probst FTZ Series User manual

5310.0363
V4
GB
Operating Instructions
Translation of original operating instructions
Grab for prefabricated concrete products FTZ
FTZ-MAXI-50

Bitte beachten Sie, dass das Produkt ohne vorliegende Betriebsanleitung in Landessprache nicht
eingesetzt / in Betrieb gesetzt werden darf. Sollten Sie mit der Lieferung des Produkts keine
Betriebsanleitung in Ihrer Landessprache erhalten haben, kontaktieren Sie uns bitte. In Länder der
EU / EFTA senden wir Ihnen diese kostenlos nach. Für Länder außerhalb der EU / EFTA erstellen wir
Ihnen gerne ein Angebot für eine Betriebsanleitung in Landessprache, falls die Übersetzung nicht
durch den Händler/Importeur organisiert werden kann.
Please note that the product may not be used / put into operation without these operating
instructions in the national language. If you did not receive operating instructions in your national
language with the delivery of the product, please contact us. In countries of the EU / EFTA we will
send them to you free of charge. For countries outside the EU / EFTA, we will be pleased to provide
you with an offer for an operating manual in the national language if the translation cannot be
organised by the dealer/importer.

Contents
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Contents
1EC-Declaration of Conformity ............................................................................................................................... 3
2Safety...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Safety symbols................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Explanation of basic concepts .......................................................................................................................4
2.3 Definition skilled worker / specialist ..............................................................................................................4
2.4 Safety Marking................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.5 Personal safety requirements ........................................................................................................................6
2.6 Protective equipment.....................................................................................................................................6
2.7 Accident prevention .......................................................................................................................................6
2.8 Function Control............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.8.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.9 Safety procedures .......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.9.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.9.2 Carrier / Lifting device................................................................................................................................8
3General.................................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Authorized use................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Survey and construction .............................................................................................................................. 10
3.3Technical data ............................................................................................................................................... 10
4Installation..............................................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Mechanical connection ................................................................................................................................. 11
4.1.1 Lifting eye / Suspension bolt .................................................................................................................... 11
4.1.2 Load hook and chains ............................................................................................................................... 11
4.1.3 Fork sleeves (optional) .............................................................................................................................12
4.1.4 Rotators (optional)...................................................................................................................................12
5Adjustments .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Adjustment of the opening range ................................................................................................................13
5.2 Gripping ranges .............................................................................................................................................15
6Operation ..............................................................................................................................................................16
6.1 Operating for devices with automatic release............................................................................................ 16
7Maintenance and care ..........................................................................................................................................18
7.1 Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................. 18
7.1.1 Mechanical .................................................................................................................................................... 18
7.2 Trouble shooting .......................................................................................................................................... 19
7.3 Repairs .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
7.4 Safety procedures ........................................................................................................................................ 20
7.5 Hints to the type plate...................................................................................................................................21
7.6 Hints to the renting/leasing of PROBST devices ..........................................................................................21

EC-Declaration of Conformity
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1EC-Declaration of Conformity
Description:
Type:
Order number:
Grab for prefabricated concrete products FTZ
FTZ-MAXI-50
5310.0363
Manufacturer:
Probst GmbH
Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 6
71729 Erdmannhausen, Germany
[email protected]
www.probst-handling.de
The machine described above complies with the relevant requirements of the following EU directives:
EC-machinery directive 2006/42/EC
The following standards and technical specifications were used:
DIN EN ISO 12100
Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction (ISO 12100:2010)
DIN EN ISO 13857
Safety of machinery - safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by upper and lower limbs (ISO 13857:2008)
Authorized person for EC-documentation:
Name: J. Holderied
Address: Probst GmbH; Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 6; 71729 Erdmannhausen, Germany
Signature, information to the subscriber:
Erdmannhausen, 04.06.2018..........................................................................
(M. Probst, Managing director)

