Kuhns mfg EGF8 User manual

Read and Understand the manual.This manual provides information and
procedures to safely operate and maintain the Grabber.
EGF8 Grabber
2017
Owner’s Manual
MADE IN THE USA


EGF8 Grabber 3 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.1 Intended Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 Operator Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Specifi cations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4 Serial Number Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5 Owner/Operator Manual Storage . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.6 Product Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.7 Disposal of Equipment at End of Useful Life . 5
1.8 Unanswered Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2.3 Safety Icons Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3.1 Personal Protection/Important
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.3.2 Prohibited Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.3.3 Hazard Avoidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.4 General Operating Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5 Safety Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.6 Practice Safe Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.7 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.8 Hydraulic Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.9 Sign-Off Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.10 Operation Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.11 Transporting Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.12 Storage Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.13 Maintenance Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3. SAFETY SIGNS AND LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2 Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3 How to Install Replacement Safety Signs . . 12
3.4 Safety Sign Locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.5 Safety Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4. NOMENCLATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5. OPERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.1 User Safety Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.2 Tractor Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.2.1 Equipment and Capabilities. . . . . . . 15
5.2.2 Tractor Safety Devices . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.2.3 ROPS and Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.3 Pre-Operation Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.4 Attaching to Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.5 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.5.1 Adjustable Crowd Bar . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.6 Field Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
5.7 Detaching From Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6. TRANSPORTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.1 General Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.2 Highway and Transport Operations . . . . . . . 19
6.3 Pre-transport Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7. STORAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.1 Placing in Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.2 Removing from Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8. MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.1 Maintenance Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.2 Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.3 Bolt Torque Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.3.1 Standard Torque Values . . . . . . . . . 22
8.4 Welding Repairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.5 Service Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
9. PARTS SECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.1 Ordering Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.2 Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.3 Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.4 Parts Detail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 4 EGF8 Grabber
1. Introduction
The EGF8 Grabber picks up bales arranged 4 wide
and 2 long on their strings, using 16 hooks mounted
on 4 bars.
Bales that are 36″ long can be cross stacked with
the EGF8 Grabber.
The low weight requirement for the Grabber allows
for the use of a small loader.
Please read the manual carefully to become familiar
with your new Kuhns Grabber. This manual has
been developed through our experience with the
equipment and feedback from our customers.
Ultimately it is our desire that you will be operating
your Grabber as a seasoned professional in no time!
1.1 Intended Usage
Do not use this Grabber for any other purpose than
its intended use of picking up bales that have been
arranged into groups with an Accumulator, and
moving them to wagons or storage facilities.
1.2 Operator Orientation
The directions left, right, front, and rear, as
mentioned throughout this manual, are as seen from
the tractor operator’s seat and facing in the direction
of travel.
1.3 Specifications
Overall Width 68"
Overall Length 72"
Overall Height 9”
Overall Weight
415 lb.
Bale Capacity
8
Lift Capacity
1150 lb.
Note: Lift Capacity may be
limited by loader Lift Capacity
Bale Size
14 x 18” or 16 x 18”,
32 to 38” long
Specifications subject to change without notice.
1.4 Serial Number Location
The Grabber’s serial number is located on the
upper right corner of the Grabber Frame. Please
use this number when requesting service, seeking
information, or ordering parts. Record the serial
number in the space provided for easy reference
when contacting Kuhns Manufacturing LLC with
questions.
KN-00058
Serial Number ______________________________
Date of Purchase ___________________________
1.5 Owner/Operator Manual Storage
Store the Owner/Operator manual and other
operating materials in the document storage tube,
located next to the serial no. decal.

