Handling scrap, stone and demolition debris with a standard bucket wastes time. Material slips, loads spill, and operators make extra passes. A hydraulic peel grapple, also called an orange peel grapple or orange peel grab, solves this problem. Its curved tines close around loose, uneven material and hold it firmly during the lift.
This guide is written for importers, distributors, contractors and procurement teams. It explains how the grapple works, where it fits, how to choose between 4-tine and 5-tine designs, and what to confirm before you request a quotation. Jiangyin Changyu Machinery Co., Ltd. supplies a hydraulic orange peel grapple range for excavators. The model data in this article comes from our current specification sheet.
4-Tine & 5-Tine Orange Peel Grab for Excavators
An
orange peel grab gets its name from its shape. Curved tines, also called petals or jaws, meet at the center like the segments of a peeled orange. Hydraulic cylinders open and close the tines, so the operator can pick up, hold and release a load from the cab.
Our
hydraulic peel grapple is built with four or five tines, and the model sheet lists 4 to 5 jaws per model. The tines wrap around uneven material instead of pushing it away. That is why this attachment is a common choice for loading scrap, rock and mixed waste. Some buyers also search for it as a multi-tine grab or a lotus claw grab. These names describe the same type of attachment.
In general, a 4-tine layout suits larger and bulkier pieces. A 5-tine layout closes tighter and holds smaller material better. We compare the two options in a later section.
Heavy-Duty Grapple for Scrap Steel, Stone & Demolition Debris
The
orange peel grapple is designed for bulk and block materials that a bucket cannot hold well. Typical loads include:
• Scrap metal and scrap steel
• Stones and rock pieces
• Pig iron
• Sand and gravel
• Domestic garbage and mixed waste
• Demolition debris, such as broken concrete and building waste
These materials are heavy, sharp and irregular. The grapple takes impact on every cycle, so build quality matters more than appearance. Before you order, ask your supplier about steel grade, pin and bushing sizes, and wear parts. Get the answers in writing.
Fixed (Double-Axis) and Swinging (Single-Axis) Connection Options
We supply two connection types. The difference is how the grapple attaches to the excavator forearm:
• Fixed type (double-axis connection): the grapple stays in line with the forearm. The operator gets direct control when placing or sorting material.
• Swinging type (single-axis connection): the grapple hangs from one pin and can swing slightly. This helps it settle on uneven piles and reduces side stress during lifting.
Both types work for scrap, stone and waste handling. The right choice depends on your work site and your operators’ habits. We explain the differences in more detail below.
Factory-Direct Orange Peel Grapple from Jiangyin Changyu Machinery
Buying direct from the manufacturer removes middle layers. You talk to the team that builds and ships the product, and technical questions get faster answers.
Jiangyin Changyu Machinery Co., Ltd. is based in Jiangyin City, China. We make hydraulic breakers, crushing stations and excavator attachments. Our company profile lists 13 years of experience and exports to 14 countries. We also run a logistics management center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which supports customers in the Middle East. Our
hydraulic orange peel grapple is one product in a wider attachment range, so you can combine several items in one inquiry.
Models ZJM4-180, ZJM4-280 & ZJM4-380 for Different Excavator Sizes
Our current
hydraulic peel grapple range has three models. All three install on the forearm and offer 4 to 5 jaws.
| Model |
Applicable Type |
Boom Installation |
No. of Jaws |
Max Opening (mm) |
Weight (kg) |
| ZJM4-180 |
150-180 |
Forearm installation |
4-5 |
1600 |
900 |
| ZJM4-280 |
200-300 |
Forearm installation |
4-5 |
2500 |
1900 |
| ZJM4-380 |
310-410 |
Forearm installation |
4-5 |
2900 |
2200 |
Use the table as a starting point, not a final match. The “Applicable Type” column shows the excavator size range each model is made for. Excavator brands differ in pin spacing and hydraulic flow, so send us your machine model and we will confirm the fit before you order.
If your crew switches attachments during the day, consider pairing the grapple with a
Hydraulic Quick Hitch Coupler. A quick hitch lets the operator swap a grapple, bucket or breaker without leaving the cab.
Orange Peel Grapple for Scrap Yards and Metal Recycling
Scrap yards need speed and control. Operators load trucks, feed machines, sort piles and stack material in the same shift. An
orange peel grapple lets the operator pick up one piece or scoop a mixed load, then place it exactly where it belongs.
• Loading trucks and containers
• Feeding shears and shredders
• Sorting ferrous and non-ferrous piles
• Stacking material and clearing yard space
Large or long scrap often needs cutting before it can be loaded. In that case, a
Hydraulic Double Cylinder Shear can cut the material down, and the grapple then handles the loading.
Grab Irregular Materials: Scrap Steel, Pig Iron, Sand & Gravel
The jaw curve is the key design feature. It follows the shape of loose and irregular material, so the tines close around scrap steel, pig iron, sand and gravel instead of letting them slide out. This makes loading and unloading easier when the material has no regular shape.
For finer bulk material, a shell-type tool may suit better. Our
Grab Bucket unloads through its left and right buckets and suits material loading, earthwork and road or railway construction. An
orange peel grab works better for mixed, bulky or odd-shaped loads.
Hydraulic Grapple for Demolition Sites and Waste Handling
On demolition sites, the grapple clears and sorts debris after the structure is broken down. It picks up concrete pieces, timber, bricks and mixed waste and loads them for transport. Waste transfer stations use the same tool for domestic garbage.
