Universal Plate Grabs
Universal plate grabs supplied by Toco Lifting in a 1 to 5 ton capacity range, for lifting and transferring steel plate horizontally, vertically and rotating it 180 degrees. Supplied by an LME 008 entity across South Africa and SADC.
Description
Universal Plate Grabs, Quick Facts
| Product | Universal plate grab, a lifting clamp |
|---|---|
| Function | Grips a steel plate to lift and transfer it horizontally or vertically, and can rotate the plate through 180 degrees |
| Capacity | 1 ton to 5 ton |
| Certificate | Advised on enquiry |
| Supplied from | Toco Lifting, Germiston and Cape Town |
Toco Lifting has supplied lifting, lashing and rigging equipment across South Africa and SADC since 2002 and is a registered Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008).
Universal plate grabs are lifting clamps that grip a steel plate to lift and transfer it horizontally or vertically, and can rotate the plate through 180°. Toco Lifting supplies universal plate grabs in a 1 to 5 ton capacity range. Toco supplies them with the compliance backing South African industry requires.
Toco Lifting (Pty) Ltd holds LME No. 008 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and supplies lifting, lashing and rigging equipment to mining, construction and industry across South Africa and the SADC region.
What is a universal plate grab?
A universal plate grab is a lifting clamp that grips a steel plate so it can be lifted and transferred in either the horizontal or vertical position, and rotated through 180° during the lift. This makes it more versatile than a fixed horizontal or vertical clamp, because one clamp handles plate that must be turned or repositioned. The clamp engages the plate by its faces and is hung below a crane hook or lifting appliance.
Universal vs horizontal vs vertical plate grabs
A universal plate grab lifts a plate in both the horizontal and vertical planes and can rotate it up to 180°, while a horizontal plate grab carries a plate flat and a vertical plate grab lifts a plate on its edge. Choose a universal grab when a plate must be turned or moved between orientations in a single lift; choose a fixed horizontal or vertical grab when the plate is only ever handled one way. Toco supplies all three styles.
What capacity universal plate grabs does Toco supply?
Toco supplies universal plate grabs in a capacity range from 1 ton to 5 ton. Select the clamp rating to suit the plate weight, and where plates are long or wide, use clamps in pairs with a spreader beam to share the load and keep the plate stable. Never exceed the safe working load marked on the clamp. Our team will confirm the right rating and configuration.
What plate can a universal plate grab lift?
Universal plate grabs grip mild and structural steel plate by its faces. They should not be used on hardened or polished surfaces, because the gripping teeth cannot bite securely on those finishes and the plate may slip. Plate thickness must fall within the clamp’s jaw range for the grab to lock correctly. Confirm your plate grade, thickness and surface condition with our team before lifting.
Where are universal plate grabs used?
Universal plate grabs are used across construction, shipping, offshore and steel fabrication, wherever plate must be lifted, turned and repositioned. Their ability to handle plate in both orientations and rotate it makes them suited to assembly, plate yards and structural steel work where orientation changes during handling.
Compliance and certification
Toco Lifting operates as an approved Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008) under Driven Machinery Regulation 18(5) of the OHS Act, with inspections carried out by an ECSA-registered Lifting Machinery Inspector (Reg. No. 201112078). Toco is a Standard Member of LEEASA and a member of the Chamber of Engineering Technology (COET).
Frequently asked questions
What is a universal plate grab used for?
A universal plate grab is used to lift, transfer and rotate steel plate. It grips the plate by its faces and can handle it horizontally or vertically and rotate it through 180°, making it suited to work where a plate must be turned or repositioned during the lift, such as fabrication and structural steel handling.
What is the difference between universal, horizontal and vertical plate grabs?
A universal plate grab handles plate in both the horizontal and vertical planes and rotates it up to 180°. A horizontal plate grab carries a plate flat; a vertical plate grab lifts a plate on its edge. Use a universal grab when orientation changes during the lift, and a fixed grab when it does not.
What capacity universal plate grabs does Toco supply?
Toco Lifting supplies universal plate grabs in a capacity range from 1 ton to 5 ton. For long or wide plates, clamps are used in pairs with a spreader beam to share the load. Our team will confirm the correct rating and configuration for your plate.
Can a universal plate grab be used on any plate surface?
No. Universal plate grabs must not be used on hardened or polished surfaces, as the gripping teeth cannot bite securely and the plate may slip. They are suited to mild and structural steel plate. The plate thickness must also fall within the clamp’s jaw range for it to lock correctly.
Are universal plate grabs used in pairs?
For long or wide plates, universal plate grabs are used in pairs, usually with a spreader beam, to share the load and keep the plate stable and level during the lift. A single clamp may be used for shorter, lighter plates within its rating. Match the number and rating of clamps to the plate.
Does Toco supply plate grabs across South Africa and SADC?
Yes. Toco Lifting supplies universal plate grabs and the full lifting, lashing and rigging range from its Germiston head office and Cape Town branch, serving customers across South Africa and the wider SADC region.
Need universal plate grabs for your plate handling? Speak to our team to confirm capacity, configuration and availability.
