Section 6: Troubleshooting
4/11/19
AP-SGM1566, AP-SGM1572, & AP-SGM1578 Grapples 380-051MK
22
Troubleshooting Chart
Problem
Cause
Solution
Cannot lift load
Insufficient power to lift load.
Reduce load on grapple or switch to a skid
steer or tractor that is rated for more lift
capacity.
Hydraulic hoses are stretched
and/or damaged
Hydraulic hoses are catching on tree limbs,
debris, or other solid objects.
Replace hydraulic hoses. Stay away from
objects that can catch on hydraulic hoses.
Stop immediately if hoses are catching on
an object and remove object. If helpful,
readjust hose routing.
Hydraulic fittings are
damaged
Hydraulic fittings are not protected.
Replace fittings. Consider installing optional
cylinder shields.
Hydraulic hoses are catching on tree limbs,
debris, or other solid objects causing fittings
to become damaged.
Replace hydraulic fittings. Stay away from
objects that can catch on hydraulic hoses.
Stop immediately if hoses are catching on
an object and remove object. If helpful,
readjust hose routing.
Grapple fork does not clamp
tight on a load
A load taken from a pile can be too bulky to
properly clamp while in the pile.
Re-clamp load once load is free from pile.
Grapple fork does not operate
Hydraulic hoses are not coupled to skid
steer/tractor.
Reattach couplers to skid steer/tractor.
Hydraulic hoses and/or fittings are
damaged.
See
“Hydraulic hoses are stretched
above.
Load is shifting
Hitch is not properly attached to skid steer/
tractor.
Always make certain hitch is properly
attached before lifting a load. Reattach hitch
to skid steer/tractor if loose.
Load is being carried too high.
Recommended carrying height is as close
to ground as possible without hitting
objects.
Traveling and/or turning too fast.
Reduce speed to a safe non-bouncing
speed.
Traveling sideways to an incline.
Travel straight up and down inclines.
Grapple fork is not clamped tight against
the load.
Re-clamp load once load is free from pile.
Load is not centered in grapple.
Center load on grapple.
Traveling with spears level or tilted down at
the front.
Rotate spears back so that the ends at the
front are slightly higher than at the back.
Spears are bent.
Straighten or replace bent spears.
Traveling forward while going down
an incline with a slope in excess of
10 percent (5.7 degrees).
Back down steep inclines.
Spears are bending or
breaking
The load’s center of gravity is not centered
in the grapple.
Reposition load so that the load’s center of
gravity is centered in the grapple.
Load is too heavy for the grapple.
Lift lighter loads.
Ramming grapple into the ground or load.
Never ram with grapple.
Striking solid objects with the grapple.
Watch for objects while moving and allow
clearance when making turns.
Inspect area thoroughly before working in it
and place markers, such as flags, to
indicate potential hazards.
Prying objects out of the ground.
Never use grapple to pry objects.
Hooking spears on a solid object below
ground such as tree roots and rocks.
Never run spears under ground to get under
a load.
Wedging objects between spears with
upper grapple fork
Do not wedge objects between spears with
upper grapple fork.
Section 6: Troubleshooting
