Hydraulic grapple for excavator, is a multi-jaw attachment that turns your excavator into a versatile material handler. It gets its name from its appearance—when the jaws close, they resemble the segments of an orange peel.
The orange peel grab uses hydraulic power to open and close multiple curved jaws simultaneously. When you lower the open grapple over a pile of material and activate the hydraulics, the jaws close inward from all sides, surrounding and securing the load. Nothing slips out. Nothing spills.
YG hydraulic grabs for excavators is widely used in scrap yards, demolition sites, timber yards, and recycling facilities. It handles scrap metal, logs, demolition debris, bulk waste, and more. The multi-jaw design adapts to different shapes and sizes, making it one of the most versatile excavator attachments available.
YG Hydraulic Grapple For Excavator – Key Specifications
Here are the complete parameters for all five models. Choose based on your excavator size and the material you need to handle.
| Item/Model | Unit | YGO04A | YGO06A | YGO08A | YGO06B | YGO08B |
| No. of Jaw | piece | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Suitable Excavator | ton | 6-9 | 10-17 | 18-25 | 10-17 | 18-25 |
| Weight | kg | 355/420 | 900/1000 | 1650/1900 | 850/1000 | 1700/1950 |
| Max Open Jaw | mm | 1200 | 1600 | 2050 | 1900 | 2500 |
| Height of Opened Grapple | mm | 1000 | 1500 | 1700 | 1550 | 2000 |
| Working Pressure | bar | 200 | 260 | 320 | 260 | 320 |
| Working Flow | lpm | 50-100 | 60-120 | 200-250 | 60-120 | 200-250 |
| Capacity | m3 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 1 |
What Can You Pick Up With an Excavator Hydraulic Grapple?
A hydraulic grapple for excavator is one of the most versatile excavator attachments. Here is what you can handle with it:
- Scrap metal – Loose steel, rebar, car bodies, and mixed scrap.
- Logs and timber – Tree trunks, branches, and processed lumber.
- Demolition debris – Broken concrete with rebar, bricks, and mixed construction waste.
- Bulk waste – Municipal waste, industrial scrap, and recycling materials.
- Rocks and boulders – Irregularly shaped stones for landscaping or construction.
- Pipes and long materials – Steel pipes, concrete pipes, and cable drums.
The multi-jaw design allows the grapple to conform to different shapes. It works just as well on a round log as it does on a pile of twisted scrap metal.
How Does a Hydraulic Grab For Excavator Work?
- Step 1 – Open the jaws. The operator activates the auxiliary hydraulic circuit. Oil flows to the cylinder, retracting the piston and opening the jaws. The jaws spread wide to receive the material.
- Step 2 – Grab. The operator lowers the open grapple over the material. When the jaws are in position, the operator reverses the hydraulic flow. The cylinder extends, closing the jaws inward. The jaws surround the material from all sides, creating a secure grip.
- Step 3 – Lift and place. The operator lifts the load and moves it to the drop-off point. The operator opens the jaws, releasing the material. The whole cycle takes seconds.
The hydraulic grapple for excavator can be equipped with a hydraulic rotation motor (optional). This allows the operator to rotate the load for precise placement.
5 Core Components of an Orange Peel Grab
- Jaws – 4 or 5 curved steel segments that close inward. The number of jaws affects grip and shape adaptability.
- Hydraulic cylinder – Powers the opening and closing of the jaws. The cylinder is mounted in the center of the grapple.
- Mounting bracket – Connects the grapple to the excavator arm. Standard pin sizes available for most excavator brands.
- Pivot pins – Heavy-duty pins that connect the jaws to the mounting bracket. Grease fittings for easy maintenance.
- Hose kit – High-pressure hoses to connect to the excavator’s auxiliary circuit.
How to Choose the Right Model?
| Excavator Size | Recommended Model | Best For |
| 6-9 tons | YGO04A | Light scrap, small logs, debris |
| 10-17 tons | YGO06A or YGO06B | Medium scrap, timber, mixed waste |
| 18-25 tons | YGO08A or YGO08B | Heavy scrap, large logs, bulk waste |
YGO06A vs YGO06B: Both fit 10-17 ton excavators. YGO06A has a larger capacity (0.4 m³) but smaller opening (1600mm). YGO06B has a larger opening (1900mm) but smaller capacity (0.5 m³). Choose YGO06A if you need more volume per grab. Choose YGO06B if you need to handle larger individual pieces.
YGO08A vs YGO08B: Both fit 18-25 ton excavators. YGO08A has an opening of 2050mm and a capacity of 0.8 m³. YGO08B has an opening of 2500mm and a capacity of 1.0 m³. YGO08B is the larger, more powerful option.
Frequently Asked Questions
5-jaw grapples provide better grip on round or irregularly shaped materials. 4-jaw grapples are simpler and lighter. Both configurations are available on all YG models.
YGO04A fits 6-9 ton excavators. YGO06A/B fits 10-17 ton machines. YGO08A/B fits 18-25 ton machines.
Scrap metal, logs, demolition debris, rocks, pipes, and bulk waste. It handles most irregularly shaped materials.
Regularly grease pivot points. Check hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks. Inspect the jaws for wear.
Yes. Standard hydraulic hoses with fittings are included.
Conclusion – Grab More with YG Orange Peel Grab
Orange peel grab is one of the most versatile attachments for your excavator. YG offers five models for 6-25 ton machines. Jaw openings from 1200mm to 2500mm. Capacities from 0.3 to 1.0 m³. The multi-jaw design provides a secure grip on irregular shapes – scrap metal, logs, debris, and bulk waste. No spillage. No slipping. Just reliable grabbing, every time.
YG Machinery also offers other excavator attachments: breakers, grapples, shears, and crusher buckets. Contact YG with your excavator make, model, and typical material. They will recommend the right hydraulic grapple for excavator and provide a quote.
