Henan Mine Crane · Scrap Yard and Recycling Lifting Systems
Scrap Handling Crane
Custom overhead and gantry crane systems with lifting magnets, orange-peel grabs, hooks or dual-purpose attachments for steel mills, recycling yards, foundries, ports and waste-processing facilities.
Henan Mine Crane engineers the crane, attachment, power and control system around the actual scrap composition, bulk density, maximum piece size, temperature, required throughput, operating cycle, yard layout and destination requirements.
Applications
Scrap yards, steel mills, foundries, ports and recycling plants
Attachment options
Magnet, orange-peel grab, hook or dual-purpose system
Critical scrap data
Composition, density, piece size, temperature and throughput
Commercial basis
Defined technical scope and project quotation
Crane Systems for Scrap Metal Handling
A scrap handling crane transfers loose, bundled or irregular metal between stockpiles, railcars, trucks, shredders, shears, charging boxes, sorting stations, furnaces and outbound loading areas. The system may use an overhead bridge crane inside a building or a gantry crane for an outdoor yard. The correct arrangement depends on the operating envelope, required coverage, material stream and facility structure.
The lifting device is selected before the final crane capacity is approved. A lifting magnet is generally suitable for verified ferromagnetic scrap with predictable magnetic response. An orange-peel grab is generally suitable for mixed, irregular, contaminated or non-ferrous material that cannot be lifted reliably by magnetism. Hook service remains useful for maintenance, containers, bundles and approved rigging tasks.
Scrap service can combine high cycle rates, impact, dust, sharp edges, heat and highly variable loads. The design therefore addresses the complete load spectrum, attachment self-weight, shock and extraction forces, visibility, exclusion zones, power-loss behavior, wear protection and planned maintenance. A general-purpose crane should not be converted to scrap duty solely by adding a magnet or grab without structural, mechanical, electrical and operational verification.
Scrap Handling Crane Configurations
01 · Electromagnetic Overhead Crane
A circular or purpose-arranged magnet lifts ferrous scrap without manual slinging. Magnet geometry, duty cycle, magnetic test results, rectifier, cable management, current monitoring, heat dissipation and power-loss holding strategy are matched to the scrap stream. This system is not suitable for aluminum, copper or other non-ferrous material.
02 · Orange-Peel Grab Overhead Crane
A multi-tine orange-peel grab penetrates and closes around loose, irregular or mixed scrap. Tine count and profile, open diameter, volume, closing force, grab tare, wear plate, rotator and rope, hydraulic or electro-hydraulic drive are selected from the material and cycle. Dynamic pull-out loads require specific verification.
03 · Magnet and Hook Dual-Purpose Crane
A magnet handles ferrous scrap while a hook supports approved maintenance, rigging or unit-load work. The magnet, lifting beam and hook have separate operating rules and rated-load conditions. Changeover, attachment recognition, control permissives and stored attachment locations are defined in the operating concept.
04 · Grab and Hook Dual-Purpose Crane
A detachable grab expands a crane from bulk handling to conventional hook service. The arrangement is appropriate where scrap transfer is important but not the only process. Hook capacity, grab capacity, reeving, hydraulic or electrical connection, attachment parking and changeover risk are specified separately.
05 · Automated Scrap Handling Crane
Laser scanning or machine vision, absolute position feedback, pile mapping, anti-sway, path planning, hopper interlocks and collision avoidance can support semi-automatic or unmanned transfer. Automation is based on a defined material envelope, controlled work zones and documented recovery modes.
06 · Outdoor Scrap Gantry Crane
A rail-mounted gantry crane covers outdoor stockpiles, loading lanes or port yards without relying on a complete building runway. Wind operating limits, storm anchoring, lightning protection, corrosion class, drainage, rail foundations and vehicle segregation become part of the project scope.
