We’re delighted to know that we can make a difference in your operation and would love to take this opportunity while you’re reading this instruction manual to say a special THANK YOU for purchasing a Hustler!
We hope you enjoyed dealing with us and our business partner(s) and trust that we contributed to make your purchasing journey easy.
Here at Hustler we are on a mission to help farmers and ranchers ‘Achieve More Everyday’ with the ‘World’s Best Livestock Feeding Solutions’. If at any stage you have any queries/questions or even a feel like a chat, our passionate team would value the opportunity to help.
We hope you enjoy your Hustler as much as we do, for many years to come.
Thanks again, hopefully we will meet someday.
Kindest Regards
Brent Currie CEO
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a HUSTLER ‘GRAPPLEMAX’ Grapple Bucket. Please read through this manual as it contains important information which you need to know.
Please take special note of the warnings on page 4 and routine servicing on page 7.
Your robust HUSTLER ‘GRAPPLEMAX’ is a quality farm investment that with correct maintenance and operation this machine will give many years of service. Should you have any questions please contact the dealer who supplied you this machine. They have trained technicians who will be able to help you.
SPECIFICATIONS
Pressure
240 bar / 3481 psi
Flow
20 litres per minute
Hydraulic Requirements:
1x set of double acting hydraulics
Tractor Size:
At least 50 HP
Machine Weight
700 kg | 1543 lb
Machine Capacity
3000 kg | 6614 lb
Bucket Capacity
1.23 m³ | 43 ft³
Full Grapple Capacity
5.0 m³ | 176 ft³
WARRANTY
All machinery manufactured by Hustler in 2023 or later is covered by a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser from an authorised Hustler dealership. In the rare event that a defect is discovered, we will repair or replace the product or part at our discretion.
To enjoy the benefits of our warranty, simply register your Hustler equipment online at www.hustlerequipment.com/warranty and ensure that servicing or warranty claims are processed through an authorised Hustler Dealership (original proof of purchase is required).
Exclusions
- Puck board floors on wagons are covered for 10 years, except for fading and conditions caused by excessive ultraviolet light (UV) or outdoor exposure.
- Components are covered against damage due to manufacturing defects for the original purchaser for a period of 2 years. While we carefully select the highest-quality components for our equipment, the manufacturing of these components is outside our control. These include for example:
- Paint and finish are covered for 1 year (normal wear-and-tear from general use is not covered).
- Wearing parts are covered against faulty workmanship or manufacturing defect for the original purchaser, but not for normal wear, consumption, or expiration. These include:
> Batteries
> Filters
> Wear pads
> Brake pads
> Tires > Chain slides / guides
> Bushes
> Towing eyes or pins
> Harrow rings & casings
Labour is covered for all warranty repairs including a reasonable allowance for travel time, but mileage is excluded.
Damage or injury due to ordinary wear and tear, neglect, misuse, abuse, alterations, or modifications, accidental or intentional destruction, incorrect maintenance or storage are not covered.
Consequential damage is not covered, including continued use of the product after any defect became apparent to the user.
Damage due to modifications or alterations made to the product.
Hustler Equipment International are not responsible for any impact to business or financial loss due to the failure of machinery or component. This includes but not limited to:
> Personal liability.
> Work contract or agreements
> Revenue in profit.
Machines Manufactured PRE 2023:
> Production
> Increase in a business overhead cost
- Bale feeders, Bale handlers, Sprayers: 2 years warranty if registered. 4-year warranty if registered online.
- Sprayer Electronic Components & GPS: 1 year.
- Combis, Silage Wagons, Tip Trailers & Accessories: 2 years.
IMPORTANT
• Please read this Instruction Manual before you start operating the machine and observe all safety rules contained herein.
• The Instruction Manual constitutes the basic equipment of the machine.
• Please keep this Instruction Manual in a safe place within easy reach of the user and the operator during the whole period of machine use.
• In case this manual is lost or damaged, you should purchase the new copy, by placing an order in the point of sale or at the machine’s manufacturer.
