EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | APRIL 2025 Attachments

In the scrap recycling industry, a large variety of attachment products are vital in handling the variety of materials that must be recovered and further processed. Grapples, buckets and magnets are just a few examples of the items commonly used by machine operators.

Iron Ax produces a full line of scrap processing equipment, attachments – and hydraulic cylinders for many different industries. The company’s attachment products include shears and grapples. All shears feature replaceable wear parts, a removable tip, and 360 degree continuous rotation. Among the four different sized shears available, the smallest provides 600 tons of cutting force and the largest, 1,000 tons of cutting force.

Iron Ax

Iron Ax manufactures a variety of grapples, designed for the scrap metal recycling and timber industries. Grapples can be purchased as rotating or non-rotating and all rotating grapples feature 360 degree continuous rotation. The firm’s standard grapple is a 4 tine variety with wings, which allows the grapple to provide greater enclosure for smaller pieces of scrap. “We also offer the opposing tine variety of contractor grapples, in 2×3 and 3×4 configurations and have also manufactured custom grapples for specific applications in the railroad and oil and gas industries. All of our grapples are made of domestic T1 plate, are extremely heavy duty and built to last. We have manufactured scrap processing equipment since the 80s and soon, we’ll also unveil some newly designed grapple options that we believe will be very popular with our clients,” reports John Kitchens, president. 

“The Rockland General Purpose Bucket with clamps is the perfect attachment for recycling. It is engineered to excel in recycling and waste management applications, where durability and versatility are key. Designed to handle a wide range of materials – from loose debris to bulky, irregular loads – this bucket streamlines operations while withstanding the toughest conditions. Whether you’re handling scrap metal, construction debris, or wood waste, this bucket improves efficiency and keeps your operation moving,” explained Scott Smith, product manager II.

Rockland Manufacturing

He added that the reinforced construction and heavy-duty design of the General Purpose Bucket with clamps performs especially well in high-stress environments. The robust clamps provide superior gripping power, ensuring secure handling of oversized or unwieldy materials that other buckets might struggle to manage. From grabbing large objects to tightly containing loose materials, the clamps add a layer of precision and control that boosts productivity. The bucketʼs wide, durable design allows operators to move more material in fewer passes, saving time and fuel. The clamps eliminate the need for manual adjustments, speeding up load and unload cycles. This combination of capacity and functionality is ideal for fast-paced recycling facilities, where efficiency drives profitability.

Smith noted that Rockland’s commitment to quality means this bucket is built to last. Its wear-resistant edges and reinforced high-stress areas ensure minimal maintenance, even under constant use. “No matter the application, this attachment adapts to your needs, making it an essential tool for maximizing versatility on the job site. Available in multiple sizes and configurations, the General Purpose Bucket with Clamps can be tailored to your equipment and application. Rockland delivers the rugged reliability you need to keep operations running smoothly. It is more than a tool—it’s a solution designed to make recycling easier, faster and more efficient.”

Sennebogen’s latest product line of grapples and mag grabs are purpose-built to achieve the highest performance from their material handlers. “The right equipment can streamline recycling processes, reduce costs, maximize resources, and optimize performance during every work shift. Sennebogen has been a world leader in the material-handling industry for more than 70 years. Operators can trust that our products provide reliability and support for a complete productivity solution,” said Constantino Lannes, president.

The Sennebogen 4-tine and 5-tine grapples, from .50 to 5 cu. yd., offer several high-performance features. Steel hose guards and cylinder guards minimize potential damage to critical components from impacts or debris. Direct hose routings also reduces downtime and exposure to damage. The wear surfaces are 33 percent more wear resistant than T1 steel and product tips are made from a material with 44 percent better abrasion resistance than typical AR-500 steel. Models with optional rotators can accept high radial and axial loads, which is ideal for the push-and-pull stresses of recycling applications. Each model operates within the widest possible range of operating pressures, up to a maximum of 5500 psi, provides operators with 360-degree rotation and the rotators are fully sealed and submersible up to 15 ft.

SENNEBOGEN LLC

Sennebogen’s four magnet models are made-in-America tough, with high impact-resistant, manganese steel bottom plates, hard facing on the pole shoe surfaces, high-alloy steel chains, class H insulation and high water resistance. Lannes said, “These magnets are engineered to achieve the best available lift-to-weight ratios and duty cycles and special voltages are available to meet customer requirements.”

Adjustable mechanical stops increase the productivity of the orange-peel grabs. They are built to grab and hold large loads with efficient, easy handling and reliable service. Four available coupling types provide quick, efficient changes. “Our customers know our purpose-built scrap handlers are the best machines for every job in the yard. Now, with the 4-tine and 5-tine attachments, they know every application has a Sennebogen solution,” stated Lannes.

The Zato Cayman Mobile Shear, engineered to deliver the best cutting power, precision, and durability, “is the ideal tool for scrapyards, demolition sites, and recycling facilities worldwide. Built with high-strength steel and advanced hydraulic technology, the Cayman Shear provides superior cutting force to process heavy-duty materials with ease. Whether you’re handling structural steel, vehicles, rail, or mixed scrap, this shear ensures clean, efficient cuts every time. Its optimized jaw geometry enhances performance by reducing cycle times, maximizing throughput, and increasing overall profitability,” stated North American director of sales, Ian Laffey. Versatile by design, the Cayman Shear is available in multiple sizes and can be mounted on a wide range of carriers, from excavators to stationary setups, making it a flexible solution for various applications. With 360-degree continuous rotation, operators have total control over positioning, improving productivity and reducing operational downtime.

Zato North America

Laffey continued, “Zato’s commitment to durability is evident in every aspect of the Cayman design. Heavy-duty pivot points, reinforced blades, and precision-engineered hydraulic cylinders ensure a long service life, even in the toughest working conditions. Easy maintenance access further minimizes downtime, keeping your operation running smoothly. Upgrade your scrap processing capabilities with the Zato Cayman Shear – power, precision and performance in one rugged package. Zato has manufactured demolition shears for over 25 years and we’re the premier Italian brand for recycling equipment.”

Published in the April 2025 Edition of American Recycler News