SCREEN AS 1726104 - Caterpillar

Tong rotationPosition Tongs Over Load
Hoses must always face the load. Pick up loads only when the hydraulic hoses on the head face the load. If you've rotated the head enough so that the hoses on the head face the machine the head may bind, damaging the grapple. Never operate the head or skid logs when the head is rotated against the stops.
Tong open and closeGrab and Drop the LoadPull lever to close tongs. This is all that is necessary if the grapple is equipped with the ESCO Continuous Tong Pressure System (CTP). If it doesn't have CTP, or if skidder hydraulic system is open centered, pull the lever again after logs are lifted and settled, and repeat as needed during skidding to keep logs tight. Boom up and downRaise or Lower Load Practice emptyAfter you have mastered the controls, practice skidding and decking loads. Emergency dumpAlways be prepared to drop logs in an emergency.CTP System
If the grapple is equipped with the ESCO CTP (Continuous Tong Pressure) system, operate the controls the same way. The only difference is that you don't need to be concerned with tightening the tongs on the load once the load is bundled.The tongs are automatically kept tight by the special circuit and pressurized nitrogen in the accumulator tank.Skidding
Primary RoadsEstablish primary roads with secondary skid trails to logs. Primary roads are usually 300 feet (90 m) to 600 feet (180 m) long; up to 1,000 feet (300 m) on easy terrain. Short secondary roadsSecondary trails are normally about 50 feet (15 m) to 60 feet (18 m) long. Tree butts toward trailTrees should be felled with butts facing the trail and at a convenient angle for pickup. Note the "herringbone" pattern of felling in areas 5 and 6. Start at backIt is usually best to skid from the back of the road or trail. Pick up loads from rear areas first in a pattern similar to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 sequence. This way, you can see how the logs are lying and also plan your moves as you approach.Pick up poorly placed trees and drop them onto the side of the trail for pickup and skidding at a better time. For example, return trips to areas 1 or 2 would be convenient times to position trees from area 3 on or near the trail. Then, you can pick them up with loads from area 4 or 5.Picking up
Pick up logs not more than 3 feet (1 m) from their ends so they will not interfere with tires and grapple movements.The ESCO grapple head does not rotate continuously, so caution should be taken when picking up logs.
Hoses must always face the load. Pick up loads only when the hydraulic hoses on the head face the load. If you've rotated the head enough so that the hoses on the head face the tractor the head may bind, damaging the grapple. Never operate the head or skid logs when the head is rotated against the stops.
Bunching
Move