• In case the machine is resold or made accessible to a third party, you should enclose the Instruction Manual together with the Declaration of Conformity for the machine.
• All the rights to this Instruction Manual are reserved by the manufacturer. Copying, processing of this Instruction Manual or any of its part without the manufacturer consent is forbidden.
INTRODUCTION
It is strongly recommended to read and understand this Instruction Manual before starting operation of the hydraulically controlled grapple bucket and observe all recommendations contained herein.
Note!
Read this Instruction Manual Before start work with the grabs
This Instruction Manual contains descriptions of all risks which may occur when you do not observe safety rules during grabs work and operation. In this Instruction Manual safety precautions which should be undertaken in order to minimise or avoid the risks are listed.
This Instruction Manual also contains the rules of proper use and explains what service procedures connected with it should be made. If any information given in this Instruction Manual is incomprehensible, please ask directly the manufacturer for an explanation.
Note!
This symbol warns about the risk. This warning symbol indicates an important information given in Instruction Manual concerning to the risk. Please read this information carefully, comply with the instructions and act with due caution.
OPERATING SAFETY RULES
User Safety
The Grapple Bucket with hydraulic drive may be operated exclusively by adults who have familiarized themselves with their operation and who have read this Instruction Manual and have suitable qualifications. When operating the grabs you should take all safety precautions, in particular:
• Observe general regulations relating to health and safety at work apart from keeping to the recommendations included in this Instruction Manual.
• Follow the safety instructions of the warning symbols attached to the machine.
• Never permit other persons than the operator to drive the vehicle which operates these grabs and do not allow other people to stay in the vehicle or on the machine during their operation.
• The bucket may be operated only by a person who is authorized to drive a vehicle with the grabs attached, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• The work-stand of the operator during work is the cabin of the vehicle to which the grapple bucket is attached.
• Please remember that there are a lot of places which can cause personal injury (sharp edges, protruding construction elements etc.) on the bucket. When operating it you should be particularly careful when you move near the above critical places, and you absolutely must use personal protective equipment, such as:
• protective clothing,
• protective gloves,
• protective shoes
• Transport of people or objects on the bucket is strictly forbidden.
• It is forbidden to operate the bucket by unauthorised persons who have not read this Instruction Manual.
• An operator who operates the bucket outside the working place should be equipped with first-aid-kit containing first aid measures together with instructions of their use.
OPERATING SAFETY RULES CONT.
• When working with loose materials it is necessary to wear protective clothing suitable for the material being pushed and transported, in particular: rubber boots, gloves, coat, cap and halfmask.
• In case of poisoning or infection you should immediately contact the physician.
• When you drive the vehicle with the operated bucket attached you should keep safety transport clearance – min. 0,3 m.
• Transport speed should be adjusted to the condition of road surface.
• In order to keep suitable control, the bucket should be adjusted to the vehicle in accordance with the recommendations of both the vehicle and the buckets manufacturers as well as the suspension used. The buckets installation - in this Instruction Manual.
• Please remember that the load of each axle of the vehicle with the bucket attached cannot be lower than 20% of vehicle's gross weight.
• Never leave the vehicle with the bucket attached on slopes or other terrain inclinations without protecting it against self-rolling downwards. The fork should be lowered on the ground. You should place wedges under the vehicle wheels.
• Before you start any activity connected with preparation, assembly, disassembly or adjustment you should stop the engine, switch off the drive, make the vehicle immobile and wait until all moving parts of the machine stop.
• After the first hour of operation you should check the condition of all temporary fastenings, e.g. bolted joints.
• The bucket should be stored on flat, even, paved ground in a place inaccessible for unauthorized persons and animals .
• During the buckets assembly and disassembly you should take care and be careful about construction elements responsible for fastening it with the vehicle.
• Before you start work with the bucket you should check its technical condition as well as of a vehicle working with it. The unit, vehicle and bucket must be in good technical condition. Worn or damaged parts should be immediately replaced by the new ones.
• The bucket must be equipped with all protective shields (if they are provided by the manufacturer) which protect against accessing to movable parts. The protective covers must be complete and in good working order.
