The provided document is an operation and maintenance manual for the Blue Diamond Mini Series Root Grapple, an attachment designed for skid steer loaders.
Function Description
The Blue Diamond Mini Series Root Grapple is an attachment for skid steer loaders, primarily used for ground-engaging applications and material handling, specifically for tasks involving brush, trees, roots, and other debris. Its main function is to clamp and move loads, allowing operators to clear land, handle materials, and perform various landscaping or construction tasks. The grapple operates using the skid steer's auxiliary hydraulic system, with controls for opening and closing the grapple arms located in the operator's cab. It is designed to connect to standard skid steer attachment plates.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual provides a parts breakdown for both single and double clamp configurations, listing specific part numbers and quantities for various components. While detailed dimensions and weight specifications are not explicitly stated in the provided pages, the parts lists indicate different main frame sizes (36", 42", 44", 50") for the single clamp model and a 50" main frame for the double clamp model, suggesting variations in grapple capacity and size.
Key components include:
- Main Frame: Available in multiple sizes.
- Clamp(s): One for single clamp models, two for double clamp models.
- Cylinder(s): Hydraulic cylinders responsible for operating the clamp(s).
- Pins: Clamp pivot pins, rear cylinder pins, front cylinder pins.
- Hose Set: Hydraulic hoses for connecting to the skid steer's auxiliary circuit.
- Couplers: Female and male couplers for hydraulic connections.
- Fittings: Various hydraulic fittings, including cylinder fittings, restrictor fittings, and coupler fittings.
- Pin Retaining Hardware: Bolts and nuts to secure pins.
Torque Specifications (Standard Hardware and Lock Nuts):
The manual includes a comprehensive table for torque specifications for different bolt types (SAE Grade 5 and SAE Grade 8) and sizes (1/4" to 1"). These specifications are critical for ensuring proper assembly and safety. For example:
- 1/4" SAE Grade 5 (Silver): 55 in/lb (6.2 N•m)
- 1/4" SAE Grade 8 (Silver): 121 in/lb (13.6 N•m)
- 1" SAE Grade 8 (Silver): 773 ft/lb (1048 N•m)
Usage Features
The manual emphasizes safe and efficient operation, providing detailed instructions for connecting, operating, and troubleshooting the grapple.
Skid Steer Requirements:
- Requires a skid steer with adequate horsepower and weight.
- Tracked loaders are recommended for ground-engaging applications, while wheeled loaders may be better for above-ground material handling.
- Must connect to the skid steer's attachment plate and utilize an auxiliary hydraulic circuit controlled by a switch, pedal, or handle in the cab.
- Operators should consult their skid steer's manual for precise instructions on activating, reversing, and neutralizing the auxiliary circuit, as well as for height and tilt functions.
- The skid steer may have a "float" function for lowering, useful for following ground contours.
Pre-Operation and Initial Startup:
- Walkaround Inspection: Before each use, check shields, guards, loose bolts, safety decals, and hydraulic leaks.
- Initial Startup (Purging Air): After connecting, lift the attachment 10" off the ground. With the skid steer engine just above idle, slowly engage the auxiliary hydraulic flow to fully open and close the grapple arm(s) two times to purge air from the system.
- Hydraulic Oil Level: Check and add hydraulic oil to the skid steer if necessary, before and after the air purging process.
- Direction of Grapple Function: If the grapple operates in the opposite direction, swap the quick disconnect couplers on the attachment hoses.
Operating Tips:
- Safety First: Always contact "Digger's Hotline" before digging, keep bystanders clear (10 feet/3m), wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Load Management: Center the load, estimate the load center, and reposition if unbalanced. Avoid overloading, which can cause spinning tracks/tires, ruts, and reduced tractive power.
- Clamping: After loading, clamp the arms over the load, roll the attachment back, and retighten the clamp arm pressure to secure the load. The clamp is for clamping, not pushing or pulling trees or structures.
- Awareness: Pay attention to tree branches or roots that could damage hydraulic parts or enter the cab. Be careful of "whipping" branches/roots.
- Environmental Awareness: Use dust suppression/collection and PPE when operating in dusty conditions to prevent respiratory disease.
- Work Area Inspection: Always inspect the work area for utilities, rocks, fence posts, or other objects that could be damaged or cause damage to the attachment.
- Electrical Lines: Exercise extreme caution around low-hanging electrical lines.
- Hydraulic Connections: Clean quick-disconnect couplers before connecting and use caps to protect ends when not in use.
Troubleshooting:
The manual includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues:
- Hydraulic oil level goes down: Leak at hoses or in skid steer hydraulic system.
- Grapple does not open/close: Quick disconnects not connected, hose damaged, skid steer auxiliary circuit inoperative, restricted hose, bad circuit relief on skid steer, or auxiliary valve spool not shifting properly.
- Grapple moves very slow: Grapple cylinder seals bypassing.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines a maintenance schedule to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the grapple.
Before Every Use:
- Check all fasteners (nuts, bolts, pins, keepers) for proper location and tightness.
- Inspect and replace any worn, torn, or missing safety decals.
- Investigate and repair any oil leaks.
- Lubricate all pivot joints with #2 lithium grease.
Every Week:
- Check the condition of the grapple frame and repair if necessary.
After Every Season:
- Inspect the implement for any loose or worn parts that may need replacement.
- Clean and repaint any worn or scratched areas to prevent rusting.
- Replace any lost or damaged warning decals.
- Store the implement in a shed or covered with a waterproof tarp in an area not frequented by children.
Hydraulic System Maintenance:
- Safety: Always release hydraulic system pressure before removing the attachment or performing any hydraulic system service work.
- Leak Detection: Never use hands or other body parts to locate a hydraulic leak, as even a small stream of oil can penetrate the skin and cause serious injury.
Warranty:
- Manufacturer's Limited Warranty: Blue Diamond Attachments warrants new products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for twelve (12) months for the Mini Root Grapple from the date of delivery to the original purchaser.
- Limitations: The warranty does not cover machines repaired or altered outside the factory or authorized dealership, misuse, negligence, accident, or exceeding recommended machine rated capacity.
- Claim Process: Claims must be filed with Blue Diamond Attachments before work is performed. The warranty excludes freight, delivery charges, dealer mileage, service calls, and pickup/delivery charges.
- Exclusions: No warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is implied. The company is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. The buyer assumes all liability for personal injury and property damage from handling, possession, or use of the goods.
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