Overhead Crane Grab For Winery

Role and Applications of the Winery Crane Grab

Our grabs transform a standard overhead crane into a versatile, powerful, and precise material handling tool. They are designed to automate and accelerate the most labor-intensive and critical stages of wine production.

Primary Functions

1. Gentle Grape Handling:

   • Application: Unloading grapes from receival bins or trailers and transferring them to the crusher/destemmer or press.

   • Benefit: The grab’s design allows for a secure yet gentle close, minimizing berry damage and preserving juice quality. This helps reduce the risk of premature maceration and unwanted extraction of harsh phenolics from skins and seeds.

2. Efficient Pomace Transfer:

   • Application: Moving pressed grape skins, seeds, and stems (pomace) from the press to compost heaps or for distilling.

   • Benefit: The grab provides a water-tight seal, preventing juice and lees from dripping onto the floor. This maintains cellar cleanliness, reduces slippage hazards, and ensures valuable by-products are contained and efficiently moved.

3. Cap Management in Fermentation Tanks:

   • Application: For some red wine fermentations, the “cap” of grape solids that rises to the top needs to be submerged periodically. A specially designed grab can be used for this purpose (pigeage).

   • Benefit: Allows for a controlled and consistent punch-down process on a large scale, replacing manual labor and improving uniformity.

4. Compost and Waste Handling:

   • Application: Managing spent pomace, vineyard prunings, and other organic waste for composting.

   • Benefit: Dramatically reduces manual shoveling and forklift traffic, speeding up waste transfer and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable operation.

Customizable Parameters Table

Our winery grabs are not one-size-fits-all. We work with you to customize a solution that fits your specific process, tank sizes, and crane specifications.

Parametro	Description	Customization Options
Grab Type	The fundamental design of the grab.	Multi-Tine Grab: Ideal for whole grapes and pomace. Clamshell Grab: Excellent for free-flowing materials and compost. Punch-Down (Pigeage) Head: Specialized flat or plunger design.
Capacità	The safe working load (SWL) volume of material per grab.	Ranges from 0.5 cubic meters to 3+ cubic meters, tailored to your crane’s capacity and bin sizes.
Opening Width	The maximum span of the grab when fully open.	Customized to match the diameter of your receival bins, presses, and fermentation tanks for optimal coverage and clean pickup.
Construction Material	Materials used for the structure and contact parts.	Telaio: Acciaio al carbonio (painted or galvanized) or Stainless Steel AISI 304/316. Tines/Clamshells: Stainless Steel AISI 304/316. Seals/Liners: Food-Grade Polyurethane or Nylon for durability and hygiene.
Control System	How the grab is operated.	Manual Control via Pendant: Standard operation. Radio Remote Control: Allows operators to control the crane and grab from a safe, optimal viewing distance. Full Automation: Integration with PLC systems for pre-programmed load/unload cycles.
Special Features	Additional options for enhanced functionality.	Drip Trays: Integrated pans to catch juice and lees. High-Pressure Washdown Protection: Sealed motors and electrical components (IP65/IP67 rating). Weight Sensors: For precise load monitoring. Quick-Connect Couplers: For easy attachment/detachment from the crane hook.

Key Advantages for Wineries

• 1. Hygienic Design: Manufactured with high-grade stainless steel (AISI 304 O 316) and food-grade polyurethane components to meet strict sanitation standards (FDA, EC1935/2004). Surfaces are smooth and easy to clean, preventing bacterial harborage.
• 2. Gentle on Product: Engineered to apply optimal pressure without crushing or bruising delicate grapes.
• 3. Efficienza operativa: Moves large volumes of material in a single lift, drastically reducing processing time and labor costs.
• 4. Improved Safety: Minimizes manual handling, reduces forklift traffic in congested areas, and contains drips, leading to a safer working environment.
• 5. Durata: Built to withstand the corrosive environment of a winery, including exposure to acids, juices, and high-pressure washing.

The Customization Process

• 1. Consultation: We discuss your specific workflow, challenges, and goals.
• 2. Technical Review: Our engineers review your overhead crane’s specifications (capacity, span, power supply).
• 3. Proposal: We provide a detailed proposal with 2D/3D drawings and a customized parameter table.
• 4. Manufacturing & Testing: The grab is built to order and undergoes rigorous load and performance testing.
• 5. Installation & Training: We ensure smooth integration and provide comprehensive operator training.

A well-designed overhead crane grab is more than just equipment; it’s an investment in the quality of your wine and the efficiency of your cellar. By handling your grapes and pomace with care and precision, you protect the delicate flavors and aromas that define your vintage.

Contact us today for a free consultation and to request a quote tailored to your winery’s unique needs.