Mobile Material Handler Grab Types

Here is a clear and complete overview of material handler Grab Types, categorized by material and application, as commonly used in ports, yards, rail terminals, and plants.

This is clamshell bucket grab for mobile material handler which is mainly used in port and in-land terminal.

Main Grab Types for Material Handlers

1. Clamshell Grab

Best for: Free-flowing bulk materials

Materials handled:

• Coal
• Sand & gravel
• Grain
• Fertilizer
• Cement clinker
• Ore (heavy-duty type)

Key features:

• Two-shell design
• High volumetric efficiency
• Light / medium / heavy-duty options

2. Orange Peel Grab

Best for: Irregular, bulky materials

Materials handled:

• Scrap metal (HMS, shredded scrap)
• Demolition waste
• Mixed metal scrap

Key features:

• 4, 5, or 6 tines
• Deep penetration
• Excellent retention
• Hydraulic rotator option

3. Hydraulic Grab (General Purpose)

Best for: Semi-free-flowing materials

Materials handled:

• Clinker
• Limestone
• Aggregates
• Industrial waste

Key features:

• Strong closing force
• Better control than mechanical grabs

4. Biomass / Woodchip Grab

Best for: Low-density bulk materials

Materials handled:

• Woodchips
• Bark
• Sawdust
• Biomass residues

Key features:

• Large volume (lightweight design)
• Fast cycle times

5. Log Grapple / Timber Grab

Best for: Long, bundled materials

Materials handled:

• Logs
• Timber
• Roundwood

Key features:

• Wide opening
• High clamping force
• Optional rotator

6. Scrap Handling Grab (Heavy-Duty)

Best for: Dense & sharp materials

Materials handled:

• Heavy steel scrap
• Cast iron scrap
• Industrial metal waste

Key features:

• Reinforced tines
• Wear-resistant steel
• Severe-duty design

7. Mechanical Grab (Rope-Operated)

Best for: Crane-based handling

Materials handled:

• Coal
• Ore
• Sand

Key features:

• 2-rope or 4-rope operation
• Simple & durable
• Used with cranes, not excavators

8. Grab with Hydraulic Rotator

Best for: Precision placement

Applications:

• Port unloading
• Rail wagon unloading
• Confined yard operations

Key features:

• 360° continuous rotation
• Improved positioning accuracy

Quick Selection Guide

Key Selection Factors

• Material type & bulk density
• Required handling capacity (TPH)
• Carrier material handler size
• Duty cycle (light / heavy / severe)
• Wear & environmental conditions

If you want, I can:

• Match the right grab to your material handler
• Calculate grab size vs achievable TPH
• Prepare technical specifications or tender text
• Recommend quick-coupler & hydraulic setup

Just tell me: material · capacity · handler type (wheeled/tracked/port)

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