The GMT035 TTC grapple, manufactured in the Netherlands, is perfectly suited to any machine that can handle a normal hydraulic grapple – including the Merlo Roto series telehandlers.
The GMT 035 TTC grapple will fit any machine which can accept a normal hydraulic grapple, whether it be a mid-sized excavator, slewing telehandler, forest machine or truck-mounted crane. It has a relatively low weight compared to dedicated forestry attachments, can cut trees with a felling diameter of up to 40cm, and features the patent-pending Total Tree Control (TTC) system.
Safely prune, fell, top, cut-to-length, load a truck or feed a chipper all in one pass, using one machine, the GMT 035 TTC grapple, without touching the ground or causing damage due to falling timber.
The GMT 035 TTC’s features include:
• Adding cross-cutting and felling capability to almost any machine
• Simple assembly without added electrical systems or extra hydraulics
• An increase in safety and productivity without additional manpower, and
• Safe tree felling, chipping or transport, all in one workflow.
The GMT felling grapple saw and felling-head models are suitable for storm clean up, harvesting biomass, and tree maintenance or removal on public green areas and along roads or waterways.
Total Tree Control
At first glance, one could be forgiven for thinking the GMT grapple saw is just another free-swinging attachment.
The unique TTC system, however, also makes it possible to remove tree parts in a fixed position – in other words, the tree section will not tip over after cutting. The operator can block the tilt cylinder of the grapple saw and all directions of swing movement at the push of a button. This function can be just as easily released for faster re-handling of cut material.
Two models
There are two grapple saw models available from GMT Equipment, with 40cm (GMT 035 TTC) and 50cm (GMT 050 TTC) cut capacity, and each is unique in that it has a flexible or free-swinging attachment to the jib arm, with the addition of an operator-controlled swing brake and tilt-blocking function. The flexible rotation provides unmatched manoeuvrability in the canopy for approaching cuts from different angles, such as above branches, and beside, or even behind, trunk sections. Rotating around the trunk also permits doublecutting with the grapple saw, increasing maximum cut capacity to 62cm and 72cm respectively for the two models.
For cases where outright cutting capacity may be prioritised over manoeuvrability, an alternative type of grapple saw from Westtech Woodcracker – also supplied by Forest Centre – is available as an option.
Merlo Roto 50.26 S Plus
The telehandler in the photos here is the mighty Merlo Roto 50.26 S Plus from Tree Care Machinery.
The Merlo has a remote-control function as standard and allows operating the Roto 50.26 from outside the cab from a safe distance. It’s a fivetonne- weight machine with a 26-metre reach, and a 170HP, Italian-built, FPT engine. An auto levelling feature with stabiliser can stabilise the Roto 50.26 S Plus at the touch of a button.
The Roto 50.26 comes set-up for road travel and conditional registration, and combined with the GMT 035 TTC makes for an incredibly efficient and capable combination.
Contact EEA Group at eeagroup.com.au for a demo on the Merlo, and Forest Centre at forestcentre.com.au to find out more about GMT Equipment grapple-saw attachments.
