What is the difference between the mechanical grabs and the hydraulic grabs?In terms of material handling, choosing the right grab can significantly affect efficiency and productivity.The two common types of grapple used in cranes are mechanical grapple and hydraulic grapple.Let’s explore their differences and understand when to choose each type.

First of all, let’s take a look at what is a hydraulic grab and a mechanical grab：

Classification

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Working principle

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Aplicación

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Mantenimiento

The hydraulic grabs of the crane is controlled by a hydraulic system, which has the advantages of high precision and flexible operation. It is suitable for loading and unloading bulk cargo and occasions that require fine operation, but its structure is complex and the maintenance cost is high. The mechanical grabs relies on wire rope control, which is suitable for handling large pieces of materials and heavy-duty operations in harsh environments. The structure is relatively simple and the maintenance cost is low. When choosing, the type of grab to use should be determined according to the operation requirements, accuracy requirements, and operating environment.

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Cómo elegir la garra adecuada

Aclare su propósito:before delving into the options, please clarify your specific requirements.Ask yourself：

• ¿Qué materiales desea tratar? (Troncos, chatarra, piedra, etc.)

• ¿Qué tareas realizará la cuchara? (Carga, clasificación, desmontaje, etc.)

• ¿A qué tipo de dispositivo se conectará? (Grúa pórtico, grúa aérea)

• ¿Cuál es la gravedad específica del material que agarras? ¿El número de cubos del agarre?

• Según las características del material a agarrar, la pinza suele dividirse en cuatro tipos básicos: ligera, media, pesada y superpesada.

El tipo de material a agarrar	Material de agarre	Capacidad de peso (t/m³)
Luz	Coque, escorias, cereales, patatas, cal antracita de calidad media, cemento, tierra, grava, arcilla, ladrillos rotos, etc.	0.5~1.2
Medio	Turba, grandes trozos de carbón antracita, carbón compactado, arcilla, caliza, grava, sal, grava, ladrillos, bauxita, copos de óxido de hierro, cemento, arena y ladrillos en agua, etc.	1.2~2.0
Pesado	Caliza, arcilla pesada, minerales de tamaño pequeño y mediano, roca dura, óxido de hierro en forma de varilla, mineral de hierro, polvo de concentrado de plomo, etc.	2.0~2.6
Sobrepeso	Minerales de gran tamaño, minerales de manganeso de gran tamaño, polvo de mineral de plomo aglomerado sedimentario, etc.	2.6~3.3

• ¿Cuál es el tonelaje de su grúa equipada con pinza?

Compatibilidad de accesorios: Asegúrese de que la pinza sea compatible con el equipo existente.

Consideraciones presupuestarias: El rango de precios de la pinza es diferente. Equilibre su presupuesto en función de la función y la durabilidad de la pinza.

Comentarios y sugerencias: Investigue en línea, lea reseñas de usuarios y busque sugerencias de colegas de la industria.

Acuda al fabricante de la grúa para realizar una inspección y prueba en el lugar antes de comprar: Pruebe la pinza en condiciones reales tanto como sea posible. Evalúe su rendimiento, facilidad de uso y funcionalidad general.

Tenga en cuenta que elegir la pinza adecuada requiere un equilibrio entre funcionalidad, seguridad y costo. Al considerar estos factores, encontrará la pinza perfecta que puede aumentar la productividad y garantizar un funcionamiento sin problemas.

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Choose the appropriate hydraulic grabs and mechanical grabs according to the needs of different projects

We use 2 previous Dafangcrane projects to help you distinguish the selection.

Case1-Hydraulic grabs are used on overhead cranes

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• Grab type: Electro Hydraulic Orange Peel Grabs , grab volume 4m³*A6 

• Tipo de proyecto: Se utiliza en proyectos de generación de energía a partir de residuos, principalmente para tratar la mezcla, vertido, manipulación, mezcla, etc. de residuos domésticos para garantizar una composición uniforme de los residuos. Trata 600 t de basura al día; el funcionamiento del equipo es superior a 8000 h.

• Características del material: 

• El contenido de humedad de los residuos domésticos es de 45%~65%

• La densidad de basura en el triturador es de 0,6 a 0,9 t/m3.

• Capacidad de basura (en el compartimento de basura) 0,3~0,6t/m3

• Ángulo de acumulación estática 65 grados

• Price reference： The hydraulic grabs are more intelligent and more complex than the mechanical grab, so the price is 4.1 times that of the mechanical claw grab.

• Why choose hydraulic grabs：

Diversidad material: The composition of domestic waste is complex, the moisture content is high, and the material diversity is rich, which requires a flexible grab for processing.The hydraulic grabs are multifunctional and can effectively handle materials of different types and states.

