Which GMT grapple saw to choose?

Question 1: Will you opt for a TTC system or not?

Are you not yet familiar with all the advantages and properties of GMT grapple saws? Read more about them here. If you already are, please read on.

As you know, the GMT range consists of grapple saws with the Total Tree Control (TTC) system and without the TTC system. Your load-bearing crane vehicle determines to a large extent which model of grapple saw is more or less suitable.

The TTC system in a nutshell
With this system, it is possible to remove tree parts in a fixed position, The tree section will not tip over after cutting, contrary to GMT grapple saws (GMT050 and GMT035) without this system. The tilt cylinder of the grapple saw and all directions of movement are fixed in the cardanic suspension. Flexible installation and fixed removal at the push of a button! The image is an example of what removing tree parts looks like.

Why and when to choose TTC?
The TTC system was created because retention of sawn tree parts may be important or even a requirement in specific operations or situations. Below are some situations and examples where the TTC grapple saws offer advantages over the grapple saws without TTC.

• Felling diseased or dead tree parts where there is a risk of undesired breakage of dead tree parts due to the load tipping over after sawing
• Work where it is not possible to attach the grapple saw to the tree from several directions, in order to influence the direction of tipping
• Work where there is no room at all to tip sawn tree parts
• Precisely pruning thin branches
• The client requires that sawn tree parts be held in an upright position
• Locking promotes operator confidence and thus contributes to a safer and more efficient work process 

For crane-bearing vehicles with a large working range and/or slow-moving cranes, we recommend the grapple saw with TTC system. Examples include rotary telehandlers and lorries with a truck-mounted crane.

Do you want to know what size investment a GMT grapple saw with (or without) TTC system would be for you?
Please feel free to contact us. Or request a quote.

Request a quote 

❗ Take the maximum weight of the tree parts to be sawn into account
The maximum length of a tree section that may be cut is 6 metres, or less if the maximum permitted weight of the crane is reached earlier. The weight of each tree section depends on the diameter and length of the tree section to be sawn, the type of wood and the current moisture content. The foliage present and the possible influence of wind on the safe execution of the work must also be taken into account.

The GMT grapple saw is designed so that when the grapple teeth touch, they enclose a diameter of 35cm (GMT035) and 50cm (GMT050) respectively. In this way, a good visual estimate of the weight of the tree section to be cut can be made even at great heights. 

We’ve provided this handy table as a support. The values given in this lifting table are for reference only. The maximum weight conditions according to the crane load table and the maximum length of the pendulum load high up in the tree prevail at all times.

In addition, an example of a height calculation and estimation of a tree to be removed is shown below, supported by the image:

1. The maximum reach for cutting down trees of a 10-metre crane is: 9 metres (30 feet)
+
2. The crane is standing on a column/elevation of: 3 metres (9 feet)
+
3. Maximum length of the suspended load: 6 metres (20 feet)
=
Maximum height of the tree: 18 metres (60 feet)

Is your crane brand not listed here? Then feel free to contact us. In all likelihood, there is already a plug & play coupling, but it is not listed here. If the coupling has not yet been made by us, we will manufacture a custom-made coupling with the help of our engineering department. This way, your crane will also be able to connect plug & play with our grapple saws. 

If your plug & play solution is not listed or if you have additional questions or requirements, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to design and facilitate your unique application to broaden our product range.

Does my choice of grapple saw depend on the vehicle I already have?

Yes, your type of vehicle and crane can determine the options for the model and design of GMT grapple saw. To get a good picture of this and understand it better, we recommend you read this section on the page. Everything is described in detail here. 

If you can’t figure it out, please do not hesitate to contact our support. 

Does the type of grapple saw I choose depend on the type of work I am going to do?

As a starting point, your vehicle will determine which model of GMT grapple saw is possible at all. If several options come up, you can make your choice according to the type of work you want to do. You can also include any other equipment you have and want to use in your decision.

•  Do you want to load wood regularly without changing equipment in addition to felling trees, for example? Then the larger GMT050(TTC) is recommended due to its greater grappling capacity.
•  For example, if you already have a larger fixed grapple available, a smaller GMT035(TTC) can increase the working range of the same machine. This gives you new/extra opportunities or may even bring in new clients.

Would you like to know more or exchange views? Feel free to contact us via our support. We are always happy to help you make the right choice. 

Is the grapple saw the same for each crane?

Yes, the grapple saw is identical for each crane. All our models of grapple saws are even made to be plug & play for all brands and types of cranes. This allows us to guarantee the high quality and fast delivery of our products. The only difference is the way in which the GMT grapple saw is connected to your machine.

Sometimes an extension arm is needed to allow the GMT grapple saw to move freely. This is desirable when your crane is in a high position, to prevent it from bumping into the crane. This is the case, for example, with telescopic handlers, truck-mounted cranes and/or excavators.

In the case of a grapple saw with TTC system, please note that the rotator, link and crane point are an integral part of the TTC system. For this reason, we also supply a special (tailor-made) crane point adaptor for this type of grapple saw on a loader crane. This makes any existing rotator and link superfluous. 

READ MORE ABOUT THE PLUG & PLAY SOLUTION 

Which grapple is the easiest to manoeuvre in the crown of a tree?

In short, it is the GMT035TTC.

A frequently heard argument from our customers for choosing the GMT035(TTC) is the smaller size (compared to the GMT050TTC). This smaller grapple saw is easier to manoeuvre through the crown of a tree without bumping into other branches.

This is an extremely important aspect when working with dead wood. The slightest touch can cause branches to break. This is not only dangerous, but also results in more clean-up work afterwards. 

In addition, the GMT035(TTC) has the advantage that its lower dead weight increases the crane's working range.