Tree Forks

Compact Utility Loaders

Model No. 22438-Serial No. 240000001 and Up

Introduction

These tree forks are intended to be used on a Toro compact utility loader. They are designed to help you plant trees and large shrubs quickly and effortlessly, plus move all sorts of materials around on residential or commercial properties. They are not designed to plant anything other than trees and large shrubs. They are not designed for use on non-Toro traction units.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product and accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product. Write the numbers in the space provided.

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Figure 1

  1. Location of the model and serial numbers

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety alert symbol (Figure 2), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

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Figure 2

  1. Safety alert symbol

This manual also uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

This product complies with all relevant European directives. For details, please see the Declaration of Incorporation (DOI) at the back of this publication.

Warning

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

Use of this product may cause exposure to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety

General Safety

Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or death.

  • Do not exceed the rated operating capacity, as the machine may become unstable, which may result in loss of control.

  • Do not transport an attachment with the arms raised or extended (if applicable). Always transport the attachment close to the ground; refer to Transport Position.

  • Have the property or work area marked for buried lines and other objects, and do not dig in marked areas.

  • Read and understand the content of this Operator’s Manual before starting the machine.

  • Use your full attention while operating the machine. Do not engage in any activity that causes distractions; otherwise, injury or property damage may occur.

  • Never allow children or untrained people to operate the machine.

  • Keep your hands and feet away from the moving components and attachments.

  • Do not operate the machine without the guards and other safety protective devices in place and working on the machine.

  • Keep bystanders and pets away from the machine.

  • Stop the machine, shut off the machine, and remove the key before servicing, fueling, or unclogging the machine.

Improperly using or maintaining this machine can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety-alert symbol Graphic, which means Caution, Warning, or Danger—personal safety instruction. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury or death.

Slope Safety

  • Operate the machine up and down slopes with the heavy end of the machine uphill. Weight distribution changes with attachments. An empty load-bearing attachment makes the rear of the machine the heavy end, and a full load-bearing attachment makes the front of the machine the heavy end. Most other attachments make the front of machine the heavy end.

  • Raising or extending (if applicable) the loader arms on a slope affects the stability of the machine. Keep the loader arms in the lowered and retracted position when on slopes.

  • Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operating the machine on any slope or uneven terrain requires extra caution.

  • Establish your own procedures and rules for operating on slopes. These procedures must include surveying the site to determine which slopes are safe for machine operation. Always use common sense and good judgment when performing this survey.

  • Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Ground conditions can affect the stability of the machine.

  • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the machine loses traction, proceed slowly, straight down the slope.

  • Avoid turning on slopes. If you must turn, turn slowly and keep the heavy end of the machine uphill.

  • Keep all movements on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

  • If you feel uneasy operating the machine on a slope, do not do it.

  • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps, as uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

  • Use caution when operating on wet surfaces. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

  • Evaluate the area to ensure that the ground is stable enough to support the machine.

  • Use caution when operating the machine near the following:

    • Drop-offs

    • Ditches

    • Embankments

    • Bodies of water

    The machine could suddenly roll over if a track goes over the edge or the edge caves in. Maintain a safe distance between the machine and any hazard.

  • Do not remove or add attachments on a slope.

  • Do not park the machine on a hillside or slope.

Forks Safety

  • Always lower the attachment and shut off the machine each time you leave the operating position.

  • Clean any dirt or debris that may hinder connecting the attachment to the machine. Ensure that the attachment-locking pins are fully seated in the holes of the attachment-mount plate. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for the machine for detailed information on safely connecting an attachment to your machine.

  • When lifting the attachment keep it level and prevent the load from spilling backward.

  • Inspect the forks for damage after each use.

Maintenance and Storage Safety

  • Check fasteners at frequent intervals for proper tightness to ensure that the equipment is in safe operating condition.

  • Refer to this Operator’s Manual for important details if you store the attachment for an extended period of time.

  • Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Graphic

Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.
decal100-4650

100-4650

  1. Crushing hazard of hand—keep bystanders away.
  2. Crushing hazard of foot—keep bystanders away.
decal100-4690

100–4690

  1. Tipping hazard—maximum load capacity is 100 kg (220 lb) when transporting.

Product Overview

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Figure 3

  1. Stationary tine
  2. Moveable tine
  3. Cover
  4. Hydraulic hoses
  5. Receiver plate

Note: Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

Width62 cm (24.5 inches)
Length114 cm (45 inches)
Height32 cm (12.5 inches)
Weight77 kg (169 lb)
Fork length109 cm (43 inches)
Maximum load100 kg (220 lb)

Attachments/Accessories

A selection of Toro approved attachments and accessories is available for use with the machine to enhance and expand its capabilities. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer or Distributor or go to www.Toro.com for a list of all approved attachments and accessories.

To best protect your investment and maintain optimal performance of your Toro equipment, count on Toro genuine parts. When it comes to reliability, Toro delivers replacement parts designed to the exact engineering specification of our equipment. For peace of mind, insist on Toro genuine parts.

