VAHVA C Series Instruction Manual

VAHVA GRAPPLES
C, E and KC models
Operating and Safety Manual
Versio 1.6.2020 (English)

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VAHVA operating and safety manuals, and spare parts catalogues are available online at:
https://koneosapalvelu.fi/en/vahva-grapples
EN
VAHVA käyttö- ja turvallisuusohje sekä varaosakirjat löytyvät sähköisenä internetistä:
https://koneosapalvelu.fi/tuotteet/vahva-kahmarit-kuormainkourat-2
FI
Bruks- och säkerhetsanvisningar och reservdelskataloger för VAHVAs produkter finns på webben:
https://koneosapalvelu.fi/sv/vahva-gripar
SV
Руководства по эксплуатации и технике безопасности, а также каталоги запчастей можно найти в
электронном виде в Интернете:
https://koneosapalvelu.fi/ru/vahva-grapples-ru
RU

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Table of Contents
1Introduction......................................................................................................... 4
General .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
The intended use of VAHVA grapples ............................................................................................................... 5
2Grapple parts ....................................................................................................... 5
3Warranty.............................................................................................................. 6
4Safety................................................................................................................... 6
General .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Warnings ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Safety labels ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Follow the safety instructions ........................................................................................................................... 8
Before and during use....................................................................................................................................... 8
Safe maintenance.............................................................................................................................................. 9
Working with oils and chemicals....................................................................................................................... 9
5Installation ........................................................................................................... 9
Before installation ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Mechanical mounting...................................................................................................................................... 10
Hydraulic mounting......................................................................................................................................... 10
6Maintenance...................................................................................................... 10
General ............................................................................................................................................................ 10
Safe maintenance............................................................................................................................................ 11
Greasing instructions....................................................................................................................................... 12
Recommended greases and oils...................................................................................................................... 13
Scheduled maintenance.................................................................................................................................. 14
7Storage and decommissioning of the equipment............................................... 15
Storage ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
Dismantling and decommissioning of the grapple.......................................................................................... 15
8Technical specifications...................................................................................... 16
9Hydraulic hoses in rotator model grapples......................................................... 17
EC Declaration of Conformity................................................................................... 19

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1Introduction
General
This manual contains the operating and safety instructions of VAHVA grapples.
The manual contains information about the structure and functions of our product that is essential
for the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
For more demanding repair and maintenance work, we recommend contacting Koneosapalvelu or
your grapple dealer. Our staff has the experience and specialised tools necessary for carrying out
the more challenging jobs.
This manual contains instructions that help you to use the equipment safely and efficiently. Keep
the manual easily accessible and available for anyone operating this equipment. If the manual gets
lost or dirty, you can order a replacement manual from Koneosapalvelu Oy or from your grapple
dealer.
Specific spare parts catalogues, the operating and safety manuals can be found on the
manufacturer’s website: www.koneosapalvelu.fi
If you sell the grapple, please give this manual to the new owner.
Koneosapalvelu Oy’s continuous product development can result in changes in the equipment that
are not reflected in this manual. If you need the latest information about your equipment or if you
have any questions about this manual, please contact Koneosapalvelu or your grapple dealer.
Regular maintenance and correct operation are the key to ensuring a long service life for the
equipment and the safety of the operator. Therefore, please follow the instructions in this manual
carefully.
PLEASE NOTE
Incorrect use and maintenance of the equipment can be dangerous and lead to
serious injury or death.
Therefore, always observe the instructions provided in this manual when
operating and servicing the equipment.

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The intended use of VAHVA grapples
A VAHVA grapple is a piece of equipment intended for loading and handling timber. The C and E
models of our VAHVA range are mounted suspended on a rotator, while the KC models are
mounted on an excavator with quick coupling. If the model type is E, the grapple is fitted with
spikes instead of jaws. The number after the letter E indicates the amount of spikes.
The maximum permissible load of the grapple denotes a load applied evenly on both jaws. See the
model-specific maximum load in the Technical Specifications table at the end of the manual.
When in use, the possible effect of torque on the structure must be taken into account.
The following accessories are available for the grapples:
-Hose break valve: prevents the jaws from opening suddenly in the event of a hose break.
-Pressure relief valve, if the max. working pressure of the hydraulic system of the machine
chassis is more than 250 bar. The warranty is valid only on the condition that the
manufacturer’s reference values are observed.
-Load relief valve: ensures that the jaws are evenly opened, even under heavy loads, and
prevents the jaws opening suddenly in case of a hose break (KC36 E7 and KC42 E9).
-Demolition jaws for the VAHVA KC36 E7 and the VAHVA KC42 E9 models.
-Gravel jaws for the VAHVA C26 model.
2Grapple parts
1-2
Screw
8 pcs
3
Bearing bushing
12 pcs
4-8
Pivot pin
7-8 pcs
9
Pushrod
1-2 pcs
10
Hydraulic
cylinder
1 pcs
11
Frame
1 pcs
12
Inner jaw
1 pcs
13
Outer jaw
1 pcs
The serial number of the grapple is
indicated on the identification plate and
the frame of the equipment.
The identification plate is located on the
internal wall of the grapple frame.

