How to choose a scrap grapple and match it to your excavator

The right grapple starts with the right excavator

A scrap grapple (orange peel grapple) is a five-tine hydraulic grab fitted to the end of the excavator arm in place of the bucket. To work efficiently it has to match the machine: a grapple that is too heavy strains the excavator, one that is too small moves less material per cycle. With Powerlift scrap grapples the choice comes down to three questions: how heavy is your excavator, what will you handle, and do you need to rotate the load?

1. Model by excavator weight

• SG300 — 303 L, approx. 810 kg; for 14–20 t excavators.
• SG450 — 455 L, approx. 940 kg; for 16–22 t excavators.
• SG600 — 600 L, approx. 1320 kg; for 20–28 t excavators.

Where the weight classes overlap (e.g. 18–20 t), the material decides: light, bulky scrap favours a larger volume, while dense, heavy material calls for the model your machine carries comfortably. The final choice is confirmed for your excavator when ordering.

2. Rotating or fixed head?

The SG300 comes with a ±90° rotating head on bearings, with a brake, so you can place the load in the right direction in a truck body or container without repositioning the machine. The SG450 and SG600 have a fixed hanger. If you load in tight spaces or need to orient material often, the rotating head speeds up the work.

3. Hydraulic match

The tines open and close via the excavator's auxiliary hydraulic line. The models are designed for a working pressure of 250 bar; closing and opening times are calculated with an oil flow of 100 L/min for SG300 and SG600 and 80 L/min for SG450 (2.4 / 1.6 s for SG300). If your machine has no auxiliary line or a different flow, tell us before ordering; values are confirmed for your excavator.

4. What to send for a quote

• Excavator make, model and operating weight.
• Pin diameter and pin spacing of the bucket connection (the head is made to suit).
• Whether there is an auxiliary hydraulic line, with its pressure and flow.
• The material to be handled and the daily workload.

Delivery time is 4–5 weeks.

5. Durability and maintenance points

Tine shells and teeth are made of wear-resistant Hardox 450 plate and the pins of 42CrMo4 quenched and tempered steel, induction hardened and ground. The pivots run in CuSn12 bronze bushings with grease grooves; regular greasing matters for their service life. The teeth are welded and replaceable, and the pins are secured with circlips and Nord-Lock washers. Because parts are laser cut with recorded dimensions, spare parts can be remade to the same size.

Quote and support

For the model table and full specifications see the scrap grapple page. Send your excavator details via the contact page and we will choose the right model and connection with you. Sales, installation support, service and spare parts are provided by Hidroteknik.