Aardwolf Stone Grapple - ASG

Aardwolf Stone Grapple - ASG

Aardwolf Stone Grapple has three arms that are designed to lift rocks & stones and provide a stable lift of irregularly shaped heavy boulders. The 3-point design provides for a quick, secure lift that creates a safe and easy way to move large objects using a single operator.

The Aardwolf Stone Grapple requires no hydraulics to operate. The Stone Grapple lifting tongs are fully automatic and give the operator complete control to grip or release a load. The three serrated tines contacting the load allow for a very stable lift cycle every time. Once the operator lowers the stone grapple onto a bolder, the stone grapple’s internally housed actuator allows the operator to begin lifting the boulder.

Once the bolder is set down, the stone grapple’s internally housed actuator allows the operator to lift the stone grapple from the bolder, ready for the next lift cycle.

Features

• 3-point design.
• Lifts irregularly shaped objects or debris.
• Quick load cycles.
• Large jaw opening that allows it to pick up large boulders.

What our Experts Think

• Heavy-Duty Irregular Load Handling: The Aardwolf ASG Stone Grapple is designed to safely lift and move up to 2,000 kg of stone, rock, and irregular boulders, making it ideal for quarry, fabrication, and construction environments.
• 3-Arm Secure Gripping System: Its three-point serrated arm design delivers a stable, self-centering grip on uneven surfaces, reducing slippage risk when handling natural stone and debris.
• Fully Automatic, No Hydraulics Required: The mechanical gripping system operates without hydraulics, enabling simple operation with fewer maintenance requirements and faster deployment cycles.
• Wide Grip Range for Versatility: Handles materials ranging from 350 mm to 1200 mm, allowing it to adapt to different boulder sizes and irregular shapes in a single tool.
• Fast, Efficient Load Cycles: Designed for rapid pick-and-place operations, helping operators move heavy stone efficiently with minimal downtime between lifts.
• Built for Industrial Durability: With a rugged steel construction and ~158 kg frame weight, it’s engineered for continuous use in harsh stone-handling environments.

Q&A

Q: What is the Aardwolf Stone Grapple (ASG)?
A: A heavy-duty 3-point mechanical lifting attachment designed to safely grip, lift, and transport irregularly shaped stones, rocks, and boulders in quarry, construction, and stone fabrication environments.

Q: How does the ASG Stone Grapple work?
A: It uses a fully automatic, hydraulics-free mechanical system where serrated tines grip the load securely as the unit is lifted, allowing one operator to handle heavy stones safely and efficiently.

Q: What is the lifting capacity?
A: The ASG has a working load limit of approximately 2,000 kg (4,408 lb), depending on configuration and operating conditions.

Q: What is the grip range?
A: It typically handles stone sizes from about 350 mm to 1,200 mm (14" to 47"), making it suitable for a wide range of block sizes.

Q: What are its key features?
A: Key features include a 3-arm gripping design, automatic mechanical actuation, no hydraulic requirement, fast load/unload cycles, and a wide jaw opening for large boulders.

Q: Who is the ASG best suited for?
A: It is ideal for stone quarries, masonry operations, fabrication shops, and construction sites needing fast, safe handling of heavy irregular stone loads.

Maintenance Tips

• Inspect jaws, arms, and contact pads before each use for wear, cracks, deformation, or damage.
• Keep gripping surfaces clean and free from dust, slurry, oil, and stone residue to maintain secure handling.
• Check pivot points, bushings, and joints regularly for wear, looseness, or lack of lubrication.
• Lubricate moving parts (pins, joints, and pivots) periodically to ensure smooth operation and reduce friction.
• Verify hydraulic or mechanical linkage (if applicable) for leaks, stiffness, or misalignment.
• Inspect lifting points, shackles, and connections for corrosion, fatigue, or structural damage.
• Ensure the grapple is correctly matched to the crane, forklift, or lifting machine in use.
• Never exceed the rated load capacity or use the grapple on unstable or uneven stone loads.
• Tighten all bolts, fasteners, and locking components before operation.
• Store in a dry environment to prevent rust and deterioration of metal components.
• Replace worn pads, bushings, or damaged parts immediately with approved replacements.