Associated British Ports orders five MRS grabs from pALM Bulk Solutions

ABP said that the reason behind the investment is an increase in trade of dry bulk materials at the port.

The grabs are all of high close, clam shell design. The largest will have a capacity of 13m³ and is designed for handling a wide range of bulk materials with density up to 1t/m³ including fertilizer, grain, soya, animal feeds and similar materials.

With a grab self-weight of nearly 8t, it is suitable for connection to ABP’s dockside crane with minimum 21t lifting capacity. A 37.5kW integral hydraulic power pack ensures rapid opening and closing rates to achieve high levels of performance.

The second heavy duty hydraulic grab of 3.5m³ capacity is designed for handling material, up to 1.5t/m³, including sand and aggregates, and is provided complete with an adaptor plate to suit ABP’s dockside material handler.

The remaining three grabs ordered range in capacity from 4–5m³ capacity, are suitable for materials with bulk density up to 1t/m³, and again are provided with an adaptor plate to suit ABP’s dockside material handlers.

Each of the grabs incorporates Fork Lift pick up point, high close shells rated for zero degrees repose angle and close tolerance spill free Pantanax wear resistant lower and side knives.

They have been designed to fit equipment already in operation at the port, including the dockside crane and material handlers.

pALM Bulk Solutions director Andrew Mitchell said: “Each of the grabs incorporate a unique design which has been developed in conjunction with ABP for previous orders. We have worked with ABP to supply grabs at their other ports including King’s Lynn, Garston, Newport and Ayr.

“As the UK dealer for MRS Greifer GmbH, who are based in Germany, this latest order by ABP takes the number of the MRS grabs supplied in the UK to 99 which is a fantastic result.”