Many contractors run several attachments on one carrier. For primary demolition work, you can use
Hydraulic Crushing Pliers to break down structures, then use the grapple to sort and load the debris. One excavator and two attachments means less equipment to move around the site.
Efficient Loading and Unloading of Bulk and Block Materials
A bucket often needs several passes to move awkward material. A grapple picks up and holds the load in one cycle, so there is less spillage and less re-handling. Buyers usually notice these benefits:
•Fewer passes per truck load
•Cleaner work areas, because less material falls off
•Better control when placing heavy pieces
•One attachment for loading, sorting and unloading
Actual output depends on the excavator, the material and the operator. We do not quote fixed cycle times, because they vary too much between sites.
What Is a Hydraulic Orange Peel Grapple Used For?
A
hydraulic orange peel grapple is an excavator attachment that grabs, holds and moves loose or irregular material. It is mainly used for scrap handling, demolition clearing, stone and rock loading, and waste sorting.
It is not a digging tool. If your main job is excavation, a digging bucket is the better choice. If your main job is moving rough, mixed or bulky material, a
hydraulic peel grapple is usually the more efficient attachment.
4-Tine vs 5-Tine Orange Peel Grapple: Which One Should You Choose?
•4-tine: suits larger, bulkier pieces such as long scrap, broken concrete and big stones. The wider gaps between tines let small debris fall through.
•5-tine: closes tighter and holds smaller or mixed material better. It suits sorting work, garbage handling and loose bulk loads.
If your material is mostly large and heavy, start with 4 tines. If it is mixed and includes small pieces, start with 5 tines. If you are not sure, send us photos of your material and we will recommend an option.
Fixed vs Swinging Orange Peel Grapple: What’s the Difference?
•Fixed (double-axis): more rigid and more precise. It works well for sorting, stacking and placing material in tight spaces.
•Swinging (single-axis): more flexible. It adjusts to uneven ground and piles, which helps with general loading.
Choose the fixed type if your operators need precise control. Choose the swinging type if your work site is uneven and loading speed matters more. Tell us how you plan to use the grapple, and we will suggest the better fit.
How to Choose the Right Orange Peel Grapple for Your Excavator
Check these six points before you request a price:
1. Excavator brand, model and operating weight
2. Material type, size and density
3. Required opening width and load volume
4. Tine number: 4 or 5
5. Connection type: fixed or swinging
6. Pin dimensions, mounting method and hydraulic flow
Check the Supplier as Well as the Product
A good grapple from a weak supplier still causes problems. Before you place an order, ask for:
•A specification sheet and product drawing
•Photos or a video of real finished units
•Written warranty terms and spare parts support
•Packing method, shipping terms and delivery time
•Clear communication in English, before and after the sale
Orange Peel Grapple for Sale: Get a Quote and Technical Specs
To receive an accurate quotation for a
hydraulic orange peel grapple, send us these details:
•Excavator brand, model and weight
•Preferred model (ZJM4-180, ZJM4-280 or ZJM4-380) or tine number
•Fixed or swinging connection
•Material you plan to handle
•Order quantity and destination country or port
•Any special requirements
With this information, our team can reply with the technical specifications, a model recommendation and a price quotation. Before shipment, you can also ask for photos or a video of the finished unit and confirm that cylinders, pins and welds are inspected.
Export-Ready Excavator Attachments with Custom Options Available
We welcome inquiries from importers, distributors, contractors and project buyers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, South America and Africa. Our logistics management center in Riyadh supports delivery in the Middle East, and our team can provide door-to-door technical support.
If standard models do not fit your excavator, tell us your machine model, pin size and working material. We review each custom request and confirm what is possible before we quote. Distributors and OEM buyers can also ask about branding and packing requirements. Please confirm shipping terms, delivery time and warranty in your quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hydraulic peel grapple?
A
hydraulic peel grapple is an excavator attachment with curved tines that open and close by hydraulic cylinders. It is also called an orange peel grapple. It grabs scrap, stone, debris and waste that a normal bucket cannot hold well.
Which excavator sizes do your models fit?
The ZJM4-180 is listed for applicable type 150-180, the ZJM4-280 for 200-300, and the ZJM4-380 for 310-410. Send us your excavator brand and model, and we will confirm the correct match.
How many tines does the grapple have?
Our model sheet lists 4 to 5 jaws. Four tines suit large, bulky pieces. Five tines hold smaller and mixed material better.
What is the difference between fixed and swinging types?
The fixed type uses a double-axis connection and gives more precise control. The swinging type uses a single-axis connection and adjusts better to uneven ground.
What should I send to get a quotation?
Send your excavator model, the material you handle, your preferred model or tine number, connection type, order quantity and destination. Photos of your material also help.
Do you export and provide technical support?
Yes. Our company profile lists exports to 14 countries and a logistics management center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Our team also offers technical support. Contact us to discuss shipping terms and your project.
Conclusion
A
hydraulic peel grapple helps you move scrap, stone, sand, gravel and demolition debris faster and with less spillage than a bucket. The right choice depends on your excavator size, your material, the tine number and the connection type. If you confirm these four points first, the buying process becomes simple.
Jiangyin Changyu Machinery Co., Ltd. offers a
hydraulic orange peel grapple range in three models, with fixed and swinging options. If you would like product details, a quotation, customization options or technical support, send us your excavator model and material type. Our team will reply with a clear recommendation. You can reach us at Annie@changyumech.com or Miaocheng@changyumech.com.