Crane Grab Bucket

A crane grab bucket is a lifting attachment designed for handling and transporting bulk materials. Mounted on a crane, it is compatible with overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and port cranes. By opening and closing the bucket flaps, it enables the grabbing, lifting, and unloading of materials, making it suitable for handling bulk materials such as coal, ore, scrap steel, sand and gravel, and grain. Depending on the operating conditions, either a mechanical (wire rope-controlled) or hydraulic drive system can be selected.
Important Parameters
  • Capacity: 0.5–20 m³
  • Lifting Load: 1–50 ton
  • Grab Type: Hydraulic / Mechanical
  • Material: Q345 / NM400 Steel

Product Introduction

Grab Bucket loading and unloading operations are controlled by the crane operator; they are easy to operate and highly efficient, and are used in mines, ports, steel mills, power plants, and bulk cargo handling operations.

The grab bucket is one of the main components of a QZ Grab Overhead Crane. Different grab bucket types are available for coal, ore, sand, slag, grain, and other bulk materials.

Visit the QZ Grab Overhead Crane product page to learn more about its specifications, working principle, applications, and customization options.

Types
Parts
Working Principle

Types of Grab Buckets for Cranes

Crane grabs can be classified into various types based on their drive mechanisms and structural designs. The following are some of the most common types of grabs:

Mechanical-Clamshell-Grab-Bucket.

Mechanical Clamshell Grab Bucket

The Mechanical Clamshell Grab Bucket is designed for handling bulk materials such as coal, sand and gravel, ore, and grain. It features a simple structure, stable operation, and low maintenance costs. can be used with a overhead crane.It is suitable for bulk material handling operations in ports, power plants, and other similar environments.

  • Capacity: 0.5–10 m³
  • Lifting Capacity: 3–30 tons
  • Operation: Rope-driven
  • Type: Two-rope / Four-rope
Electric-Motor-Clamshell-Grab-Bucket

Electric Motor Clamshell Grab Bucket

The Electric Motor Clamshell Grab Bucket is designed for light to medium-density bulk materials such as coal, grain, and fertilizer. It is motor-driven, ensuring stable opening and closing and convenient operation. It is suitable for continuous loading and unloading operations in ports and power plants.

  • Capacity: 1–12 m³
  • Power: 5.5–30 kW
  • Voltage: 380V / 50Hz
  • Control: Remote / Cabin
Hydraulic-Clamshell-Grab-Bucket

Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket

The Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket is designed for applications involving ore, wet materials, and sticky substances. It features hydraulic drive, high gripping force, and excellent sealing performance. It is suitable for mining, sludge treatment, and heavy-duty environments.

  • Capacity: 0.5–8 m³
  • Working Pressure: 16–25 MPa
  • Drive: Hydraulic
  • Rotation: Optional
Mechanical-Orange-Peel-Grab-Bucket

Mechanical Orange Peel Grab Bucket

The Mechanical Orange Peel Grab Bucket is designed for handling lumpy materials such as scrap steel, rocks, and waste. It features a robust structure and high impact resistance. It is commonly used in steel mills, waste processing, and recycling industries.

  • Capacity: 0.5–6 m³
  • Lifting Capacity: 5–40 tons
  • Number of Tines: 4–6
  • Operation: Rope-driven
Electric-Motor-Orange-Grab-Peel-Bucket

Electric Motor Orange Peel Grab Bucket

The Electric Motor Orange Peel Grab Bucket is designed for the handling of scrap steel, metal waste, and industrial waste. It is motor-driven, offering flexible operation and high efficiency. It is suitable for use in scrap steel processing plants and port loading/unloading operations.

  • Capacity: 1–8 m³
  • Power: 7.5–45 kW
  • Number of Tines: 4–6
  • Control: Electric Motor
Hydraulic-Orange-Peel-Grab-Bucket

Hydraulic Orange Peel Grab Bucket

The Hydraulic Orange Peel Grab Bucket is designed for high-intensity applications such as handling heavy scrap steel and large metal pieces. Powered by a hydraulic system, it offers strong gripping force and stable operation. It is commonly used in steel mills and scrap yards.

