Section 6: Troubleshooting
SGS1566 & SGS1578 Skeleton Grapples 380-053M
5/2/23
23
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.
Jaws don’t sufficiently 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.
Upper jaws 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
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.
Jaws 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 teeth level or tilted down at
the front.
Rotate teeth back so that the ends at the
front are slightly higher than at the back.
Teeth are bent.
Straighten bent teeth.
Traveling forward while going down
an incline with a slope in excess of
10 percent (5.7 degrees).
Back down steep inclines.
Teeth 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 grapple teeth on a solid object
below ground such as tree roots and rocks.
Never run grapple teeth under ground to get
under a load.
Wedging objects between teeth with upper
jaw.
Do not wedge objects between teeth with
upper jaw.
Section 6: Troubleshooting
