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Key Features
Description
The SME-series demolition/sorting grab is a rotating hydraulic grapple built to pick, sort, and break down light, non-reinforced structures, while also working as an everyday handler for mixed demolition debris, scrap, and waste. In practice it’s the kind of attachment you’d use to peel apart timber, masonry fragments, roofing elements, light blockwork, and site “rubble,” then separate and load it efficiently—turning a messy pile into manageable streams for carting, further processing, or recycling.
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Sales Manager
I joined Approved Hydraulics in November 2014 at the age of 18, starting as a Stores Apprentice with responsibility for stock control, goods management, and purchasing support. This role gave me a strong grounding in our products, processes, and the operational side of the business.In 2017, I transitioned into a full-time sales position and have been actively involved in day-to-day sales activities ever since, supporting customers, managing enquiries, and developing product and commercial knowledge across our range.In 2025, I was promoted to Sales Manager. In this role, I lead a team of six sales colleagues and oversee the daily operations of the sales function, ensuring customer enquiries are handled efficiently, service standards are maintained, and the team continues to deliver consistent results and strong customer relationships.
SM Series Demolition Grabs
Structurally, it’s designed around a robust frame with wear-focused details that matter in demolition: the body is built from high-strength, abrasion-resistant steels (including Hardox and Strenx), and the high-stress pivot points run on hardened pins and bushings to cope with shock loads and constant cycling. At the tips, the grab incorporates reversible, bolted underblades—a practical feature because you can flip or replace the wear edges when they round off, rather than retiring the whole jaw set.
Hydraulically, the grab is set up to feel controlled rather than “snappy.” It delivers high clamping force for gripping uneven, loose, or slippery loads, and it uses a cylinder arrangement that includes a brake and block valve to help hold position and resist unwanted opening under load. For placement and sorting, the attachment provides continuous 360° hydraulic rotation, with flow-control valves managing both jaw open/close and rotation speed—useful when you’re teasing material out of a structure, positioning it for a clean bite, or aligning long pieces for loading.
Operationally, the range spans multiple sizes so the same concept scales from compact to heavy carriers: models are matched to excavators roughly 3–63 tonnes, with grab capacities running from about 100 to 1600 litres depending on size. Smaller units use a simpler drive layout, while larger ones step up to two cylinders and two hydraulic motors (from around the SM130 size upward) for stronger, more balanced closing and rotation under heavier loads; there are also different jaw configurations (often referred to as Type A and Type B) to suit more “sorting” versus more “demolition-oriented” work.
Main Features
Approved Hydraulics provides warranty coverage against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for the periods below, subject to the conditions in this policy.
A. Two-year warranty (24 months)
A 2-year warranty applies to selected products or product lines as stated on the quotation, order acknowledgement, invoice, product datasheet, packaging or website.
B. One-year warranty (12 months) – conditional
A 1-year warranty applies to products not covered by the 2-year warranty, and/or to certain items where coverage is subject to conditions such as correct installation, commissioning, maintenance, and use (see Section 5).
Important: The warranty period that applies to a specific item is the one explicitly stated on the sales documentation or product literature for that item.
For full details visit our warranty page here
For all stock items and goods not requiring production.
Next Working Day Delivery (UK Mainland)
For full details view our shipping page here
Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.
Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
As a leading UK supplier of hydraulic equipment, attachments, and components, we support a diverse range of industries. Our products are trusted in demanding environments where performance, reliability, and expert support are essential.
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Forestry
Construction & Demolition
Transport & Rail
Marine & Offshore
Material Handling
Best practices for keeping your hydraulic system running efficiently.
How do you check oil condition?
Visual inspection for discoloration, foaming, or particles Lab analysis provides a detailed breakdown of contamination, viscosity, acidity, and wear metals This helps determine oil life and potential system issues.
How do you dispose of hydraulic oil?
Collect used oil in approved containers Take it to a licensed waste oil recycling or disposal facility Never pour it into drains or the environment — it’s illegal and harmful.
How do you prevent contamination?
Use sealed containers and clean tools Always clean hose ends and fittings before connecting Install high-quality filtration on return lines and reservoirs Avoid opening the system unnecessarily
How do you store hydraulic hoses?
In a clean, dry, and cool environment Away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ozone-producing equipment Preferably stored horizontally on racks to prevent kinking or deformation
How often should filters be changed?
At regular service intervals or when a clogging indicator signals high restriction. It’s best to change filters before they reach full capacity to avoid bypassing dirty fluid.
How often should hydraulic oil be changed?
Typically every 2,000 operating hours, or as recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Factors like system cleanliness, load, and temperature can influence intervals. Always verify with oil analysis if unsure.
What is a breather cap?
A breather cap allows air to enter or exit the reservoir as fluid levels change, without letting contaminants in. Some include filters to trap airborne particles or moisture.
What is preventive maintenance in hydraulics?
Scheduled checks and service tasks (e.g., inspecting hoses, changing filters, checking oil) to prevent unexpected failures, extend system life, and reduce downtime.
What tools are used in hydraulic diagnostics?
Pressure gauges to check line pressure Flow meters to measure flow rate Infrared thermometers or thermal cameras to detect hotspots Ultrasonic leak detectors to find air or fluid leaks Test kits for oil sampling
Why should systems be flushed?
Flushing removes contaminants like metal shavings, dirt, or water — especially important after repairs, system assembly, or oil changes. It helps prevent premature wear and failures.
