The grab bucket is used to help the excavator pick up, move and sort materials. There is a wide range of grabs for specific applications such as demolition, waste and rock disposal, forestry, and land clearing. That’s why fighting is common on many job sites. The most challenging part was choosing the right grappling hook for the job.

Grapple Trivia

In the construction industry, there is a lot of heavy lifting. Like breaking up concrete and moving it.But the word grapple comes from a tool that helped French winemakers pick grapes. Later, people changed the name of the tool into a verb. Today, excavator operators use a grab to grab moving items at the site.

Job Requirements

First, you need to determine exactly what you need the grab to do. Of course, you’ll focus on the current project first. However, if you choose the right grappling hook, you can use it in multiple jobs. You will increase your productivity and save money. Make the wrong choice and you’ll have a hard time getting the job done.

Jaws

The grab consists of two clamps mounted on the frame of the main body of the equipment. In one version, the lower jaw remained stationary while the upper jaw worked outside the bucket cylinder.It has a simpler design, lower cost and lower maintenance costs.

A popular, but more expensive, grappling hook has a jaw that moves simultaneously. This type of grappling hook is powered by two to four connected wires.

Hydraulic or Mechanical?

One key decision you need to make is whether you need a hydraulic grappling hook or a mechanical grappling hook. Both have their advantages.

Mechanical Grapples

The excavator bucket cylinder drives the mechanical grab. Open the bucket cylinder, open the grab. Of course, the opposite is true. Close the bucket cylinder and close the jaws. The simple design — a rigid arm attached to the excavator’s bucket arm — is the main reason for the low maintenance of the mechanical grab. Compared with hydraulic grab, the failure point is much less.

A mechanical grab can also handle large jobs. From picking up trash to taking it down. That is, they are best suited for tasks that require less precision.

Hydraulic Grapples

The energy of the hydraulic grab comes from the excavator. It is driven by the machine’s hydraulic circuit. This type of grappling hook is best when accuracy is crucial for work. It has a 180 degree motion.

Application Area

You need to consider which grappling hook is best for the job. Each variation has a different application area.

Demolition & Sorting Grapples

• The most versatile solution.
• Able to pick up large materials.
• It creates debris and then picks it up.

Log Grapples

• Focus on forestry.
• Can pick up long or full length lumber.
• Able to pick up bundles.

Orange peel Grapples

• Material handling.
• Ideal for picking up loose pieces.
• It can rotate 360 degrees.

Narrow-tine Grapples

• The thin tip.
• Able to pick up soft waste.
• It’s easier to dig up waste than orange peels.

Specifications

Grab manufacturers list their products with the following specifications. This can help you choose the right grab for your excavator.

Recommended Excavator

This is based on the load capacity of your excavator. You can find this information in your excavator’s manufacturer’s manual.

Weight

This is the weight of the grab. You need to subtract this weight from the maximum weight you can lift if the grappling hook is fixed.

Load Capacity

This is the maximum capacity with the jaw closed.

Rotation

This is how far the grab rotates.

Flow Direction

Pressure of Rotation

Pressure

The specification will determine the amount of pressure applied to the grab when the jaws are opened and closed.

Grapple Installation

Installing a hydraulic grab is fairly simple:

1. The equipment is hooked.
2. Connect hydraulic line.
3. Lock the pin properly.

Before starting work, you should double-check the grip, hydraulic lines and pins for stability.

Grapple Kits

Grappling kit allows you to get more out of your grappling hook. For example, a rotary force extension kit amplifies the rotary force of your grab so you can move heavy material more easily.

Bonovo Grapple rotary power extender sits on top of the grab. They are specially designed for grappling hook models. Using a grappling kit gives you more flexibility to multitask and use the same equipment for different projects.

Consult A Pro

At Bonovo Machinery, we understand everything you need to consider when buying new equipment. To help make your decision easier, we have designed with versatility and cost efficiency in mind.

Wrap Up

The best choice is one that meets your current and future job requirements. The grappling hook kit extends the functionality of your grappling hook. You don’t want a device in the back because it can only handle a limited number of tasks. Professional equipment dealers can help you choose a versatile and cost-effective grappling hook.