EGF8 Grabber 5 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
1.6 Product Improvements
Because Kuhns Manufacturing LLC maintains
an ongoing program of product improvement, we
reserve the right to make improvements in design
or changes in specifications without incurring any
obligation to install them on units previously sold.
1.7 Disposal of Equipment at End of Useful
Life
The Kuhns Mfg. LLC Grabber has been designed for
the specific purpose of picking up bales that have
been arranged into groups with an Accumulator,
and moving them to wagons or storage facilities.
When this unit is no longer capable of performing its
intended use, it should be dismantled and scrapped.
Do not use any materials or components from this
unit for any other purpose.
1.8 Unanswered Questions
If you have any questions not answered in this
manual, require additional copies, or the manual is
damaged, please contact your dealer or:
Kuhns Manufacturing LLC
4210 Kinsman Road NW
North Bloomfield, OH 44450
Phone: 877-296-5851
Fax: 440-693-4336
E-mail: [email protected]
The manual is also available for download at:
www.kuhnsmfg.com

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 6 EGF8 Grabber
2. Safety
2.1 General
Most work related accidents are caused by failure
to observe basic safety rules or precautions. An
accident can often be avoided by recognizing
potentially hazardous situations before an accident
occurs. As you operate and maintain the Grabber
you must be alert to potential hazards.
Improper operation and/or maintenance of this
unit could cause a dangerous situation that
results in injury or death.
Do not use this unit until you read and
understand the information contained in this
manual. Do not use the Grabber for anything
other than its intended purpose.
WARNING
Do not use the unit until you read and
understand the information contained in
this manual and all related equipment
manuals.
Safety precautions and warnings are
provided in this manual and on the unit. If
these hazard warnings are not heeded,
bodily injury or death could occur to you or to
other persons.
Kuhns Manufacturing LLC cannot anticipate
every possible circumstance that might
involve a potential hazard. The warnings in
this manual and on the product are, therefore,
not all-inclusive. If a method of operation not
specifically recommended by us is used, you
must satisfy yourself that it is safe for you and
for others. You should also ensure that the unit
will not be damaged or be made unsafe by the
methods that you choose.
The information, specifications, and illustrations in
this manual are based on the information that was
available at the time this material was written and
can change at any time.
2.2 Safety Alert Symbol
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
This manual contains WARNINGS, CAUTIONS,
NOTICES, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, and NOTES
which must be followed to prevent the possibility
of improper service, damage to the equipment,
personal injury, or death. The following key words
call the readers attention to potential hazards.
Hazards are identified by the “Safety Alert Symbol”
and followed by a signal word such as “WARNING”
or “CAUTION”.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates that equipment or property damage
can result if instructions are not followed.
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Safety instructions (or equivalent) signs indicate
specific safety-related instructions or
procedures.
Note: Contains additional information important to a
procedure.

EGF8 Grabber 7 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
2.3 Safety Icons Nomenclature
This manual and the equipment has numerous
safety icons. These safety icons provide important
operating instructions which alert you to potential
personal injury hazards
2.3.1 Personal Protection/Important Information
Read the manual
Maintenance procedure
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Hand protection
Foot protection
First aid kit
Use proper tools
OEM
OEM
Use OEM parts
Use ROPS and seat belt
N
I
NG
AR
Maintain safety signs
Place in park
Remove key
STOP Stop engine
Visibility
Set parking brake
2.3.2 Prohibited Actions
Do not alter or modify
Do not leave out tools
Do not weld
No riders
No children
No alcohol
No drugs
2.3.3 Hazard Avoidance
Crushing hazard
Crushing hazard
Slipping hazard
Tripping hazard
Falling hazard
Hose damage hazard
Explosive separation hazard
Safety alert symbol
Trapped air hazard
High pressure fluid hazard
Defective or broken part
Chock wheels
Maintain safe distance
Pinch point hazard
Crush hazard
Rollover hazard

