Grab bucket, particularly for maritime transhipment use

Abstract

Grab bucket (1) used in particular for the maritime transhipment of ore, comprising a chassis (2), a swivel (3) which is integral with one end of the chassis, called the upper end, of the jaws (40, 41), and a system (2') for closing and opening the jaws when they are full, said system (2') comprising cables (20), and at least two hydraulic cylinders (21) which are dedicated solely to the opening of the full jaws, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional hydraulic cylinder (50) dedicated to closing the jaws (40, 41) when the jaws are empty and to opening the empty jaws. [Fig. 2]

Description

Title of the invention: Grab bucket, particularly for use in maritime transhipment

[0001] The invention relates to a two-jaw grab bucket which is also called a “toad”.

[0002] A toad is used by being suspended from the hook of a lifting device and makes it possible to grasp bulk materials of the aggregate type such as gravel, rocks, ore, etc., in order to tranship them and place them in a storage location, for example in a transport vehicle or a hold of a ship.

[0003] The invention will be more particularly described, without however being limited thereto, as regards a use of maritime transhipment in particular of ore above water, from a quay or a barge into a transport vessel such as an ore carrier.

[0004] A conventional transhipment toad operates by means of a system for closing and opening the jaws under load, such a system comprising traction cables and at least two hydraulic cylinders. When gripping the bulk ore, the closing and opening system is designed to ensure the closing of the jaws because said jaws simultaneously bear on a hard stop surface, in this case the ore pile. Once the toad is pivoted above the storage hold, the jaws are opened by actuating the hydraulic cylinders to allow the aggregates to fall. Then, the toad is brought back above the ore to be removed, the jaws remaining open.However, depending on the type of aggregates, particularly ore, and depending on the climatic conditions (rain, humidity), a quantity of aggregates often remains stuck to the internal walls of the jaws, and when bringing the toads back to the quay with their jaws open, residual ore systematically falls into the sea. The ore that falls into the sea causes pollution over time and destroys underwater life (death of fish and corals in the warm waters of the southern hemisphere). Furthermore, the quantity of ore lost in the sea and which is therefore not transhipped constitutes a loss of earnings. Finally, it is always sought to save transhipment time, particularly for logistics costs.

[0005] The invention therefore aims to propose a grab bucket (or toad) which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0006] According to the invention, the grab bucket, in particular used for the maritime transhipment of ore, comprises a chassis, a swivel which is integral with one end of the chassis, called the upper end (to suspend the grab bucket from a lifting device), jaws (opposite the swivel) which are capable of being movable to open and close, and a system for closing and opening the jaws when they are full, said system comprising (traction) cables, and at least two hydraulic cylinders, called usual hydraulic cylinders which are dedicated solely to opening the full jaws. The (traction) cables are used to close the jaws when gripping a material (because the jaws can rest on a hard surface made of the material at the same time as the traction on the cables is carried out). The two usual hydraulic cylinders are dedicated solely to opening the jaws when the jaws are full. The grab is characterized in that it comprises at least one additional hydraulic cylinder which is dedicated to closing the jaws when the jaws are empty, and to opening the empty jaws.According to one characteristic, said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder acting to close and open the jaws of the empty grab bucket is therefore distinct from the usual hydraulic cylinders for opening the jaws when the grab bucket is full.

[0007] Thus, the additional hydraulic cylinder allows, after pouring the ore into the depositing and storage area, to immediately close the jaws while the toad is still suspended high above the depositing area. Indeed, high up in the void, the traction cables cannot close the jaws. Also, whereas for a usual toad, the jaws remain open when the toad is brought back empty above the pile to be grabbed by passing over the water, the toad of the invention has its jaws closed when the grab returns empty thanks to the additional hydraulic cylinder, which avoids the fall of residual ore and the resulting disadvantages. In addition, as soon as the toad is again above the pile of ore to be grabbed, the jaws are reopened and this as soon as the grab is lowered to save logistical time.

[0008] The addition of at least one additional hydraulic cylinder, preferably with autonomous operation, can constitute an adaptation of an existing grab bucket and this according to a design that is accessible to produce. In addition, there is no need for powerful hydraulic and electrical means with regard to the force of the cylinder because the cylinder is actuated while the jaws are empty. The grab bucket of the invention therefore provides a simple solution and relatively limited costs.

