Keep useful load separate from bucket volume.
Convert volume to cargo mass using the actual bulk density. Add grab self-weight before checking the crane rating.
Grab buckets / magnets / lifting connectionsLifting attachments
Lifting attachments
& grab buckets.
Move the material your crane actually handles. Compare clamshell and multi-petal grabs, magnetic lifting equipment and hook blocks by cargo, net payload, attachment weight, crane interface and operating cycle.
The grab is part of the lifted load.Material + attachment + crane must be matched together.
Start withMaterial and handling task
Check togetherPayload + attachment self-weight
Match toCrane interface and duty
Select the load-handling system
Choose what contacts the load before choosing a capacity.
A grab, magnet or hook block changes how the crane picks up, carries and releases a load. For loose cargo, the material's bulk density and target volume set the potential payload. For steel, the surface and geometry determine whether magnetic or mechanical lifting is appropriate. The attachment's own mass always uses part of the crane's lifting capacity.
Specify the crane and attachment as one working system: load mass, pick-up point, travel path, duty, operator view, power or rope supply, discharge area and acceptance documents. An existing crane retrofit also needs the hook and reeving drawing.
Confirm how the device opens and attaches.
Mechanical ropes, powered closing, magnet supply and hook-block reeving require different crane connections.
Design around the daily cycle.
Include lifts per hour, abrasive cargo, heat, moisture, maintenance access and loss-of-power response.
Find the right starting point
Choose by the material you need to move.
Start from the load. Then check the complete attachment, crane and control arrangement below.
01 / LOOSE BULK CARGO
Clamshell grabs
Coal, ore, sand and grain: compare density, bucket volume and closing ropes.
Compare bulk grabs ↓ 02 / IRREGULAR SCRAPMulti-petal grabs
Capture large, uneven pieces with the right tine shape and closing force.
Compare scrap grabs ↓ 03 / FERROUS STEELMagnets and beams
Match holding conditions, steel geometry, temperature and power protection.
Compare magnetic lifting ↓ 04 / HOIST CONNECTIONHook blocks
Replace or specify the complete hook, sheaves and rope interface.
Check hook assemblies ↓Seven equipment families / one selection path
Compare the lifting attachments.
Find the gripping method for your load, then compare the crane interface, duty and model-specific selection values. Request the selected unit's drawing before ordering.
01 / Bulk material grabs
Select a bucket that fills and empties with your cargo.
Bulk density, particle size, moisture, grabbing depth and the hopper opening determine the shell and drive arrangement.
MECHANICAL / TWO-JAW BULK GRABSCoal, ore, sand and grain
Rope-operated clamshell grab buckets
Choose a four-rope, two-rope or single-rope arrangement to suit the crane's hoist and opening mechanism. Bucket volume is selected from the cargo's bulk density and the permitted total suspended load—not from cubic metres alone.
DESIGN FOCUSCargo density, bucket volume and crane rope arrangement
Selection pointsMatch the attachment and crane on one drawing
| Grab form | Two jaws for free-flowing bulk material | Drive | Four-, two- or single-rope layout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo data | Bulk density, particle size and moisture | Crane interface | Support and closing ropes, reeving and hook height |
| Capacity check | Grab self-weight plus maximum cargo | Geometry | Open width, closed height and discharge opening |
BEST SUITED TOBulk loading, unloading and stockpile transferINCLUDE IN YOUR RFQCargo type and density, tonnes per cycle, crane rating, rope layout and hopper opening
POWERED / TWO-JAW GRABA powered closing action
Motor-driven and electric clamshell grabs
A powered closing mechanism can serve a defined bulk-handling cycle when the crane, electrical feed and grab controls are engineered together. Match the shell shape to the material and check the motor, cable route and lifting headroom before ordering.
DESIGN FOCUSClosing drive, electrical supply and bucket geometry
Selection pointsMatch the attachment and crane on one drawing
| U5D model example | 0.5 m³ bucket | Listed material | 1.2 t per cycle at 2.4 t/m³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paired crane | 3 t crane with this U5D configuration | Operating location | Dry-duty design; no underwater use |
| Electrical interface | Specify site voltage and cable path | Maintenance | Access to motor, brake and wear edges |
BEST SUITED TORepetitive loading where powered closing is requiredINCLUDE IN YOUR RFQMaterial sample, density, cycle rate, crane drawing, supply and cable-management route
REMOTE / HYDRAULIC OPTIONSExisting crane and port retrofit
Wireless remote and electro-hydraulic clamshell grabs
Remote-controlled opening may suit an existing crane where a new closing-rope system is impractical. The hydraulic drive and charging or power arrangement depend on the selected configuration; confirm them against the crane and operating cycle.
