Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket

A Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket is a crane attachment with hydraulically operated shells for scooping, lifting and discharging loose bulk materials. Hydraulic cylinders control the opening and closing of the shells, giving the operator direct control of the grabbing and discharge cycle. It is used with overhead cranes, gantry cranes, port cranes and other compatible lifting systems. Common materials include coal, ore, sand, gravel, grain and other loose bulk cargo. Grab capacity and shell design are selected according to material density, crane capacity and handling requirements.

Важные Параметры

Drive Type: Hydraulic
Grab Capacity: 0.5–15 m³ (customizable)
Applicable Materials: Coal, Ore, Sand, Gravel, Grain
Applicable Cranes: Overhead / Gantry / Port Cranes

Product Overview

A hydraulic clamshell grab bucket is a crane-suspended attachment that scoops, lifts, and discharges loose bulk materials through hydraulically actuated shells. It is also known as a hydraulic grab, an electro-hydraulic grab, or a motor-hydraulic grab bucket. Cylinders drive the jaws directly, so the operator controls the closing and opening cycle rather than relying on rope reeving.

An onboard hydraulic power unit supplies the cylinders, which rotate the two hinged shells around the head pins to bite into the material and release it at the discharge point. This independent drive removes the closing-rope requirement of mechanical grabs and allows the jaws to be positioned at any height or angle. Standard models cover 0.5–15 m³, with shells fabricated from wear-resistant steel and bearings sealed for dusty bulk handling.

The grab mounts on overhead cranes, gantry cranes and port cranes, and handles coal, ore, sand, gravel, grain and similar loose cargo. Capacity and shell type are selected from material bulk density, crane SWL, and required capture per cycle; two-shell clamshell bodies suit regular bulk materials, while multi-shell versions handle irregular shapes.

For more information, read the article: What Is a Crane Grab Bucket?

Hydraulic Type

Working Process

Спецификации

Hydraulic clamshell grabs are available in different cylinder and shell configurations for different capacities, materials, and working conditions.

Single Hydraulic Cylinder Grab

Uses one hydraulic cylinder to control shell opening and closing. It features a compact structure and simple hydraulic system, suitable for small cranes, excavators, and medium-duty bulk material handling.

Application: Suitable for small cranes, excavators, and medium-duty handling of sand, grain, coal, and other loose materials.
Advantages: Compact design, simple hydraulic system, and easy maintenance.

Dual Hydraulic Cylinder Grab

Equipped with two hydraulic cylinders to provide balanced shell movement and higher closing force. It is suitable for handling heavier bulk materials, larger loads, and applications requiring stronger gripping performance.

Application: Suitable for heavier bulk materials such as ore, scrap steel, and large-volume cargo.
Advantages: Higher gripping force, better stability, and improved loading efficiency.

Multi-Shell Hydraulic Grab

Uses multiple shell configurations to match different material types and handling requirements. It provides deeper penetration and higher filling efficiency for special materials, large-capacity handling, and demanding working conditions.

Application: Suitable for special materials requiring deeper penetration or higher filling performance.
Advantages: Flexible configuration for different material characteristics and demanding handling conditions.

Working Process

The system includes a hydraulic pump, cylinders, control valves, oil tank, filters, and hydraulic lines. The pump supplies hydraulic pressure, while the valves control oil flow and cylinder movement. The hydraulic unit can be mounted on the grab frame as an independent power system. The hydraulic cylinders control shell movement directly, without relying on a separate closing rope.

1. Lowering
The crane lowers the grab to the material with the shells open. The grab can be positioned at the required loading point.

2. Grabbing
Hydraulic cylinders drive the shells together to penetrate and capture the material. Valve control regulates cylinder movement during the grabbing cycle.

3. Lifting
The crane lifts the closed grab and its load. The hydraulic cylinders hold the shells in the closed position during lifting.

4. Discharging
At the discharge point, hydraulic pressure reverses the cylinder movement. The shells open and release the material into the target area.

A Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket uses hydraulic pressure to control the opening and closing of the shells. Hydraulic cylinders convert the pressure into mechanical force for grab operation.

Спецификации

Параметр	Value / Options
Тип привода	Hydraulic, electric motor, or excavator hydraulic system
Grab Capacity	2.5–16 m³ for crane-mounted units; 0.4–1.0 m³ for excavator-mounted units
SWL (Lifting Capacity)	≥10 t to ≥40 t, matched to grab capacity
Shell Type	Clamshell (2-shell) / Multi-shell
Rotating Type	360° rotating / Non-rotating
Working Pressure	160–180 bar
Material	Q355B / Q690D / NM400 / NM500 wear-resistant steel
Applicable Materials	Coal, ore, sand, gravel, grain, soil, stone, silt
Applicable Cranes / Excavators	Overhead / Gantry / Port cranes; 6–26 t excavators
Сертификация	ЦЭ, ISO 9001

Notes: Capacity, SWL, shell size, and mounting interface can be customized for different materials, cranes, and excavators. Rotating models require two auxiliary hydraulic lines, while non-rotating models connect directly to the bucket-cylinder pipeline. Wear parts are available in NM400, Q355B, Q690D, and NM500 steel.