  • Capacity: 0.6–10 m³
  • Working Pressure: 18–32 MPa
  • Number of Tines: 4–6
  • Rotation: 360° (Optional)

Crane Grab Bucket Parts

The Crane Grab Bucket primarily consists of the following key components:

  • Bucket Shell: The main structural component that comes into direct contact with the material. It is manufactured from wear-resistant steel plate and determines the grab’s capacity and service life.
  • Jaws / Tines: The opening and closing mechanism used to grasp material. Depending on the type, it may feature a two-jaw or multi-jaw design.
  • Hinge Pins: Connect the bucket shell to the jaws, enabling opening and closing movements; they must possess high strength and wear resistance.
  • Wire Rope / Closing Rope: Mechanical grab buckets use wire ropes to perform opening, closing, and lifting operations.
  • Hydraulic Cylinder: The core drive component of hydraulic grab buckets, providing gripping force and ensuring stable opening and closing.
  • Electric Motor & Hoist: The drive system for electric grabs, controlling the opening and closing of the grab body.
  • Pulley Block: Used to change the direction of the wire rope and improve transmission efficiency; commonly found in mechanical grabs.
  • Head Beam / Suspension Frame: Connects the crane to the grab body and supports the entire weight.
  • Limit Device: Controls the opening and closing range to prevent damage caused by over-operation.
  • Control System: Includes remote control or cab control.

 

 

 

 

Working Principle

The Crane Grab Bucket performs grabbing, lifting, and unloading operations by opening and closing its bucket flaps. Its operating principle is as follows:

Grabbing Operation

  • Mechanical Grab: The bucket flaps are pulled closed by steel cables to enclose the bulk material, completing the grab.
  • Hydraulic Grab: Hydraulic cylinders drive the bucket flaps to close, providing strong and stable gripping force.
  • Electric Grab: A motor drives a winch mechanism or gear system to close the grab plates.

Lifting Material

After grabbing the material, the crane’s hoisting mechanism lifts the grab along with the material to the designated height.

Transportation and Positioning

The crane moves the grab to the unloading position, maintaining a stable grip to prevent material spillage.

Discharge Operation

  • Mechanical Grab: The steel wire rope is released, the grab jaws open, and the material is discharged.
  • Hydraulic Grab: The hydraulic cylinder operates in reverse, opening the grab jaws to discharge the material.
  • Electric Grab: The motor runs in reverse to open and close the grab jaws.

 

Specifications

Crane grab buckets are designed for handling and transporting bulk materials. Grab buckets of different models and drive types vary in capacity, lifting capacity, and drive mechanism. The table below lists the key performance parameters of commonly used grab buckets to facilitate quick selection of the appropriate model.

Specifications of Crane Grab Bucket

ParameterRange / Type
Capacity0.5 – 20 m³
Lifting Load1 – 50 ton
Grab TypeMechanical / Electric / Hydraulic
MaterialQ345 / NM400 Steel
OperationRope, Electric Motor, or Hydraulic
Tine Number2–6 (depending on type)
RotationOptional 360° (for hydraulic orange peel grab)
ControlRemote / Cabin / Manual
ApplicationCoal, Ore, Scrap, Grain, Bulk Material

Features

High-Durability Structural Design
Manufactured from high-strength, wear-resistant steel to minimize wear and extend service life.
High-Capacity Loading Capacity
The optimized bucket design increases the load capacity per scoop, improving loading and unloading efficiency.
Stable Opening and Closing Mechanism
Smooth and reliable opening and closing movements reduce material spillage and ensure safer operation.
Low-Maintenance Structural Design
The simple design results in low failure rates and lower daily maintenance costs.

Application

Crane grabs are suitable for a wide range of bulk material handling applications and can be configured to meet the specific needs of various industries. The following are common areas of application:

  • Steel Industry: Used for handling scrap steel, furnace charges, and steel slag to improve loading, unloading, and feeding efficiency. Suitable for high-frequency operational conditions.
  • Mining Industry: Used for transporting bulk materials such as ore and coal, capable of heavy-duty and continuous operation.
  • Ports and Bulk Cargo Handling: Used for loading and unloading bulk cargo such as coal, grain, and sand and gravel.
  • Waste Recycling Industry: Used for grabbing scrap steel, construction waste, and other materials to improve sorting and handling efficiency.
  • Power Generation Industry: Primarily used for coal loading, unloading, storage, and transportation at power plants to ensure a stable fuel supply.

Projects Show

Case Show

For this project, we customized and delivered 26 sets of high-efficiency, hygienic, and reliable stainless steel grab buckets to a large-scale alcohol production plant, specifically designed to meet the material handling needs of the brewing industry.

