Iron Grip

By CE Contributing Authors March 15, 2012 View Profile

For centuries, man has sought the best way to pick and place materials on a construction site. Shovels, wheelbarrows, buckets and bed loads of trucks have all evolved the way professional contractors transport everything from dirt to debris. When moving hard-to-hold products (a boulder, log or pile of concrete shards), a grapple on a skid steer is an excellent way to carry awkward materials with precision and efficiency. This unique attachment has found plenty of acceptances — in landscaping, farming, light construction, logging, bridge work, road construction and recycling. If you’re in the market, make sure to consider the ideas below before and after purchase.

Pick the Perfect Grapple

1. What is your application? Will your grapple be used for removing brush, trees, small logs, manure, asphalt, concrete, scrap, recycling or other materials?

2. What’s the width of the grapple? This is determined usually be the size of the base machine or the application itself.

3. Should the bottom be open or solid? An open bottom allows for smaller unwanted material to fall through between the tines. Solid bottoms will capture material for complete removal.

4. What’s the weight of the grapple? Does the grapple fit the machine’s load limit? How much useful load is available for the application?

Maintaining Your Perfect Purchase

1. Lubricate the grapple. Please refer to the manufacturer’s operation manual for the proper maintenance schedule. Use a good water-resistant grease.

2. Walk around the grapple and check for any hydraulic cylinder or hose leaks. Such leaks can cause serious injury if not immediately repaired. Always relieve the hydraulic pressure before performing any maintenance. It takes very little time to do the repair safely, but it can save you downtime and expenses.

3. Check to be sure your grapple is properly attached to the power source and all locking pins are secured and locked into place.

4. If any safety labeling is worn, missing or damaged, please contact your dealer or the manufacturer directly for replacement decals.

Operation of the grapple can be accomplished by reading the manual and getting training from an experienced user. Clearly understand the safety labeling and realize why it is there. Are there any special rules or regulations at the worksite? Avoid side hills or sloping ground that may cause the machine to become unstable. Know the location of any underground utilities. Use of a grapple involves a lot of moving, backing up and turning. Keep other people far away from the grapple when in operation. Know the weight and characteristics of the material you are handling. Wear the proper work and safety equipment. Do not operate the grapple if you are not well rested or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Understand the power source, the application, safety and maintenance. Properly used, your grapple will last you a very long time.

Tom Jaster is director of marketing at Lowe Mfg., based in Viola, Wis.