• Weight of the bucket suspended on a vehicle may affect vehicle's manoeuvrability. In such a situation great caution should be exercised.
• Keep this Instruction Manual accessible near the bucket. When you loan the bucket you should hand it over in good working and technical condition along with the Instruction Manual.
• Before you start work using the bucket, you should prepare it in accordance with the recommendations given in this document. The bucket operation, bucket assembly.
• Lashing additional transport means to the bucket is strictly forbidden.
• Transport of bucket on public roads on the vehicle three-point hitch is strictly forbidden.
• When you start using the bucket for the first time, you should check its functioning.
• Assembly protections of the bucket bolts should be only done with the use of typical protection means in the form of cotter pins. Work with other protective means is forbidden.
• On account of natural wear of materials you should obey recommendations described in this document. Service and maintenance procedure steps.
• Before you start working you should pay special attention to the condition of the buckets hydraulic system. The cylinder, hydraulic hoses and connections must be tight. Worn or damaged parts should be immediately replaced by the new ones.
• During operation the hydraulic hoses are under high pressure. When you connect or disconnect the bucket's hydraulic system with the vehicle's hydraulic system, the system cannot be under pressure.
• Upon receiving and transport of the bucket check its technical condition whether it is not damaged.
• Staying under the raised bucket is forbidden, there is a risk of being crushed by construction elements or transported materials.
• It is forbidden to stay close to operating bucket.
• Don't put fingers and limbs between construction elements of the bucket while making adjustments or overhauls.
• The vehicle operator who operates the bucket must pay attention that no one approaches the bucket or stays close to it during operation.
OPERATING SAFETY RULES CONT.
• During turning or reversing, manoeuvring with the bucket, you should ensure suitable visibility for yourself or look for help of a properly trained person.
• It is forbidden for operating personnel to stay between the vehicle and the bucket when the vehicle's engine is operating.
• Work on the slopes exceeding 8% is inadmissible.
• During working on slopes you should act with great caution.
• Pay special attention during vehicle turns and manoeuvres with suspended bucket, both during transport and while reversing, especially when people, animals or any objects are close to the vehicle.
• A vehicle operating with the bucket should have a cabin.
• Never leave the vehicle with the engine operating. Before you leave the driver's seat you should lower the bucket on the ground, turn off the vehicle engine, operate hand brake, take out the ignition key, operate the hand parking brake.
• Do not wear unbuttoned or loose-hanging clothes while working, assembling, disassembling or making adjustments. Keep them away from construction elements as they may be caught by them.
• The bucket should be disconnected from the vehicle not earlier than after turning the vehicle engine off and taking out the ignition key.
• After finishing work it is recommended to clean and wash the bucket in washing stand fitted with sewage treatment or sediment trap to neutralize waste water.
• The bucket should be stored on flat, paved surface under a roof, in places protected against unauthorised persons and animals, and in a way eliminating the risk of accidental injury, being crushed by construction elements or transported materials.
• In case of failure you should immediately disconnect the drive transmitted from the vehicle.
• The bucketoperation by people under an influence of alcohol, drugs or other narcotics is strictly forbidden.
• All service procedures, which need a servicing person to stay near the bucket should be done only with the bucket lowered on the ground and with the vehicle engine turned off.
• The bucket control may be done only from the vehicle cabin to which the bucket is connected, after taking a seat by the vehicle operator.
Failure to follow the above instructions could cause a risk for the operator and also any unauthorized persons, as well as damage the grapple bucket. The user bears responsibility for damages resulting from the lack of observing the above rules. The grapple bucket is not foreseen to travel on public roads –the grapple bucket transport on the tractor's three-point hitch on public roads is forbidden.
Safety signs placed on the machine and their meaning
1.0
OPERATING SAFETY RULES CONT.
