Handling scrap metal is tough work – heavy loads, irregular shapes, and harsh environments make efficiency and safety a constant challenge. Whether you’re running a steel mill, recycling plant, or scrap yard, choosing the right lifting equipment can make all the difference. That’s where we come in. Our scrap handling crane is built for performance, durability, and control – customized to match your workflow, material types, and site conditions.
Explore Our Types of Scrap Handling Cranes
Choosing the right crane for scrap handling depends on your material type, working environment, and operational demands. Here are the most common crane types and lifting attachments used in scrap handling:
Grab Bucket Cranes – Handling Loose, Irregular Scrap
These scrap handling grab cranes are equipped with mechanical or hydraulic grab buckets designed to handle loose, irregular scrap such as shredded metal, sheet cuttings, and bundled waste.
Ideal for: Mixed or bulk scrap material
Common setup: Double girder overhead or gantry crane + multi-tine orange peel grab
Advantages: Versatile, fast loading/unloading, ideal for high-volume handling

AQ-QZ Grab Scrap Handling Overhead Crane
- Load capacity: 5-20t
- Span: 10.5-31.5m
- Lifting height: 6-26m
- Lifting speed: 30.7-39.3m/min
- Trolley running speed: 31.1-44.6m/min
- Crane running speed: 76.9-93.6m/min
- Work duty: A5-A7

AQ-MZ Grab Scrap Handling Gantry Crane
- Load capacity: 5-20t
- Span: 18-35m
- Lifting height: 6-18m
- Lifting speed: 30.7-39.3m/min
- Trolley running speed: 30.1-44.6m/min
- Crane running speed: 37.7-40.1m/min
- Work duty: A5-A7
Electromagnetic Cranes – Handling Ferrous Metal Scrap
Fitted with heavy-duty electromagnetic lifters, these metal scrap handling electromagnetic cranes are ideal for lifting ferrous metal scrap such as steel plates, rebar, and castings.
Ideal for: Ferrous scrap that responds to magnetism
Common setup: Double girder overhead crane or gantry crane + round or rectangular magnet
Advantages: Clean lifting, fast release, High lifting efficiency for compact, dense scrap

AQ-QC Electromagnetic Scrap Handling Overhead Crane
- Load capacity: 5-50t
- Span: 10.5-31.5m
- Lifting height: 6-16m
- Lifting speed: 7.8-15.5m/min
- Trolley running speed: 31.3-40.1m/min
- Crane running speed: 58.5-70.6m/min
- Work duty: A5-A7

AQ-MC Electromagnetic Scrap Handling Gantry Crane
- Load capacity: 5-50t
- Span: 18-35m
- Lifting height: 6-18m
- Lifting speed: 5.9-11.5m/min
- Trolley running speed: 31.3-40.1m/min
- Crane running speed: 37.7-44m/min
- Work duty: A5-A7
Which Scrap Yard Crane to Choose?
Criteria | Grab Bucket Crane for Scrap Handling | Electromagnetic Crane for Scrap Handling |
---|---|---|
Scrap Type | Mixed, loose, irregular | Ferrous, compact steel |
Versatility | High | Moderate |
Precision | Moderate | High |
Maintenance | Mechanical wear on grabs | Requires power system maintenance |
Environment | Indoor/outdoor | Indoor/outdoor |
If your operation deals with various shapes and materials – especially non-magnetic scrap – a grab bucket crane for scrap handling is the better choice. If you primarily handle magnetic materials like steel scrap, an electromagnetic scrap crane for sale will offer faster, cleaner lifting with excellent control.
Ready to tailor a crane specifically for your scrap handling needs? Let’s explore how we customize scrap yard crane solutions to perfectly match your operation.
Engineered for Your Scrap Handling: Fully Customized Crane Solutions
We design and manufacture fully customized scrap metal cranes tailored to the unique demands of your scrap yard, recycling facility, or steel plant. From structural design to lifting attachments and control systems, every part of the crane can be adapted to fit your materials, workflow, and site conditions.
Crane Structure Customization
We tailor the scrap yard crane structure based on your working space, handling volume, and environment:
- Crane Type: Overhead or gantry, based on indoor or outdoor usage
- Span Length: Engineered to match your facility layout or yard width
- Lifting Height: Customized for high scrap piles, furnace feeding, or truck loading
- Working Class: A5-A7 for medium to heavy-duty usage, depending on operation frequency
- With or Without Cantilever: Scrap handling gantry cranes can include cantilever arms for extended reach
Lifting Attachment Customization
The lifting tool is key to efficient scrap handling. We offer:
Grab Buckets:
- Mechanical or hydraulic
- Clamshell or orange peel (multi-tine)
Electromagnetic Lifters:
- Round or rectangular magnets
- Magnetic force sized according to scrap density and thickness
Functional Add-Ons & Smart Features
You can enhance your scrap metal crane with smart and optional systems for greater flexibility:
- Frequency inverters for smoother speed control
- Overload limiters and anti-sway systems for safety and stability
- Rotating lifting beams for precise load positioning
- Dust- and heat-resistant components for extreme environments
- Rain covers or insulation for outdoor gantry systems
Operation & Control Customization
To suit different operating styles and safety requirements, we provide:
- Remote control operation with long-range signal
- Cabin control with panoramic visibility and climate control
- Pendant control for cost-effective operations
- Optional semi-automation or PLC integration for repetitive tasks or high-volume operations
Tailored Delivery & Installation
Every scrap crane is delivered with your operation in mind:
- Matched to your power supply (e.g., 380V/50Hz or others)
- Pre-wired or modular for easy installation
- Full set of technical drawings and manuals included
- Online or on-site installation guidance available based on your needs
Whether you’re dealing with bulky steel scrap, shredded metals, or mixed materials, our custom-engineered scrap yard crane for sale gives you the performance, control, and durability your work demands.
Want to explore real-world examples or learn how we’ve customized overhead cranes for customers in steel and recycling industries? Let’s take a look at some case highlights next.
Real-World Applications: Custom Scrap Cranes in Action

