Kerb & Block Grabs

The main difference between a kerb grab and a block grab is that a kerb grab is designed for lifting and laying individual precast kerbstones onto a mortar bed, while a block grab is engineered for bulk transport of full, banded packs of bricks and blocks. Block grabs feature wider clamping jaws and higher capacities (up to 1,800kg) to lift whole strapped packs without timber pallets, whereas kerb grabs feature narrower, contoured rubber jaws tailored for placing single kerbs directly to string lines.

Kerb grabs and block grabs can be operated from both excavators and telehandlers when fitted with the appropriate rigging accessories. On excavators or site cranes, grabs suspend directly from the hitch or hook using a certified single-leg Grade 8 drop chain. On site telehandlers or forklifts, the grab connects via a rated forklift adaptor sleeve that slides over the fork tines and secures behind the heels.

Mechanical scissor grabs operate purely on gravity and mechanical scissor leverage, requiring no site power or hydraulic lines. As the host machine pulls upward on the central lifting eye, the scissor linkage draws the rubber-lined jaws inward, using the weight of the load to generate proportional clamping force. An internal automatic cam latch alternates between open and closed on each lift, locking the jaws open to drop over materials and resetting automatically when the load is placed down.

Under UK health and safety regulations, all mechanical kerb and block grabs are classified as lifting accessories under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). They require a thorough examination by a competent person every six months, a clearly marked Safe Working Load and a valid test certificate on site. In addition, when lifting block packs overhead, site safety rules mandate a secondary fall-arrest restraint net secured around the pack to catch loose bricks if banding snaps.

All kerb grabs and block grabs in the SEL fleet are available for both hire and purchase. We maintain extensive stock across our regional depots in Bristol, Cardiff and London to support planned construction schedules and urgent site requirements, with fast delivery available nationwide.