Search our range of Grab Lorry trucks for sale and hire

New and Used Grab Lorries

MV Commercial supplies new, used and late-registration grab lorries across the UK.

Our stock includes purpose-built MV vehicles, trucks from our own hire fleet, part-exchange units and carefully selected used grab lorries prepared for demanding commercial work.

Our grab lorry range can include:

• New 32 tonne grab lorries
• Used grab lorries
• Late-registration tipper grabs
• Ex-hire grab trucks
• 8x4 grab lorries
• Steel-bodied grab trucks
• Insulated tipper grabs
• Aggregate-specification grab lorries
• Muck away trucks
• Utilities grab lorries
• Construction-specification grab trucks
• Bespoke grab lorry builds
• Ready to Go vehicles

Whether you need a single replacement vehicle or several trucks for a new contract, MV Commercial can help you find the right chassis, body, crane and grab combination.

What Is a Grab Lorry?

A grab lorry is a tipping truck fitted with a hydraulic crane and grab bucket.

The crane allows the driver or operator to collect loose materials from the ground, roadside or working area and place them directly into the tipping body. Once loaded, the vehicle transports the material to its destination, where the body can be raised to discharge the load.

Grab lorries are also commonly described as:

• Tipper grabs
• Grab trucks
• Grabber lorries
• Crane-equipped tippers
• Muck away grab lorries
• 32 tonne grab trucks
• 8x4 tipper grabs

These terms generally describe the same type of self-loading tipping vehicle, although the precise crane, body and grab specification can vary.

How Does a Grab Lorry Work?

The hydraulic crane is normally mounted behind the cab and fitted with a rotating grab bucket.

The operator positions the crane over the material, closes the grab around the load and lifts it into the tipping body. Depending on the specification, the crane may be operated using remote controls, fixed controls or a combination of both.

The vehicle can then carry the material away and discharge it by tipping the body.

This self-loading capability means a grab lorry can complete work that might otherwise require both a tipper truck and a separate excavator or loading machine.

A grab lorry can help operators:

• Collect loose materials
• Load without separate site machinery
• Transport material
• Tip the load at its destination
• Work across multiple locations
• Clear restricted roadside areas
• Reduce the number of vehicles required on site
• Respond quickly to unplanned work

What Can a Grab Lorry Carry?

Grab lorries are designed for loose, bulk and irregular materials commonly found across construction and infrastructure work.

Typical loads include:

• Soil
• Clay
• Sand
• Stone
• Hardcore
• Rubble
• Aggregates
• Excavated spoil
• Road planings
• Broken concrete
• Construction waste
• Drainage materials
• Backfill
• Green waste
• Landscaping materials

The suitability of a particular vehicle will depend on the material, body construction, payload, grab type and operating conditions.

Grab Lorry or Standard Tipper?

A standard tipper truck is a strong choice when loading equipment is already available at the collection point. It provides good payload capacity without the additional weight of a crane and grab.

A grab lorry is more suitable when the vehicle needs to load itself.

The crane and grab allow the operator to collect materials without waiting for an excavator, loading shovel or other machine. This can make the vehicle particularly productive for roadside work, utilities, small sites and operations involving several collections each day.

Choose a standard tipper when:

• Loading machinery is always available
• Maximum payload is the priority
• The vehicle mainly works between established sites
• Self-loading is not required

Choose a grab lorry when:

• The vehicle needs to collect its own load
• Work takes place across multiple locations
• Space for additional equipment is limited
• Materials must be collected from beside the vehicle
• Greater operational independence is required

Grab Lorry or Crane Truck?

Both vehicles use a hydraulic loader crane, but they are designed for different loads.

A grab lorry uses a tipping body and grab bucket to handle loose materials such as soil, rubble, aggregates and waste.

A crane truck normally uses a flatbed, dropside or specialist body to transport packaged or solid loads such as bricks, timber, steel, cabins, machinery and construction products.

The correct vehicle depends on whether the operation involves loose bulk materials or individually handled loads.

32 Tonne Grab Lorries

The 32 tonne 8x4 grab lorry is one of the most popular configurations for heavy construction, utilities and muck away work.

Its four-axle layout provides a strong platform for the tipping body, crane and grab while retaining useful payload capacity.

A 32 tonne grab lorry is suitable for:

• Muck away
• Aggregate delivery
• Utilities excavation
• Groundworks
• Highway maintenance
• Drainage projects
• Site clearance
• Construction waste
• Demolition support
• Landscaping
• Civil engineering
• Infrastructure contracts

The 8x4 configuration provides a practical balance of body capacity, lifting capability, stability and manoeuvrability for demanding sites and urban operations.

Grab Lorries for Muck Away

Grab lorries are widely used for muck away because they can collect excavated material without relying on separate loading equipment.