[0009] According to one characteristic, said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder is autonomous in hydraulic and electrical energy within the grab bucket, the grab bucket comprising an autonomous hydraulic unit and autonomous electrical power supply means, which are carried by the chassis and are connected to said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder for its operation.

[0010] According to one characteristic, said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder has a force which corresponds to the force necessary to close and open the jaws when they are empty. There is therefore no need for an operating force to close or open the grab bucket, but only a force corresponding to the weight of the jaws alone. Thus, the sizing of the cylinder and the energy required for its operation are optimized to save weight on the hydraulic unit and the need for electrical power supplies.

[0011] According to one characteristic, the grab bucket comprises means for remote control and communication of said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder, said remote control and communication means being capable of remotely receiving control orders and controlling said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder. In particular, the remote control and communication means are arranged on the chassis.

[0012] According to one characteristic, said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder is integral, on the one hand, with the chassis, and on the other hand, with each of the jaws. Preferably, the grab bucket comprises a single additional hydraulic cylinder which connects the two jaws and acts simultaneously on the two jaws. In particular, the additional hydraulic cylinder extends in a (substantially) horizontal plane between the two jaws (direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of suspension of the grab bucket in its position of use). This arrangement makes it possible to use only one cylinder for the two jaws and gains in compactness as well as reliability because the opening of the two jaws is necessarily done at the same time via a single mechanism.

[0013] According to one feature, the grab bucket comprises between the swivel and the chassis (in particular at the level of the swivel), a system for driving the chassis in rotation through 360°, the rotation drive system being powered by autonomous electrical power supply means which are arranged on the chassis, and preferably the rotation drive system is magnetically coupled. Alternatively, the rotation drive system could be hydraulic. Preferably, the rotation drive system comprises its own remote control and actuator receiving system. In particular, the autonomous electrical power supply means power both said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder and said rotation drive system of the chassis.

[0014] Advantageously, the chassis which is able to pivot through 360° via the rotation drive system, allows the jaws to be positioned in the desired direction at any time. In particular, it is possible, at the same time as the translation of the grab bucket during its empty return, to rotate it to anticipate the orientation of the jaws in order to be able to arrange them directly in the correct direction when they are going to grab the material to be loaded; the operator effectively saves logistics time.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the chassis comprises at least one platform, preferably at least two platforms (in particular stepped) on which are installed autonomous means of electrical supply, a hydraulic unit for the operation of said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder and means of remote control and communication of said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder. The platforms are integral with the chassis.

[0016] According to another feature, the jaws (which have a closing junction area) cooperate in their closing junction area by overlapping; one of the jaws is designed to fit inside the other jaw along its entire cooperation area, providing total closure of the grab bucket in its closed state. The grab bucket is thus completely sealed. There is no risk of material being pinched between the two free edges of the jaws. There are no possible gaps through which material could fall during transfer. In addition, the combination of this feature of overlapping the jaws and the closing of the jaws (via the hydraulic closing means) when the bucket is empty ensures that when the closed grab bucket is pivoted empty, there is no risk of residual material falling out.

[0017] Preferably, the grab bucket comprises a vibratory system capable of being implemented when the jaws are opened (in particular from a given opening angle), preferably the vibratory system being implemented automatically and for a pre-set duration. The vibratory system participates in accelerating the fall of the aggregates, eliminates any possible load splitting during the fall, and helps to detach agglomerates which, due to humidity, tend to remain stuck against the internal walls of the jaws.

[0018] Advantageously, the jaws have, in whole or in part, a non-stick interior surface, in particular via a surface treatment or via the attachment of a non-stick coating such as Teflon or HDPE (high density polyethylene) plates. This allows the material to be transferred, in particular when it is wet, not to adhere to the inside of the jaws and to detach when the jaws are opened.

[0019] Preferably, each of the jaws comprises on its outer surface a belting element made of elastic material such as rubber, preferably the belting element being removable. This belting element forms a raised element on the outer periphery of the jaws, at least at the periphery with the largest section. This makes it possible to limit any impacts on surrounding constructions (for example the hull and accessories of a ship), caused by untimely swinging of the grab during transhipment operations. Indeed, today the damage caused by current toads is significant on mid-size ships. and represent significant compensation costs for mining operators.