Precisión y eficiencia en el agarre: The hydraulic grabs can accurately control the grasping force and angle, and adapt to the fine operations required in the garbage disposal process, such as mixing, dumping, handling and stirring, to ensure uniform garbage composition.

Fuerte capacidad de procesamiento: Se procesan 600 toneladas de basura al día y el equipo funciona hasta 8.000 horas. La durabilidad y el rendimiento eficiente de la cuchara hidráulica satisfacen las necesidades de operaciones de alta intensidad.

Seguridad y estabilidad: The hydraulic grabs operates smoothly, which can reduce the risk of material spilling and operation, improve work safety, and is suitable for handling domestic waste with high moisture content and large density changes.

Adaptarse a entornos operativos complejos: The hydraulic grabs can maintain efficient operation in a changeable working environment, especially suitable for garbage disposal, which requires frequent operation and flexible response to various materials.

Operaciones de larga duración y alta frecuencia: The durability and stability of the hydraulic grab enable it to cope with long-term and high-frequency operations, reduce downtime, and improve overall work efficiency.

In summary, the choice of hydraulic grab is based on its comprehensive considerations of flexibility, high efficiency, durability and safety, which can effectively meet the complex and high-intensity operation needs of waste power generation projects.

Case2-Mechanical grabs are used on overhead cranes

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• Grab type: Cuchara mecánica de cuatro cuerdas con pinza tipo almeja ,grab volume 4m³

• Gravedad específica del material: 2 t/m³

• Tipo de proyecto: Utilizado en empresas de materiales magnéticos de polvo metálico, el cable de agarre adopta un tipo de acero inoxidable resistente a la temperatura.

• Price reference：The mechanical grab has a simple structure and costs about 24.39% of the hydraulic grab, making it the best choice if you are on a limited budget
• Why choose mechanical grab：

Good sealing: materials such as metal powder are easy to scatter during handling, and the mechanical grabs has a simple structure and good sealing, which can effectively prevent materials from spilling and improve the cleanliness and safety of operations.

Cost-effectiveness: The purchase and maintenance costs of mechanical grabs are low, and they are suitable for operations with limited budgets and long-term and high-frequency use.

Durabilidad: The grab wire rope adopts stainless steel temperature-resistant type, which is suitable for material handling such as metal powders that have high requirements for temperature and corrosion resistance.

Applicable environment: For metal powder in a dry state, the gripping force and stability of the mechanical grabs are sufficient to meet the needs, and the operation is simple and easy to maintain.

Work efficiency: The mechanical grab can quickly and efficiently complete the grabbing and handling of materials, improve the overall work efficiency, and is suitable for the rapid operation needs of industrial production lines.

In summary, the choice of mechanical grab is based on its comprehensive considerations of closure, cost-effectiveness, durability, applicable environment and operating efficiency, which can effectively meet the actual needs of metal powder magnetic material companies.

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Comprehensive comparison

It is recommended to choose mechanical grabs in the following cases：

• Harsh operating environment: In harsh environments with high dust and humidity, mechanical grabs are more reliable than hydraulic grabs and are less affected by environmental impact.

• Simplicity and cost-effectiveness are priorities: the mechanical grabs has a simple structure and low maintenance costs, which is suitable for projects with limited budgets.

• Easy maintenance: The mechanical grabs have a simple structure and a small maintenance workload, which can reduce downtime and improve operation continuity.

• Available equipment: If the existing lifting equipment does not have a hydraulic system, the mechanical grab can be used directly without additional modification or investment.

• Operation training: the operation of the mechanical grab is relatively simple, the training cost is low, and it is suitable for rapid deployment and use.

It is recommended to choose hydraulic grabs in the following cases：

• When greater gripping force is required: the hydraulic grabs are flexible in operation, the gripping force and angle can be accurately controlled, and the gripping force is stronger than that of the mechanical grabs.

• You operate hydraulic machinery: if you already have hydraulic equipment, the hydraulic grabs can be directly integrated to improve operating efficiency.

•  Safe and efficient material handling is essential: the hydraulic grabs operate smoothly, reduce material damage and operational risks, and improve work safety and efficiency.

• There are automation requirements: the hydraulic grab can be integrated with the automation control system to achieve more intelligent operations and improve the overall production efficiency.

In short, mechanical grabs and hydraulic grabs have their advantages in material handling. Evaluate your specific requirements, consider available equipment, and make an informed choice. Whether you choose the robustness and simplicity of the mechanical grabs or the accuracy of the hydraulic grabs, remember that the right grab can increase productivity and ensure smooth operation.

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Dafang Crane offers a wide range of hydraulic and mechanical grabs, including various types of automated grabs designed to meet diverse needs. Whether you’re looking for efficient solutions for heavy lifting or specialized applications, we have the right equipment for you. Click on the image link below to explore our full selection and find the perfect grab for your business needs.

15 cucharas de agarre diferentes para aplicaciones de grúa.