1. INTRODUCTION
With your purchase of the TMG Wrapped Bale Gripper you have made the right choice for the handling of your wrapped
(or unwrapped) round bales. Through its unique construction it requires minimal maintenance.
Before using your bale gripper read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with this machine. Operating unfamiliar
machines may lead to accidents.
This operator’s manual has been written to assist you in obtaining the best possible results from your TMG Wrapped
Bale Gripper. Keep it in a safe place so you can always use it as a reference booklet. If any questions should remain,
however, you can contact TMG, who will gladly assist you.
The bale gripper is designed to fit your front end loader or skid steer and easily adaptable to your quick-attach brackets
(plate). You can grab all sizes of round bales up to 178cm in diameter from any position for transportation and stacking.
CAUTION: Never use the bale gripper to lift or transport people!!!
2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Follow all the rules of operation from the operator’s manual of your tractor or skid steer.
- Use a tractor with a roll-over protective system (ROPS).
- When using the bale gripper on sloping or uneven terrain, always maintain proper stability. It is therefore advisable to
use a wide wheel track setting on your tractor. Also avoid sudden maneuvers and change of direction.
- While moving, make sure you keep the load low and as close to the tractor or skid steer as possible, because a heavy
load can easily tip your tractor or skid steer over.
- Have the rear of your tractor or skid steer properly counter balanced with weights to create optimal stability.
- Comply with federal and local laws governing highway safety and movement of farm machinery on public roads.
- Make sure you place the bales on a flat and solid surface so they do not start rolling or moving unexpectedly.
- When in use, never stand within operating range of the bale gripper and never under a raised load.
TMG BG130 Bale Gripper 4
- Strictly operate the bale gripper from your tractor or skid steer driver’s seat and make sure you have a good view on
your job.
- Make sure the gripper’s arms can move freely and do not jam any hydraulic hoses.
- Do not confuse your bale gripper’s controls with other controls on your tractor or skid steer to avoid unintentional
operation.
- When you are driving and not carrying a bale, make sure your gripper is completely open (cylinder closed) to avoid
cylinder damage.
- Take care! The hydraulic circuit operates under pressure. Make sure that the hydraulic systems of both your bale
gripper and tractor or skid steer are de-pressurized before connecting any hoses between the two.
- Clearly label or tag the hydraulic fittings of the tractor or skid steer and bale gripper to avoid incorrect connection, which
may lead to invert functions such as raising and lowering.
- Make sure that your hydraulic hoses do not get jammed during operation and never operate the bale gripper with a
hydraulic hose that has been pinched.
- Regularly check all hydraulic hoses and replace any worn or damaged ones immediately. When replacing hoses, use
only replacements compliant to original technical specifications.
- Take all possible precautions to avoid accidents when searching for hydraulic leaks.
- Remember that liquids under pressure, and especially oil, can penetrate the skin and cause serious injury. Consult a