Operation

Refer to your traction unit Operator’s Manual for more information on installing and removing attachments on your traction unit.

Important: Always use the traction unit to lift and move the attachment.

Using the Tree Forks

Note: The tree fork is an excellent tool for transporting balled and container grown trees and shrubs. You can also use the fork to move rocks. Maximum payload is 100 kg (220 lb).

  1. If your traction unit has a speed selector and a flow divider, move the speed selector to the fast (rabbit) position and the flow divider to the 10 to 11 o’clock position.

  2. Pull the auxiliary-hydraulics lever to the operator grip to open the tines if necessary.

  3. Drive forward and position the object to be moved between the fork tines.

  4. Push the auxiliary-hydraulics valve away from the operator grip to close the fork tines around the object.

    Important: Be careful not to squeeze a pot or root ball too tightly. Using the full force of the tines on a tree may damage the root ball.

  5. Raise the loader arms to lift the object. Keep it as close to the ground as possible.

  6. Drive to the location where you want to put the object and lower it into place.

  7. Release the object by pulling the auxiliary hydraulics lever to the operator grip.

Transporting the Tree Forks

  1. Place the forks on a trailer or truck capable of carrying them.

  2. Securely tie the forks to the trailer or truck using tie straps appropriate for the weight of the forks and for highway use.

Transport Position

When transporting a load, keep the attachment as close to the ground as possible, no more than 15 cm (6 inches) above the ground. Tilt it rearward to keep the load level.

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Figure 4

  1. No more than 15 cm (6 inches) above the ground
  2. Tilt the load rearward

Operating Tips

  • To maximize the lifting capability, position the tree as close as possible to the fork frame.

  • Never attempt to lift more that the rated capacity of the traction unit/ attachment combination.

  • When transporting a load, keep the fork as close to the ground as possible.

  • To ease the placement of a tree into a hole, pick up the tree near the top of the ball or container.

  • The fork can also be used to lift, transport, and position small boulders and rocks.

Maintenance

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
Before each use or daily
  • Grease the bearings.
    		•
    Every 100 hours
  • Check the hydraulic hoses.
    		•
    Before storage
  • Grease the bearings.
  • Check the hydraulic hoses.
  • Paint chipped surfaces.
    		•
    Every 2 years
  • Replace the hydraulic hoses(or every 1500 hours, which ever comes first).
    		•

    Caution

    If you leave the key in the traction unit ignition switch, someone could accidently start the engine and seriously injure you or other bystanders.

    Remove the key from the ignition before you do any maintenance.

    Greasing the Bearings

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Grease the bearings.
    		•
    Before storage
  • Grease the bearings.
    		•

    1. Disconnect the attachment from the traction unit; refer to the traction unit Operator’s Manual.

    2. Remove the 2 bolts securing the cover and remove it (Figure 5).

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      Figure 5

      1. Cover
      2. Grease fitting

    3. Clean the grease fittings (Figure 5 and Figure 6) with a rag. Make sure that you scrape any paint off the front of the fitting(s).

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      Figure 6

      1. Grease fitting

    4. Connect a grease gun to each fitting (Figure 5 and Figure 6).

    5. Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings.

    6. Wipe up any excess grease.

    Checking the Hydraulic Hoses

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Every 100 hours
  • Check the hydraulic hoses.
    		•
    Before storage
  • Check the hydraulic hoses.
    		•
    Every 2 years
  • Replace the hydraulic hoses(or every 1500 hours, which ever comes first).
    		•

    1. Check the hydraulic hoses for leaks, loose fittings, kinked lines, loose mounting supports, wear, weather, and chemical deterioration.

    2. Make necessary repairs before operating the machine.

    Caution

    Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can penetrate skin and cause injury. Fluid injected into the skin must be surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor familiar with this form of injury, otherwise, gangrene may result.

    • Keep your body and hands away from pin hole leaks or nozzles that eject high-pressure hydraulic fluid.

    • Use cardboard or paper to find hydraulic leaks; never use your hands.

    Storage

    1. Before long term storage, wash the attachment with mild detergent and water to remove dirt and grime.

    2. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or replace any part that is damaged or worn.

    3. Ensure that all hydraulic couplers are connected together to prevent contamination of the hydraulic system.

    4. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is available from your Authorized Service Dealer.

    5. Store the attachment in a clean, dry garage or storage area. Cover it to protect it and keep it clean.

    Troubleshooting

    ProblemPossible CauseCorrective Action
    Fork does not open and close.
    1. A hydraulic coupler is not completely connected.
    2. A hydraulic coupler is damaged or contaminated.
    3. There is an obstruction in a hydraulic hose.
    4. An auxiliary valve on the traction unit is not opening.
    5. A hydraulic cylinder is damaged.
    1. Check and tighten all couplers.
    2. Check the couplers and replace any that are damaged or contaminated.
    3. Find and remove the obstruction.
    4. Repair the valve.
    5. Replace or repair any damaged cylinders.