Double handling is one of the most common causes of lost time and unnecessary cost on demolition and recycling sites. Materials are picked up, put down, moved again, reloaded and repositioned before they reach their final location. Each extra movement increases machine hours, fuel use and operator fatigue while slowing overall site progress.
Selector grabs play a key role in reducing this inefficiency. By allowing controlled lifting, sorting and placing of materials in a single movement, they help contractors streamline workflows and keep excavators productive throughout the shift.
This article explains what double handling looks like on real UK sites, why it is costly, and how selector grabs help eliminate it across demolition and recycling operations.
Double handling refers to moving the same material more than once before it reaches its final position. On demolition and recycling sites, this often happens without being noticed because it becomes part of daily routine.
Common examples include:
While each movement might seem minor, over a full shift these actions add up quickly.
Double handling affects more than just time. It has a direct impact on site costs and machine wear.
Every unnecessary movement adds operating hours to the excavator. This increases fuel consumption and accelerates wear on pins, hoses and hydraulic components.
When machines are busy rehandling material, they are not completing primary tasks such as demolition, loading or sorting. This slows overall job completion and can push projects over schedule.
Double handling often requires additional machines or ground staff to assist with sorting and repositioning. This increases labour costs and complicates site coordination.
Extra handling usually means more movements, more machine interaction and more time spent around unstable material. This raises the risk of accidents and near misses.
Understanding where double handling happens helps explain why selector grabs make such a difference.
Material is often knocked down, pushed aside with a bucket, then reloaded for separation or removal. Each step involves repositioning material multiple times.
Mixed waste arrives in piles and is often moved several times before being properly segregated. Buckets lack the control needed to separate materials accurately in one pass.
Concrete is frequently moved from demolition area to crusher feed, then repositioned again due to poor placement or oversized pieces.
Steel and mixed metals are often dragged or pushed before being lifted properly for processing or loading.
Selector grabs allow operators to grip, lift, rotate and place material precisely. This changes the way material is handled from the first movement.
Instead of pushing material into piles and rehandling it later, operators can:
This single controlled movement replaces multiple bucket or machine actions.
One of the biggest advantages of selector grabs is their ability to complete tasks in one motion.
For example:
This reduces the need to revisit material later, cutting down machine movements and idle time.
Buckets are designed for volume, not precision. This often leads to poorly placed loads that need correcting.
Selector grabs offer:
Accurate placement reduces the need to reposition material, which is a major cause of double handling on busy sites.
Sorting material at the point of handling is far more efficient than separating it later.
With a selector grab, operators can:
This eliminates the need for secondary sorting operations that rely on additional machines or labour.
Double handling often increases when sites rely on multiple attachments for the same task.
A selector grab can perform:
This reduces the need to switch between buckets, grapples or manual sorting tools, saving time and keeping the excavator working continuously.
On many sites, one excavator ends up doing the work of two when double handling is reduced.
Selector grabs allow a single machine to:
This can reduce the need for additional loading shovels or support machines, lowering fuel and hire costs.
Cleaner, well placed stockpiles reduce the likelihood of material being moved again.
When material is placed correctly first time:
This creates a more organised site where machines work efficiently instead of reacting to clutter.
Repeated pushing, dragging and rehandling increases stress on buckets and excavator arms.
Selector grabs reduce:
This contributes to longer attachment life and more consistent machine performance.
Over a full working day, the reduction in double handling can be significant.
Contractors often see:
These gains compound over weeks and months, improving overall project margins.
UK sites operate under tight margins, strict regulations and increasing pressure to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Reducing double handling:
Selector grabs support these goals while delivering practical operational benefits.
TocDem supplies selector grabs designed to support efficient site workflows rather than just raw lifting power. By matching grab size, jaw configuration and rotation accuracy to the application, contractors can reduce unnecessary handling and keep material moving efficiently across demolition and recycling sites.
With refurbished and tested equipment, hire availability and after sales support, TocDem helps ensure selector grabs perform consistently in demanding UK conditions.
Double handling is a hidden cost that affects productivity, fuel use and machine wear on demolition and recycling sites. While it is often accepted as part of daily operations, it can be significantly reduced with the right attachment choice.
Selector grabs allow contractors to handle, sort and place material accurately in a single movement. This reduces rehandling, improves site organisation and keeps excavators focused on productive work.
For contractors looking to improve efficiency without adding machines or labour, reducing double handling is one of the most effective places to start.
