LXG300 Series
Grapples
Operating Instructions
35
• Do not risk a rollover by exceeding a winching angle
of ±25° from the centerline of the tractor. If unsure of
winch angle, reposition tractor or use a snatch block.
Whenever possible winch in-line with the tractor.
• Do not allow anyone within 20 ft (6 m) of logs when
winching. Logs can roll in unpredictable ways.
• Choose a flat, solid skidding route for the tractor. Avoid
steep slopes.
• Check that the winching trail is clear of other trees and
obstructions so logs can be winched in easily.
• Make sure the grapple is lowered and the parking brake
is applied.
When preparing to winch
•
Equip the tractor with weights on the front or a front loader
to provide stability. Weight on the front reduces the chance
of the tractor tipping back or to the side.
•
Set the tractor park brake whenever the winch is being used
or the operator is leaving the seat. If operating on steep
slopes is necessary, place chocks behind all the tires to
prevent the tractor from slipping.
•
Lower three-point hitch and grapple to the ground to anchor
the winch and the tractor.
•
Do not use the winch rope as a choker to attach directly to
the log. The rope can be damaged while winching along the
ground. Always use a winch strap or choker to attach to the
log. Damaging the rope weakens it and could break under
load.
•
When operating the winch with no load, make sure there is
some tension on the rope, so it winds in correctly and to
prevent tangling while unwinding.
•
Never use the winch with less than five wraps on the winch
drum, the rope may pull free from its anchor point under
load.
01433
5X
Min�
Fig. 31 –
Winch rope must pass through guides.
Leave minimum five wraps on drum.
•
Never touch rope while pulling a load, if someone is at the
controls, or while operating winch.
•
Always wind in cable under load. Cable does not wind in
properly when not under load.
•
Use a log chain or choker chain to connect to the winch
cable. Do not use a rope or strap to prevent breakage from
abrasion or snagging. Choker chains have a probe on the
end that makes it easier to pass the chain underneath the
log.
IMPORTANT! Avoid continuous side pulls which can pile up
the rope at one end of the drum. This pile up can cause rope
damage.
Stand to the left-hand side of the grapple.
1.
Make sure the rope is passing through the guides to
provide maximum rope protection.
2.
Release the winch rope by moving the winch gear lever to
the right.
Fig. 32 –
Winch Disengaged (Freespool)
3.
Grasp the hook on the winch rope and pull the rope out to
the logs.
4.
Wrap the strap or choker around the log. You may need to
roll the log onto the strap.
5.
Attach the winch hook onto the winch strap or choker.
6.
Engage winch drive mechanism with the winch gear lever.
7.
Select the winch switch on the control selector.
Z94826