[0020] Furthermore, the grab bucket may be equipped with sensors and / or camera(s) which are connected to remote control and communication means arranged on the chassis, said remote control and communication means comprising means for processing the data received by the sensors and / or cameras and a transmitter for remotely transmitting the data.

[0021] The grab of the invention can be used in various applications, in particular it is used for the maritime transshipment of ore.

[0022] In the remainder of the description, the term “height”, the qualifiers “upper”, “lower”, “high” and “low” of an element of the grab bucket are used in the context of normal use of the grab bucket, that is to say relating to a vertical concept in relation to which the bucket is suspended at height from a lifting device.

[0023] The present invention is now described using examples which are solely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the attached illustrations, in which: - [Fig.l] represents a schematic front view of a grab bucket according to the invention in its closed position, and of its man-machine interface. - [Fig.2] corresponds to the grab bucket of [Fig.l] suspended from a hook of a lifting device and in its open position for dumping bulk materials. - [Fig.3] is a side view of the grab bucket of [Fig.l].

[0024] The grab bucket 1 of the invention, also called a toad and illustrated in the figures, is intended to be suspended from a lifting device such as a crane to ensure its mobility and to carry out the transhipment of bulk materials such as ore.

[0025] The use of the grab bucket 1 relates in particular to the maritime transhipment of ore, without however being limited thereto, from a barge or other temporary storage container into the hold of an ore carrier 10 ([Fig.2])•

[0026] The grab bucket 1 comprises a chassis 2, a swivel 3 which is integral with the chassis at its upper end and comprises a hooking member 30 such as a ring for its cooperation with the hook of the lifting device, two gripping jaws 40 and 41 (forming buckets) which are integral with the chassis 2 at its lower part and which are capable of closing and opening. The grab bucket 1 comprises a system 2' for closing and opening the jaws under load. This system 2' for closing and opening the jaws under load is known per se; it comprises traction cables 20 of the sling type and conventional hydraulic cylinders 21 (substantially vertical) with which the slings cooperate. The system 2' for closing and opening the jaws under load allows, with the open jaws being placed on the ore pile, to grip material at the same time as the jaws 40 and 41 close and are raised, then allows the jaws to be opened high up in the void in order to drop the material. The system 2' for closing and opening the jaws under load can only close the jaws when the jaws come up against a solid surface, in particular when gripping the material and loading the ore. The system 2' for closing and opening the jaws under load cannot close the jaws when empty and in a suspended state of the jaws. According to the invention, the grab 1 comprises additional hydraulic actuation means 5 which are capable of closing the jaws 40 and 41 when empty and in the suspended position of the jaws. The additional hydraulic actuation means 5 are also capable of opening the jaws 40 and 41 when empty.A part of the additional hydraulic actuation means 5 connects the chassis 2 to the jaws 40 and 41 and activates the opening and closing of said jaws when the grab bucket is empty.

[0027] The grab bucket 1 also comprises (autonomous) electrical power supply means 6, remote control and communication means 7, and a wireless human-machine interface 8. Preferably, the grab bucket 1 further comprises, as an interface between the swivel 3 and the chassis 2, a rotation drive system 9 which is capable of pivoting the chassis 2 of the grab bucket 1 through 360°.

[0028] The chassis 2 carries the electrical power supply means 6 and a hydraulic unit necessary for the operation of the additional hydraulic actuation means 5. The electrical power supply means 6 are autonomous and are capable of electrically powering the additional hydraulic actuation means 5. The additional hydraulic actuation means 5 are thus autonomous without needing electrical and / or hydraulic connections with the lifting machine. The jaws 40 and 41 can be opened and closed on command and remotely thanks to the remote control and communication means 7 and the wireless human-machine interface 8.

[0029] Thus, the grab bucket which comprises the additional hydraulic actuation means 5, ensures a closing (or re-closing) of the jaws 40 and 41 when empty, avoiding, when the bucket returns empty, dropping any residual material. In addition, because the chassis carries the electrical supply means 6 and these are autonomous (just like the hydraulic actuation means which are autonomous), the grab bucket constitutes an autonomous device, ready for use without the need to connect external electrical and / or hydraulic cables, in particular from the lifting equipment, which would run in particular at the level of the swivel.