1.2 - Keep safe distance from suspended boom or bucket
1.2.2 - Keep safe distance from the machine. Body and foot injury
1.7 - Keep Safe distance from the power lines
1.8 - Avoid action of fluid under high pressure. Read the Instruction Manual as regards service procedures
2.3 - Wear protective overall
2.4 - Wear protective Gloves
Risks Occuring during grabs operation:
no. Risk Source of risk (cause)
Possible effects of the risk Protective means
1
Excessive strain of the motor system (physical strain)
2 Falling down on the same level (stumbling, slipping etc.)
Work in standing,, forced bent over position, walking, sliding
Motor system diseases, backbone injuries, strained tendons
3
Hitting on fixed, protruding and sharp machine parts
4 Hitting by moving objects
Uneven ground, mess – lying and standing objects, communication roads obstructed, slippery surfaces of the silos
The machine and its environment
Bruising, dislocations, joint sprains, bone fractures, injures
Body injures, bruising, bumps, bruises, cuts
Familiarizing with Instruction Manual, training at the work station with a consideration of lifting standards during manual transport works, proper weight lifting techniques, using other person's help, devices which make moving easier e.g. hoist, hoisting winch
Suitable protective shoes, even ground, focused attention, keeping order, familiarizing with the Instruction Manual
Proper placing of the machine, safe space to move around, proper organization of work, focused attention, use personal protective equipment – protective helmet, gloves, familiarizing with the Instruction Manual
5 Sharp, dangerous edges
6 Movable machine parts
Fodder, accidental turf parts, silage falling down from the machine during transportation.
Protruding machine construction parts, use of manual tools
Movable machine elements, sliding piston rods of hydraulic cylinders, lack of movable parts shielding
Bruising, cuts
Finger and hand injuries, scratches, catching loose clothes on protruding parts
Dragging in, limb injures, crushing of fingers and palms
Focused attention, marking of dangerous zone, ban on moving nearby working machine, ban on staying under suspended weightraised machine, wearing personal protective equipment – protective helmet, glasses, familiarizing with the Instruction Manual
Personal protective equipment –protective gloves, working uniform buttoned up, focused attention
Ban on moving nearby working machine, focused attention, use of movable parts shields, familiarizing with the Instruction Manual
7 Suspended and standing machine weight, loaded machine weight
Improper assembly, aggregation, bad positioning of the machine, improper operation, leaving the suspended machine on tractor, improper loading of transported fodder
Work done in differential weather conditions
Too high revolutions of the vehicle engine, damaged, loose vibrating parts of the machine
Bruising, feet and palms crushing
Focused attention, ban on staying under suspended weight - raised machine, using personal protective equipment - safety boots, safety gloves, safe placing of the machine, using other person’s help, using jacks, cranes, familiarizing with the Instruction Manual
Overheating (thermal shock), sun burnings
Irritation, lack of concentration, neurosis
Suitable protective clothing, drinks, creams with filters, taking breaks, familiarizing with the Instruction Manual, vehicle cabin ventilation
Work with the vehicle and the machine in good working order, routine maintenance, proper vehicle engine revolutions, familiarizing with the Instruction Manual
INTENDED USE OF THE DEVICE
The Grapple Bucket is intended to be used for loading, unloading, collection, storing of bales of silage, hay or straw, fodders, dirt, wastes and manure, and transporting them on closed company area. The Grapple Bucket can connect to a vehicle with the use of the following fastenings: TUZ I, TUZ II, TUZ III, EURO, SMS, ISO. The device performs perfectly well after being fitted on all frontal loaders of TUR type. The clamping system should be chosen in accordance with User Manual of the vehicle and the bucket.
The working element of the Grapple Bucket is its fully fabricated grapple arms, crafted like an excavator boom designed for increased clearance around bales while maximising strength and clamping power.
The GrappleMax employs high-grade materials like RockGuard™ 400 (AR400) and RockGuard™ 500 wear plates (AR500), surpassing the industry norm of 350-grade wear plates. This ensures exceptional wear resistance, contributing to an extended lifespan for the machine
Meeting the requirements concerning machine use, servicing and repairs in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and strict observance of them is the condition of intended use of the machine. The fork should be used, operated and repaired exclusively by the persons who know its characteristics and are familiarized with health and safety at work rules.
When unsure if the machine is suitable for your intended use case, please contact your Hustler dealer to answer any questions.