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 8 EGF8 Grabber
2.4 General Operating Safety
WARNING
Read And Understand Manual
To prevent personal injury or even death,
be sure you read and understand all of the
instructions in this manual and other related
OEM equipment manuals! This Grabber (unit)
was designed for a specific application; DO NOT
modify or use this unit for any application other
than that for which it was designed. Units
operated improperly or by untrained personnel
can be dangerous! Inexperienced operators
should receive instruction from someone
familiar with the equipment before being allowed
to operate the unit.
Do Not Operate
Do not use the unit if it is in need
of repair. If you believe the unit
has a defect which could cause injury or
death, you should immediately stop using the
unit.
Fall Hazard
Do not use the unit as a platform. Do not
stand on top of the unit at any time. Do
not ride on the unit or allow others to ride on it.
Pinch Point Hazard
Keep hands and feet away from any
moving parts to prevent them from getting
pinched.
Impaired User Hazard
Do not attempt to operate or
maintain the Grabber under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. Consult your
doctor before using the Grabber while taking
prescription medications.
Falling Hazard
Do not allow riders on the loader or
Grabber at any time. Falling can
result in severe injuries or death.
2.5 Safety Signs
CAUTION
N
I
NG
AR Legible Safety Signs
Keep safety signs clean and legible at all
times. Replace any safety sign or
instruction sign that is missing or not legible.
Refer to the Safety Sign Location section for
additional information.
Replacement parts that displayed a safety sign
should also display the current sign.
Replacement safety signs (labels) are available
from your authorized Dealer Parts Department
or the factory at no cost.
2.6 Practice Safe Maintenance
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Understand service procedures before
doing any work. Keep the work area clean
and dry.
Keep all parts in good working
condition and properly installed.
Replace worn or broken parts
immediately.
Do not modify the unit or its safety
devices. Do not weld on the unit.
Unauthorized modifications may impair its
function and safety.
2.7 Training
Anyone who will be using and/or maintaining the
Grabber must read, clearly understand, and follow
ALL safety, operation, and maintenance information
presented in this manual, other related OEM
manuals, and the safety signs
If you do not understand any information in this
manual, see your dealer or contact Kuhns Mfg. LLC
before proceeding.
Do not use or allow anyone else to use this Grabber
until all information has been reviewed. Annually
review this manual before the season start-up.
Make periodic reviews of SAFETY and OPERATION
a standard practice. An untrained operator is not
qualified to use this Grabber.

EGF8 Grabber 9 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
2.8 Hydraulic Safety
WARNING
High-Pressure Fluid Hazard
Hydraulic fl uid escaping under pressure
can penetrate the skin. Openings in the
skin and minor cuts are susceptible to infection
from hydraulic fl uid. If injured by a concentrated
high-pressure stream of hydraulic fl uid, seek
medical attention immediately. Without
immediate medical treatment, serious infection
or toxic reaction can develop if hydraulic fl uid
penetrates the surface of the skin.
Before applying pressure to the system,
make sure all components are tight and
that the hydraulic lines, hoses, and
couplings are not damaged. Replace any worn,
cut, abraded, fl attened, or crimped hoses.
Wear proper hand and eye
protection when searching for
a high-pressure hydraulic leak.
Use a piece of wood or cardboard as a backstop
instead of hands to identify and isolate a leak.
Trapped Air Hazard
When installing, replacing, or repairing
hydraulic system cylinders or parts, make
sure that the entire system is charged and free
of air before resuming operations. Failure to
bleed the system of all air can result in improper
machine operation, causing severe injury.
Explosive Separation Hazard
Do not make any temporary repairs to the
hydraulic lines, fi ttings, or hoses using
tape, clamps, or adhesives. The hydraulic
system operates under extremely high pressure
and temporary repairs may fail suddenly and
create a hazardous/dangerous situation.
NOTICE
Make sure components in the hydraulic system
are kept clean and in good working condition.
The most common reason for hydraulic component
failure is contamination of the oil. Keep all hydraulic
access areas completely clean, such as around the
hydraulic oil fi ller cap, fi lter, and connection points.
Repair any fi ttings, hoses, or other components
where leakage is observed. Clean up any spilled
hydraulic oil.
2.9 Sign-Off Form
Kuhns Mfg LLC follows the general Safety
Standards specified by the Farm Equipment
Manufacturers Association (FEMA), and the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Anyone who will be using and/or maintaining the
Grabber must read and clearly understand ALL
safety, operation and maintenance information
presented in this manual.
Do not use or allow anyone else to use this
equipment until all information has been reviewed.
Annually review this manual before the season start-
up.
Make periodic reviews of SAFETY and OPERATION
of the Grabber a standard practice. An untrained
operator is not qualified to use this Grabber.
This sign-off sheet is provided for your records to
show that all personnel who will be working with
the equipment have read and understand the
information in this Operation and Parts Manual
and have been instructed in the operation of the
equipment.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 10 EGF8 Grabber
Sign-Off Form
Date User’s Signature Owner’s Signature

