MDS Ultra-Grip Attachable Grapple Mounting... Owner's manual

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Attachable Grapple Mounting System™
Patent # 9,169,614
OWNER / OPERATOR’S MANUAL

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TABLE OF ONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFORMATION .. 3
a. SERIAL NUM ER  4
b. PRODUCT WEIGHT . 4
2. SAFETY ....5-10
a. SAFETY TERMS & SYM OLS ... 5
b. YOU CAN PREVENT ACCIDENTS ... 6
c. SAFETY WARNINGS ..7-10
3. OPERATION. ..11
4. MAINTENANCE..12
5. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.......13
6. UNINSTALLATION ...14
7. REMOVAL/REINSTALL OF GRAPPLE FROM UCKET...15-18
8. PART IDENTIFICATION .. .19
9. HYDRAULIC LAYOUT & DIMENSIONS...22
10. PARTS LIST .....21
11. WARRANTY POLICY ... 22

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Thank you for purchasing your new MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™. This product was carefully
designed and manufactured to give you many years of dependable service. Only minor
maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating is required to keep it in top working condition.
Safety is top priority; therefore, observe and learn all maintenance procedures and safety
precautions contained in this manual and on any equipment on which this attachment is
mounted.
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in safely attaching & detaching your grapple and
maintaining your MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™. With proper usage and service as outlined in this
manual, the MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™ will provide you many years of dependable operation.
Any person who will be assembling, operating, maintaining, or working with this product is
required to read and completely understand the information and instructions contained in this
manual. If anyone does not understand something that is contained in this manual, please
contact your dealer or MDS Manufacturing o., Inc. to obtain further assistance.
The illustrations and data used in this manual were current at the time of printing, but due to
possible engineering and/or production changes, this product may vary slightly in detail. MDS
Manufacturing o., Inc. reserves the right to make modifications to this product without
notification.
Throughout this manual, reference may be made to:
• Power Unit – the engine-driven machine to which this product must be attached
• Right, Left, Front, or Rear – Directions that are determined with relation to the operator
of the equipment seated in the operator’s seat
• IMPORTANT -- Precautions that must be followed to prevent damage to equipment
• NOTI E – Precautions that must be followed to prevent substandard performance

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SERIAL NUMBER
The serial number for the grapple is located on the back side of the left grapple tower. Please
refer to the serial number when ordering parts or requesting additional information.
PRODU T WEIGHT
The MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™ weight is 1,450 lbs.
Grapple
serial number
location

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SAFETY
SAFETY TERMS
Throughout this manual, the terms DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION are used to indicate
the degree of hazard to personnel if proper safety procedures are not followed. These words
will be used in conjunction with the Safety Alert Symbol: a dark triangle containing a white
exclamation mark.
The Safety Alert Symbol means:
- ATTENTION! - BECOME ALERT! - YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
DANGER Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
WILL result in eath or serious injury.
WARNING Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided
COULD result in eath or serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
MAY result in minor or mo erate injury;
OR
May also be used to alert against unsafe practices, which may result in amage to property.
The safety information given in this manual does not replace any safety codes, insurance needs, federal, state and local laws.

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YOU CAN PREVENT ACCIDENTS!
The best safety device is a careful operator. MDS Manufacturing Co., Inc. and your dealer ask
that YOU be that careful, responsible equipment operator.
Pay attention to the job at hand. Do not let your mind lose concentration on what you are doing.
No accident prevention program can be successful without the wholehearted cooperation of the
person who is directly responsible for the operation of the equipment.
If accidents are to be prevented (and accidents can be prevented), that will come from
equipment operators who accept complete responsibility and anticipate the results of their
actions.
The designer, the manufacturer, and the safety engineer all help create a safe product, but their
combined efforts can be wiped out with a single careless act by the operator of that product.
Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
YOU are responsible for the SAFE operation and maintenance of YOUR MDS Ultra-Grip 5-Tine
Grapple.
YOU are responsible to familiarize yourself, and anyone else who will assemble, operate,
maintain, or work around this product, with the safety information contained in this manual.
YOU are responsible to read ALL information contained in this manual to any operators or
maintenance personnel who are not fully able to read the written English language. Whether
YOU read the manual as written or translate it into another language YOU must make certain
that all operators and maintenance personnel have complete understanding of the full and exact
contents of this manual.
YOU can reduce the risk of injury or death by following all safety precautions and by using good
safety practices.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
Obey all safety instructions liste in this section an throughout this manual. Failure to
obey instructions in this section coul result in eath or serious injury.
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY TYPE OF ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE OR
OTHER WORK ON OR NEAR THIS PRODUCT:
• READ AND COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL.
• READ AND COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THE MANUALS PROVIDED WITH YOUR
POWER UNIT, LOADER AND QUICK COUPLER.
• Read and understand all safety signs on this product and on your power unit, loader and
quick coupler.
• Know all your controls and know how to quickly stop all power unit movements, the
processor movement, and the engine in case of emergency.
• Know and obey all applicable government rules, O.S.H.A. regulations, local laws and
other professional guidelines for your operation.
• Make sure that anyone who will be assembling, mounting, maintaining, repairing,
removing and/or storing this product:
- Has been instructed in the safe operation of this product and of the power unit
and the quick coupler to which this product is attached.
- Is physically and mentally capable of the safe operation of this type of
equipment.
- Is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Is carefully supervised from a safe distance, especially if such person is
inexperienced.
- Wears personal protective equipment (i.e. hardhat, safety glasses, work gloves,
protective shoes, respirator, ear protection, etc.)

