How to Choose the Best Hydraulic Magnet Lift for Your Excavator
If you’ve ever stood on a demolition site and watched an excavator sweep up twisted rebar like it was picking daisies, you’ve probably seen a hydraulic magnet lift in action. These attachments are not just about brute strength—they’re about speed, safety, and making the most of your machine. But here’s the catch: not every magnet is right for every excavator. Choosing the wrong one can mean wasted money, downtime, and a lot of frustration.
Kingho Technology, a manufacturer with more than a decade of experience in excavator attachments, has built its reputation on practical, durable solutions.
How Does a Hydraulic Magnet Lift Work on an Excavator
Magnetic Lifting Powered by Hydraulic Flow
Unlike traditional electric magnets that need a generator, hydraulic magnet lifts use the excavator’s own hydraulic system to generate power. The magnet activates when hydraulic oil flows through the built-in generator, creating a strong magnetic field. It’s a neat design because it cuts out the need for extra wiring or external power packs.
Quick Attachment and Detachment Mechanism
Most modern hydraulic magnets, including Kingho’s, connect directly to the breaker line. That means you can swap between a breaker and a magnet in less than an hour. For operators, that’s a big deal—nobody wants to spend half a day wrestling with hoses when there’s a pile of scrap waiting.
Integration with Excavator Hydraulic System
Kingho’s hydraulic magnet lift is designed for excavators in the 18–30 ton range. It runs smoothly on standard pressures around 200 bar and flow rates of 100–140 lpm. In other words, if you’ve got a mid-sized excavator, you’re probably already set up to run one without modifications.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Hydraulic Magnet Lift
Excavator Compatibility and Hydraulic Requirements
First things first: check your excavator’s specs. If your machine doesn’t deliver the right pressure or flow, the magnet won’t perform. Kingho’s team often advises customers to match the magnet’s weight with the excavator’s tonnage—too heavy, and you’ll lose stability; too light, and you’re not getting the lifting power you paid for.
Lifting Capacity and Magnet Size
Kingho’s magnet has a diameter of 1100 mm and weighs about 2 tons. In practice, that means it can lift a full board of heavy scrap without breaking a sweat. One recycling yard in Southeast Asia reported cutting their loading time by nearly 40% after switching to Kingho’s magnet. That’s not theory—that’s hours saved every single day.
Application Scenarios Like Scrap Demolition or Recycling
Different jobs demand different strengths. In demolition, you want fast release so you can clear debris quickly. In recycling, precision matters more—you don’t want to drop a load of mixed scrap in the wrong bin. Kingho’s magnet is built for both, with a remote-controlled degaussing system that lets operators release material exactly where they want it.
Which Features Make a Hydraulic Magnet Lift More Efficient
Fast Magnetic Response and Release Time
Nobody likes waiting. Kingho’s magnet activates and releases in under five seconds. That might not sound like much, but over the course of a day, those seconds add up to truckloads of material moved faster.
Durable Shell and Wear Resistant Design
The outer shell is made from Q345 manganese steel, known for its toughness and corrosion resistance. It’s built to handle rough environments—think ports with salty air, or demolition sites where sparks fly.
Low Maintenance and Energy Consumption
Because the magnet is powered hydraulically, there’s no need for external generators or extra fuel. That means fewer breakdowns and lower running costs. One operator joked that “it’s the only attachment that doesn’t complain,” which is about as high a compliment as you’ll get in this industry.
How Do You Match a Hydraulic Magnet Lift to Your Excavator Model
Magnet Weight and Excavator Tonnage
A 2-ton magnet on a 10-ton excavator? That’s asking for trouble. Kingho recommends pairing their magnet with 18–30 ton machines. That balance gives you enough lifting power without compromising stability.
Hydraulic Pressure and Flow Rate Matching
If your excavator runs between 180–220 bar and 100–140 lpm, you’re in the sweet spot. Kingho’s magnet is designed for that range, so you don’t need to upgrade pumps or modify lines.
Mounting Options and Hose Routing
Installation is straightforward. Kingho’s design uses conventional breaker pipelines and a fixed oil return interface. That means fewer hoses dangling around and less chance of damage during operation.
Why Is Kingho Technology a Reliable Supplier for Hydraulic Magnet Lifts
Proven Performance in Harsh Working Conditions
Kingho’s attachments have been tested in scrap yards, ports, and demolition sites across Asia, Europe, and South America. They’ve held up in rain, dust, and heat—sometimes all in the same day.
Customizable Solutions for Different Excavator Brands
Whether you’re running a Komatsu, CAT, or Hitachi, Kingho can customize the mounting bracket and hydraulic fittings. That flexibility is one reason they’ve built long-term partnerships with clients in over 30 countries.
Global Export Experience and After Sales Support
Kingho isn’t just a manufacturer—they’re a partner. Their after-sales team provides remote installation guidance, spare parts, and quick response times. A client in Chile once received replacement hoses within 72 hours, which is rare in this industry.
How Can a Hydraulic Magnet Lift Improve Your Jobsite Productivity
Faster Scrap Sorting and Metal Recovery
Instead of manually sorting debris, you can scoop, sort, and stack in minutes. One demolition contractor reported saving nearly two full days on a project by using Kingho’s magnet.
Reduced Manual Labor and Downtime
Less manual handling means fewer injuries and less fatigue. That’s not just good for safety—it’s good for morale. Nobody wants to spend their day dragging rebar by hand.
Enhanced Safety and Operational Control
Remote-controlled degaussing lets you drop material without leaving the cab. That’s a big deal in hazardous environments. Kingho’s magnet also includes built-in safety valves to prevent pressure spikes.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Hydraulic Magnet Lift
Ignoring Excavator Hydraulic Specs
Don’t assume all magnets are plug-and-play. If your excavator doesn’t meet the pressure or flow requirements, the magnet won’t perform. Always check the numbers.
Overlooking Magnet Duty Cycle and Cooling Needs
Magnets get hot. If you’re running continuous cycles, you need a model with proper cooling. Kingho’s design includes heat-resistant materials and smart degaussing to prevent overheating.
Choosing Non OEM or Poorly Supported Attachments
Cheap magnets might save money upfront, but they cost more in downtime. Kingho’s OEM-grade build and support network make it a safer long-term investment.
FAQs
Q1: Can Kingho’s hydraulic magnet lift be used with mini excavators?
Not really. The current model is designed for 18–30 ton machines. Using it on smaller excavators may cause instability or hydraulic overload.
Q2: How long does it take to install the magnet lift?
Usually under two hours. Kingho’s design uses standard breaker lines and a fixed oil return interface, which makes setup straightforward.
Q3: Does the magnet come with remote control?
Yes. The unit includes a remote control and receiver box, so operators can safely release material from inside the cab.