Section 1: Assembly & Set-Up
RG1060 & RG1072 Root Grapples 380-423M
7/17/24
11
Connect Hydraulic Hoses
Refer to Figure 1-1 on page 10:
WARNING
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•
Shutdown power machine and release all hydraulic
•
Hydraulic fluid under high pressure will penetrate the skin
1.
Route hydraulic hoses (#3) through the most
convenient path to access your tractor’s quick
connect couplers.
2.
Clean quick connect couplers (#1 & #2) of dirt, then
connect to the corresponding tractor quick connect
couplers. Make sure quick connect couplers are fully
engaged. If they are not, check the following:
a. Make sure couplers are same size and type.
b. Make sure hydraulic pressure has been released.
3.
Extend and retract hydraulic cylinders using the
tractor controls. If the cylinders operate in the
opposite direction intended, switch male and female
couplers (#1 & #2) on hoses (#3), then reconnect
couplers to the tractor couplers.
4.
For additional help, refer to hydraulic connect
instructions in your tractor Operator’s Manual.
Check Equipment Clearances
Refer to Figure 1-1 on page 10:
It is important to check clearance before putting the
grapple into operation. Make sure hoses are long enough
and won’t become pinched or entangled in the
equipment. Also, make sure the grapple does not come
in contact with the tractor by carefully going through its
full range of motions.
1.
Visually inspect hydraulic hoses for possible pinch
points and shortness. Make hose adjustments before
putting equipment into service.
2.
Start tractor and raise loader arms just enough for
grapple to clear the ground in full forward tilt position.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure quick coupler fittings on the
hydraulic hoses and tractor are clean before
connecting them together.
3.
If necessary, have someone stand nearby that can
motion for the operator to stop if a problem develops
while completing steps 4-7 below.
4.
Fully extend grapple cylinders to close the jaws.
5.
Fully extend and retract the loader hitch plate
cylinders while watching for interferences between
tractor loader and grapple frame. Ensure hydraulic
hoses are long enough and do not become pinched
through the full range of motion.
6.
Fully retract grapple cylinders to fully open jaws and
repeat step 5.
7.
Raise loader arms fully up and repeat steps 5-6.
Purge Hydraulic System
Refer to Figure 1-1 on page 10:
If cylinders operated erratically while checking
clearances, then purge the hydraulic system as follows:
1.
Fully extend hydraulic cylinders to close the jaws.
2.
Shut tractor down according to
3.
Loosen fittings (#5) at the rod end of hydraulic
cylinders.
4.
Return to the operator’s seat, fasten seat belt, and
start tractor.
5.
Slowly retract hydraulic cylinders until trapped air is
purged out at fittings (#5).
6.
Shut tractor down according to
7.
Tighten fittings (#5) at rod end of hydraulic cylinders.
8.
Repeat Step 4, then fully retract hydraulic cylinders to
open the jaws. Raise and tilt forward tractor loader
until grapple frame and jaws can be set fully opened
against the ground. Slowly lower until jaws and frame
are resting solidly against the ground.
9.
Repeat Step 6, then loosen fittings (#4) at the base
end of hydraulic cylinders.
10. Repeat Step 4, then slowly extend hydraulic
cylinders until trapped air is purged out at fittings
(#4).
11. Repeat Step 6, then tighten fittings (#4).
12. If cylinders still operate erratically, repeat steps 1-11.
IMPORTANT:
The grapple hydraulic system may
contain air causing erratic, cylinder movement.