The grabs feature an internal opening and closing mechanism that reduces wear and the risk of failure. They utilize self-weight excavation to enhance penetration and gripping capacity, making them particularly suitable for dense or semi-wet materials. Equipped with SEW motor systems, they offer superior protection and stability, while integrated limit switches enhance safety and prevent common malfunctions. Constructed from 304 stainless steel, the grabs comply with food hygiene standards, ensuring long-term durability and corrosion resistance, and helping customers optimize their automated bulk material handling systems.

Specifications

ItemSpecification
Quantity26 Sets
ApplicationAlcohol production (distiller’s grains, sauce materials)
MaterialFood-grade 304 Stainless Steel
Drive SystemInternal motor-driven opening/closing mechanism
Motor BrandSEW Motor
Operation TypeElectric grab bucket
Working EnvironmentClean / hygienic bulk material handling

Custom Crane Grab Bucket

Weihua offers customized solutions tailored to specific operating conditions and application requirements, primarily covering the following aspects:

  • Capacity: Customized based on material density and operational efficiency
  • Material: Options include wear-resistant steel, high-strength steel, and others
  • Opening Width: Designed to accommodate various gripping ranges
  • Control Type: Mechanical, electric, or hydraulic drive
  • Special Coatings: Anti-corrosion, anti-rust, or high-temperature-resistant coatings
Get Custom Quotation Now
double-flap-grab-bucket-parts

Crane Grab Bucket Manufacturer and Supplier

Weihua is a professional manufacturer and supplier of crane grabs, with over 37 years of experience in the production of lifting equipment. Our products are used in ports, mines, steel mills, and the bulk material handling industry, where we have accumulated extensive project experience. All grabs are manufactured in accordance with international standards and are CE and ISO certified. They have been exported to numerous countries and operate reliably and stably.

We have a professional engineering team that provides equipment selection and technical solution support during the early stages of a project. After delivery, we offer installation guidance and technical services, along with a one-year warranty. If you require a customized grab solution, please feel free to contact us.

Weihua Crane Factory

After-Sales Service

Weihua, founded in 1988, has evolved into a global leader in China's intelligent manufacturing field. We specialize in smart crane R&D and production while offering AGV solutions. Our professional engineering, delivery, and after-sales teams provide one-stop technical support, customized solutions, on-site installation guidance, and rapid-response global services to ensure every project operates safely and efficiently.

Global Technical Support Team
Delivering remote guidance, on-site commissioning, and operator training to ensure rapid equipment deployment.
Comprehensive Spare Parts & Supply Chain System
Maintaining long-term inventory of critical components to guarantee swift delivery and sustained maintenance.
One-Stop After-Sales Service
Providing end-to-end professional support from installation and commissioning to upgrades and troubleshooting.
Regular Inspection & Maintenance Programs
Equipping clients with maintenance manuals to extend crane lifespan and reduce failure rates.
Looking for a reliable crane manufacturer? Weihua will be your trusted partner! Feel free to contact us anytime to discuss your project requirements, receive technical advice from our professional engineering team, and obtain a customized quote. Let Weihua leverage its proven manufacturing capabilities and comprehensive service system to deliver efficient, safe crane solutions that enhance operational efficiency and ensure your project's success!

FAQ

What is a crane grab bucket used for?

Used for handling bulk materials such as coal, ore, and scrap.

What types of grab buckets are available?

Clamshell, orange peel, hydraulic, and rope-operated types.

How to choose the right grab bucket?

Based on material type, density, lifting capacity, and working conditions.

Can grab buckets be customized?

Yes, capacity, material, and control type can be customized.

What is the price of a crane grab bucket?

Depends on capacity, type, and configuration. Contact for a quote.

Customize Your Lifting Solutions

Contact us now via email: [email protected], or fill in the form below.

Please specify your requirement by referring to the following aspects:
  • Which crane product do you need?
  • What is the maximum lifting capacity (in tons) required for your project?
  • Could you specify the lifting height (in meters) needed?
  • Can you provide details on the working environment, such as ground conditions, space limitations, and any obstacles?
  • What is the expected frequency of use and the duration of the project?
Contact Form

related products

Single Girder Overhead Travelling Crane
  • Lifting capacity: 1 ~ 32 ton
  • Span: 7.5 ~ 31.5m
  • Lifting height: 6 ~ 30 m
  • Working Class: A3-A5
Single Beam EOT Crane
  • Lifting capacity: 1–20 tons
  • Span range: 7.5–28.5 meters
  • Lifting height: 6–18 meters
  • Working class: A3–A4
Overhead Slab Crane with Clamp
  • Rated lifting capacity: 10–50t
  • Temperature: 600 – 900℃
  • Span: 10.5–35m
  • Working class: A6 / A7

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