What about an excavator with a clamshell attachment? An even easier version would be an excavator with a regular bucket and a "thumb". The thumb would just have to be solid so the stuff doesn't fall out. It would be similar to a clamshell but only one side of the clamshell would move. Just look for pictures of excavators with thumbs (it is common) and you will see what I mean. Excavators are more plentiful and cheaper than cranes.

The bottom view articulated device that is truck mounted is usually called a "handler". An example is tire handler. You could fit one of these with a clamshell of coarse.

Hi DaveB, thanks for the ideas.

I have found something similar to what I want.

http://www.solesbeesequipment.com/Hydraulic_excavatorthumb.htm

http://www.solesbeesequipment.com/excavatorgrapples.htm

Now I am checking suppliers of excavators for this.

I'm glad to help. It seems some of the stuff you work on is very similar to some of the stuff I work on, as several posts have shone.

gussosa the clamshell is just an attachment. The truck can have one put on it. The hydraulics should be there to open and close it. You may have to run hydraulics to control the swivel. You will have to size the clamshell to the truck as to amount of weight it can handle.

the clamshell is just an attachment.

I know, but I wasn't able to find a supplier who could match all my requirements. Now I am trying to get all the pieces separate.

Hello Again and Welcome Back Gussosa,

Did you happen to check with a Caterpillar Sales Rep directly about your hybrid machine? I'm sure they can build almost anything to meet your specifications. Of course it'll cost you your first born and left leg in the process!!!

Ever think of about using an overhead travelling crane instead to avoid hydraulic and diesel fuel contamination of the fertilizer? A leak is bound to happen sooner or later.

Just thinking outside of the "BOX".....

Good luck in your quest!!!!

Hi CaptMoosie

It crossed my mind, yes. I didn't do it because it would be too expensive, and also because the current designs by Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, etc, use very delicate electronic controls which don't withstand the corrosion.

My customers usually search around the Mercosur area and even abroad for used equipment, dated before the introduction of electronic controls.

Pettybone is what first came to mind then Barko and Tiffin Parts for your special application hardware needs.