QM WOOD PLIERS: THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR EASY, FAST AND SAFE USE

In the world of excavator equipment, the wood grapple stands out for its versatility and wide range of applications. This tool, designed to grab, lift and move logs and lumber of various sizes, has proven indispensable in the industry:

– Forestry
– Construction
– Materials handling and recycling.

Wood grapples, with their sturdy construction and powerful claws, enable efficient and safe handling of lumber, minimizing the risk of accidents and optimizing work time.

 

Detail of the wood grapple in the operating environment

It adapts to multiple needs:

– loading logs onto a truck
– arranging lumber at a construction site
– feeding a wood processing plant

In this article, we will explain in detail the features and functionality of wood grapples, with a special focus on the state-of-the-art solutions offered by QM Agri. We will learn how this equipment can improve the productivity and safety of operations and how it optimizes machining processes.

The product

QM wood grapples come in different types. They have a useful opening between 100 and 210cm and a weight from 60 to 480kg. Load capacity ranges between 1300kg and 9000kg with maximum log diameter from 50 to 140cm.

The scope of work includes:

– handling, loading and unloading, and collection of all types of woody materials (logs, twigs, cut or long wood)
– forestry
– lumber yards
– green maintenance
– reclamation
– sawmills
– wood recycling
– green waste management
– agriculture
– wood chip production

wood pliers in grip on log

Installation and storage

To connect the instrument:

– Attach the clamp to the arm of the operating machine
– Connect the hydraulic lines to the operating machine
– Check for leaks
– Lubricate all pivot and handling points
– Simulate all movements slowly to check for proper operation (opening/closing and rotation from both sides)

Finishing the work is very important:

– Disconnect hydraulic lines
– Disconnect the clamp from the arm of the operating machine
– Clean up any debris and do a general check
– Lubricate all pivot and handling points
– Stably store the equipment and place it in a safe place protected from the weather

Useful tips

To always have the instrument efficient and operate safely, it is important to follow some simple rules:

– Operate in strict compliance with lifting limits and maximum claw opening diameter
– Perform periodic maintenance
– Take prompt action if repairs need to be made
– Always check stability and leveling of the operating machine before processing
– Lift only objects and materials of a woody or similar nature
– Use the grapple for purposes for which it was designed and avoid use for excavation or construction demolition
– Grasp the load in a balanced manner, grasping the log in the center and not to the side

 

 

Why choose QM’s calipers?

They are distinguished by:

– High-quality materials, the claws are manufactured from Domex a type of steel that is resistant to wear and tear and the harshest conditions.
– Innovative design that provides a firm and secure grip on all types of lumber
– Wide range of models to meet every capacity and size requirement.
– Ease of use and maintenance with associated reduction in processing costs.

In addition, among the most relevant things they allow:

– handle large quantities of material accurately and quickly
– handle all types of woody material
– improve safety on the job. In fact, very often the material to be handled is heavy and unstable, and with such equipment you can work in total safety operating from inside the cabin.
– operate with a machinist who is able to do the entire job himself, avoiding manual exertion of work that would be heavier, slower and less safe and moreover, in some cases, not feasible by hand.

Finally, these characteristics allow the entire production process to be:

– Fast and accurate
– Well done
– Optimized and significantly reduced downtime

 

 

Occupational Safety Standards

They include:

– Excellent skills and training in the use of the operating machine and the wood grapple
– Clear and visible signage on the job site
– Use PPE
– Knowledge of regulations in case of emergency
– Prepare the operating area by clearing it of obstacles and leveling it
– Ensure that safe distances are maintained during processing procedures
– Proportionate use of equipment according to weight, volume and power requirements

Operators must:

– be aware of the risks
– strictly adhere to regulations
– minimize the danger of accidents
– ensure a safe working environment for all

In addition, it is very important to consult the manual. Learn the correct procedures in order to achieve optimal use of the equipment, including prohibitions on the product and accessories used with it.