Safety
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2Safety
2.1 Safety symbols
Danger to life!
Identifies imminent hazard. If you do not avoid the hazard, death or severe injury will result.
Hazardous situation!
Identifies a potentially hazardous situation. If you do not avoid the situation, injury or damage to property
can result.
Prohibition!
Identifies imminent a prohibition. If you do not avoid the prohibition, death and severe injury, or damage to
property will result.
Important information or useful hints for the usage.
2.2 Explanation of basic concepts
Gripping range:
specify the minimum and maximum product measurements of the gripping good, which
can be gripped with this device.
Gripping good(s):
is the product, which will be gripped or transported.
Opening width:
consists of the gripping range and the measure to drive over the gripping good.
gripping range + measure to drive over the gripping good = opening width
Immersion depth:
is the maximum gripping height of gripping goods, conditional of the height of the
gripping arms of the device.
Device:
is the description for the gripping device.
Product dimensions:
Are the dimensions of the gripping good (e.g. length, breadth, height
of the product).
Dead weight:
is the own weight (without gripping good) of the device.
Carrying capacity/working
load limit (WLL*):
specify the maximum possible load of the device (for lifting of gripping goods).
*= WLL (english:) Working Load Limit
2.3 Definition skilled worker / specialist
Only skilled workers or specialists are allowed to carry out the installation-, maintenance-, and repair work on this device!
Skilled workers or specialists must have for the following points (if it applies for this
device), the necessary professional knowledge.
for mechanic
for hydraulics
for pneumatics
for electrics

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2.4 Safety Marking
PROHIBITION SIGN
Symbol
Meaning
Order-No.:
Size:
The transportation of non rectangular goods is not allowed!
2904.0213
2904.0212
2904.0211
30 mm
50 mm
80 mm
It is not allowed to be under hanging loads. Danger to life!
2904.0210
2904.0209
2904.0204
30 mm
50 mm
80 mm
Do not lift any components off-centre (always in centre of gravity).
2904.0216
2904.0215
2904.0214
30 mm
50 mm
80 mm
WARNING SIGN
Symbol
Meaning
Order-No.:
Size:
Danger of squeezing the hands.
2904.0221
2904.0220
2904.0107
30 mm
50 mm
80 mm
REGULATORY SIGN
Symbol
Meaning
Order-No.:
Size:
The manual guiding of the device is only allowed at the red handles.
2904.0227
2904.0226
2904.0225
30 mm
50 mm
80 mm

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Each operator must have read and understood the operating instructions
(and all safety instructions).
2904.0665
2904.0666
30 mm
50 mm
OPTIONAL
Be sure that the fork sleeves are mechanically fixed (with locking screw
and safety chain or rope) to the lifting device/carrier.
2904.0223
2904.0222
50 mm
80 mm
Adjust the gripping ranges for the gripping good according to the
list at the adjusting sticker at the device
2904.0355
75x160 mm
2.5 Personal safety requirements
Each operator must have read and understood the operating instructions (and all safety instructions).
Only qualified, authorized personal is allowed to operate the device and all devices which are connected
(lifting device/carrier).
The manual guiding is only allowed for devices with handles.
2.6 Protective equipment
The protective equipment must consist, according to the safety regulations
of the following parts:
Protective clothing
Safety gloves
Safety shoes
2.7 Accident prevention
The workplace has to be covered for unauthorized persons, especially children.
Take care in case of thunderstorm!
The workplace has to be sufficiently illuminated.
Take care with handling wet, dirty and not solidified components.
The working with the device in case of atmospheric editions under 3 °C (37,5 °F) is forbidden!
Because the goods could be fall down caused by dampness or freezing.

