2001/07/09 Caterpillar

Forwarders:

554 (S/N: 1AM1-UP)

574 (S/N: 1FM1-UP)

Description of Change: Improved grapple tongs are now used on forwarders. The improved grapple tongs have been redesigned with an improved stop in order to prevent the tongs from passing through the stop position. The former grapple tongs may also be modified with an improved stop.

Adaptable To: The 205-1095 Grapple and 205-1096 Grapple are effective with 554 (S/N: 1AM241-UP) and 574 (S/N: 1FM279 and 287-UP) Forwarders. The improved grapple tongs are adaptable to first production of the listed forwarders.

Note: If a grapple tong of the former design is replaced with a grapple tong of the new design, both of the grapple tongs must be replaced. A grapple tong of the former design and a grapple tong of the new design cannot be used together.

1. Park the machine on a smooth, level surface. Stop the engine. Lower the grapple to the ground. Support the grapple at the rotator with a sling and a hoist. Secure the grapple in order to prevent movement when the grapple tongs are removed.

2. Refer to Service Manual module, RENR3025, "Disassembly and Assembly, 554 Forwarder and 574 Forwarder Machine Systems", "Grapple Cylinder - Remove". Perform Step 1 through Step 6 in the material that is referenced.

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Illustration 1	g00776500

3. Remove cotter pin and nut (1) from both sides of the grapple tong. Remove pin (2) from both sides of the grapple tong. Remove the grapple tong with a suitable lifting device. The weight of the grapple tong is approximately 70 kg (154 lb).

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Illustration 2	g00776501

4. Remove cotter pin and nut (3) from both sides of the grapple tong. Remove pin (4) from both sides of the grapple tong. Remove the grapple tong with a suitable lifting device. The weight of the grapple tong is approximately 70 kg (154 lb).

5. Install the new 205-1095 Grapple and 205-1096 Grapple in place of the former grapple tongs.

6. Install pins (2) and pins (4). Install nuts and cotter pins (1) and (3) .

7. Refer to Service Manual module, RENR3025, "Disassembly and Assembly, 554 Forwarder and 574 Forwarder Machine Systems", "Grapple Cylinder - Install" for instruction on the assembly of the grapple cylinder.

Note: The following procedure is only for the modification of the former grapple tongs. Do not perform the following steps on the new grapple tongs.

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Illustration 3	g00790535
Manufactured Plate (A) 16 mm (0.6 inch). (B) 40 mm (1.6 inch). (C) 60 mm (2.4 inch). (D) 4 mm (0.16 inch) Radius (3 places).

8. Two plates will need to be manufactured before beginning the modification procedure. The plate dimensions are shown in Illustration 3. The plates can be made from any type of mild steel that can be welded.

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Illustration 4	g00790563
(5) Manufactured Plate (E) 5 mm (0.2 inch). (F) 40 mm (1.6 inch)

9. Weld a manufactured plate (5) to the inside of each side of the wide jaw. Hold the 60 mm (2.4 inch) side to the jaw. Face the 40 mm (1.6 inch) side of the manufactured plate toward the frame of the grapple. Keep the grapple slightly open during installation. Maintain a 5 mm (0.2 inch) gap between the tip of the wide jaw and the narrow jaw. Weld the manufactured plates so that the 40 mm (1.6 inch) side is in contact with the grapple frame. Only weld along the 60 mm (2.4 inch) side.

10. Allow the weld to cool. Paint the welded areas.