• Mar 20, 2025
• News

Orange Peel Grab in Grab Overhead Cranes

The Orange Peel Grab is a specialized lifting device used in scrap yards and recycling facilities, designed for dry bulk cargoes.

The orange peel grabs, also known as orange peel grapples or multi-tine grapples, are unique add-on devices used in conjunction with overhead cranes. Its distinguishing feature is a series of numerous independently actuated tines or jaws - usually four, five, or six - that resemble the segments of a peeled orange, thus the term "orange peel grab". This multi-tined design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also contributes to the grapple's outstanding ability to adjust to and firmly grab uneven weights that would be difficult or impossible to manage with traditional lifting attachments. Unlike a clamshell bucket, which is meant for scooping homogenous bulk items, an orange peel grab is ideal for gripping and managing individual, oddly shaped objects, tangled materials, or diverse mounds of detritus. Consider it a huge claw for your crane, capable of reaching into piles of junk, sifting through rubbish, or accurately positioning massive, oddly shaped boulders or timbers. As a result, they are widely used in the scrap metal recycling, waste management, rock processing and timber industries.

Types of Orange Peel Grabs for Grab Overhead Cranes

Orange peel grabs are available in a variety of types and configurations, with different configurations targeting specific top material types, load characteristics.

1. Classification by Number of Tines

• 4-Tine Orange Peel Grabs: 4-tine orange peel grabs are a popular and adaptable arrangement that provides a good combination of grabbing force and penetrating capacity for handling a variety of irregular materials. 4 tine orange peel grapples are versatile and may be used for a variety of scrap and trash management applications.
• 5-Tine Orange Peel Grabs: 5-tine orange peel grabs increase grabbing security and are especially well-suited for handling more loosely packed or smaller, more numerous things, resulting in better material retention and less spillage. Secure gripping. 5 tine orange peel grapples are suitable for handling tiny, loose objects.
• 6-Tine Orange Peel Grabs: 6-tine orange peel grabs provide the highest level of gripping security and are frequently used to handle very tiny, fractured, or easily spilled materials, ensuring the tightest possible hold and reducing material loss. Maximum security. 6 tine orange peel grapples are ideal for delicate or easily spilled materials.

The number of orange peel grab tines used is mostly determined by the size, shape, and density of the materials being handled. Finer, more fragmented materials frequently benefit from having more tines for greater containment, but bigger, bulkier things can be handled well with fewer, more durable tines.

2. Depending on Their Operational Mechanisms

Each type of orange peel grab is designed to meet specific operational needs, ensuring efficient and effective material handling across various industries.

• Hydraulic Orange Peel Grabs:
  These are the most prevalent type, utilizing hydraulic cylinders to control the opening and closing of the tines. The hydraulic system provides robust force, making them ideal for handling heavy and dense materials.
• Mechanical Orange Peel Grabs:
  Operated through ropes or chains, these grabs are often employed for lighter materials. The mechanical action is typically facilitated by the crane's movement, making them simpler in design compared to their hydraulic counterparts. While they may lack the same level of precision, they are effective for applications where hydraulic systems are unnecessary or impractical.
• Electro-Hydraulic Orange Peel Grabs:
  These grabs integrate electric motors with hydraulic systems, offering enhanced precision and control. The electric motor drives the hydraulic pump, allowing for smoother and more accurate operation of the tines. This combination is particularly advantageous in environments where precise material handling is crucial, such as in recycling plants or facilities dealing with delicate materials.

3. Classification by Applications

In addition to the above methods, orange peel grabs can be categorized into different types depending on the application.

• Scrap Handling: These grabs are engineered to manage a diverse range of scrap materials—from light aluminum pieces to heavy steel remnants, and even mixed scrap loads. Their robust construction and versatile design allow them to securely grasp and maneuver scrap of varying sizes and weights, ensuring minimal downtime during loading and unloading operations.
• Wood Chip Handling: Designed specifically for the lumber industry, these wood chip grabs can pick up loose wood chips with little to no chip blockage. They also run smoothly without scattering material, ensuring that wood chips are cleaned up in a timely and efficient manner.
• Rock Handling: When it comes to moving rocks, stones, and other heavy materials, these grabs are up to the task. Their powerful grip and durable construction enable them to secure heavy loads, reducing the risk of accidental release. The robust design is especially important in quarrying and construction environments, where reliable handling of hard, abrasive materials is essential.

Choosing the Right Orange Peel Grab for Your Grab Overhead Crane

With the method of categorizing orange peel grabs based on the number of tines introduced above, you may be wondering how to choose the right orange peel grabs. Next I will introduce you to the factors to consider when shopping.

1. Material Type and Characteristics: What type of materials will you be primarily handling – scrap metal, waste, rocks, timber, or other bulk items? Consider the material's density, size, shape, and flowability. Material type dictates orange peel grapple tine design and capacity. Scrap metal orange peel grapples, waste handling orange peel grapples, and rock handling orange peel grapples are specialized for their respective materials.
2. Load Capacity and Grapple Size: Determine the required grapple capacity based on the typical volume and weight of material you need to handle. Match the orange peel grab capacity to your crane's lifting capacity and desired throughput.
3. Tine Number and Shape: Choose the appropriate number of tines (4, 5, 6, or more) and tine shape (open, semi-closed, closed) based on the material characteristics and the need for penetration, grasping security, and material containment.

Conclusion

Orange peel grabs can help lift irregular materials like scrap metal, waste, rocks, and timber. Their multi-tine design resembles the segments of a peeled orange and allows for a secure grip on uneven loads. You can find them in 4-, 5-, or 6-tine options, with more tines offering better grip for smaller materials. There are different types of orange peel grabs: hydraulic models are strong for heavy loads, mechanical versions are simpler for lighter jobs, and electro-hydraulic models offer precise control for accuracy. Each design is specific to certain materials for better performance. Choosing the right orange peel grab depends on the material you are handling, the load capacity, and the tine design. This ensures that you safely and efficiently lift your materials.