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2.8 Function Control
2.8.1 General
Before using the device check the functions and the working condition.
Maintenance and lubrication are only permitted when device is shut down!
Do not use the device, until all faults which can cause safety hazards are removed.
If there are any cracks, splits or damaged parts on any parts of the device, immediately stop using it.
The operating instructions must be available at the workplace every time.
Do not remove the type plate of the machine.
Unrecognisable information signs (such as regulatory or prohibition signs) must be replaced.
2.9 Safety procedures
2.9.1 General
The use of the device is only permitted in proximity to the ground.
Do not swing it over people heads.
The stay under lifted load is forbidden. Danger to Life!
The manual guiding of the device is only allowed at the handles.
While using the device the stay of persons in the working area is forbidden. Except it is indispensable,
caused of the way of using the device, e.g. if the device must be leaded by hand.
The jerky lifting and lowering of the device with and without load. e.g. caused through driving fast with
the lifting equipment/carrier over uneven grounds is forbidden. Because the gripping good could fall
down. Unchecked movements of the device.
Do not lift any components off-centre (always in centre
of gravity), because that could fall down.
The device should not be opened if the opening path of
the gripping arm is blocked by a resistance (e.g. other
concrete blocks or the like)!
The operator is not allowed to leave the control unit as
long as the device loaded with load. The load must always
be in the range of vision of the operator.
Never exceed the carrying capacity/working load limit
(WLL) and the nominal width/gripping range of the
device.
Fig. A
Do not pull out stuck or tightened loads with the device.
Never pull or drag loads sideways. Otherwise parts of the
device could be damaged.
(see Fig. A )

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2.9.2 Carrier / Lifting device
The used carrier/lifting device (e.g. excavator) have to be in good, safe working condition.
Only authorized and qualified persons are allowed to operate the carrier/lifting device.
The operator of the carrier/lifting device must have all the necessary qualifications.
Never exceed the maximum allowable carrying capacity/working load limit (WLL) of the carrier/lifting
device.
3General
3.1 Authorized use
The device (FTZ-MAXI-50) is universal usable for gripping and moving clean and square customary prefabricated concrete
products, with unpolluted gripping surface, like concrete wall units, steps, kerbs, and so on. Connected with lifting
equipment e.g. a excavator or a crane.
This device is series-produced equipped with the
following elements:
universally adjustable gripping range.
suspension bolt for lifting tackle (crane-hook, belt etc.) at
support frame/lifting device
automatic release for the fully automatic switch over from
„full“ to “empty”.
exchangeable rubber grippers.
ATTENTION: The use of this device is only permitted in proximity to the ground.
Only stone elements with parallel and plane surface are allowed to be picked-up and handled.
Because the gripping good could fall down.

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NOT ALLOWED ACTIVITIES:
Unauthorized alterations of the device and the use of any self-made additional equipment could cause
danger and are therefore forbidden!
Never exceed the carrying capacity/working load limit (WLL) and the nominal width/gripping range of the
device.
All unauthorized transports with the device are strictly prohibited:
The transport of people and animals.
The gripping and transporting of other loads and materials than
described in this operating instructions.
Never suspend any goods with ropes, chains or similar at the
device.
Gripping of gripping goods with packaging foil, because they
could fall down.
The gripping of gripping goods with treated surfaces (such as
painting/varnish, coating or the like), because they could fall
down. Treated surfaces lead to a reduction in the coefficient of
friction between the grippers and the gripping good.
The gripping and transporting of non-rectangular and round
gripping goods, because they could fall down (see figure to the
right). 
Transportation of material with “feet”, “bellies” and “blind
spacers”.
The device is only designed for the use specified in this documentation.
Every other use is not authorized and is forbidden!
All relevant safety regulations, corresponding legal regulations, especially regulations of the declaration
of conformity, and additional local health and safety regulations have to be observed.
Prior to every operation the user must ensure that:
The equipment is suited to the intended operation, the functioning and the working condition of the
equipment is examined, and the load is suitable to be handled.
Any doubts about instructions should be raised with the manufacturer prior to use.

