Caterpillar GSV-Series grapples feature design refinements for increased performance and durability

The new Caterpillar GSV520 and GSV520 GC orange-peel grapples, designed with features to enhance strength, reliability, and durability, incorporate new easy-loading tines and vertical cylinders that create a profile to facilitate greater material swing an

The new Caterpillar GSV520 and GSV520 GC orange-peel grapples, designed with features to enhance strength, reliability, and durability, incorporate new easy-loading tines and vertical cylinders that create a profile to facilitate greater material swing and more efficient bulk-material handling.

The new grapples, purpose-built for Cat MH3022, MH3024, and MH3026 wheel material handlers, are available in a five-tine-shell configuration, both closed and semi-closed versions, and feature a new rotation design.

The GSV520 and GSV520 GC, which replace GSM25-Series grapples, provide users a choice for matching the grapple to the needs of the operation. The GSV520 GC allows the lowest acquisition and excellent life-cycle value; the GSV520 provides the lowest overall owning and operating cost and optimum life-cycle performance. Both new grapples are suited for use in a wide range of materials, including shredded scrap, long structural beams, car bodies, and solid waste at recycling and transfer stations. The enhanced performance of the new grapples helps waste-handling operations meet the challenges of increased environmental regulation, increased pressure to recycle, and more stringent budgets. Compared with predecessor models, the GSV520 and GSV520 GC models also have lower operating weights for optimum performance and fuel savings.

GSV-Series grapples design

The design of the GSV-Series grapples incorporates high-grade, impact-resistant-steel construction designed to protect vulnerable areas, such as hydraulic cylinders, which have been redesigned to provide added protection for the cylinder rod and to ensure quicker grapple opening time for high productivity and enhanced casting capability.

For greater durability, hardened pins and lubricated bushings are used in all pivot points. Tines have replaceable, cast tips of BHN 445-555 material for wear-resistance. Both new models provide improved structural life and use tips that provide significantly longer service life. In addition, the diameter of the pin at the main hinge point for both models has been significantly increased for greater durability, and the GSV520 features a redesigned bushing at the hinge point. Also, solid-hinge-point construction and more robust end stops further promote durability, and a solid-pin design keeps mounting brackets in an upright position for ease of installation. The GSV520 also features a standard lifting eye on the bottom of the housing for expanded versatility, such as mounting a magnet, as well as the new HR rotator that reduces internal restrictions and results in lower fuel consumption.