Особенности

Hydraulic Shell Control: Hydraulic cylinders control the opening and closing of the shells.
Independent Opening and Closing: The grab can open and close through hydraulic control at the required position.
Strong Grabbing Action: The hydraulic system provides the force required for digging into loose bulk materials.
Flexible Crane Integration: Suitable for compatible overhead cranes, gantry cranes, port cranes, and other lifting equipment.
Configurable for Different Materials: Shell shape, capacity, and wear-resistant components can be selected according to the material and working conditions.

Applications & Materials

Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Buckets are used for loading, transferring, and discharging loose bulk materials in industrial and material handling operations.

Coal Handling

Loading and transferring coal in power plants, ports, storage yards, and coal handling facilities.

Ore Handling

Handling iron ore, mineral materials, and other heavy bulk cargo in mining and processing operations.

Sand & Gravel

Loading sand, gravel, and loose aggregates in material yards, quarries, and processing facilities.

Grain & Fertilizer

Handling grain, fertilizer, and other free-flowing agricultural and processed bulk materials.

Soil & Stone

Moving soil, crushed stone, rock, and other loose materials in construction and earthmoving operations.

Port Bulk Cargo

Loading and unloading bulk cargo with port cranes, including coal, ore, grain, and other loose materials.

The shell design and wear-resistant components can be selected according to material density, particle size, and abrasiveness.

Hydraulic grabs are widely used in port material handling. For details on materials and how to select the appropriate equipment, please refer to the article: “Electro Hydraulic Grab Bucket for Port Bulk Material Handling.”

To learn more about the specific applications of crane grab buckets in heavy-duty industries, read the article: “Crane Grab Bucket Applications in Ports, Steel Mills, Mining, and Bulk Material Handling”

How to Match a Hydraulic Clamshell Grab with a Crane?

Matching a Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket with a crane requires checking the crane type, lifting capacity, grab specifications, hydraulic system, and installation interface. It is commonly used with overhead cranes, gantry cranes, port cranes, ship unloaders, and excavator-mounted systems for bulk material handling.

1. Confirm Crane Type

Different cranes require different grab configurations. Hydraulic clamshell grabs are commonly installed on:

Overhead Cranes: Used for indoor material handling such as steel plants, foundries and warehouses.
Козловые краны: Suitable for outdoor bulk material handling in yards, ports and storage areas.
Портовые краны and Ship Unloaders: Used for loading and unloading coal, ore, grain and other bulk cargo.
Excavators: Suitable for construction, dredging, and smaller-scale material handling.

2. Check Crane Lifting Capacity

The crane lifting capacity should cover the combined weight of the grab and the material load. Select the grab capacity according to the crane SWL and working conditions.

3. Match Grab Capacity

The grab volume should match the material density and required handling volume per cycle. A larger grab is not always suitable if the crane capacity or operating conditions are limited.

4. Check Hydraulic Power Supply

Confirm the hydraulic pressure, flow rate, and power source available on the crane. Hydraulic grabs can be equipped with an independent hydraulic power unit when required.

5. Confirm Mounting Interface

Check the connection structure between the grab and crane, including lifting arrangement, hook connection, and installation dimensions before ordering.

6. Consider Material and Working Conditions

Material type, particle size, moisture, abrasiveness, and operating frequency affect the grab design. Shell structure and wear-resistant materials should be selected according to the actual application.

For a custom hydraulic clamshell grab, provide the crane lifting capacity, material type, bulk density, required grab capacity, and available hydraulic specifications.

Mechanical Clamshell Grab Bucket vs. Hydraulic Clamshell Grab vs. Hydraulic Orange Peel Grab Bucket

These three grab buckets are used for crane-based material handling, but their drive systems and grabbing structures are different. Mechanical and hydraulic clamshell grabs use two shells, while hydraulic orange peel grabs use multiple tines for irregular loads.

