An Excavator Magnet Attachment picks up and moves scrap steel, iron parts, and other magnetic materials. It turns an excavator into a mobile scrap handling machine. Scrap yards use it to collect loose steel, load trucks, and clear metal waste from work areas. For yards that still rely on manual loading, a hydraulic scrap magnet reduces the need to pick up heavy pieces one by one.
YG Machinery offers seven YGML models for excavators from 4 to 50 tons. Magnet diameters range from 700 mm to 1,400 mm. Buyers can choose a model for their excavator size, hydraulic system, and scrap handling tasks.
Excavator Magnet Attachment Specifications
| Model | Suitable Excavator (ton) | Weight (kg) | Power (kW) | Outer Diameter (mm) | Working Flow (lpm) | Working Pressure (bar) |
| YGML02 | 4–6 | 1400 | 5 | 700 | 30–55 | 170 |
| YGML04 | 7–11 | 1500 | 8 | 800 | 50–100 | 180 |
| YGML06 | 12–16 | 1890 | 8 | 900 | 90–110 | 190 |
| YGML08 | 17–23 | 2000 | 10 | 1100 | 100–140 | 200 |
| YGML10 | 24–30 | 2200 | 10 | 1200 | 130–170 | 210 |
| YGML14 | 31–40 | 2500 | 15 | 1300 | 200–250 | 250 |
| YGML20 | 41–50 | 2800 | 15 | 1400 | 250–320 | 250 |
A larger excavator does not automatically need the largest magnet. The attachment adds substantial weight to the machine. For example, YGML20 weighs 2,800 kg, while YGML02 weighs 1,400 kg. Buyers need to account for attachment weight when checking the excavator’s lifting capacity and stability.
Hydraulic flow and pressure also matter. Match the values in the table to the excavator’s hydraulic system. Magnet diameter indicates the size of the working surface, not the amount of steel the magnet can lift. Actual lifting capacity depends on the magnetic system and the scrap’s shape, thickness, and contact with the magnet.
How an Excavator Magnet Attachment Handles Scrap
A lifting electromagnet for excavator uses a powered coil to create a magnetic field. The field attracts ferrous metal. When the operator switches off the magnet, it releases the load.
Here is how it works on-site for scrap loading:
- Move the magnet over loose steel, rebar, or scrap pieces.
- Activate the magnet to collect the metal.
- Lift the material and move it to a truck or stockpile.
- Switch off the magnet to release the load.
The excavator controls the magnet’s position. The electromagnetic system supplies the magnetic force. Some configurations use a separate generator or dedicated power supply. Buyers need to check the power source, control system, and mounting connection when ordering.
Key Advantages of Excavator Magnet Attachments
Scrap handling often involves repeated lifting, sorting, and loading. A scrap handling magnet combines these tasks with the excavator’s mobility.
Faster Scrap Collection
Loose steel often spreads across a yard or work area. Workers need to collect it before trucks or processing equipment can handle it. An excavator electro magnet lets the operator gather magnetic scrap with the excavator instead of picking up each piece by hand.
It cuts heavy manual labor and boosts your yard’s daily throughput. This excavator scrap lifting magnet helps your team move more metal every shift.
Easier Steel Sorting
Mixed demolition waste often contains rebar, steel sections, concrete, and non-metallic debris. The magnet collects ferrous pieces and moves them to a separate pile. It does not pick up every material in the waste stream, but it gives operators a direct way to remove magnetic steel.
Flexible Scrap Handling
The excavator can move between scrap piles, loading areas, and storage zones. This arrangement suits yards that handle metal in several locations. A fixed magnet cannot move around the site in the same way.
Built for tough, continuous scrap yard operation with low ongoing maintenance.
Excavator Magnet Attachment Applications
A magnet for scrap recycling yards handles loose ferrous materials during collection, sorting, and loading. The attachment also works in demolition and industrial waste handling.
Scrap recycling yards: Collect loose steel, iron pieces, and metal offcuts. Move scrap from the ground to stockpiles or trucks.
Demolition projects: Pick up rebar and steel sections from demolition debris. Separate magnetic metal for recycling.
Metal processing plants: Handle stamping scraps, cutting offcuts, and discarded steel parts. Transfer them to recycling bins or storage areas.
Machinery dismantling sites: Collect magnetic steel components from discarded equipment and move them to designated piles.
The magnet works with ferrous materials such as steel and iron. Aluminum, copper, and other non-ferrous metals do not respond to ordinary electromagnetic lifting. Scrap shape also matters. Thin sheets, long pieces, and irregular items may have less contact with the magnet.
FAQ
Can an excavator magnet lift stainless steel?
Some stainless steel grades respond to magnets, while others have little magnetic response. The attachment can lift only grades with sufficient magnetic properties. Check the material before handling it.
Can the magnet handle mixed scrap?
Yes. It can collect ferrous pieces from mixed scrap. It cannot directly lift non-magnetic materials such as aluminum, copper, or plastic.
How do I choose a magnet for my excavator?
Start with the excavator’s tonnage, hydraulic flow, and working pressure. Then consider attachment weight, magnet diameter, and the type of scrap you handle. Ask for the model’s rated lifting capacity before placing an order. A larger magnet does not always mean a higher lifting capacity.
Choose YG Machinery As Your Trusted Attachment Partner
At YG Machinery, we have manufactured hydraulic attachments for over a decade. We produce every excavator-mounted magnet in our own factory. Our team winds the coils, machines the housings, and assembles each unit in-house.
Before shipment, we test each magnet on an actual excavator. We send you a factory video showing your magnet picking up steel. You can review the test before delivery.
We ship spare parts from our warehouses in Houston and Rotterdam. Common parts, including bolt-on bottom plates, seal kits, and hoses, arrive in 2 to 4 days. Coils and generators take 10 days. We include a full parts list with every machine.
Excavator Hydraulic Shears are also among our hot-selling products. These attachments cut scrap steel and metal components during demolition and recycling. Reach out to us today to get the right model recommendation, test videos, and competitive pricing for our excavator magnet attachment and hydraulic shears.