DEVICE DESCRIPTION
Fig.1 General view
The hydraulic driven grapple arms are adapted to work with a vehicle which has power hydraulic system as a standard of the rear and front fastenings used in agricultural vehicles.
Basic tool fastening systems used in the case of forks are as follows:
• TUZ I, TUZ II, TUZ III, TUZ IV Hitch types
• EURO hitch type
• SMS type coupling
The Grapple Bucket is built of two articulated main construction elements. The first elements – grapple arms that are attached or removed quickly via two pins, are made of fully fabricated thick steel plate. Bolt on reinforced tines made of RockGuard™ 400 (AR400) are fitted to the end of the arms.
The second element – bucket is a triple reinforced fabricated design, employing high strength wear platesy. The cutting edge of the bucket is RockGuard™ 500 (AR500), and the floor and side plates are RockGuard™ 400.
Bolt on teeth made from RockGuard™ 500 wear plates (AR500) are fitted to the base of the bucket along the cutting edge.
The arms are connected to the bucket with an articulated joint and hydraulic rams that are protected from damage with large steel shields, with the hoses
The hydraulic system which after being connected to the vehicle is controlled from the operator's cabin allows for smooth work of the arms in the range of 100˚.
DEVICE DESCRIPTION CONT.
Fig. 2 The Grapple Bucket with the arms raised
Equipment and accessories
Basic
The basic equipment of the grabs consists of:
• Hydraulic control system with power hydraulic system piping and hoses
• Instruction Manual
• Warranty card
Hand-held warning-lighting device and triangle marking plate for slow-moving vehicles do not belong to the basic equipment of the bucket. You can buy them at the manufacturer and in the agricultural machines depot for additional cost. Every user of the bucket should have a warning-lighting device in good working order and a triangle marking plate for slow-moving vehicles. Ignoring their use during transport and work can result in accident. The machine user is responsible for damages resulting from an accident.
Pressure of Silage Grabs control system
The pressure operation is controlled from the vehicle operator cabin. The bucket is equipped with power hydraulic system terminals which after being connected to the power hydraulic system of the vehicle ensure smooth control of its work.
fig. 3 The Grapple Bucket hydraulic system
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
All activities connected with the buckets servicing can be done by the operator of the vehicle to which the buckets are attached, provided that they are authorised to operate the vehicle. The buckets servicing is only possible after reading the Instruction Manual.
All service and maintenance works should be done with the vehicle engine stopped, released pressures and zeroed revolutions, with active vehicle and machine protections.
After work servicing
Each time, after finishing work, the bucket should be cleaned and placed on a flat hardened surface. Then you should make an inspection of connections of parts and assemblies. Worn or damaged parts should be immediately replaced by new or repaired ones. You should check all screw connections and tighten any that are loose in accordance with the table 3 of bolt and nut tightening torque values. All safety signs placed on the bucket, triangle plate distinguishing slow-moving vehicles should be kept clean.
fig. 3 Table no.3 Bolt and nut tightening torque values
After Season Maintenance
Includes all operation steps listed in paragraph entitled: After work servicing. Additionally, the bucket should be stored under a canopy on a flat hardened surface. It is recommended to place wooden blocks under the buvket to keep it raised off the floor. You should make sure that paint cover is maintained. If there is no paint in some places you should clean up the areas and apply new protection coating layer to ensure optimal protection from the elements.
In case of leaks in the hydraulic system you should definitely replace damaged parts and assemblies of the system to prevent environment contamination and injury.
Hydraulic hoses should be replaced every 5 years independent of their exterior condition.
Lubrication of movable connections
Lubrication of movable connections of the bucket is the basic maintenance operation step. All movable parts should be protected with ŁT-42 grease once a season. Clean all connections from dirt and old used grease before lubrication. If you notice any traces of wear or damage, replace used parts with the new ones.
Avoid contact with oil!