Compare Magnet, Orange-Peel Grab and Dual-Purpose Systems
Attachment selection is governed by scrap behavior and the required operation, not by crane tonnage alone. Representative material samples and the full handling route should be reviewed before the crane and attachment are approved.
| Lifting system | Best-matched scrap | Primary advantage | Critical engineering issue | Commercial fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnet | Predominantly ferromagnetic, loose steel scrap with verified pickup behavior | Fast pickup and release without mechanical tine penetration | Air gaps, material temperature, power failure, residual magnetism and dropped-load zone | Dedicated high-cycle ferrous scrap flow |
| Orange-peel grab | Mixed, irregular, non-ferrous, contaminated or weakly magnetic scrap | Mechanical capture across a wider material range | Penetration, closing force, fill factor, tine wear and dynamic extraction load | Mixed recycling feed and irregular scrap piles |
| Hook with approved rigging | Bundles, bins, charging boxes, maintenance items and defined lifting points | Flexible for unit loads and maintenance work | Manual rigging exposure, sling protection and slower cycle | Low-frequency or secondary operations |
| Magnet and hook | Ferrous scrap plus planned unit-load or maintenance service | Two defined operating modes on one crane | Attachment changeover and separate capacity/control states | Yards requiring operational flexibility |
| Grab and hook | Bulk scrap plus bins, bundles or maintenance lifts | Mechanical handling of mixed material with hook capability | Grab parking, connection, reeving and mode interlocks | Multi-purpose industrial facilities |
Selection rule: choose a magnet only when the scrap is sufficiently ferromagnetic and representative pickup tests confirm the required holding performance. Choose an orange-peel grab when the material is mixed, irregular, non-ferrous or mechanically interlocked. Where the material stream changes frequently, a dual-purpose or quick-change concept can be evaluated with separate ratings, controls and safe attachment storage.
Calculate Capacity, Grab Volume and Required Throughput
The crane rating covers the total suspended load. For magnetic service, this includes the maximum permitted scrap payload, magnet, lifting beam, cable and all suspended interfaces. For grab service, it includes the actual scrap payload, complete grab tare, rotator or power unit and rigging.
Preliminary orange-peel grab volume is derived from the required payload divided by loose bulk density and the achievable fill factor. The result is then checked against tine penetration, open diameter, pile geometry, maximum piece size and discharge opening. A large nominal volume does not guarantee a larger useful payload if the material bridges or the tines cannot close effectively.
Interlocked scrap can resist the grab as it is extracted from the pile. Pull-out force can exceed the static grab-plus-payload weight, so hoist, rope, drum, structure, brakes and control logic are checked for the defined extraction and snatch condition. The operator or automatic sequence should prevent dragging and uncontrolled side pull.
Required throughput is evaluated from average useful payload per cycle and the complete cycle time: approach, lower, penetrate or magnetize, close or pick, hoist, travel, position, discharge, return and delays. A realistic calculation includes pile changes, partial grabs, vehicle access, hopper availability and operator or automation performance.
Scrap Material and Application Matrix
| Scrap or process | Preferred starting point | Data requiring confirmation | Design implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy melting steel and plate offcuts | Magnet after pickup testing; orange-peel grab for irregular interlocked piles | Piece size, thickness, air gaps, pile interlocking and maximum single-piece mass | Magnet geometry or reinforced penetrating tines and extraction-load allowance |
| Shredded steel and turnings | Magnet for verified clean ferrous feed; grab for mixed or contaminated feed | Bulk density, moisture, oil, fines, tramp material and magnetic response | Magnet cooling and release behavior or semi-closed tine profile |
| Automotive bodies and demolition scrap | Orange-peel grab, with magnet evaluated only for a verified segregated stream | Long projections, enclosed fluids, non-metallic content and unstable centers of gravity | Large open span, secure closure, controlled acceleration and generous clearance envelope |
| Stainless, aluminum, copper and mixed non-ferrous scrap | Orange-peel grab or other mechanical attachment | Alloy mix, piece form, value segregation and contamination limits | Mechanical capture; do not base the lifting plan on magnetic attraction |
| Bundles, bins and charging boxes | Hook, beam or approved container attachment | Rated lifting points, dimensions, center of gravity and rigging access | Defined below-the-hook device and positive load engagement |
| Hot slag or high-temperature metallic residue | Dedicated temperature-rated system after process risk assessment | Maximum material and radiant temperature, flame, dust and emergency conditions | Heat shielding, protected electrics, suitable rope and lubrication, remote operation and special inspection |
Technical Specification Framework
Scrap crane specifications are finalized from the material study, process layout and duty calculation. A complete technical schedule should define the crane, attachment and facility interfaces rather than listing only rated capacity, span and lifting height.