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3Warranty
The manufacturer grants a 12-month warranty for the grapple from the date of delivery. The
warranty applies to broken parts. The warranty is not valid if any of the following conditions is not
met:
-The equipment must be operated and serviced only in accordance with this manual.
-Only original parts may be used in the equipment.
-The equipment may only be used for its intended and designated purpose.
-The warranty does not cover indirect damages.
The equipment has been checked at the factory before delivery, and it can be used immediately
after the installation inspection. The warranty is valid only if all maintenance work during the
warranty period is carried out according to the schedule specified in this manual.
4Safety
General
If any of the information in this manual is contrary to the local laws and regulations, the local law
must be observed.
This grapple may be operated and serviced only by persons who have received appropriate
training for this purpose.
Please refer to the safety regulations for the base machine, as well as the safety instructions for
using the machine in this chapter and on the machine plates.
Warnings
The signal word “CAUTION”
is used in this manual with the safety symbol.
The signal word “HAZARD” warns you about the most serious hazard situations. The safety
symbols “CRUSHING HAZARD” and “HIGH-PRESSURE HYDRAULIC OIL” are placed near potential
hazard points on the grapple. General safety instructions are given under the “CAUTION” safety
signs. The signal word “CAUTION” is used in the safety instructions in this manual.

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Safety labels
Regularly check the condition of all safety labels and ensure that they are in a good condition and
visible. Replace any damaged labels.
Label V600324 HIGH-PRESSURE HYDRAULIC OIL
High-pressure hydraulic oil can spurt out from a damaged hose. The oil can easily penetrate skin,
which can be lethal. Also protect your eyes in case there is a risk of oil spray. In case of an
accident, seek medical treatment or contact the emergency services (call 112).
Never touch any hydraulic hoses or couplings when the machine is running. Never search for hose
leaks by hand, and always protect your eyes with safety goggles.
Label V600325 CRUSHING HAZARD
Never stand or work near the jaws of the grapple when the machine is running.
Otherwise, you could get crushed between the grapple jaws. When performing daily maintenance,
always switch the engine off, and always lower the loader to the ground, on a stable surface,
taking ergonomics into account.
Label V600339 MAXIMUM LOAD
In KC models, the lifting hook has a maximum load of 3,000 kg.
Ensure that the lifting hook is used correctly. The maximum load refers to direct lifting.
During maintenance, check the condition of the lifting hook and the locking latch. Do not lift with a
defective hook.

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Follow the safety instructions
Carefully read all the safety instructions in this manual.
Replace any damaged safety labels. Ensure that any new grapple parts have the appropriate safety
labels.
Learn how to operate the equipment and its controls correctly. Never allow an untrained person
to operate the equipment.
Keep equipment in good working order. Any unauthorised modifications of the equipment can
impair its functionality or work safety. The manufacturer is only liable for the original content
delivery.
If you notice any cracks or distortions in the structures, stop using the equipment immediately.
When using the equipment, the minimum safety distance is 20 m.
Before and during use
Before starting work, always check that there are no other persons in the operating area of the
equipment, and that there is no risk of personal injury.
Take into consideration the safety distances to any power lines.
Take into consideration the density and the angle of elevation of the ground. Do not level trees
against the ground. Always follow the worksite plan.
Never allow anyone to stay within the 20-metre danger zone. Stop the machine immediately if
you notice anyone in the danger zone.
Never leave the cab unsupervised if the engine is running.
When handling long items, take into consideration that they cause excess stress and increase the
diameter of the danger zone.
Never stand or walk under any items being lifted.
Leave enough space for rotatable, tiltable and horizontally moving parts.
Never exceed the maximum permissible load size of the machine. Do not load trees so that the
trees come over the screen or the loading area.

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Safe maintenance
PLEASE NOTE: It is strictly prohibited to perform maintenance on the machine
when the engine is running.
Never touch any pressurised hydraulic hoses. Never tighten leaking couplings when the machine
is running. High-pressure hydraulic oil is a lethal hazard.
Read more about safe maintenance procedures in Section 6.2 of the manual.
Working with oils and chemicals
Important: Always take environmental aspects into consideration. Close all couplings with plugs
so that no oil can leak into the soil.
Avoid skin contact with oil. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. If any oil gets on your skin,
wash it off immediately. Avoid inhaling oil vapours.
Please refer to the safety data sheet of the substance in question.
Keep the hydraulic system clean.
Carefully clean the area surrounding the maintenance site before starting.
PLEASE NOTE: The output and pressure of hydraulic oil must never exceed the maximum value
of 250 bar specified for the equipment. Exceeding these values can cause
structural defects and damage persons or property.
5Installation
Before installation
Make sure that the necessary documentation is available before starting the installation.
Clean the work environment and consider work safety. Check that the grapple size is suitable for
the base machine. Place the base machine and the grapple on a flat non-slip surface. Make sure
that the equipment rests directly on the jaws. Use suitable support under the base if necessary.

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Mechanical mounting
1. Make sure that the mounting surface of the rotator on the frame is clean, straight and free of
paint.
2. Install the rotator on the grapple frame. The tightening torque is 300 Nm.
-Use M16 12.9 bolts for installation
3. Grease the bearings.
4. Retighten the screws after the first week of work.
Hydraulic mounting
1. Connect the hoses between the rotator and the hydraulic cylinder. Rotator markings:
O = open, at the cylinder rod end, and C = closed, at the opposite end.
2. The cylinder connections, see chapter 9, dimension the hose size according to the output of
the base machine.
3. Test the connection.
If necessary, use a protective spiral wrap on the hydraulic hoses.
If the grapple is mounted on a cargo crane or an excavator boom, used to load cargo, the cylinder
must be fitted with a double lock valve or a relief valve (hose break valve). The valve is piped to
the cylinder.
The maximum operating pressure for the grapple is 250 bar. If necessary, a pressure relief valve
must be installed.
6Maintenance
General
It is advisable to have any adjustments and repairs that require the use of special tools and
expertise to be performed by qualified specialists of Koneosapalvelu or your grapple dealer. Only
use original spare parts for grapple maintenance.