The crane can reach material positioned beside the vehicle, behind barriers or within accessible site areas. The grab then transfers it directly into the tipping body.

This makes a grab lorry suitable for collecting:

• Excavated soil
• Hardcore
• Rubble
• Clay
• Broken concrete
• Road repair waste
• Mixed construction spoil
• Landscaping waste

After collection, the load can be transported to a suitable disposal, recycling or processing location.

Grab Lorries for Aggregates

Grab lorries can collect and deliver aggregates, sand, stone and backfill materials.

The crane and grab provide controlled loading and unloading where tipping is not suitable or where the material must be positioned within a particular area.

Aggregate-specification grab lorries may include:

• Heavy-duty steel tipping bodies
• Palfinger Epsilon cranes
• Rotating grab buckets
• Automatic sheeting systems
• On-board weighing equipment
• Remote crane controls
• Work lights
• Additional hydraulic functions
• Camera and safety systems

The specification should consider the density and abrasiveness of the materials being transported.

Grab Lorries for Utilities

A utilities grab lorry can support gas, water, electricity, telecoms, drainage and highway projects.

These vehicles can collect excavated spoil, transport backfill and aggregates, remove damaged road surfaces and support reinstatement work.

Utilities applications include:

• Trench excavation
• Spoil removal
• Backfill delivery
• Drainage work
• Pipe replacement
• Cable installation
• Road reinstatement
• Emergency network repairs
• Highway maintenance
• Civil engineering

The ability to self-load is particularly valuable when working on restricted streets or moving between several jobs during a shift.

Grab Lorries for Construction and Groundworks

Construction and groundworks operations frequently involve moving soil, rubble, hardcore and mixed materials.

A grab lorry can support:

• Foundation work
• Site preparation
• Excavation
• Drainage installation
• Landscaping
• Road construction
• Material delivery
• Site clearance
• Waste removal
• Small demolition projects

Its ability to collect and transport materials using a single vehicle can improve flexibility when site machinery is unavailable or already committed elsewhere.

DAF Grab Lorries

DAF chassis are widely used across MV Commercial’s grab lorry range.

DAF grab trucks provide a practical base for construction, utilities, aggregate and muck away applications. Depending on the age and specification, available stock can include DAF CF and newer DAF XDC models.

DAF grab lorries can be configured with:

• 8x4 axle layouts
• Steel tipping bodies
• Palfinger Epsilon cranes
• Kinshofer grab buckets
• Day or sleeper cabs
• Automatic sheeting systems
• On-board weighing equipment
• Camera and lighting packages
• Additional storage

Scania Grab Lorries

Scania P-Series and construction-focused chassis are popular with operators looking for a high-specification grab lorry with strong performance and driver appeal.

Scania grab trucks can be built for demanding construction, groundworks, utilities and aggregate operations.

Available specifications can include steel bodies, remote-controlled cranes, rotating grab buckets, high-output engines, sleeper cabs and comprehensive safety equipment.

Volvo Grab Lorries

The Volvo FMX provides a strong platform for heavy-duty grab lorry applications.

Its construction-focused design makes it suitable for operators working across demanding sites, quarries, infrastructure projects and roadwork environments.

Volvo grab lorries can be specified with 8x4 axle configurations, steel tipping bodies, Palfinger Epsilon cranes, Kinshofer grabs and a range of driver, safety and productivity equipment.

Palfinger Epsilon Grab Cranes

MV Commercial commonly fits Palfinger Epsilon cranes across its grab lorry range.

A popular specification uses the Palfinger Epsilon M125L crane, providing the reach and control required for loading loose materials into the tipping body.

Depending on the build, crane equipment can include:

• Remote-control operation
• Hydraulic extensions
• Rotator
• Grab bucket
• Additional hydraulic functions
• Crane lighting
• Emergency stop controls
• Stabiliser equipment where specified

The crane specification must be selected alongside the chassis, body and intended payload to create a balanced working vehicle.

Kinshofer Grab Buckets

MV Commercial commonly pairs its Palfinger Epsilon cranes with Kinshofer grab buckets.

A popular configuration uses a 500-litre Kinshofer bucket with a rotator. This combination is designed to collect loose materials such as soil, rubble, aggregates, shale and green waste.

The rotator allows the operator to position the bucket accurately during loading. The correct grab size and design will depend on the materials being handled and the crane specification.

Steel Tipping Bodies

Steel tipping bodies are widely used on grab lorries because they provide the durability required for construction waste, rubble, hardcore and other demanding loads.

MV Commercial grab lorries can be built with bodies from manufacturers including Thompson, Gleeson and Fruehauf, depending on the required specification and availability.

