New Holland MH Plus Excavator and Sorting Grapple Integration

[MikePhua]

The MH Plus Excavator Lineage
New Holland, a brand under CNH Industrial, has been producing construction equipment since the 1960s. The MH Plus wheeled excavator was introduced as part of its mid-sized urban mobility lineup, designed for roadwork, material handling, and light demolition. With an operating weight around 18–20 metric tons and powered by a turbocharged diesel engine producing approximately 150 horsepower, the MH Plus offered hydraulic precision, cab comfort, and compatibility with a wide range of attachments.
Its four-wheel drive chassis and stabilizer legs made it ideal for city work, while the two-piece boom and auxiliary hydraulic circuits allowed for flexible tool use. By the late 2000s, the MH Plus had gained traction in European markets, especially in Germany, France, and Scandinavia, where wheeled excavators are preferred for mobility and versatility.
Sorting Grapples and Their Role in Material Handling
Sorting grapples are hydraulic attachments designed to grip, rotate, and sort materials such as wood, scrap metal, concrete debris, and waste. Unlike demolition grapples, sorting grapples prioritize precision and control over brute force. They typically feature:

• Two opposing jaws with high-strength steel blades
  
• Horizontal hydraulic cylinders for closing force
  
• Integrated rotation motor for 360-degree movement
  
• Pressure relief valves and pilot-operated check valves for safety
  

Terminology Note: A “pilot-operated check valve” allows hydraulic flow in one direction and locks the cylinder in place when pressure is lost, preventing accidental opening. “Rotation motor” enables the grapple to spin, improving positioning during sorting.
Sorting grapples are used in recycling yards, demolition sites, forestry operations, and municipal cleanup. Their ability to manipulate irregular loads makes them indispensable in selective demolition and material separation.
Hydraulic Setup and Compatibility Challenges
Mounting a sorting grapple on a New Holland MH Plus requires careful hydraulic integration. The excavator must provide:

• Dual-acting hydraulic flow for opening and closing
  
• A separate circuit for rotation
  
• Flow rates between 80–120 liters per minute
  
• Pressure ratings up to 300 bar
  

Common challenges include:

• Identifying the correct auxiliary circuit for grapple control
  
• Ensuring joystick buttons or foot pedals are mapped correctly
  
• Installing a case drain line for rotation motor protection
  
• Matching quick coupler fittings and hose lengths
  

A contractor in Denmark shared how his MH Plus grapple rotated perfectly but refused to open. After tracing the hydraulic lines, he discovered that the control valve had not been configured to send flow to the grapple’s jaw cylinders. Reprogramming the joystick and installing a flow divider resolved the issue.
Electrical and Control Integration
Modern grapples often include solenoid valves or sensors for feedback. Integrating these with the MH Plus requires:

• 12V or 24V power supply from the cab
  
• Relay installation for valve actuation
  
• Wiring harness protection against abrasion
  
• Control mapping to existing switches or auxiliary buttons
  

Some operators retrofit wireless control systems for grapple actuation, especially when cab wiring is limited. In 2021, a recycling firm in Sweden installed a Bluetooth-based controller on their MH Plus, allowing the operator to toggle grapple functions without modifying the OEM harness.
Mechanical Mounting and Coupler Considerations
The MH Plus typically uses a quick coupler system—either mechanical, hydraulic, or tiltrotator-based. When mounting a grapple:

• Ensure the coupler matches the grapple’s lug spacing and pin diameter
  
• Verify that the grapple’s weight does not exceed the boom’s lifting chart
  
• Install safety pins or locking mechanisms to prevent accidental release
  

In one case, a demolition crew in Lyon used a tiltrotator between the MH Plus and the grapple, allowing full articulation and rotation. While this improved maneuverability, it required recalibration of flow rates and pressure settings to avoid overloading the tiltrotator’s seals.
Operational Tips and Safety Practices
To maximize grapple performance:

• Use low-speed, high-torque settings for rotation
  
• Avoid sudden direction changes to prevent hose whip
  
• Keep jaws partially closed when idle to reduce wear
  
• Grease pivot points daily
  
• Inspect hoses and fittings weekly for leaks or abrasion
  

Operators should also:

• Wear high-visibility gear during grapple use
  
• Maintain clear communication with ground crew
  
• Use cameras or mirrors to monitor grapple position
  
• Avoid lifting loads over personnel or vehicles
  

A municipal operator in Rotterdam reported that adding a rearview camera and LED lighting to his MH Plus improved visibility during night sorting, reducing accidents and improving productivity.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Common issues with sorting grapples include:

• Slow jaw movement due to low flow or clogged filters
  
• Rotation stalling from motor wear or pressure loss
  
• Jaw misalignment from bent pins or worn bushings
  
• Hydraulic leaks at cylinder seals
  

Solutions:

• Replace hydraulic filters every 500 hours
  
• Use high-quality ISO VG 46 hydraulic oil
  
• Rebuild cylinders with OEM seal kits
  
• Install pressure gauges to monitor flow
  

In 2023, a waste management firm in Finland rebuilt their grapple’s rotation motor after noticing erratic movement. The internal gear set had worn due to contaminated oil. After flushing the system and installing a magnetic filter, performance returned to normal.
Conclusion
Integrating a sorting grapple with the New Holland MH Plus excavator transforms it into a precision material handler capable of tackling complex sorting and demolition tasks. While hydraulic and electrical setup requires attention to detail, the benefits in productivity and versatility are substantial. With proper mounting, control integration, and maintenance, the MH Plus and grapple combination becomes a powerful tool for urban construction, recycling, and cleanup operations—proving that adaptability is just as important as raw power.