EGF8 Grabber 11 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
2.10 Operation Safety
Refer to “2.4 General Operating Safety” on page
8 for safety recommendations related to using
the Grabber. All applicable safety recommendations
in other sections should also be followed.
2.11 Transporting Safety
Refer to “6. Transporting” on page 19 for safety
recommendations related to transporting the
Grabber. All applicable safety recommendations in
other sections should also be followed.
2.12 Storage Safety
Refer to “7. Storage” on page 20 for safety
recommendations related to storing the Grabber. All
applicable safety recommendations in other sections
should also be followed.
2.13 Maintenance Safety
Refer to “8. Maintenance” on page 21 for safety
recommendations related to maintaining the
Grabber. All applicable safety recommendations in
other sections should also be followed.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 12 EGF8 Grabber
3. SAFETY SIGNS AND LABELS
3.1 General Information
The types of safety signs (hazard labels) and
instructional labels, along with their locations on the
equipment, are shown in the following illustrations.
Good safety practices require that you familiarize
yourself with the various safety signs, the type
of warning, and the area or particular operation
related to that area that requires your SAFETY
AWARENESS.
THINK
SAFETY!
Think SAFETY!
Work SAFELY!
Pay close attention to the safety signs and
instructional labels attached to the tractor, loader,
and Grabber. The safety signs attached to the
Grabber are reproduced in this section. If the
Grabber is missing a label or one is unreadable,
replace the label before using the Grabber.
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
N
I
NG
AR Safety Signs and Instructional
Labels
1. Keep safety signs or instructional labels
clean and legible at all times. Use a clean,
damp cloth to clean safety decals.
2. Replace any missing or hard-to-read safety
signs or instructional labels.
3. Use care when washing or cleaning the
equipment not to remove or damage the
labels. When using a pressure washer to
clean the Grabber, avoid spraying too close
to decals; high-pressure water can enter
through very small scratches or under edges
of decals causing them to peel or come off.
4. Locations for the labels and replacement part
numbers are shown in this section.
5. Replacement parts must have replacement
labels attached before the Grabber is used.
6. Labels are available from your authorized
dealer or from Kuhns Manufacturing LLC at
no charge.
3.2 Contact Information
For replacement decals, contact:
Kuhns Manufacturing LLC
4210 Kinsman Road NW
North Bloomfield, OH 44450
Phone: 877-296-5851
Fax: 440-693-4336
E-mail: [email protected]
3.3 How to Install Replacement Safety
Signs
1. Clean and dry the installation area.
Note: Do not install the signs if the temperature is
below 50°F.
2. Determine the exact position before you remove
the backing paper.
3. Remove the backing paper.
4. Align the sign over the specified area and
carefully press the sign to the part/frame.
Note: Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin
and smoothed out using the piece of backing
paper.

EGF8 Grabber 13 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
3.4 Safety Sign Locations
KN-00060
3
13
2
4
Item Type Description Qty.
1 WARNING Read the Manual 1
2 WARNING High Pressure Fluids 1
3 CAUTION Pinch Point 4
4 INFORMATIONAL Serial Number 1
3.5 Safety Signs
1.
Do not operate or perform service on unit without
reading and understanding Owner’s manual.
Avoid unsafe operating methods or maintenance
procedures.
If manual is lost, go to www.kuhnsmfg.com to
download a manual.
KN-00066
READ THE
MANUAL
To avoid serious injury or death:
2.
WARNING
KN-00068
HIGH PRESSURE FLUIDS HAZARD
3. DO NOT use your bare hand to check for
potential leaks. Always use a board or
cardboard when checking for a leak.
2. Release all pressure before removing hoses
and/or connections by:
a. stopping the engine.
b. operating hydraulic control valve several
times.
1. Check or tighten all connections BEFORE
applying pressure.
0
Escaping hydraulic fluid under high
pressure, even a pinhole size leak,
can penetrate body tissue, causing
serious injury, and possible death. If
fluid is injected into your skin, it must
be treated immediately by a doctor
familiar with this type of injury.
3.
PINCH POINT
CAUTION
KN-00067
• Pinch points may cause injuries
such as cutting or crushing.
• Do not place hand or fingers
between stationary and moving
parts.
• Stay clear of moving parts.
4.
MODEL: XXXXX
SERIAL NO: XXXXX
KN-00069