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3.2 Survey and construction
3.3 Technical data
The exact technical data (carrying capacity (WLL), dead weight, etc.) are listed on the type plate.
Upper part
Bolt for for lifting tackle (crane-hook, belt
etc.) at support frame/lifting device
Monting plate for
accessories: Adjustable
Height Stop
Automatic release
Handle
Holes for adjusting
gripping range
Position for gripping range
sticker
Handle

Installation
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4Installation
4.1 Mechanical connection
Use only original accessories, in case of doubt consult the manufacturer.
Take care that the carrying capacity / working load limit (WLL) of the lifting device/carrier is not exceeded,
through the load of the device, the attaching devices (turning device, fork sleeves etc.) and the additional
load of the gripping goods!
Mechanical gripping devices always have to be gimballed, so they can swing freely in any position.
In no case it is allowed to mount mechanical gripping devices with lifting devices/carriers in a rigid way!
Break of the suspension may occur within short time. Death, severe injuries and material damage can
result!
4.1.1 Lifting eye / Suspension bolt
The device is equipped with a lifting eye / suspension bolt and can be mounted on various carrier /
lifting devices.
Take care that the lifting eye / suspension bolt is safely joined with the lifting tackle (e.g. crane hook,
belt) and cannot slide down.
4.1.2 Load hook and chains
Fit suspension ring in the load hook of the lifting device/carrier.
Ensure that the single chains strands are not twisted or knotted.
Attaching the device to the lifting device/carrier, take care that all local safety regulation is observed.

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4.1.3 Fork sleeves (optional)
To establish a mechanical connection between the fork lift truck and the fork sleeves you have to put the
forks into the fork sleeves and fix it with the locking bolt or with a chain/rope, connected to the eyelet on the
fork sleeves and the lift frame.
It is definitely necessary to establish this connection. Otherwise the device could slide form the forks.
DANGER OF ACCIDENTS!
1
Fork (of fork lift truck)
2
locking bolt
3
Fork sleeve
4
Chain/rope
4.1.4 Rotators (optional)
When using rotators, a free-wheel throttle valve must be installed.
In order to prevent a sudden speedup and stopping the rotational movements, as this may damage the
device within a short time.

Adjustments
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5Adjustments
5.1 Adjustment of the opening range
Before the product can be lifted and transported, the gripping range has to be adjusted to the dimensions of the product
(see the following adjustment sticker).
Otherwise is not ensured that the clamping force for the secure gripping of the gripping good is adequate and it could
slide down!
The adjustment of the gripping range may never take place on both sides at the same time. Always
adjust the gripping range first to the one and then on the other side.
Release bolt with half ring (1), through pulling out of the splint(2).
Pull the bolt with half ring (1) at the upper part and the opening range adjustment.
Slide the rectangular tubes apart, until the opening range is about 5 cm greater than the product.
Insert the bolt with half ring (1) again and safe it with the splint (2).
The adjustment of the gripping range has to follow general symmetrical.
That means, it must be used in each case the same adjustable hole with both rectangular tubes.
Caution while adjusting of the gripping range. There is a danger of injuring the hands!
Use safety gloves!
Defective safety elements (splints) must be replaced absolutely!
1
1
2
2
Upper part
Gripping range
adjustment

Adjustments
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The gripping range must be adjusted always in the right way (look adjustment of the gripping width).
Otherwise there is no warranty that the tension force is sufficient to grip the gripping good safety and
there is no danger, that it will be slide down.
At the adjusting of the gripping range must be accounted, that the lower nut on the threaded rod (1) do not drive on block
during the gripping action (lifting of a gripping good). That means, to keep a minimum distance from 50 mm between the
nut (3) and the bottom part (2). Otherwise is the buffer of the tension force to low.

Adjustments
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5.2 Gripping ranges
Adjusting sticker for gripping range
Figure 1
It is not allowed to cross over or undercut the gripping ranges!

