From open-air yards to railway stations, from ports and docks to machinery manufacturing workshops, one piece of equipment can be found everywhere — the scrap grabber. As an important part of material handling, it is specially designed to grab irregular bulk materials such as scrap metal, construction waste and rocks. Working perfectly with excavators, it brings unprecedented loading and unloading efficiency to all industries.
Excavator Orange Peel Grapple Parameters
| Item/Model | Unit | YGO04A | YGO06A | YGO08A | YGO06B | YGO08B |
| No. of Jaw | piece | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Suitable Excavator | ton | 6-9 | 10-17 | 18-25 | 10-17 | 18-25 |
| Weight | kg | 355/420 | 900/1000 | 1650/1900 | 850/1000 | 1700/1950 |
| Max Open Jaw | mm | 1200 | 1600 | 2050 | 1900 | 2500 |
| Height of Opened Grapple | mm | 1000 | 1500 | 1700 | 1550 | 2000 |
| Working Pressure | bar | 200 | 260 | 320 | 260 | 320 |
| Working Flow | lpm | 50-100 | 60-120 | 200-250 | 60-120 | 200-250 |
| Capacity | m3 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 1 |
How Hydraulic Orange Peel Grab Works
The hydraulic orange peel grab is an efficient scrap metal grabber based on Pascal’s Law. High-pressure hydraulic oil from the excavator flows through pipes into the grab’s hydraulic cylinders, pushing the piston rods. This linear motion is converted into synchronized opening and closing of multiple grab tines through a precise linkage system. The key points of this process are:
- Power conversion: The powerful hydraulic cylinder is the core power source. It increases clamping force and reduces opening/closing time, greatly improving productivity.
- Grabbing logic: When the tines close, they wrap around materials from outside to inside, creating a stable gripping area with multiple contact points. It is especially suitable for irregular bulk materials such as scrap metal and fragments.
Rotating Scrap Grabber vs Non-Rotating: How to Choose
When choosing a hydraulic orange peel grab, whether to use 360° rotation is a key decision. It directly affects working efficiency and return on investment:
- Advantages of rotating type: Equipped with a hydraulic motor, the rotating grab can achieve unlimited 360° rotation. When loading ships or feeding crushers, operators do not need to move the excavator tracks frequently. They can adjust material angles with a simple switch. It is highly flexible, ideal for multi-angle steel grabbing and precise stacking.
- Advantages of non-rotating type: Simpler structure and lighter weight. This means it can have larger volume or stronger closing force on the same-tonnage excavator. For basic loading and unloading (grabbing from Point A to Point B), the non-rotating version has better cost performance and lower maintenance cost.
Advantages of YG Scrap Grabber
Our scrap grabber stands out among many brands thanks to our strict pursuit of core components. YG series products feature unique design and material selection:
- Sharp blades, strong and durable: The grab tines are made of high-toughness wear-resistant steel plate. The special shape ensures the sharp blades easily cut through thin scrap iron or thick steel plates. This structure improves penetration and grips tightly even on compacted large materials.
- Strong power, higher efficiency: We have optimized cylinder diameter and stroke. It provides huge grabbing force while greatly shortening opening/closing cycle time. For scrap yards focusing on output, this efficiency boost directly translates into higher profits.
Why Scrap Grabber Is the First Choice for Demolition & Construction Waste Handling
The excavator orange peel grapple is becoming more and more popular in construction waste treatment for these reasons:
- Handles complex materials: Construction waste includes large concrete blocks and tangled steel bars. Its multi-tine structure penetrates mixed materials like fingers, firmly holding steel bars and preventing concrete pieces from falling.
- Precise sorting: With independently moving tines and wide opening, operators can use the tips for fine sorting — separating long steel bars from short waste for easier later crushing and classification.
- Fits narrow spaces: Demolition sites often have limited room. Its vertical opening and closing allows flexible work at narrow wall bases or corner of trucks, which side-opening grabs cannot do.
Scrap Metal Grabber Maintenance Tips
A high-quality scrap metal grabber needs careful care. Daily maintenance is essential as it works long-term in dusty, heavy-impact environments:
- Lubrication is vital: Before daily work, check lubrication of all hinges and pins. Use a high-pressure grease gun to fill lithium-based grease, ensuring full lubrication for every bushing — the most effective way to prevent abnormal wear.
- Inspect and replace teeth: Check wear of teeth or wear pads before and after use. Worn teeth reduce grabbing efficiency and damage the main tines. Repair by welding or replace immediately if cracked or overly worn.
- Keep hydraulic system clean: Regularly check hydraulic hoses for leaks and keep hydraulic oil clean. Frequent replacement of return oil filters and clean hydraulic oil are necessary for normal cylinder and rotation motor performance.
Contact YG
If you are looking for an efficient and durable scrap grabber to upgrade your fleet, or have questions about selection, feel free to contact us. Our technical team will recommend the best model based on your excavator tonnage and working conditions, helping you achieve better results in scrap processing and construction.
