Product Overview
Two hinged shells that close into an enclosed container—This design makes clamshell buckets well suited to dredging, deep excavation, and bulk material handling. Unlike open‑tine grapples that let fines fall through, the clamshell forms an enclosed bucket when closed, holding sand, gravel, sludge, and other loose materials. The hinged action lets the bucket dig from above—shells penetrate the pile as they close, filling without needing to push horizontally.
Part of the TGEC excavator grapple lineup, the clamshell grapple bucket comes in seven sizes—TG-GB05 through TG-GB40—with struck capacities from 0.5 to 4.0 m³. Each model is defined by five dimension profiles (A through E) covering width, depth, shell curvature, overall height, and opening. For grasping irregular objects rather than loose material, compare the demolition grapple.
Dimension Reference: A Through E
Each clamshell model is defined by five dimensions labeled A through E. A = overall shell width. B = shell depth from hinge pivot to cutting edge when closed—determines pile penetration. C = shell profile radius/curvature, affecting closure and retention. D = overall height from top bracket to closed‑shell bottom. E = maximum opening between cutting edges at full open.
These dimensions are interconnected—larger capacity typically increases several at once. When selecting, check all five against your excavator's geometry: boom/stick clearance at full curl, max dump height, and jobsite height limits. A bucket too tall may hit the boom; one too wide may affect lateral stability during swing.
Models & Specifications
Capacity scales from 0.5 to 4.0 m³ across seven models, with corresponding increases in weight and opening width.
| Parameter | TG-GB05 | TG-GB10 | TG-GB15 | TG-GB20 | TG-GB25 | TG-GB30 | TG-GB40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucket Capacity (Struck) | 0.5 m³ (0.65 yd³) | 1.0 m³ (1.31 yd³) | 1.5 m³ (1.96 yd³) | 2.0 m³ (2.61 yd³) | 2.5 m³ (3.27 yd³) | 3.0 m³ (3.92 yd³) | 4.0 m³ (5.23 yd³) |
| Attachment Weight | 878 kg (1936 lb) | 1180 kg (2601 lb) | 1450 kg (3197 lb) | 1750 kg (3858 lb) | 2050 kg (4519 lb) | 2400 kg (5291 lb) | 3100 kg (6834 lb) |
| Max Opening (E) | 800 mm (31.5 in) | 1000 mm (39.4 in) | 1200 mm (47.2 in) | 1400 mm (55.1 in) | 1600 mm (63.0 in) | 1800 mm (70.9 in) | 2400 mm (94.5 in) |
Table data is for reference only. Actual specifications may vary based on the final configuration. Please contact the TianGe technical team for details.
Clamshell Design & Digging Action
A clamshell bucket works differently than a standard excavator bucket. A standard bucket is pushed horizontally into material. A clamshell is lowered from above, and the two shells close around the pile, with cutting edges penetrating downward and inward as they rotate around the hinge pivot. The vertical digging action is well suited to deep shafts, narrow excavations, and dredging pits where conventional horizontal digging is limited. The enclosed shells also retain fines like sand, silt, and sludge during transport.
Shell profile (dimension C) affects both digging and retention. A deeper profile gives more volume and better fine‑material retention but needs more closing force. A shallower profile closes more easily for coarse materials like large gravel but may allow fines to spill. Cutting edge construction varies by model — contact the TGEC team for the specific wear protection options available. Hydraulic clamshells require a bidirectional auxiliary circuit with a relief valve for overload protection.
Applications by Industry
Dredging & Marine Construction
Dredging is where clamshell buckets are most essential. Vertical digging reaches below water to excavate sediment, silt, sand, and mud from riverbeds, harbors, and lakes. Enclosed shells retain dredged material during lifting, preventing washback. The bucket is lowered through the water by crane or long‑reach excavator, closed on bottom material, lifted, and dumped into a barge or spoil area. For marine dredging, confirm the hydraulic and sealing configuration with the TGEC technical team for submerged applications, and specify corrosion protection for saltwater use.
Industrial Bulk Material Handling
In industrial settings, clamshells handle coal, ore, grain, fertilizer, and other bulk materials. The enclosed design retains fine and powdery materials, and vertical digging allows working tall stockpiles from above. Material density is critical—a 2.0 m³ bucket with coal (0.8 t/m³) holds 1.6 tons, while the same bucket with iron ore (2.5 t/m³) holds 5 tons, which may exceed lift capacity.
Deep Excavation & Foundation Work
For deep excavation, foundation shafts, and confined‑space digging, the clamshell reaches where standard buckets can't. Vertical action removes material from deep, narrow shafts and trenches where horizontal penetration is impossible. In foundation work, clamshells excavate caissons, pile holes, and slurry wall trenches. Enclosed shells retain wet concrete, slurry, and mixed soil during removal. For deep excavation work, verify that the carrier boom/stick reach is sufficient for the required depth; a long‑reach excavator or crane mount may be needed for deeper applications.
Carrier & Hydraulic Matching
Clamshell selection starts with excavator weight and lift capacity. Models range from TG-GB05 (0.5 m³, 878 kg) to TG-GB40 (4.0 m³, 3100 kg), with carrier compatibility determined by lift capacity, hydraulics, geometry, and mounting requirements. The hydraulic clamshell needs a bidirectional auxiliary circuit with sufficient flow and a relief valve for protection. Verify that bucket weight plus full payload (at material density) stays within lift capacity at working reach. For dredging and deep excavation, confirm boom/stick reach without exceeding stability limits.
Wear & Maintenance
Cutting edges are the primary wear component, especially in abrasive materials. Inspect regularly and replace or repair the cutting edge when wear begins to affect digging performance or shell closure. Grease hinge pivot points daily and check periodically for excessive play. Inspect cylinder rods for scoring and seals for leakage, particularly after dredging. Check shell plates for cracking or deformation at hinge connections and cutting edge welds. For dredging, rinse with fresh water after saltwater use to prevent corrosion, and inspect hydraulics for water intrusion.
Request a Quote — Clamshell Grapple Bucket
Provide your excavator make/model, operating weight, lift capacity at working reach, auxiliary flow/pressure, mounting/coupler type, preferred model (TG-GB05 through TG-GB40), primary application (dredging / bulk material / deep excavation), typical material density, and quantity. Our team will verify capacity and weight compatibility, confirm hydraulic requirements, and provide a quote. Dealers and OEMs welcome for volume supply, custom shell profiles, and private‑label options.
