Hydraulic Magnets

What are hydraulic magnets?

Hydraulic magnets lift ferrous material such as steel scrap, reinforcement and demolition debris. Many excavator-mounted systems generate electrical power from hydraulic flow, while other installations use an external power source.

This guide is intended as a practical starting point for comparing attachment types. Final compatibility always depends on the exact carrier, mounting interface, hydraulic setup, operating weight and the manufacturer limits for the complete configuration.

Common types and configurations

• Hydraulic-generator magnets combine a hydraulic generator and magnet system for carrier-mounted use.
• Permanent magnets hold ferrous material without continuous electrical excitation but require a release mechanism.
• Electromagnets use controlled electrical power and can offer fast pickup and release cycles.

Names vary between markets and manufacturers. Compare the working principle and rated limits rather than assuming two products with the same general name are interchangeable.

Selection criteria

Material shape

Loose plate, rebar, turnings and mixed scrap produce very different contact areas and holding performance.

Magnet diameter

Choose the working face for the average piece size and access conditions.

Hydraulic supply

Generator-driven systems need the correct flow and pressure for reliable electrical output.

Suspension

Chains, links, rotators and quick-coupler mounting all affect working height and control.

Duty cycle

Check thermal limits and the expected pickup/release cycle for continuous yard work.

Working setup

• Present as much magnet face as possible to the material for a stable pickup.
• Keep personnel clear of suspended ferrous loads and the potential drop zone.
• Release material only over a controlled area where rebound or shifting cannot endanger the machine.

Plan the work area, machine position and material movement before starting. Attachment productivity depends on a stable carrier, correct operator technique and a setup that keeps hoses, couplers and structures away from avoidable impact.

Carrier and hydraulic compatibility

Check the carrier operating weight, lifting chart or rated capacity, approved mounting interface, auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure, return-line requirements and electrical controls where applicable. Include the attachment, coupler, rotator, adapter and carried material when assessing the complete working load.

A physical connection does not prove compatibility. Use the attachment and carrier documentation for the exact models and configuration.

Maintenance and wear checks

• Inspect the magnet face, suspension components, cables and generator hydraulics.
• Keep electrical connections protected from moisture, impact and sharp scrap.
• Monitor reduced holding performance as a sign of electrical, hydraulic or face-condition problems.

Short daily inspections are particularly valuable on attachments because pins, wear edges, hoses and working tools are exposed directly to impact, contamination and abrasive material.

Questions before choosing

Will a magnet lift stainless steel?

Only ferromagnetic materials are attracted strongly; many stainless grades respond weakly or not at all.

Does rust prevent lifting?

Surface condition, air gaps and material geometry reduce effective holding force even when the material is magnetic.

Can magnets replace grapples?

They are excellent for ferrous material but do not handle non-ferrous or mixed waste the same way.

Before ordering

Ask for the dimensional drawing, attachment weight, rated capacities, hydraulic requirements, mounting information, wear-part list and service intervals. Confirm how the attachment changes the carrier working envelope and whether additional guarding, case drain, electrical control, pressure limitation or hose routing is required.

The related machine, application and category guides shown with this page can be used to compare alternative attachment families for the same job.