DESIGN FOCUSRetrofit compatibility before nominal bucket size
Selection pointsMatch the attachment and crane on one drawing
| Attachment method | Confirm hook, reeving and headroom | Opening control | Radio remote or crane-integrated control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power package | Confirm battery, charging or cable feed | Cargo data | Density, moisture, lump size and target throughput |
| Safety review | Closing logic and loss-of-power response | Site | Ship hold, hopper and operator line of sight |
BEST SUITED TOPort bulk cargo, ship holds and existing crane retrofitsINCLUDE IN YOUR RFQExisting crane make and SWL, hook drawing, cargo properties, power access and duty cycle
02 / Irregular material
Shape the grip around scrap, not an ideal cube.
Mixed pieces need a capture geometry and operating cycle that reflect the actual scrap stream.
MULTI-PETAL / IRREGULAR CARGOScrap and mixed pieces
Multi-petal and orange-peel grab buckets
Several curved tines close around irregular scrap, mixed metal and bulky waste that cannot fill a two-shell bucket predictably. Select the tine count, opening diameter, closing force, wear protection and power arrangement for the actual material.
DESIGN FOCUSCapture irregular pieces without overstating bucket volume
Selection pointsMatch the attachment and crane on one drawing
| Grab form | Multi-petal tines for irregular pieces | Drive choices | Mechanical rope or electro-hydraulic design |
|---|---|---|---|
| L4.2 model example | 1 m³ four-rope six-petal grab | Paired crane | 5 t crane with this L4.2 configuration |
| Material per cycle | 2.4 t with this L4.2 configuration | Quote check | Actual grab self-weight and maximum cargo mass |
BEST SUITED TOScrap yards, recycling and irregular bulk materialsINCLUDE IN YOUR RFQMaterial photos, largest piece, target tonnes per cycle, crane rating and opening envelope
03 / Steel and hoist connections
Check holding force and the full suspension path.
Magnetic performance varies with the steel and contact conditions. Hook-block dimensions must match the hoist and rope system.
MAGNETIC / FERROUS SCRAPSteel and cast iron handling
Round lifting electromagnets
A round magnet handles ferrous scrap and compatible steel shapes. Its useful holding force depends on the actual steel, contact area, air gaps, load shape and temperature. Specify the electrical supply, controls and power-loss response with the crane.
DESIGN FOCUSReal holding conditions, not a generic magnet rating
Selection pointsMatch the attachment and crane on one drawing
| Material | Ferrous steel or cast iron | Load surface | Thickness, profile, rust and air gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | State cold or hot material and peak value | Electrical scope | Magnet, cable reel, controller and backup plan |
| Crane check | Magnet self-weight plus retained material | Acceptance | Test with the agreed representative load |
BEST SUITED TOScrap metal transfer and ferrous material handlingINCLUDE IN YOUR RFQSteel grade, dimensions, temperature, max load, crane SWL and power-failure procedure
MULTI-POINT / LONG STEELPlates, sections and long loads
Magnetic lifting beams
A beam distributes multiple lifting points across a long or flexible steel load. The beam length, magnet spacing, support points and control zones must follow the plate or section geometry and the crane's hook coverage.
DESIGN FOCUSSupport the whole load without excessive deflection
Selection pointsMatch the attachment and crane on one drawing
| Load geometry | Length, width, thickness and deflection | Lifting layout | Beam span and magnet centre spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controls | Independent or grouped magnet zones | Crane interface | Hook position, lift height and total self-weight |
| Documentation | Approved drawing and selected-load test plan | Site | Pickup and set-down clearances |
BEST SUITED TOLong steel sections, plate and multi-point magnetic handlingINCLUDE IN YOUR RFQLoad drawings, steel grade and temperature, support points, crane hook data and site clearances
HOOK / CRANE CONNECTIONReplacement and new crane packages
Crane hook blocks and forged hooks
Match the hook and block to the hoist, reeving, wire rope and load connection. A replacement order needs more than the crane's tonnage: the hook throat, shank, bearing, sheave grooves and safety-latch arrangement must fit the actual equipment.