Сравнение	Mechanical Clamshell Grab	Hydraulic Clamshell Grab	Hydraulic Orange Peel Grab
Drive Method	Wire rope and mechanical linkage	Hydraulic cylinders	Hydraulic cylinders
Grab Structure	Two shells	Two shells	Multiple tines
Main Materials	Coal, sand, ore, grain	Coal, ore, sand, bulk materials	Scrap steel, metal waste, rocks
Material Shape	Loose and granular	Loose and bulk	Large, irregular, and bulky
Grabbing Method	Mechanical shell closing	Hydraulic shell closing	Tines grip around the load
Типичные применения	Bulk material handling	Heavy-duty bulk handling	Scrap and irregular material handling
Common Crane Types	Overhead, gantry, port cranes	Overhead, gantry, port cranes	Overhead, gantry, port cranes

Mechanical Clamshell Grabs are used for general bulk material handling with a rope-operated structure. Hydraulic Clamshell Grabs provide independent hydraulic control for bulk materials. Hydraulic Orange Peel Grabs are designed for scrap steel and other irregular materials that need tine-based gripping.

For details on the different applications of grab buckets and how to choose the right one, see: Different Types of Crane Grab Buckets and How to Choose the Right One

If you are considering using an overhead crane or gantry crane and are unsure how to select the appropriate grab bucket, see the article: How to Choose a Grab Bucket for Overhead Cranes and Gantry Cranes?

Mechanical and hydraulic grab buckets differ significantly in their applications and configurations. For more details, see the article: Mechanical Clamshell Grab Bucket vs. Hydraulic Grab Bucket: What Is the Difference?

Custom Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket

Hydraulic clamshell grabs can be configured according to the crane, material, and working conditions. Capacity, shell structure, hydraulic system, and crane connection can be specified for different handling requirements.

Параметры настройки

Bucket Capacity — Sized according to material density and required load per cycle.
Grab Weight — Matched to the crane lifting capacity and working load.
Shell Configuration — Selected according to material type and grabbing requirements.
Jaw Opening — Designed for the required loading depth and discharge size.
Hydraulic Cylinder — Selected according to grab size, closing force, and shell movement.
Hydraulic Pressure and Flow — Matched to the available hydraulic system.
Power Supply — Configured for the crane, electric motor, or other available power source.
Wear-Resistant Material — Q355B, Q690D, NM400, or NM500 for different wear conditions.
Crane Connection — Designed to match the crane hook and mounting arrangement.
Working Environment — Adapted for ports, mines, power plants, yards, and other operating conditions.

Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket Manufacturer and Supplier

Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Buckets provide direct hydraulic control for loading, lifting, and discharging coal, ore, sand, gravel, grain, and other bulk materials. The grab can be configured for overhead cranes, gantry cranes, port cranes, and excavators, with options for capacity, shell structure, hydraulic system, and wear-resistant materials.

Вейхуа manufactures and supplies hydraulic clamshell grab buckets for different material handling applications. Custom designs are available according to crane specifications, material type, required capacity, and working conditions. Свяжитесь с нами with your project details to discuss the right hydraulic clamshell grab bucket for your operation.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

What is a Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket?

A Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket is a crane attachment with two hydraulically operated shells. It uses hydraulic cylinders to open and close the shells for loading, lifting, and discharging loose bulk materials.

How does a Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket work?

Hydraulic cylinders drive the shells together to grab the material. The crane lifts the closed grab, then the hydraulic system opens the shells at the discharge point to release the load.

What materials can a Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket handle?

It can handle coal, ore, sand, gravel, grain, fertilizer, soil, stone, silt and other loose bulk materials. Shell design and wear-resistant materials can be selected according to material density and abrasiveness.

What is the capacity of a Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket?

Crane-mounted hydraulic clamshell grabs typically range from 2.5 to 16 m³. The required capacity depends on material density, crane lifting capacity, and the required load per cycle.

What crane can be used with a Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket?

Hydraulic clamshell grabs can be used with compatible overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and port cranes. The grab weight, SWL, mounting interface, and hydraulic power system must match the crane.

What hydraulic system does a Clamshell Grab Bucket need?

The hydraulic system must match the required pressure, flow rate and power supply. Crane-mounted models can use an independent hydraulic power unit, while excavator-mounted grabs can connect to the machine’s hydraulic system.

What is the difference between a hydraulic and mechanical clamshell grab?

A hydraulic clamshell grab uses hydraulic cylinders to control shell movement directly. A mechanical clamshell grab uses wire ropes and the crane’s hoisting mechanism to open and close the shells. Can a Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket

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Какой кран вам нужен?
Какова максимальная грузоподъемность (в тоннах), требуемая для вашего проекта?
Могли бы вы уточнить необходимую высоту подъема (в метрах)?
Можете ли вы предоставить детали о рабочей среде, такие как состояние грунта, ограничения по пространству и препятствия?
Какова ожидаемая частота использования и продолжительность проекта?

Hydraulic Clamshell Grab Bucket