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 14 EGF8 Grabber
4. Nomenclature
KN-00061
7
6
8
3
4
1
2
5
Item Description
1 Frame Assembly
2 Stand
3 Crowd Bar
4 Hook Shaft Assembly
5 Center Bar
6 Hydraulic Cylinder
7 Hydraulic Hoses
8 Document Canister

EGF8 Grabber 15 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
5. Operation
5.1 User Safety Training
Refer to “2.4 General Operating Safety” on page 8
for user safety training requirements.
WARNING
STOP
Roll Away Hazard
Before leaving the
operator’s seat, make
sure the engine is stopped, the transmission is
placed in park, the key is removed, and the
parking brake is set.
The weight of the tractor, plus the
implement, if it rolls onto a person, could
cause serious crushing injury or death.
Crush Hazard
The tractor should be equipped
with a Roll Over Protective
Structure (ROPS) and a seat belt. A crushing
hazard could occur if the operator is ejected
from the seat while the tractor is in motion.
Fasten the seat belt whenever the tractor is
moving.
Keep hands and clothing clear of moving
parts. Do not clean, lubricate or adjust
your equipment while it is moving.
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
The following safety instructions are provided to
help prevent injury or limit equipment damage.
THINK
SAFETY! Train Unfamiliar Users
It is the owner’s responsibility to
make sure any person using the
Grabber, especially if it is loaned or rented, has
been thoroughly trained on its proper and safe
use.
Be certain only physically-able persons will use
the Grabber.
Users who have not read and understood
all operating and safety instructions are not
qualified to use the Grabber.
If the elderly are assisting with the work, their
physical limitations need to be recognized and
accommodated.
Never allow children to operate equipment.
5.2 Tractor Requirements
Tractor Owner/Operator Manual
Always refer to the tractor owner’s
manual to ensure compatibility and
maximum safety.
Refer to the tractor or skid loader Operator’s Manual
to make sure the loader used has the power to lift
the Grabber and bales. (1150 lbs.)
Operating the equipment with a loader that does not
meet the following requirements may cause tractor
or implement damage and be a potential danger to
the operator and passersby.
Always review the “controls” section of the tractor or
skid loader operator’s manual to be familiar with the
location, settings, and function of the controls. Be
familiar with all controls before using this equipment.
Do not use an oversized tractor or loader. The EGF8
Grabber is intended to be used on tractors up to
75 HP and other loaders rated up to 1800 lb. lift
capacity.
5.2.1 Equipment and Capabilities
• Approved Roll-Over Protective Structure
(ROPS) or ROPS cab and seat belt.
• Tractor Safety Devices; Slow Moving Vehicle
(SMV) emblem, lighting, PTO master shield.
• Universal quick-attach system on skid loader,
or tractor front end loader with quick-attach
adapter.
• To reduce the risk of fire, do not use a tractor
with an underframe exhaust.
5.2.2 Tractor Safety Devices
If transporting the tractor and Grabber on a public
roadway, the tractor must be equipped with proper
warning lighting and a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV)
emblem which are clearly visible from the rear of the
unit.
Maintain all manufacturer equipped safety shields
and guards. Always replace shields and guards that
were removed for access to connect, service, or
repair the tractor or implement. Never operate the
tractor PTO with the PTO master shield missing or in
the raised position.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 16 EGF8 Grabber
5.2.3 ROPS and Seat Belt
WARNING
Rollover Hazard
To avoid serious injury or death
from falling off tractor, equipment
runover, rollover, or crushing:
1. Use ROPS equipped tractor or skid loader.
2. Keep ROPS locked in the UP position.
3. Only operate the equipment when seated in
the tractor seat.
4. Always fasten seat belt when operating the
tractor.
5. Use caution when transporting over uneven
terrain and slow down for turns.
The tractor or loader must be equipped with a Roll
Over Protective Structure (ROPS) (cab or roll bar)
and seat belt to protect the operator from falling off
the tractor, especially during a roll-over where the
driver could be crushed and killed. Only operate the
tractor with the ROPS in the raised position and seat
belt fastened.
5.3 Pre-Operation Checklist
Before each use of the Grabber, the following areas
should be checked.
Checklist Before Each Use
✔Task
Make sure the Grabber is positively attached to the
loader. Refer to “5.4 Attaching to Loader” on page 16.
Make sure that the tractor or loader tires are inflated
properly and the lug nuts are tight.
Visually inspect the Grabber for any loose bolts, worn
parts or cracked welds, and make necessary repairs.
Make sure all retainer clips and pins are in place.
Check all hydraulic hoses and connections for damage
or evidence of leaks.
Make sure the operating area is clear, especially of
children and animals.
5.4 Attaching to Loader
CAUTION
Pinch Point Hazard
Use caution when connecting the Grabber
to the loader. Keep hands and feet from
under the equipment and clear of pinch points.
1. Attach the Grabber to a loader using the built-in
skid steer brackets.
2. Connect the hydraulic hoses to the desired ports.
3. Operate the bale hooks throughout their range
of travel several times to purge the air from the
lines.
4. Check the hydraulic fluid reservoir and fill if
necessary.
NOTICE
The Grabber does not have a hydraulic reservoir
and therefore can deplete the tractor or skid
loader’s oil reservoir during initial charging of
the cylinder. After this initial setup, check the
hydraulic oil reservoir and add oil as necessary.

