Eichinger Block Grab

Model 1083 | Scissor-Action | CE Marked | UKCA Compliant

The Eichinger Block Grab (Model 1083) is a heavy-duty, scissor-action mechanical grab specifically designed and developed for the UK construction market. Built in Germany by Florian Eichinger GmbH, it is engineered to lift palletised brickloads, concrete blocks, slabs, kerbstones, paving blocks, and steel-strapped building materials safely and efficiently. Available in two models with safe working loads of 1,600 kg and 1,800 kg, the grab is fitted with a fully automatic open/close mechanism enabling single-operator use — simply lower onto the load to grip and lift to the set-down point to release. Hard rubber-lined clamping jaws minimise load damage during handling.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Automatic open/close mechanism — fully mechanical scissor action grips on lift and releases on set-down, requiring no manual intervention
• Single-operator use — one person can safely stack and unstack palletised bound loads without assistance
• Hard rubber-lined clamping jaws — replaceable rubber pads protect the load surface, minimising damage to bricks, blocks, and slabs during handling
• Two internal height options — 800 mm (1083.3) for standard brick packs or 1,000 mm (1083.6) for taller block and slab loads
• Versatile connection — suitable for use with cranes, hoists, and forklifts with appropriate load capacity
• German-engineered build quality — manufactured by Florian Eichinger GmbH, producing construction lifting equipment since 1904
• BG safety approved — designed and built in accordance with German Berufsgenossenschaften occupational health and safety regulations
• CE marked and UKCA compliant — fully certified for use in the UK and EU markets, supplied with EC Declaration of Conformity

Suitable Applications

The Eichinger Block Grab is designed for safe, efficient handling of palletised and banded building materials on construction sites, builders' merchants, depots, and industrial yards. It is commonly used to lift palletised brickloads, concrete blocks and slabs, kerbstones and edging, block paving, and any steel-strapped or shrink-wrapped building material package. The scissor-action design makes it ideal for repetitive loading and unloading operations where speed and single-operator efficiency are essential. Note: bricks and blocks must be securely bound, banded, or shrink-wrapped before lifting. Loose or unbound loads must not be lifted.

How the Block Grab Works

1. Position the grab — lower the block grab over the palletised load using the crane, hoist, or forklift.
2. Automatic grip — as the grab is lowered onto the load, the scissor mechanism engages and the rubber-lined jaws clamp securely around the pack.
3. Lift and transport — raise the load and move it to the required location.
4. Automatic release — lower the load to the ground and the mechanism automatically opens, releasing the pack for placement.

The block grab requires no external power source, no hydraulics, and no manual activation. The fully mechanical scissor action is self-operating, making it one of the simplest and safest lifting accessories for handling palletised materials on site.

Choosing the Right Model

The 1083.3 (800 mm internal height) is best suited for standard-height brick packs, half-height block pallets, and thinner slab loads. With an SWL of 1,800 kg, the wider clamping range of 740–1,250 mm provides flexibility across a broad range of pack widths. This is the most popular model for general bricklaying and blockwork operations.

The 1083.6 (1,000 mm internal height) is designed for taller loads including full-height block pallets, dense aggregate block packs, and oversized slab bundles. With an SWL of 1,600 kg, the clamping range of 980–1,250 mm is optimised for larger packs. Ideal when regularly handling taller material bundles.

Both models share the same 1,200 mm jaw length. The 1083.3 has an SWL of 1,800 kg and the 1083.6 has an SWL of 1,600 kg, so the choice comes down to the typical height and weight of the loads you handle most frequently.

Certification and Compliance

Every Eichinger Block Grab is supplied with full documentation to meet UK construction site requirements. The product is CE marked in accordance with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and a UKCA certificate is also provided where required for the UK market. The grab is BG approved, meaning it has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the occupational health and safety regulations of the German Berufsgenossenschaften (Employers' Liability Insurance Associations). A full EC Declaration of Conformity is supplied as standard with every unit. Under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), all lifting accessories must undergo thorough examination by a competent person before first use and at regular intervals thereafter — typically every 6 months for lifting accessories. It is the duty holder's responsibility to arrange thorough examinations and maintain records.

Safety Information

• Never exceed the safe working load — 1,800 kg for the 1083.3 or 1,600 kg for the 1083.6 — under any circumstances.
• Only lift loads that are securely bound, banded, strapped, or shrink-wrapped. Never attempt to lift loose or unbound materials.
• Maintain a clear exclusion zone beneath suspended loads at all times. No personnel should stand under or near a suspended load.
• Visually inspect the grab before every use — check jaws, rubber pads, pivot points, and lifting eye for damage. Do not use if any defects are found.
• The grab must only be used by trained and competent personnel in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Ensure the grab is subject to thorough examination by a competent person in accordance with LOLER 1998, typically every 6 months.

Inspection and Maintenance

Before each use, carry out a visual inspection of the grab. Check that the scissor mechanism operates smoothly and engages and releases correctly. Inspect the rubber clamping jaws for wear, cracks, or detachment — replace if damaged. Verify the lifting eye, chains, and all pivot pins are in good condition with no visible cracks, deformation, or excessive wear. Keep all pivot points and moving parts lightly lubricated. Rubber clamping jaws are replaceable — contact us for genuine Eichinger replacement parts. Store the grab in a dry location when not in use to prevent corrosion. Record all inspections and maintenance in the equipment's logbook. In addition to pre-use checks, the grab must undergo thorough examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 6 months, or in accordance with an examination scheme, as required under LOLER 1998.

Frequently Asked Questions