DESIGN FOCUSA lifting connection that fits the existing hoist
Selection pointsMatch the attachment and crane on one drawing
| Rated load | Select for the complete suspended load | Hook form | Single or double hook and throat opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block interface | Sheave count, rope diameter and reeving | Inspection | Marking, test and inspection records for the unit |
| Replacement data | Existing block drawing and dimensions | Support | Confirm spare parts and written warranty |
BEST SUITED TONew overhead cranes, gantry cranes and replacement hoist assembliesINCLUDE IN YOUR RFQExisting hook drawing, rope size, reeving, rated load, photos and destination standard
Model-specific selection values
See how grab volume changes with cargo density.
These model examples keep the bucket volume, material mass and matching crane rating on the same row. State grab self-weight on the final equipment schedule.
| Grab model | Arrangement | Bucket volume | Material density | Material per grab | Paired crane |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U3 | Four-rope, light-duty clamshell | 2.5 m³ | >0.5–1 t/m³ | 1.25–2.5 t | 5 t |
| U115 | Four-rope, extra-heavy clamshell | 1.5 m³ | 2.5–3.3 t/m³ | 3.75–4.95 t | 10 t |
| S0525 | Two-rope clamshell | 2.5 m³ | ≤1 t/m³ | 2.5 t | 5 t |
| XZ5 | Single-rope, toothed clamshell | 0.5 m³ | ≤1.2 t/m³ | 0.6 t | 3 t |
| U5D | Motor-driven clamshell | 0.5 m³ | 2.4 t/m³ | 1.2 t | 3 t |
| UP1095 | Four-rope bulk grab | 9.5 m³ | 0.63 t/m³ | 5.9 t | 10 t |
Material per grab is the listed cargo mass, not grab self-weight. The selected crane must accommodate the actual grab mass plus the maximum cargo. Confirm the chosen bucket's open width, height, rope diameter, reeving and discharge clearance on the approved drawing.
Applications & selection
Match the contact method to the load.
01
Port and stockyard bulk cargo
Choose a clamshell from the material density, grain size and loading cycle. Check the shell's open span against ship holds, hoppers and stockpiles.
02
Scrap and recycling
Use a multi-petal grab for mixed, irregular pieces. Where a magnet suits ferrous material, check steel contact and loss-of-power protection.
03
Steel fabrication and crane service
Use multi-point lifting for long steel where geometry requires it. Match replacement hook blocks to the existing hoist before fabrication.
Need the complete crane? Compare grab overhead cranes and electromagnetic overhead cranes.
Before you order
Resolve the questions that decide usable capacity.
Send a material sample or load drawing with your crane data. The right attachment depends on how the load actually enters and leaves it.
Discuss your project ↗Is a 5 t crane enough for 5 t of material in a grab?
Do not assume it is. The suspended load includes the grab's own mass and the material inside it. Provide both values and check the crane's allowed load at the actual operating condition.
How do I select grab volume?
Start with the material's measured bulk density, required tonnes per cycle and expected filling. Then compare bucket volume, grab self-weight, the crane rating, open width and hopper geometry on one configuration sheet.
Can one grab replace a hook on my existing crane?
It depends on the crane's hook rating, headroom, reeving, control and power arrangement. Provide the existing crane drawing and duty so the attachment interface and total suspended load can be reviewed.
Can a single-rope grab open in mid-air?
Do not assume it can. Single-rope release depends on the selected mechanism and operating sequence; some arrangements require the grab to land on the material or floor before opening. State where the bucket must discharge.
Can a powered grab work underwater?
A standard motor-driven or electric grab is not an underwater solution. If the task is submerged, specify the water depth, salinity, cargo and duty for a dedicated design review.
What changes magnet capacity?
Steel grade, thickness, surface contact, air gaps, load shape, temperature and electrical supply all affect holding performance. Request the selected-load test and power-loss procedure with the quotation.
What about minimum order, delivery and warranty?
Request a quotation for one complete attachment if that is your requirement. The confirmed production schedule, included controls, packing, inspection documents, warranty period and after-sales support belong in the written offer for the approved configuration.
Your lifting attachment RFQ
Send the material. Receive a matched handling proposal.
Share the material type, density or dimensions, maximum mass, target tonnes per cycle, existing crane capacity, hook or rope drawing, daily duty, site environment and destination. Ask for the attachment, controls, drawings and acceptance scope in one offer.
Request a technical quotation01 / LOADMaterial, maximum mass and density
02 / CRANERating, hook, reeving and headroom
03 / DUTYCycle, environment and discharge point
04 / ORDERControls, documents, timing and support