EGF8 Grabber 17 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
5.5 Setup
WARNING
STOP
Roll Away Hazard
Never leave equipment
running unattended. When
halting operation, even for a short time, set the
tractor or skid loader brakes, shut off the engine
and remove the ignition key.
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Be especially observant of the operating
area and terrain – watch for loose fill,
holes, rocks or other hidden hazards.
Always inspect the area prior to operation.
Pick the most level route when
transporting across fields. Avoid the
edges of ditches or gullies and steep
hillsides. Be extra careful when working on
inclines.
Maneuver the tractor or skid loader at safe
speeds.
Allow for unit length when making turns.
5.5.1 Adjustable Crowd Bar
To accommodate different bale widths, the crowd
bar has four position settings with a total range of
adjustment of four inches.
1. To set the crowd bar for your bale width, remove
the two 1/2 x 3-3/4” bolts and lock nuts.
2. Slide the crowd bar in or out to the desired
position, and align to the closest set of holes.
3. Replace the bolts and lock nuts.
KN-00062
Default location is
second hole from
the right.
5.6 Field Operation
1. Position the loader to pick up one row of four
bales with the rear of the Grabber. Place the
crowd bar against the right side of the row of
bales and the grabber frame against the rear. If
necessary, push the row forward slightly to align
the bales.
2. Lower the Grabber onto the bales, engage the
hooks, and lift the bales.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 18 EGF8 Grabber
3. Move to the next row of four bales, position the
crowd bar against the right side of the row of
bales, lower the Grabber onto the bales, and
release the bale hooks.
4. Move forward to push the bales together, lower
the Grabber onto the bales, engage the hooks,
and pick up the eight bale group.
5. Move the bales to the desired location, lower and
release the eight bale group.
5.7 Detaching From Loader
Use caution when disconnecting the Grabber from
the loader. Keep hands and feet from under the
equipment and clear of pinch points between the
loader and Grabber.
WARNING
Crush Hazard
Do not allow anyone to stand between the
loader and Grabber during hook-up
operations.
1. Park the tractor or loader, place the transmission
in park or neutral, apply the parking brake, shut
down the engine, and remove the key. Wait for all
motion to come to a complete stop before exiting
the tractor.
2. Remove the stand retaining pin, rotate the stand
to its deployed position, and re-install the pin.
3. Lower the Grabber to the ground or onto blocks.
4. Disconnect the hydraulic couplers and detach
the Grabber from the tractor or loader. Place the
hoses on top of the Grabber, do not allow them to
lay on the ground.
5. Board the tractor or loader and start the engine.
Drive the tractor or loader away.