Henan Mine Crane uses the confirmed design basis to prepare the general arrangement, load and speed schedule, wheel reactions, attachment data, control philosophy, electrical single-line information, safety functions, inspection plan and commercial boundary.
| Specification item | Required project input | Engineering output |
|---|---|---|
| Rated capacity | Maximum useful scrap payload and complete attachment tare | Total suspended rating and separate capacity for each operating mode |
| Span and travel | Building or yard layout, rail centers, approaches and obstacles | Crane geometry, end approaches, hook or attachment coverage and rail reactions |
| Lifting height and headroom | Pile height, vehicle or hopper elevation, attachment depth and roof level | Required hook path, rope travel, upper clearance and maintenance access |
| Working duty | Lifts per hour, shifts, operating days, load spectrum and design life | Crane and mechanism classifications based on the actual duty calculation |
| Magnet system | Scrap test data, temperature, duty cycle and loss-of-power risk assessment | Magnet arrangement, rectifier, cable reel, current monitoring, backup and release logic |
| Orange-peel grab | Density, fill factor, piece size, pile geometry and desired payload | Volume, tine profile, open span, closing force, wear package and drive system |
| Motion speeds | Required tonnes per hour, travel distances and positioning tolerance | Hoist, trolley and bridge speeds with VFD acceleration and micro-speed where required |
| Control mode | Visibility, operator location, automation level and process interfaces | Cabin, radio remote, control room, semi-automatic or automatic operation |
| Environment | Temperature, dust, fumes, corrosion, rainfall, wind and hazardous-area classification | Enclosures, cooling or heating, coating, sealing, wind protection and component selection |
| Codes and acceptance | Destination regulations, purchaser specification and inspection requirements | Agreed crane, electrical and below-the-hook-device code matrix and test plan |
Published Henan Mine Crane reference families include electromagnetic overhead cranes rated 5–32 t including the magnet, with 10.5–31.5 m spans, 6–30 m lifting heights and project-selected duty; intelligent four-rope grab cranes rated 5–50 t with A6–A8 duty; and electromagnetic-hook gantry cranes rated 10–50 t with 18–35 m spans. These are product-family reference ranges, not a substitute for scrap-specific capacity, attachment and duty verification.
Controls, Safety and Environmental Protection
Crane Motion Protection
Overload protection, upper and lower hoist limits, travel limits, service and emergency brakes, buffers, anti-derailment measures, controlled acceleration and defined emergency-stop functions protect the lifting and travel system.
Magnet Load-Retention Strategy
Current and voltage monitoring, temperature supervision, backup energy or electro-permanent technology, alarm logic and controlled emergency placement are selected from the risk assessment. Personnel and vehicles remain outside the potential drop zone.
Grab and Rotator Protection
Closing pressure or rope force, tine position, hydraulic pressure, hose routing, rotator condition and attachment state can be monitored. Control logic limits side pulling, dragging, incomplete closure and unsafe travel near obstacles.
Operator Visibility and Segregation
Cabin position, camera coverage, radio remote control, warning devices, barriers, vehicle routes and access interlocks are coordinated with the pile, loading lanes and discharge points to maintain a controlled operating zone.
Automation and Recovery
Pile scanning, position encoders, anti-sway, obstacle detection, collision avoidance, hopper or furnace interlocks and attachment-state permissives support automatic work. Manual fallback and controlled recovery are included in the functional design.
Dust, Heat and Outdoor Exposure
Protected enclosures, filtered or conditioned cabins, heat shielding, high-temperature cabling, corrosion-resistant coating, sealed components, wind alarms, storm anchoring and lightning protection are selected for the site environment.
Verified Project Case
Unmanned Grab Crane for Steel-Plant Material Handling
Henan Mine Crane developed unmanned grab crane systems for metallurgical bulk-material applications, including the 250,000-ton rotary kiln project at Baowu Group’s Shaoguan Steel Plant and the No. 2 blast-furnace renovation at Ningbo Steel. The platform integrates three-dimensional pile scanning, absolute position feedback, automatic positioning, obstacle avoidance and remote, cabin and wireless control modes.
