Gierkink GMT 035 User manual

USER MANUAL
FELLING GRAPPLE GMT 035
Gierkink Machinetechniek
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
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 Replacing 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.............................................................................................................15
5.7 Working with the chainsaw.......................................................................................15
5.8 Sharpening the chain ...............................................................................................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 SPECIAL SPECIFICATION............................................................................................31
8.1 Sizes ........................................................................................................................31
9 REMOVAL OF GRAPPLE ..............................................................................................32

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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. 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 prior notice.
When there are problem 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
Weight: indicates the weight of the felling grapple.
CE: European mark of approval.
Type: Product Name.
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 Machinetechniek,
Kapelweg 44, 7134 RJ Vragender, Netherlands.
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
1.2.3 Type plate Nr. 3
Warning ‘safe 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, 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 can’t 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
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 you’re installing the felling grapple the engine is shut down. Then
move your joystick so you will be sure that all the pressure is off the system.
Under the influence of alcohol or drugs you may not use the felling grapple under
any circumstances (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 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 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
by his self.

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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 give 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.

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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 it not can be
damaged, and bring plastic spirals on to the hoses, this will give them extra
protection.
Doesn’t the rotator have a suitable flange than Gierkink Machinetechniek can
provide it for you.
3.1.1 Pressure level
Always check the maximum work pressure of the basic machine. You can measure
the pressure 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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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 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.
The hydraulically driven chainsaw can reach very high speeds. So when 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 opening the grapple, you need to keep operate the joystick for grapple open,
doing this, the grapple will go into tilt position.
Bring the grapple towards the tree or bushes you want to cut. Note the inclination of
the tree and the wind direction so it will not fall on the machine.
Don’t cut threes thicker than 35 centimetre, this can cause damage to the felling
grapple. The circumstances of threes (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 for
100%, the saw will come out and 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. 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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5 MAINTENACE
5.1 Safety recommendations
ATTENTION! Before you start with maintenance of the felling grapple, make sure
the engine is shut off 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.) you’ll need to lubricate more.
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.

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5.3 Replacing the saw bar and chain
Throttle valve
Clamp nuts saw blade
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.

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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. If
you have one, than 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 housing.
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, use a prescribed
ISO46. Under extremely cold conditions, consult the manufacturer.
Current bio-oils are suitable for products from Gierkink Machinetechniek.
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.

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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 Allen key delivered to you. The content
of the tank is approximately 2 liters.
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’ saw blade, always lubricate the nose gear.

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5.8 Sharpening the chain
IMPORTANT: The condition of the chain has an important influence on the outcome
and quality of the sawing.
The chain is sharpened as follows:
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 (Figure 3)
The angle of the chisel affects the diameter of the file and
the file position.
Cutting angle (Figure 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.

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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 distance ‘A’ is less than 3 or 4
mm the chain must be replaced (see 3).

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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 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 doesn’t have right angles – not a good chainsaw position
3 - Square angle

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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.

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