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- Does not wear loose fitting clothes, loose or uncovered hair or any accessories
(jewelry, necktie, scarf, wrist watch, etc.) that can catch and entangle on moving
parts.
- Has annually reviewed all safety instructions.
• Know and follow good work practices when assembling, mounting, maintaining,
repairing, removing and storing this product:
- Work on a level surface in a well-lit area.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Use properly grounded electrical outlets and tools.
- Use the right tool for the job.
- Make sure that your tools are in good condition for performing the desired
function.
- When using tools, wear the protective equipment specified by the tool
manufacturer (i.e. hardhat, safety glasses, work gloves, protective shoes, etc.)
WHEN YOUR POWER UNIT IS USED DURING ANY TYPE OF ASSEMBLY, OPERATION,
MAINTENANCE OR OTHER WORK ON OR NEAR THIS PRODUCT:
• efore leaving the operator’s station or before beginning any type of work on this
product, lower this product to the ground, apply your power unit’s parking brake, stop the
engine, remove the starter key, wait for all moving parts to stop and then relieve all
pressure in the hydraulic lines. Refer to your power unit’s operator’s manual for
instructions on how to relieve hydraulic pressure in lines.
• Know your loader’s safe lifting and operating capacity and the weight of this product.
See the specifications in this manual for the weight of this product and refer to your
power unit’s and loader’s operator’s manuals for safe operating limits. Lift capacity may
be reduced if using a quick coupler.
• Never allow anyone, except the operator, to be around the power unit or this product
when either is in motion.
• Do not start up unless others are clear of the work area.
• Do not allow riders on this product or the power unit.
• Do not stand or climb on this product when raised.
• Never operate controls from the ground. Operate the controls only from the operator’s
station.
• Never leave the equipment unattended with the engine running or with this product
raised on the loader.

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• e aware of the added weight and width of this product. Reduce travel speeds
accordingly, especially when traveling over rough ground.
• Keep this product close to the ground and under control when transporting.
• When transporting, be sure bucket/grapple does not block view of vehicle lights or road.
WHEN DEALING WITH HYDRAULICS DURING ANY TYPE OF ASSEMBLY, OPERATION,
MAINTENANCE OR OTHER WORK ON OR NEAR THIS PRODUCT:
• Hydraulic fluid under pressure can penetrate skin and cause serious injury or death.
Hydraulic leaks under pressure may not be visible!
• If any fluid penetrates the skin, GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION!!
• Wear safety glasses, protective clothing and use a sound piece of cardboard or wood
when searching for hydraulic leaks. DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS!
• efore connecting or disconnecting hydraulic hoses, read your wheel loader’s operator’s
manual for detailed instructions on connecting and disconnecting hydraulic attachments.
• Make certain that all parts meet the specifications for this product when installing or
replacing hydraulic hoses or fittings.
• After connecting hydraulic lines:
- Slowly and carefully raise the loader and cycle the rollback/dump cylinders to
check hose clearances and to check for any interference.
- Operate the hydraulics on this product to check hose clearances and to check
for any interference.
- Make certain that the hoses cannot interfere with or actuate the quick coupler
mechanism.
- Make certain that hoses will not be pinched or get tangled in any equipment.
• Do not lock the auxiliary hydraulics of your power unit in the “ON” position.
• Refer to your power unit’s operator’s manual and this manual for procedures and
intervals, then inspect and maintain the entire hydraulic system to insure that the fluid
remains clean, that all devices function properly and that there are no fluid leaks.
WHEN MOUNTING THIS PRODUCT TO YOUR POWER UNIT:
• Refer to the operator’s manuals of your power unit, your loader and your quick coupler
for special or detailed mounting instructions.
• This product should fit onto the quick coupler of your power unit the same as the original
products that were designed by your wheel loader/quick coupler manufacturer.
• If this product does not fit properly, contact your dealer or MDS Manufacturing Co., Inc.
before operating.

