FAQ - Multi-Grippers
Zijtveld’s multi-grabs are designed for the safe and efficient gripping, moving, loading, and sorting of a wide variety of materials, such as wood, pruning waste, yard waste, stones, and other loose materials. Because the right choice depends on the machine, the application, and the desired configuration, we regularly receive questions about the different models, options, and possible uses. On this page, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our multi-grabs. This will give you a quick overview of the possibilities and help you discover which model best suits your work.
Zijtveld multi-grabs are attachments for excavators used to pick up stones and rocky material.
They are primarily used in construction, earthmoving, and recycling, where heavy and irregularly shaped material must be handled. Thanks to their robust construction and 360° hydraulic rotation, materials can be picked up and moved with precision, even in hard-to-reach areas.
The multi-grabs are designed for intensive daily use and are constructed from wear-resistant materials suitable for heavy-duty applications.
The main difference lies in their application.
Multi-grabs are specifically designed for stone and rocky materials. Their construction and serrated lower blades provide extra grip on slippery and irregular loads such as natural stone and rubble.
Demolition and sorting grapples are more versatile and are used for mixed materials such as demolition waste, wood, metal, and rubble.
In practice, this means: Multi-grapples are more focused on grip and strength when handling stony materials, while demolition and sorting grapples are more versatile across different types of materials.
All Zijtveld multi-grabs come standard with serrated bolt-on blades. These have been specially designed to provide extra grip when picking up stones, rubble, and other rocky materials.
Thanks to the teeth, the blades grip the material better than a smooth blade. This reduces the chance that stones will shift or grab out of the grab during pickup or movement. This provides greater control while working and makes it easier to precisely position heavy and irregularly shaped materials.
In addition to providing extra grip, the bolt-on blades also serve as wear parts. On models starting with the MU150-D, the blades are secured with bolts and nuts. This allows them to be easily removed, flipped, and replaced when necessary. Using both sides of the blade extends the wear part’s service life and keeps maintenance costs low.
Yes, starting with the MU150-D model, the serrated bottom blades from Zijtveld Multigrijpers are replaceable and reversible.
The blades are secured with bolts and nuts, making them easy to remove when worn out. In addition, the blades can be rotated multiple times, allowing different sides of the blade to be used before replacement is necessary. This extends the service life of the wear part and keeps maintenance costs low.
When the blades eventually need to be replaced, they are available as individual parts. Parts ordered before 2:00 p.m. can often be shipped the same day.
The serrated undercut blades of Zijtveld Multi-Grabs are equipped with countersunk blade bolts. These bolts are recessed into the blade, which reduces the likelihood of material accumulating around the fasteners.
When working with stones and rocky materials, debris and material can easily become lodged around protruding parts. The recessed design keeps the work area around the bolt-on blade cleaner and reduces the chance of material getting caught behind the bolts.
This contributes to smoother operation of the grab prevents unnecessary contamination around the wear parts. As a result, the grab remains efficient grab during intensive use.
The recessed blade bolts are used on all Multigrab models equipped with bolt-on blades.
High-quality wear-resistant steel was chosen for the development of multi-grabs. Various components of the grab made from this material because they are exposed to heavy loads and wear during operation.
A well-known type of steel used in this application is Hardox. This type of wear-resistant steel is known for its combination of high wear resistance, strength, and relatively low weight.
By using high-quality wear-resistant steel, the components retain their shape and functionality for longer. This contributes to a longer service life for the Multi-Gripper and ensures that it continues to perform reliably even under intensive use.
In addition, the material’s high strength makes it possible to build sturdy structures without adding unnecessary extra weight. As a result, the grab remains grab and can be used efficiently on various excavators.
Choosing the right multi-grapple starts with the weight of the excavator. Zijtveld’s product line includes various models, ensuring that a suitable multi-grapple is available for a wide range of machine classes.
On the Zijtveld website, you can easily search based on the weight of your excavator. You’ll then see an overview of the Multigrippers suitable for your machine. This allows you to quickly determine which models are best suited to your application.
In addition to machine weight, the desired configuration and application can also influence your final choice. For example, Multigrippers are available with or without rotation, and various options are available to grab the grab to the specific task.
Not sure which model is best suited for your excavator? An official Zijtveld distributor can advise you on the right Multigrab, the desired configuration, and any options for your specific machine and application.
The main difference between a multi-grab with and without a slewing ring is the way the grab rotate.
A model with a slewing ring is equipped with an integrated rotation system that allows the grab to rotate grab degrees continuously via a hydraulic system. This allows the grab to be positioned accurately— grab of the excavator’s position—when picking up and moving stones and rocky materials.
A model without a slewing ring does not have an integrated rotation system. This version is primarily used on excavators that are already equipped with a swing-and-tilt unit. In that case, rotation is provided by the swing-and-tilt unit, and a separate slewing ring on the multi-grab is not necessary.
The choice between a Multigripper with or without a slewing ring therefore depends primarily on the excavator’s configuration and the attachments it is equipped with. An official Zijtveld distributor can advise you on which version best suits your machine and your work.
All Zijtveld multi-grabs are equipped as standard with cylinders featuring internal end-of-stroke cushioning.
This technology ensures that the cylinder’s movement is slowed down at the end of its stroke. This grab shocks during the opening and closing of the grab and better absorbs the forces acting on the structure.
This contributes to the smooth operation of the grab helps protect the cylinders and other components from unnecessary stress. As a result, the Multi-Grab continues to perform reliably even during intensive use.
All Zijtveld multi-grabs are equipped with extra-thick side plates. These are an integral part of the grab robust construction grab are designed for applications involving high forces.
The extra-thick side plates contribute to a strong and durable construction. As a result, the grab continues to perform reliably grab during intensive use and can withstand the heavy loads associated with handling stones and rocky materials.
In combination with other wear-resistant structural components, the extra-thick side plates ensure a long service life for the Multigrab.
Zijtveld Multi-Grabs can be equipped with various options and adapters, ensuring the grab is grab suited to the excavator and the desired application.
Popular options include load-holding valves, accumulators, and bolt-on side plates. Depending on the work to be done and the user’s preferences, grab allow the grab to be further tailored to the specific application.
Various adapters are available for connecting to the excavator. Zijtveld offers solutions for systems from Lehnhoff, Steelwrist, OilQuick, and CW connections, among others.
The adapter depends on the excavator’s connection and configuration. Custom modifications are also possible upon consultation. A Zijtveld distributor can advise on which model best suits the machine and the desired application.
Zijtveld multi-grabs are supplied through a network of authorized distributors. A distributor can advise you on the right model, the desired configuration, and how to attach it to the excavator.
Delivery times for standard demolition and sorting grapples are listed on the Zijtveld website. For specific models, custom solutions, or non-standard configurations, delivery times may vary. In that case, a Zijtveld distributor can inform you about current availability and delivery times.
Contact an official Zijtveld distributor for advice, a quote, or more information about the options for your machine and application.