[0030] Furthermore, thanks to the rotation drive system 9, the grab bucket 1 can be pivoted on itself to position the horizontal X-axis of opening of the jaws as desired. The X-axis of opening of the jaws corresponds to the central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 42 of gripping the jaws. This rotation can be done at height when the grab bucket is brought back above the pile of ore to be loaded and during its descent to arrange the jaws directly in the desired direction, which saves logistics time.

[0031] Consequently, the chassis 2 carries the system 2' for closing and opening the jaws under load and the additional hydraulic actuation means 5 for closing and opening the jaws under load.

[0032] The system 2' for closing and opening the loaded jaws comprises the slings 20 which are coupled to the usual hydraulic cylinders 21 which extend substantially vertically. The usual hydraulic cylinders 21 are armed (retracted) when slack is given to the slings 20 and the jaws 40 and 41 close automatically as the ore is gripped and the jaws are raised by the lifting machine (the closing is triggered via internal connecting rods which are actuated by gravity when the grab is raised). The usual hydraulic cylinders 21 are able to be actuated (to extend) in order to open the full jaws 40 and 41, which allows the ore to be dumped high above the hold of the ore carrier. The 2' system for closing and opening the jaws under load is not further described because it is known in itself.

[0033] The additional hydraulic actuation means 5 are carried directly by the chassis 2; they are autonomous and do not depend on the lifting machine to open and close the jaws 40 and 41 when the grab bucket is empty. The additional hydraulic actuation means 5 comprise at least one additional hydraulic cylinder 50 and a hydraulic unit 51. Said at least one hydraulic cylinder is preferably arranged in a horizontal plane, as visible in [Fig. 2], and connects the exterior and the upper parts of the jaws 40 and 4L. The integration of at least one hydraulic cylinder in a horizontal plane makes it possible to save space while ensuring efficient opening and closing. Said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder 50 makes it possible to push on the jaws 40 and 41 (which are empty) to open them and allows them to be closed by retracting (while they are empty).The hydraulic unit 51 is carried by the chassis 2. The hydraulic unit 51 is arranged on a platform above said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder 50 and the jaws 40 and 41 ([Fig.2]).

[0034] The additional hydraulic actuation means 5 are electrically powered for their operation by the electrical power supply means 6. The electrical power supply means 6 which are autonomous, advantageously comprise one or more batteries. The chassis 2 carries the electrical power supply means 6, which contributes to the autonomous operation of the grab bucket 1.

[0035] The chassis 2 comprises one or more platforms 22 and 23 in order to carry the hydraulic unit 51, the electrical power supply means 6 and the remote control and communication means 7. The platform(s) 22 and 23 are integral with the chassis 2 by being arranged between the swivel 3 and the jaws 40 and 4L. The platforms 22 and 23 are staggered. Preferably, the chassis 2 comprises the slings 20 which connect the swivel 3 to a proximal part 24 of the chassis; it is below the proximal part 24 that the platform(s) 22 and 23 are arranged. The chassis 2 carries the jaws 40 and 41 in the lower part. The usual hydraulic cylinders 21 extend substantially vertically opposite the platforms 22 and 23.

[0036] The remote control and communication means 7 are capable of controlling the additional hydraulic actuation means 5 as a function of control orders received remotely. The remote control and communication means 7 comprise at least one receiver and its remote communication system as well as data processing means. The electrical power supply of the remote control and communication means 7 is preferably provided by the electrical power supply means 6.

[0037] The wireless human-machine interface 8 communicates remotely with the remote control and communication means 7 to (in particular) control the additional hydraulic actuation means 5, in particular said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder 50. The operation of the human-machine interface 8 will be described later.

[0038] The remote control and communication means 7 may further comprise a transmitter for communicating data that would be processed by the data processing means of said remote control and communication means 7, if the grab bucket 1 is equipped with sensors and / or camera(s). Indeed, it may be useful in certain uses to optionally equip the grab bucket 1 with cameras, for example to help the operator move the bucket or to view the unloading location, and / or sensors such as an anemometer for measuring the wind when using the bucket and / or pressure sensors for monitoring the additional hydraulic actuation means, etc. All of this captured data is transmitted remotely via the transmitter of the remote control and communication means 7.