The control architecture creates a material-pile model and coordinates pickup, travel and discharge positions with the production process. Multiple operating modes provide a defined recovery path when automatic operation is interrupted or site intervention is required.
This published case demonstrates automation capability for complex metallurgical material piles. A scrap-yard version requires separate validation of the orange-peel grab geometry, scrap density, maximum piece size, dynamic extraction forces, wear package, throughput and controlled drop zones.
Engineering Deliverables and Quality Records
A procurement-ready proposal defines the complete scrap handling system and its interfaces. Henan Mine Crane can prepare project-specific engineering and manufacturing records for technical approval, installation and acceptance.
Design basis
Approved scrap schedule, bulk-density range, throughput, load spectrum, duty calculation, layout, wheel reactions, clearances and code matrix.
Attachment engineering
Magnetic test basis or grab volume and tine design, total tare, load path, controls, interlocks, power-loss state, wear parts and rated-load marking.
Manufacturing records
Material traceability, welding procedures, welder qualifications, dimensional inspection, NDT reports and component certificates as contractually required.
Factory acceptance
Functional checks, brake and limit tests, control simulation, attachment cycles, magnet or grab verification and witnessed testing when included in the contract.
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Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Planning
Before Manufacture
Confirm runway or foundation geometry, supporting-structure capacity, clearances, pile and discharge coordinates, vehicle routes, power supply, process interfaces, access for attachment maintenance and site responsibilities.
Erection and Commissioning
Coordinate unloading, erection method, rail survey, mechanical and electrical installation, no-load testing, proof load, attachment functions, representative scrap trials, process interlocks and operator training.
Planned Maintenance
Maintain brakes, ropes, drums, wheels, rails, reducers, fasteners and electrics together with magnet cables and backup power or grab tines, pins, bushings, ropes, rotator, hoses, cylinders and wear plates.
Commissioning should include representative low-density and high-density scrap, difficult pile conditions, maximum operating reach, magnet power-loss or grab-recovery behavior, control-mode transfer, emergency functions and acceptance criteria agreed before shipment.
Scrap Handling Crane Price and Supply Scope
Scrap handling crane price cannot be established from crane tonnage alone. Span, lifting height, working duty, magnet or grab type, total attachment tare, throughput, control mode, environmental protection, runway scope, destination and installation responsibility all affect the commercial result.
The following September 2026 observations are preliminary market budget bands in US dollars. They are not a Henan Mine Crane quotation and are not directly comparable without matching design code, duty, material test basis, attachment scope, delivery term, condition and included services.
| Budget item | Indicative market range | Commercial interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional 10–20 t double-girder base crane | Approximately US$12,000–US$60,000 across observed factory guides | Base equipment only; scrap attachment, heavy-duty design, special controls and site scope are additional |
| Electromagnetic overhead crane equipment listings | Approximately US$3,000–US$95,000 across selected online offers | The unusually wide range reflects incomplete scopes, capacities and listing quality; it is not a reliable turnkey scrap-yard budget |
| Individual industrial scrap lifting magnet | Common selected listing level approximately US$1,000–US$6,000 per unit | Does not include beam, rectifier, cable reel, backup energy, controls, material testing or crane integration |
| Orange-peel grab | Approximately US$3,000–US$80,000+ from light rope-operated units to large heavy-duty hydraulic systems | Volume, tare, drive, tine material, rotator, hydraulic package, inspection and certification cause major price differences |
| Complete heavy-duty or automated scrap handling crane | Project quotation | Requires confirmed material data, process layout, throughput, duty, safety concept, interface matrix and delivery boundary |
Define the Quotation Boundary
| Crane equipment | Bridge or gantry structure, trolley, hoist, drives, electrics, controls, access and crane safety devices |
| Scrap attachment | Magnet, beam, rectifier, backup power and cable system or orange-peel grab, rotator and power package |
| Automation package | Pile scanning, positioning, anti-sway, cameras, PLC, network, MES/WMS/DCS interfaces and functional testing |
| Runway and civil works | Rails, supporting steel, columns, foundations, conductor system, drainage, platforms and building checks |
| Delivery and installation | Packing, inland transport, ocean freight, insurance, unloading, erection, supervision and site lifting equipment |
| Testing and support | Proof load, representative scrap trials, third-party inspection, commissioning, training, spares and warranty boundary |
A valid bid comparison uses the same scrap schedule, useful payload, total suspended capacity, span, height, working duty, attachment and safety scope, automation functions, applicable code, Incoterm, currency, quotation validity and site responsibilities.