Use the following personal protective equipment: protective clothes, boots, gloves and glasses
Scrapping, the environment
In case of total wear of the machine to the level not allowing for its further use, it should be scrapped. This also concerns routine repairs or replacement of damaged parts. With the aim of doing it, the machine should be carefully cleaned. Then you should disassemble the machine and segregate parts according to the types of used materials. Segregated parts should be passed to the scrap heap or for utilization. The machine is a fully environmental friendly product. The materials used for its production are recyclable in 97%. Used parts of the machine should be utilized in accordance with local environment protection law. During the whole period of machine use you shouldn't allow for oil leak, which can cause environment pollution.
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
Removing the Grapple Arms from the Bucket
Step 1: Lower the arms into the closed position.
Disconnect the hoses from the machine, and remove the two loose fitting pins connecting the arms to the bucket.
The arms can be removed with or without a second machine to lift them as shown below.
With a second machine or gantry
Step 2: Tie a lifting strop around each arm at the spear end of the ram as highlighted. Lift the arms off the bucket and place slowly to the ground for storage.
The arms are not attached to the bucket so extreme care is to be takenwhile removing them.
Without a second machine or gantry
Step 2: Lower the bucket as close to the ground as possible and crowd the bucket forward as shown. The arms will slide off of the bucket and remain on the ground.
Attaching the Grapple Arms to the Bucket
Without a second machine or gantry
Step 1: With the arms sitting on the ground in front of the machine, crowd the bucket forward as far as possible and locate the pin at the base of the arm in the hook as shown.
Carefully crowd the bucket back until the arm beam contacts the back of the bucket. Ensuring the pin remains located in the hook.
Step 2: Insert both pins to fit the arms to the bucket, with a lynch pin to secure them.
Step 3: Attach the hoses to the machine and begin work.
With a second machine or gantry
Step 2: Tie a lifting strop around each arm at the spear end of the ram as highlighted.
Step 3:Lift the arms onto the bucket with the pins at the base of the arms locating into the hooks on the bucket, ensuring the weight of the arms continue to be supported.
Step 4: Lower the arms and insert both pins to fit the arms to the bucket, with a lynch pin to secure them. Remove the strops.
Step 5: Attach the hoses to the machine and begin work.
MAINTENANCE LOG
This record is to stay with the instruction manual and be used as proof of upkeep should a claim be lodged. Hustler requires you to keep track of approx 12 monthly maintenance by having your service provider routinely fill out the log, or by keeping receipts of work done. Routine checks will save ongoing repair costs. Pre-season is the best time for this. Excluded items are wear parts and electric components.
Purchase Date
SERVICE
1
Machine serial number
(12-15 MONTHS FROM PURCHASE DATE)
Date of service ____________________
Number of bales / hectares sprayed ___________________________________
Signature and Dealer Name ____________________________________________
SERVICE 2 (24-30 MONTHS)
Date of service
Number of bales / hectares sprayed
Signature and Dealer Name
SERVICE 3 (36-42 MONTHS)
Date of service ____________________
Number of bales / hectares sprayed ___________________________________
Signature and Dealer Name ____________________________________________
SERVICE 4 (48-55 MONTHS)
Date of service
Number of bales / hectares sprayed
Signature and Dealer Name
CHECKLIST
Grease all nipples
All fastenings tight
Wear parts replaced (bushes, cables etc. are not covered items)
Secure all hoses and clamps
Drive components not wobbly
Wash down + Throughly
Inpect Machine
Chassis/boom Hairline Cracks repaired
General Inspection of construction
REGISTER YOUR WARRANTY
Register your warranty online! Scan the QR Code to register your warranty. Or visit www.hustlerequipment.com/warranty
Follow our 3 easy steps:
1. Dealer or end user? Click which applies to you.
2. Follow the instructions and fill out the info required
3. Submit your form!
Note: The machine is NOT covered by warranty until the EUSA Product Registration form and your warranty form is completed!
GRAPPLEMAX GRAPPLE BUCKET
NEW ZEALAND - GLOBAL HQ
Free call: 0800 487 853
Email: sales@hustlerequipment.com
After sales: 06 873 9520
PO Box 2127 Stortford Lodge Hastings, 4153 New Zealand
