515 Wheel Skidder and 525 Wheel Skidder Caterpillar

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Personal injury or death can result from improper wire rope use. Always wear gloves when handling wire rope.

Note: Use the hydraulic retrieval device (HRD) only to retrieve a stuck machine. Do not use the HRD to winch logs.

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Illustration 1	g00539952

1. When possible, position the HRD so that the centerline of the drum is perpendicular to the machine that is being retrieved. The angle of the wire rope should not exceed 1.5 degrees in order to wind the wire rope properly around the drum.

   If the angle exceeds 1.5 degrees, use anchor point (1) between the skidder and the stuck machine.

   Note: The anchor point should be able to withstand two times the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the machine that is being retrieved. Also, make sure that the GVW of the machine that is being retrieved does not exceed the GVW of the skidder.

2. If other personnel are assisting, the wire rope should be reeled out hydraulically. If you are working alone, use the freespool function to unwind the wire rope. Make sure that you apply the parking brake before you leave the cab.

3. Attach the end of the wire rope to a suitable point on the stuck machine. When possible, use a towing eye or a lifting point. When the wire rope is attached, turn off the freespool function.

   Note: Make sure that all personnel remain clear of the operation (at least 1 1/2 times the length of the wire rope).

4. Operate the controls evenly in order to avoid jerking the wire rope and the stuck machine. Operate the HRD at the lowest possible speed for the maximum control. The engine rpm controls the speed of the HRD.

5. When the operation is complete, release the switch. Secure the machine in order to prevent accidental movement. Reel out enough wire rope in order to remove the tension. Turn on the freespool function and manually remove the wire rope from the machine.