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• Never place your finger into the mounting plate or locking pin holes. A slight movement
of the power unit or this product could cause serious injury.
BEFORE EACH USE, THOROUGHLY INSPECT THIS PRODUCT AND:
• Replace all damaged or excessively worn parts and hardware only with genuine MDS
Manufacturing Co., Inc. parts or with properly rated fasteners, hydraulic hoses or fittings.
• Make certain that all locking pins, latches and connection devices are properly installed
and secured.
• Make certain that all shields and guards are in place and secure.
WHEN OPERATING THIS PRODUCT IN ACCORDANCE WITH DESIGN INTENTIONS:
• Drive slowly through gates and doors.
• Know you loader’s safe operating weight limit and the weight of your loader attachment.
WHEN ADJUSTING, SERVICING OR REPAIRING THIS PRODUCT:
• Make no modifications to your bucket and/or grapple.
• When making repairs, use only genuine MDS Manufacturing Co., Inc. parts or, for
fasteners, hydraulic hoses or hydraulic fittings, use only properly rated parts.
• Replacement of parts with safety signs attached must also have safety sign attached.
THINK SAFETY!
WORK SAFELY!

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OPERATION
INTENDED USE:
The MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™ is designed for material handling such as loading, unloading,
transporting, and land clearing. Use in any other way is considered contrary to the intended
use.
OPERATING THE ATTA HMENT:
Read all safety precautions before operating the attachment. Reference the power unit’s and
quick coupler’s operator’s manual for additional instruction on attachment operation.
• Never use the attachment as a work platform or personnel carrier.
• Do not exceed the lifting capacity (combined weight of the attachment and the load) of
the power unit.
• Operate only from the operator’s station.
• Never lift, move, or swing a load or attachment over anyone.
• When using the grapple, make sure load is secure and stable before proceeding.
• NOTI E: If applying a raking type force to an open or partially open grapple, component
failure may occur due to magnified fluid pressure in the hydraulic hoses, fittings, and
cylinders.

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cylinder rod (2x)
cylinder base (2x)
grapple arm
pivot pin (2x)
MAINTENAN E
Regular maintenance is the key to long equipment life and safe operation. Read and follow all
safety precautions before performing any maintenance or troubleshooting on this equipment.
• Keep area around cylinders free of dirt and debris. Build-up of dirt and debris will
restrict movement of the cylinders which may cause component failure.
• heck all nuts and bolts for tightness.
• Replace any missing bolts or nuts with MDS approved replacement parts.
• heck hydraulic system for hydraulic oil leaks.
• Visually inspect the attachment(s) for worn parts, cracked welds, bent or broken parts,
and have repaired as necessary.
• IMPORTANT: When replacing parts, use only MDS Manufacturing approved parts. MDS
Manufacturing will not claim responsibility for use of unapproved parts or accessories
and/or other damages as a result of their use.
• Lubricate all grease fittings at a minimum of every 40 hours of use. (see drawing below)

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INSTALLING ATTA HMENT
The following section contains information pertaining to attaching your bucket with the pre-
installed MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™.
• Reference the operator’s manual for your coupler and/or power unit for instruction on
installing the attachment.
WARNING! To avoid serious personal injury, make sure the bucket is securely attached to the
coupler mechanism of your power unit. Failure to do so could result in
separation of the bucket from the unit. Always keep attachments as close to the
ground as possible during installation.
• Lower the attachment to the ground and turn off the engine of the power unit.
• The MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™ comes with the hydraulic hoses to tie the two cylinders
together. You or your dealer are required to supply the hoses from the tees to the
couplers on your power unit (these vary based on loader model, location, and type of
quick coupler). onnect these grapple hoses and route them in such a fashion as to
prevent chafing and pinching and secure in place wherever necessary. The hoses will
need a -08 Female JI fitting on the end that connects to the tees (located between the
2 spring hose holders) while the other end of the hose will mate to the coupler that
connects to your third function (auxiliary) ports.
• Start engine and slowly cycle the bucket cylinders several times to purge any air from
the system. heck for proper hydraulic connection, hose routing, and hose length.
NOTE: Pressure and return hoses must be long enough to accommodate complete
rollout of the bucket.
• heck the attachment for proper assembly, installation, and hydraulic leaks.
Hydraulic Tees
Spring Hose Holders

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UNINSTALLING ATTA HMENT
• lose the attachment and lower it to level ground.
• Turn off engine of power unit and move the control levers back & forth to relieve the
pressure in the hydraulic lines.
• Disconnect the attachment hoses from the power unit. ap or plug the hoses to
prevent contamination from entering the hydraulic system.
• Reference the operator’s manual for your coupler and power unit for additional
instructions on uninstalling the attachment.