EGF8 Grabber 19 Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851)
6. Transporting
6.1 General Safety
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Make sure the tractor or loader used is in good
operating condition according to the OEM user’s
manual.
When transporting the unit on the
highway, make sure the tractor has a
clearly visible “Slow Moving Vehicle”
placard.
Make sure that the area is clear of
children, animals, and other obstacles
before moving the unit. This is particularly
important with higher noise levels and quiet
cabs, as you may not hear people shouting.
Do not allow anyone to ride on the tractor
or the unit.
6.2 Highway and Transport Operations
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
• Always drive at a safe speed relative to
conditions, and ensure that your speed is
low enough for an emergency stop to be
safe and secure. Keep speed to a minimum.
• Reduce speed prior to turns to avoid the risk
of overturning.
• Always keep the tractor or loader in gear to
provide engine braking when going downhill.
Do not coast.
• Use approved accessory lighting, flags, or
other necessary warning devices to protect
operators of other vehicles on the highway
during daylight and nighttime transport.
Various safety lights and devices are
available from your dealer.
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
• Be a safe and courteous driver. Always
yield to oncoming traffic in all situations,
including narrow bridges, intersections, etc.
Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
• Watch for overhead obstructions and side
clearances while transporting.
• Always operate equipment in a position
to provide maximum visibility at all times.
Make allowances for increased length and
weight of the equipment when making turns,
stopping, etc.
6.3 Pre-transport Checklist
1. Before transporting, make sure the maintenance
on the tractor or skid loader is current.
2. Check the tire pressures on the tractor or skid
loader, and correct if necessary.
3. Make sure the Grabber is securely attached to
the tractor or skid loader. Always inspect the
attachment for damage or abnormal wear when
hooking up.
4. Prior to transporting on a public road, have an
observer confi rm all running lights, brake lights,
turn signals, and hazard lights are working.
5. Verify the brakes are operating correctly.

Kuhns Manufacturing (877-296-5851) 20 EGF8 Grabber
7. Storage
WARNING
Not following these safety instructions could
result in serious injury and possible death.
Read and understand the Operator’s
Manual and all safety signs before moving
the unit.
Do not permit anyone, especially children
to play on or around the stored unit.
Store the unit in an area away from human
activity.
Do not store the unit where it will be exposed to
livestock for long periods of time. Damage and
livestock injury could result.
7.1 Placing in Storage
1. Release all bales from the Grabber, and lower the
bale hooks.
2. Thoroughly wash the Grabber with a pressure
washer or water hose to remove all loose hay,
dirt, mud, or debris.
3. Lubricate all grease points. Make sure all grease
cavities have been filled with grease to displace
any trapped water from washing.
4. Select an area that is dry, level, and free of debris
(inside a building is ideal). Move the Grabber to
its storage area.
5. Remove the stand retaining pin, rotate the stand
to its deployed position, and re-install the pin.
6. Lower the Grabber to the ground or onto blocks.
7. Disconnect the hydraulic couplers and detach
the Grabber from the tractor or loader. Place the
hoses on top of the Grabber, do not allow them to
lay on the ground.
8. Touch up all paint nicks and scratches to prevent
rusting.
7.2 Removing from Storage
1. Attach the Grabber to the loader following the
procedure in “5.4 Attaching to Loader” on page
16.
2. Remove the stand retaining pin, rotate the stand
to its storage position, and re-install the pin.
3. Before placing the Grabber back into service,
replace any worn or defective parts and perform
the Pre-Operation Checklist.
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