15 Ton Electromagnetic Crane for Scrap Yard in Russia
- Client: Steel manufacturing plant in Russia
- Application: Scrap yard material handling
- Crane Type: Electromagnetic double girder overhead crane
- Span: 15 meters
- Work Duty: A7
- Equipped with a durable electromagnetic lifting device for handling steel scrap.
- Fitted with a heat-insulated operator cabin for safe and comfortable operation in cold climates
Overcoming Scrap Handling Challenges with Advanced Crane Technology
Scrap handling presents unique challenges: irregularly shaped and heavy loads, abrasive and corrosive materials, and harsh environmental conditions all demand equipment that is both robust and precise. At Aicrane, we leverage cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise to address these challenges head-on. Our scrap cranes for sale combine durable mechanical design with intelligent control systems to deliver unmatched performance:
Scrap Handling Challenges | Aicrane’s Technical Solutions | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Irregular, heavy, and bulky scrap loads | Reinforced crane girders and trolleys designed for dynamic impact | Long-lasting durability; reduced downtime |
Abrasion and corrosion from scrap material | Wear-resistant materials and corrosion-proof coatings | Extended service life in harsh environments |
Complex scrap shapes and materials | Custom hydraulic grab designs and optimized electromagnetic lifters | Efficient gripping; minimal material loss |
Harsh operating environments (dust, heat, moisture) | Heat-insulated operator cabins; IP-rated electrical components; dust and moisture protection | Reliable operation under extreme conditions |
Load sway and precise handling requirements | Variable frequency drives (VFD) and anti-sway systems | Smooth, accurate load positioning; improved safety |
High operational intensity and continuous use | Heavy-duty motors and high-duty-class cranes (A5-A7) | Stable performance for nonstop operation |
Unexpected equipment faults and maintenance needs | Remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance systems | Reduced downtime; proactive maintenance |
With these advanced technologies and engineering solutions, Aicrane ensures your scrap handling operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Integrated Material Handling Solutions for Scrap Yard and Steel Plant
For customers managing scrap processing and steel production, a scrap handling crane is just one part of a comprehensive material handling system. To maximize efficiency and ensure smooth workflow, it’s important to coordinate scrap handling cranes with other types of material handling cranes. Here are the common types of material handling cranes we provide:

Charging Cranes
These charging cranes receive scrap materials from the scrap metal handling crane and feed them precisely into furnaces (electric arc or induction).
Slab and Billet Handling Cranes
After melting, these cranes transport semi-finished steel products such as billets or ingots to rolling mills or cooling areas.


Coil Handling Cranes
For finished steel products, coil handling cranes move steel coils safely and efficiently within storage, finishing, and shipping zones.
Why Multi-Crane Integration Matters
- Unified Control Systems: We offer integrated control options where multiple cranes can be monitored and coordinated via centralized control rooms or automation platforms. This is ideal for steel plants or recycling facilities operating at high throughput.
- Customized Layout Design: Before production begins, our engineers work with your team to plan optimal crane placement and travel routes, ensuring smooth cooperation between cranes and other machinery in your facility.
- Sequenced Operation Programs: We can pre-program operational sequences for your cranes, such as automatic scrap pick-up → transfer → furnace charging, to reduce human error and improve consistency.
By integrating scrap handling cranes with your broader material flow, you create a more intelligent, efficient, and responsive material lifting system tailored to your facility’s needs.
Ready to optimize your entire material handling process? Contact Aicrane today to discuss a customized integrated crane solution designed specifically for your scrap handling and production needs.