[0039] Furthermore, the grab bucket 1 comprises the rotation drive system 9 capable of pivoting the chassis 2 and therefore the jaws 40 and 41 through 360° in one direction or in the opposite direction. The rotation drive system 9 is independent of the hooking member 30. The rotation drive system 9 is in interface between the swivel 3 and the chassis 2. Preferably, the rotation drive system 9 is magnetically coupled. The electrical power supply for the magnetically coupled rotary drive system 9 is provided by the electrical power supply means 6. Electrical power supply cables run, for example, in or against the slings 20. The rotary drive system 9 preferably comprises its own remote reception and control system 90. The human-machine interface 8 is capable of communicating with the remote reception and control system 90 to control the rotation of the rotary drive system 9.

[0040] The human-machine interface 8 is designed to be within easy reach of the operator. The human-machine interface 8 is wireless and comprises a transmitter 80 communicating remotely with the receiver of the remote control and communication means 7 (and with the remote reception and control system 90 of the rotation drive system 9). Preferably, it is a remote control with mechanically actuated buttons. Alternatively, the human-machine interface may be a touch-sensitive tablet.

[0041] Preferably, the human-machine interface 8 comprises four control keys ([Fig.l]): - a main opening control button 81; this main opening button actuates the usual hydraulic cylinders 21 to open the bucket when it is full, in order to dump (high up) the load, this button is the only usual button on a usual grab bucket control remote control. The main opening control button 81 is for example of the push button type; - an additional open / close button 82; this additional open / close button allows the bucket to be closed and opened when it is empty. The additional open / close button 82 controls the closing and opening of said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder 50. It serves, on the one hand, to close the empty bucket to prevent residual aggregates from falling when the bucket is returned from the ship to the loading location, and on the other hand, to open the empty bucket above the barge for reloading. The additional open / close control button 82 is, for example, of the push-button type; - two additional keys 83 and 84 for controlling the rotation of the rotation drive system 9; one of the keys allows rotation in one direction and the other key allows rotation in the other direction. These additional keys 83 and 84 are used to pivot the bucket and orient the horizontal X axis for opening the jaws as desired. The additional control keys 83 and 84 are of the push-button type.

[0042] Thus, in a very simple way with a minimum of four keys or buttons, the operator can remotely operate the grab bucket 1 by closing and opening the jaws 40 and 41 as desired and, if necessary, pivoting the grab bucket on itself up to 360°, regardless of its location and including when it is suspended in the air.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the jaws 40 and 41 cooperate in their overlapping closure junction zone 43, that is to say that one of the jaws is designed to fit into the other jaw, providing total closure of the grab bucket in its closed state. There are thus no possible gaps through which material could fall during transhipment.

[0044] Advantageously, the grab 1 may comprise a vibratory system 52 capable of vibrating the jaws 40 and 41. The vibratory system 52 helps in particular to detach agglomerates of ore which tend to remain stuck on the internal walls of the jaws. These agglomerates can in particular represent up to 15% of the load contained in the jaws. Such a vibratory system is therefore particularly useful. The vibratory system 52 comprises, for example, mobile threshing elements capable of striking jerkily against the walls of the jaws 40 and 41. The vibratory system 52 is preferably hydraulically operated and connected to the hydraulic unit 51. The vibratory system 52 is powered by the electrical supply means 6. The vibratory system 52 is adapted (in frequency and duration) in relation to the level of load which may remain stuck inside the jaws.Preferably, the vibratory system is implemented automatically when the jaws 40 and 4L are opened. Alternatively, the vibratory system 52 is implemented automatically and / or can be controlled on demand. Preferably, the vibratory system is implemented for a preset duration. Preferably, the vibratory system 52 is implemented at the end of the jaw opening stroke, i.e. from a certain jaw opening angle, and the vibrations last only a few seconds.

[0045] Preferably, the jaws 40 and 41 have, in whole or in part, a non-stick surface 44 on their interior. This non-stick surface may result from a surface treatment or from the attachment of a non-stick coating, such as Teflon or HDPE plates.

