Battery Magnets vs. Hydraulic Magnets, which should you choose?

When it comes to lifting and moving ferrous materials, magnets play a crucial role in industrial operations. However, choosing the right type of magnet for your needs can be challenging. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between battery magnets vs hydraulic magnets, including their advantages and disadvantages, to help you make an informed decision. 

 

Battery Magnets 

Battery magnets use power drawn from a battery to generate magnetic force. Typically, they use the power of the excavator’s battery, however there is usually also an option for the magnet to be supplied with an internal chargeable battery which provides a self-contained power source. This type of magnet is highly portable and offers flexibility in various environments, from recycling to rail maintenance. 

 

Advantages 

 

• Ease of Use: Battery-powered magnets typically offer straightforward operation with simple controls, making them user-friendly even for those with minimal experience. 
• Low Maintenance: With fewer moving parts and no need for hydraulic generators, battery magnets generally require less maintenance compared to their hydraulic counterparts. 

 

Disadvantages 

 

• Battery Life: Magnets with a self-contained battery, the performance of battery magnets is limited by battery life. While modern batteries offer extended usage times, they still need to be recharged or replaced periodically. 
• Power Limitations: Battery magnets may not offer the same lifting power as hydraulic magnets, making them less suitable for extremely heavy loads. 

 

For those interested in battery magnets, Machinery Specialist supplies GRYB battery magnets that combine high performance with reliable controllers and electric box. Explore GRYB Battery Magnets here. 

 

 

Hydraulic Magnets 

Hydraulic magnets utilize hydraulic systems to generate magnetic force. They are typically powered by a hydraulic motor that couples to a generator, providing a robust solution for heavy-duty lifting tasks. 

 

Advantages  

 

• Increased Lifting Power: Hydraulic magnets can handle much heavier loads compared to battery-powered magnets. This makes them suitable for industrial applications requiring substantial lifting capabilities. 
• Easy to Install: Hydraulic magnets can be easily moved between different excavators in the fleet, with minimum hydraulic and piping requirements, though a case drain is required. 

 

Disadvantages 

 

• Extra weight: Hydraulic magnets require a hydraulic power source sitting on top of the magnet permanently, which limit the excavator’s lifting capacity due to the weight of the hydraulic system 
• Maintenance Needs: The hydraulic components may require more maintenance and care to ensure optimal performance than a battery magnet. 

 

Machinery Specialist offers GRYB hydraulic magnets and hydraulic generators that provide robust solutions for heavy lifting and reliable performance. Explore GRYB Hydraulic Magnets and Bateman Generators here.

 

 

 

Which excavator magnet is right for you? 

Choosing between battery magnets vs hydraulic magnets depends largely on your specific needs and operating environment. Battery magnets are ideal for lightweight excavators, portable applications and ease of use. They offer flexibility and simplicity but are best suited for lighter loads and less demanding conditions. On the other hand, hydraulic magnets excel in heavy-duty applications, providing powerful and reliable lifting capabilities but requiring a stable hydraulic power source and greater excavator lifting capacity. 

 

If you’re still weighing up the pros and cons, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a chat.

 

Our experienced team will talk you through your setup and needs and match you to the right model.