Scrap Handling Crane RFQ Information
Submit scrap categories and proportions; loose bulk density; typical and maximum piece size and individual mass; ferrous content; temperature, moisture, oil and contamination; representative photos or samples; required tonnes per hour; pickup and discharge layout; span, travel length, lifting height and approaches; operating hours and load spectrum; runway or foundation data; power supply; preferred magnet, grab or dual-purpose arrangement; control and automation interfaces; destination and applicable code; and required freight, installation, testing, training and spare-parts scope.
A defined crane, attachment, interface schedule and itemized commercial scope can then be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for scrap handling: a magnet or an orange-peel grab?
A magnet is generally preferable for verified ferromagnetic scrap with predictable pickup behavior. An orange-peel grab is generally preferable for mixed, irregular, contaminated, non-ferrous or weakly magnetic material. Representative scrap testing should confirm the selection.
Can one scrap crane use both a magnet and a grab?
Yes, if the trolley, reeving, power supply, cable management, controls and attachment parking are designed for both. Each attachment has a separate tare, rated payload, operating mode and inspection requirement.
How is scrap handling crane capacity calculated?
Capacity includes the maximum useful scrap payload plus the complete magnet, beam, grab, rotator, power unit and suspended interface tare. Dynamic extraction, impact, eccentricity, wheel loads and runway or foundation capacity are also checked.
How is orange-peel grab volume selected?
Preliminary volume follows target payload, loose bulk density and expected fill factor. Tine penetration, open span, maximum piece size, pile geometry, closing force, discharge opening and complete grab tare then determine the final design.
What happens if power fails while a scrap magnet is lifting?
The project risk assessment defines backup energy, alarm and current monitoring, emergency placement, controlled exclusion zones and the required load-retention strategy. Electro-permanent technology may also be evaluated for suitable material and process conditions.
Can a scrap handling crane be automated?
Yes. Pile scanning, position feedback, path planning, anti-sway, attachment-state monitoring, obstacle detection, hopper or furnace interlocks and MES, WMS or DCS communication can be integrated within a defined functional specification.
What working duty is required for a scrap crane?
Continuous scrap service often requires a heavy-duty A6–A8 solution, but the final crane and mechanism classifications are calculated from operating hours, lifts per hour, load spectrum, travel distances, attachment actions and design life.
Can a scrap crane operate outdoors?
Yes. An outdoor bridge or gantry crane can be configured with suitable corrosion protection, enclosure ratings, wind alarms, operating limits, storm anchoring, lightning protection, drainage and temperature controls for the destination.
How much does a scrap handling crane cost?
Observed factory guides place conventional 10–20 t double-girder base cranes at approximately US$12,000–US$60,000 before the scrap attachment and special controls. Large grabs, magnet systems, heavy-duty design, automation, runway, freight and installation require an itemized project quotation.
What information is needed for a scrap crane quotation?
Provide material categories, density, piece size, ferrous content, temperature, photos, throughput, operating cycle, pile and discharge layout, span, height, duty, power supply, control requirements, destination, applicable code and the required delivery and installation boundary.
Technical content record
Prepared by Henan Mine Crane Technical Sales · Technically reviewed by Crane Engineering · Last reviewed September 2026
Related Scrap Handling Crane Products
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Grab and Hook Dual-Purpose Crane
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Electromagnetic Hook Gantry Crane
Outdoor double-girder gantry crane with magnetic and hook handling modes for steel yards, ports and recycling facilities.
Double-Girder Bridge Crane
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Double-Girder Gantry Crane
Outdoor gantry platform for stockyard coverage where a complete building runway is unavailable or impractical.
Engineered Scrap Handling Proposal
Request a Scrap Handling Crane Quote
Provide the scrap schedule, material samples or photos, bulk density, piece-size range, required throughput, pickup and discharge layout, operating cycle, facility dimensions, duty, controls, destination and delivery boundary. Henan Mine Crane will develop the crane and attachment as one defined handling system.