[0046] Preferably, each of the jaws 40 and 41 comprises on its outer surface a belting element 4 made of elastic material such as rubber. This belting element forms a raised element on the outer periphery of each jaw, at least at the periphery with the largest section. This makes it possible to limit any impacts on the hull and accessories of the ship during transhipment operations.

[0047] The operation of the grab bucket 1 using the human-machine interface 8 is the following.

[0048] When the ore has been released into the hold of an ore carrier ship by opening the jaws 40 and 41 via the main opening control button 81 and by implementing the vibratory system 52 to maximize the detachment of the ore which may remain stuck to the walls of the jaws, the operator (called the chain man or crane operator) closes the jaws 40 and 41 by pressing the additional control button 82 for opening / closing the empty jaws. With the empty jaws closed, the crane operator brings the grab bucket 1 back to the temporary storage barge without the risk of dropping material into the sea between the ore carrier and the barge.At the same time as the grab 1 has started its rotation towards the barge, the operator saves time by positioning the grab 1 directly in the direction of the desired gripping, by rotating it through the desired angle by 360° using the additional control keys or buttons 83 or 84 for rotation so as to turn the grab in one direction or another. Once above the barge, the operator reopens the jaws 40 and 41 with the additional key or button 82 for opening / closing the empty jaws while lowering the grab 1 until it comes into contact with the ore to be loaded, the grab being already oriented in the ad hoc position to grip the ore. The ore is gripped as usual by pressing the main control key 81 for closing / opening so that the jaws 40 and 41 close automatically as usual as the ore is gripped.Once the grab bucket 1 is loaded and the jaws 40 and 41 are closed, the crane brings the grab bucket 1 back to above the hold of the ore carrier 10, and opens the jaws via the main opening control button 81. A new cycle, of empty closing of the jaws, possible rotation of the chassis and empty opening of the jaws, . start again.

Claims

Claims

1. Grab bucket (1), in particular used for the maritime transhipment of ore, comprising a chassis (2), a swivel (3), jaws (40, 41), and a system (2') for closing and opening the jaws when they are full, said system (2') comprising cables (20), and at least two hydraulic cylinders (21) which are dedicated solely to the opening of the full jaws, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional hydraulic cylinder (50) which is dedicated to closing the jaws (40, 41) when the jaws are empty, and to opening the empty jaws.

2. Grab bucket according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder (50) is autonomous in hydraulic and electrical energy within the grab bucket, the grab bucket comprising an autonomous hydraulic unit (51) and autonomous electrical supply means (6), which are carried by the chassis (2) and are connected to said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder (50) for its operation.

3. Grab bucket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises remote control and communication means (7) for said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder (50), said remote control and communication means (7) being capable of receiving control orders remotely and of controlling said at least one additional hydraulic cylinder (50).

4. Grab bucket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a single additional hydraulic cylinder (50) which connects the two jaws (40, 41) and acts simultaneously on the two jaws, in particular, the additional hydraulic cylinder extending in a horizontal plane between the two jaws.

5. Grab according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises between the swivel (3) and the chassis (2), a system for driving the chassis in rotation through 360° (9), the rotational drive system (9) being supplied with energy by autonomous electrical supply means (6) which are arranged on the chassis, and preferably, the rotational drive system (9) is magnetically coupled.

6. A grab bucket according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the jaws (40, 41) cooperate in their closing junction zone (43) by overlapping.

7. Grab according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a vibratory system (52) capable of being implemented when the jaws (40, 41) are opened, preferably the vibratory system (52) being implemented automatically and for a pre-set duration.

8. Grab bucket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jaws (40, 41) have, in whole or in part, a non-stick inner surface (44), in particular via a surface treatment or via the attachment of a non-stick coating such as Teflon or HDPE plates.

9. Grab bucket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the jaws (40, 41) comprises on its outer surface a belting element (4) made of elastic material such as rubber, preferably the belting element being removable.

10. Grab bucket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with sensors and / or camera(s) which are connected to remote control and communication means (7) arranged on the chassis, said remote control and communication means (7) comprising means for processing the data received by the sensors and / or cameras and a transmitter for remotely transmitting the data.

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