- Nov 19, 2024
- News
Overhead Crane with Clamshell Bucket and Grab Bucket
Overhead cranes equipped with clamshell or grab buckets—rated for 5–20 t—excel at handling bulk materials (e.g., coal, grain, scrap) in heavy-duty settings such as power plants and ports.
Introduction to Overhead Cranes with Clamshell and Grab Buckets
Specialized overhead cranes with clamshell or grab buckets are engineered for efficient bulk-material handling in environments like power plants, docks, and large-scale warehouses. By pairing these buckets with a double-girder design (spans up to 34.5 m), operators achieve higher cycle rates and reduced deflection—key benefits demonstrated in a recent port deployment where throughput increased by 30%.
Key Components and Features
Double Girder Design
Overhead Crane with Clamshell Bucket and Grab Bucket often utilize a double girder configuration. This structure provides:
- Enhanced Load Capacity: With lifting capacities ranging from 5 to 20 tons.
- Wider Spans: Spans of up to 34.5 meters ensure coverage for large working areas.
- Structural Integrity: Double-girder cranes use box-section girders that limit vertical deflection to L/600 under rated loads, per CMAA Spec #70. This rigidity maintains alignment for precise clamshell operations over wide spans (up to 34.5 m), enhancing both safety and performance.
Grab and Clamshell Buckets
Clamshell buckets—ideal for free-flowing materials (sand, grain)—use hinged jaws driven by either mechanical linkages or hydraulic cylinders for precise scooping. Grab buckets (e.g., multi-rope or orange-peel types) secure irregular loads; hydraulic variants provide up to 30 % greater bite force for dense materials like scrap metal.
Mechanisms
- Hoisting Mechanism: Uses steel wire ropes and motors rated per OSHA 1910.179 proof-load tests, with dual-brake systems to guarantee controlled lifting.
- Traveling Mechanism:Dual independent drives for trolleys and bridge, equipped with anti-collision sensors and limit switches that meet CMAA #70 safety requirements.
Safety and Control Features
- Cab Controls: Ergonomic pendant or cabin-mounted consoles with proportional joysticks.
- Ground Control: A more flexible option for smaller setups.
- Safety Protections: Anti-collision devices tested at 2× normal speed, overload limiters calibrated to 125 % capacity, and audible/visual alarms rated IP 54 for harsh environments.
Applications of Overhead Cranes with Grab Buckets
These cranes are versatile and widely used in sectors requiring bulk material handling. Here are their main applications:
1. Power Plants
Clamshell and grab buckets are used to handle coal and biomass materials. Their efficiency ensures smooth material transport and reduced downtime.
2. Ports and Docks
In ports, these cranes play a crucial role in unloading ships carrying raw materials like iron ore, sand, and grain.
3. Workshops and Factories
Used for processing materials such as scrap metals or construction aggregates, overhead cranes ensure precise material placement.
4. Warehouses
Grab buckets help in moving bulk goods, increasing operational efficiency in large storage facilities.
Advantages of Overhead Cranes with Clamshell and Grab Buckets
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| High Efficiency | Speeds up bulk material handling processes, improving productivity. |
| Versatility | Adaptable to various materials and industries. |
| Robust Safety Features | Limits operational risks, ensuring worker safety. |
| Customizable Options | Available with various grab bucket designs to suit specific material requirements. |
| Durable Construction | Made from high-quality steel (e.g., Q235B or Q345B), ensuring longevity. |
Grab Bucket Cranes at a Port in Asia
In a recent installation at a large Asian port, a grab bucket overhead crane was deployed to handle coal and sand unloading. The double girder crane, equipped with a multi-rope grab, achieved operational efficiency of 30% above the client's expectations. Enhanced safety features, including anti-collision sensors, minimized risks in the busy dock environment.
Yuantai Overhead Cranes with Grab Buckets & Clamshell Buckets
Yuantai Crane manufacturing customized overhead cranes with clamshell and grab bucket options. Our advantages:
- Production materials: Uses advanced Q235B and Q345B steel for durability.
- Custom Grab Designs: Offers multi-rope, hydraulic, and electric grab buckets tailored to client needs.
- Safety parts: Provides overload limiters, precision control systems, and protective covers for outdoor operations.
Conclusion
Overhead cranes equipped with clamshell and grab buckets are indispensable for industries dealing with bulk materials. These cranes can easily grab scattered goods, which greatly improves efficiency compared to manual labor. Yuantai Crane offers advanced, customizable solutions to meet diverse industrial requirements