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Attachable Grapple
Mounting System
Connector Tube
(remove to split grapple)
Grapple Tower
Grapple Arm
Grapple Tine
arking Stand
T-Handle
Lock in
Weld-On
Grapple Bracket
Wrench
REMOVAL OF GRAPPLE FROM BU KET
Your MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™ has been professionally installed. The following steps will help
you to safely and easily remove and reinstall the grapple.
1. Find a hard, level spot; preferably a concrete surface to store your grapple.
2. Make sure the loader boom is all the way down and bucket is on the ground.
3. Make sure the grapple is in the closed position.
4. Unhook the hydraulic hoses that connect the wheel loader to the grapple. Remove the
hoses from the spring hose holders on the bucket.
5. If grapple is in the “split” position, replace the grapple connector tube.
DANGER: DO NOT DETA H GRAPPLE IF ONNE TOR TUBE IS NOT IN PLA E.
FAILURE TO DO SO WOULD MAKE EA H SIDE UNBALAN ED AND OULD RESULT
IN INJURY OR DEATH.
6. Extend the parking stand to the parked position
using the pins provided.
Parking Stand
Parking Stand Pins
Parked Position
Sto
w
ed
Position

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7. Return to the cab and start your wheel loader; raise the boom to approximately 6ft.
8. Slowly roll the bucket over to begin the removal process.
9. Using the parking stand and the grapple tines as legs, place the grapple on the ground.
10. Remove the clips from the T-handle pins.
11. Ideally, you will only have to loosen but not remove the whiz nuts on the Adjustable
Locking Plate. If you run out of adjustment, then remove the whiz nuts and rotate until
allowed more adjustment.
lip
Adjustable Locking Plate
Whiz Nut
T
-
Handle Pin

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12. Use the MDS supplied Wrench to slightly turn the coupler nut on the patented
Attachable Grapple Mounting System mechanism until the T-handle pin moves freely
and can be removed. (Wrench is supplied to assist in one-person operation – if not
available, may use large crescent wrench.)
13. Return to cab and slowly roll the wheel loader bucket away until free from the grapple
assembly. Slowly back away from the grapple.
T
-
handle Pin
Wrench
oupler Nut
On
Attachable Grapple Mounting System

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Failure to follow the sequence of instructions could damage your grapple and/or make it
difficult to remove from the bucket. No pry bar or hammer is needed to properly, safely and
easily remove or reinstall the grapple from the bucket.
To reinstall the grapple to the bucket (refer to pictures for the grapple removal):
1. With your bucket in the rolled over position, slowly approach the grapple assembly.
2. Align the grapple brackets on the bucket with the grapple towers, hook the saddle pin,
and roll back bucket until tower rests firmly on weld-on bracket plate.
3. Re-install the T-handle pins.
4. Using the Wrench provided, go back and tighten the patented Attachment Grapple
Mounting System mechanism and then tighten the whiz nuts to secure the adjustment
locking plate. This process will tighten the tower against the weld-on brackets to reduce
the play between these parts; thus, reducing the wear on the pins and bushings.
5. Slowly lift the grapple and bucket off the ground and completely roll the bucket and
grapple back.
6. Make sure the loader boom is all the way down and bucket is on the ground.
7. Place parking stands in the stowed position on the grapple.
8. Loop the hoses back through the spring hose holders and connect the hydraulic hoses
back to the wheel loader.
9. If you choose to use your grapple as two independent arms, remove the connector tube.
WARNING: Grapple must be secured to the bucket before removing the connector
tube. Failure to do so would make each side unbalanced and could result in serious
injury or death.
10. You are now ready to use your bucket and MDS Ultra-Grip Grapple™.

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ATTACHMENT GRA LE
MOUNTING SYSTEM
1/2" Whiz Nut
Adjustment
Locking late
Adjustment late
Adjustment Bolt
Grapple Tower
Weld-on Bucket Brackets
(specific to bucket spec)
Grapple Tine
Connector Tube
T-Handle in
Clip
Saddle in
arking Stand
arking Stand ins
Cylinder
Cylinder Guard Grapple Arm
ivot
in
PART IDENTIFI ATION

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70.000
60.250
96.000
22.938
All hydraulic hoses are 3/8"
with 1/2"end fittings. End
fittings are all -08 female JIC.
Grapple comes standard with cylinders and associated hydraulic hoses & fittings to hydraulically
join the independent grapple arms using one hydraulic source.
Hydraulic Elbow
-08 Male O-Ring x -08 Male JIC
(4x) *
hydraulic tee + cap (2x)
(hoses not included from loader to here)
54" hydraulic hose
(base end cylinder) (2x)
73" hydraulic hose
(rod end cylinder) (2x)
DIMENSIONS
HYDRAULI LAYOUT SKET H & DETAILS