw blade can be turned if
the groove is modified, Otherwise it
must be replaced.
-The top of the groove must have right
angles relative to the saw blade
1 - Groove has right angles - good chainsaw position
2 - Groove does not have right angles – not a good chainsaw position
3 - square angle

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
19
Blackberries
Remove burrs in the groove, to avoid cracking.
- remove the burrs with a grind. Grinding direction: from the inside out.
- Grinding off on 45 º.

USER MANUAL 10-2011 PAGE
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
20
6. SETTINGS OF THE FELLING GRAPPLE
WARNING
The hydraulic pressure measurements and adjustments may be performed only by
authorized persons.
By mounting of the pressure gauge, adjusting the flow control and other repairs the
motor must be turned off due to safety reasons.
Pressure measurements and adjustments must be carried out carefully and
cautiously.