Operation
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6Operation
6.1 Operating for devices with automatic release
The device is connected to the lifting equipment/carrier (e.g. excavator).
Before lifting the device, the gripping range has to be adjusted.
The device is placed over the product, set down, the device closes round the product and it can be lifted.
Set down on the ground again, the device opens automatically, the automatic release locks it into
position so that the device can be lifted without closing up.
Placed over the next product, the automatic release disengages itself and the product can be lifted.
The device therefore is a ONE-MAN-MACHINE.
Shut-down the device without lifting equipment/carrier only on even ground. The gripping arms must be
opened enough, to ensure a secure standing of the device. Otherwise there is a danger of overturning!
The device is mounted with a automatic release, that means the opening and closing of the gripping arms results through
the set down and lifting of the device.
Pictures the positions of the automatic release


A
Device is lifted through the
lifting equipment/carrier.
Gripping arms are opened.
Device is set up on the gripping
good.
Gripping arms are opened.
Device is lifted through the lifting
equipment/carrier.
Gripping good is clamped and can be
transported to the destination.

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B

/
With faulty switching, the
change-over switch must be
pushed back manually (e.g.
with a screwdriver). 1)
Device is set down with the
gripping good (on the ground).
Gripping arms are opened.
Device is lifted through the lifting
equipment/carrier.
Gripping arms are opened.
(laydown position of the device on the
ground)
1) Otherwise there may be faulty switching and when setting down the load this can cause deformation or
damage of the automatic release!
The jerky lifting and lowering of the device with and without load. e.g. caused through driving fast with the
lifting equipment/carrier over uneven grounds is forbidden
When replacing a defective automatic release, it is essential
to ensure that the slots of the two clamping pins always
point downwards.
The position of the slots must not be above or center,
otherwise there is a risk that the automatic release may jam
when switching!

Maintenance and care
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7Maintenance and care
7.1 Maintenance
To ensure the correct function, safety and service life of the device the following points must be executed in
the maintenance interval.
Used only original spare parts, otherwise the warranty expires.
All operations may only be made in closed state of the device!
For all operations you have to make sure, that the device will not close unintended. Danger of injury!!!
7.1.1 Mechanical
SERVICE INTERVAL
Maintenance work
First inspection after
25 operating hours
Control and tighten all screws and connections.
(The implementation is only allowed by an expert).
All 50 operating hours
Tighten all screws and connections (take care that the tightening torques according to
the property class of the screws are observed).
Check all existing safety elements (such as linchpins) for perfect function and replace
defective safety elements. 1)
Check all joints, bolts, guidance’s and gears for correct function, if necessary adjust or
replace it.
Check all grippers (if available) for signs of wear.
Grease all slidings (if available) when the device is in opened position with a spatula.
Grease all grease nipples (if available) with a grease gun.
Minimum 1x per year
(at rough conditions shorten the
interval)
Check of all the suspension parts, bolts and straps. Check for corrosion and safety by an
expert.
1)
AUTOMATIC-RELEASE
Never grease or oil the automatic-release!
Clean with high-pressure cleaner when the automatic-release is dirty.

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7.2 Trouble shooting
ERROR
CAUSE
REPAIR
The clamping-power is not big enough,
the load is slipping out
(optional)
The grippers are worn
Replace the grippers
(optional)
The maximum load is exceed
Reduce the weight of. the load
(Adjustment of the gripping range)
(optional)
The actual opening width is not
correct
Adjust the gripping range
according to the load you want to
transport
(Property of material)
The surface of the material is dirty
or the material is not suitable /
allowed for this device.
Check the surface of the material
or ask the manufacturer, if you the
material is allowed for this device.
Unbalanced load
The device is not loaded
symmetrically
Adjust the position of the load
(Adjustment of the gripping range)
(optional)
The adjustment of the gripping
range is not symmetrical.
Correct the adjustment of the
gripping range
Automatic release does not work
mechanical (optional)
Automatic release does not work
Clean automatic release with high
pressure-cleaner
Correct faulty switching (see
chapter “Picture of the automatic
release”)
Change the inset of the automatic
release
7.3 Repairs
Only persons with the appropriate knowledge and ability are allowed to repair the device.
Before the device is used again, it has to be checked by an expert.