A hydraulic magnet picks up ferrous metal — rebar, structural steel, fasteners, scrap.
Two applications justify it. Scrap recovery, where separated steel has real value and mixed debris costs more to dispose of. And site cleanup, where a magnet clears nails, screws, and metal debris faster and more thoroughly than a crew with rakes.
What You'll Use It For
- Separating rebar from crushed concrete
- Scrap metal recovery in demolition
- Sorting ferrous from non-ferrous material
- Site cleanup — nails, fasteners, metal debris
- Recovering steel from mixed debris piles
- Loading scrap for recycling
- Cleaning up after structural demolition
- Recovering dropped tools and hardware
The Economics
Scrap recovery. Separated clean steel is worth more than mixed debris, and mixed debris frequently costs more to dispose of. On demolition of any scale, the separation has direct value both ways.
Site cleanup. Nails and metal debris on a site are a tire hazard and a liability. A magnet clears them in a fraction of the time a crew takes, and more completely.
Paired with a concrete crusher, the workflow is clean: crush the concrete, magnet the rebar out, and you have two salable streams instead of one disposal cost.
Types
Hydraulic generator magnet. Self-contained — the machine's auxiliary hydraulics drive a generator that powers the magnet. This is the standard for excavators, because it needs no external power source.
Electromagnet. Requires an external generator. Less common on mini excavators.
Permanent magnet. No power required; release is mechanical. Simpler but less controllable, and lifting capacity is fixed.
How to Spec It
Diameter and lifting capacity. Larger picks up more per cycle and holds heavier pieces.
Flow and pressure requirement. Confirm against the machine's auxiliary circuit.
Duty cycle. Magnets generate heat. Continuous-duty rated units handle sustained work better.
Weight. Check against lift capacity at reach.
Mounting. Pin dimensions or coupler. Some designs hang on a chain or swivel.
Safety
Pacemakers and medical devices. Strong magnetic fields are a genuine hazard for anyone with an implanted device. Establish and enforce a clearance zone and make sure everyone on site knows.
Electronics and data. Magnetic fields damage electronics and storage media. Keep phones, laptops, and instruments clear.
Dropped loads. A magnet releasing unexpectedly drops whatever it's holding. Never carry over people, and be aware that power loss releases the load.
Load control. Material on a magnet can shift and swing. Travel low and slow.
Trades That Use It Most
Demolition · Scrap and recycling · Site cleanup · Structural demolition · Industrial and plant work · Post-fire cleanup
FAQ
Do I need a separate generator?
Not with a hydraulic generator magnet — the machine's auxiliary hydraulics power it. That's why it's the standard configuration.
How much can it lift?
Depends on magnet diameter, material shape, and contact area. Flat plate lifts far more than round bar, which lifts more than tangled scrap.
Will it pick up all metal?
Ferrous only — steel and iron. Aluminum, copper, and stainless generally won't respond.
Is it worth it for site cleanup alone?
For sites with significant metal debris, frequently yes. It's faster and more thorough than manual cleanup, and it eliminates a tire hazard.
What about the pacemaker risk?
Real and serious. Establish a clearance zone, post it, and brief everyone on site.
Does it get hot?
Yes, with sustained use. Check the duty cycle rating if you'll run it continuously.
Can I use it with a crusher?
That's the standard demolition recycling workflow — crush, then magnet the rebar out.
Get a Quote
Request pricing · Call (330) 825-2307