Body equipment can include:

• Heavy-duty steel construction
• Reinforced floors and sides
• Hydraulic tailgates
• Automatic sheeting systems
• Insulated body options
• On-board weighing equipment
• Additional access steps
• Tool storage
• Work lights
• High-visibility markings

Body design should reflect the type of material being carried, expected payload and frequency of use.

Insulated Grab Lorries

Insulated tipper grab bodies can be useful for highway, utilities and reinstatement work where the vehicle may transport asphalt alongside other materials.

The exact body configuration can vary, with options designed around the operator’s workload and contract requirements.

An insulated grab lorry can provide the flexibility to support:

• Highway repairs
• Utilities reinstatement
• Asphalt transport
• Spoil removal
• Aggregate delivery
• Reactive maintenance work

Grab Lorry Hire

If purchasing a vehicle is not the right option, MV Commercial offers flexible grab lorry hire for short and long-term requirements.

Grab lorry hire is suitable for:

• New contract mobilisation
• Short-term projects
• Seasonal demand
• Replacement vehicle cover
• Emergency work
• Temporary fleet expansion
• Utilities frameworks
• Groundworks contracts
• Highway projects
• Testing a specification before purchasing

Hire gives operators access to a specialist self-loading vehicle without the immediate capital cost of purchasing.

Depending on availability and requirements, vehicles can be supplied through short-term hire, long-term rental, contract hire, lease or rent-to-buy.

Grab Lorries for Sale

MV Commercial supplies new, used and ex-hire grab lorries for sale throughout the UK.

New vehicles can be supplied from our Ready to Go programme or built around a customer’s required chassis, body and crane configuration.

Used grab lorries can include vehicles from our own hire fleet, which have been supported by MV Commercial’s workshop and crane teams during their time in service.

When selecting a used grab lorry, important considerations include:

• Chassis age and mileage
• Service history
• Body condition
• Crane condition
• Hydraulic system
• Grab and rotator condition
• Current inspection requirements
• Payload
• Cab specification
• Safety equipment
• Previous application

Our team can help customers compare available vehicles and identify the most suitable option for their operation.

Built by MV Commercial

MV Commercial is more than a truck dealer. We design and build specialist commercial vehicles through our own manufacturing facilities.

Our in-house capabilities include:

• Vehicle design
• Engineering
• Fabrication
• Welding
• Subframe production
• Body building
• Crane installation
• Hydraulic equipment
• Paint and finishing
• Livery design and application
• Lighting and safety systems
• Testing and final preparation

This allows the chassis, tipping body, crane, grab and associated equipment to be developed as one complete working vehicle.

Built in Grantham

Our Grantham manufacturing facilities play a central role in producing specialist grab lorries for construction, utilities, highways, aggregates and infrastructure operators.

Before a build begins, we consider:

• Material being carried
• Required payload
• Crane reach
• Grab size
• Body construction
• Axle configuration
• Site conditions
• Driver requirements
• Storage
• Safety equipment
• Contract specifications
• Paint and livery

This helps create a vehicle that is practical, balanced and suited to its intended daily workload.

Explore our Grantham manufacturing facility.

Ready to Go Grab Lorries

Waiting for a traditional factory-order build can delay new contracts and reduce fleet capacity.

MV Commercial’s Ready to Go stock helps operators access grab lorries more quickly.

Available stock can include:

• New 32 tonne grab lorries
• Used grab trucks
• Late-registration tipper grabs
• Ex-hire vehicles
• DAF grab lorries
• Scania grab lorries
• Volvo grab lorries
• Steel-bodied tipper grabs
• Insulated grab lorries
• Construction and utility specifications

Stock changes regularly, so contact MV Commercial for the latest availability.

Bespoke Grab Lorry Builds

If the right vehicle is not already available, MV Commercial can build a grab lorry around your operating requirements.

A bespoke specification can include:

• Preferred chassis
• 8x4 axle configuration
• Day or sleeper cab
• Steel or insulated tipping body
• Palfinger Epsilon crane
• Kinshofer grab
• Remote crane controls
• Automatic sheeting system
• On-board weighing equipment
• Additional hydraulic functions
• Toolboxes and storage
• Camera systems
• Work lights and beacons
• Paint and livery
• Contract-specific safety equipment

Our manufacturer-independent approach means the complete vehicle can be developed around the application rather than one fixed specification.

Driver Comfort and Productivity

Grab lorry drivers can spend long periods in the cab and operate across several sites during one shift.

Vehicles can be supplied with cab equipment designed to support comfort and productivity, including:

• Air conditioning or climate control
• Automatic gearbox
• Day or sleeper cab
• Heated seats
• Rear cab windows
• Storage
• Navigation
• Microwave and fridge options
• Sun visor
• High-specification driver displays

Available equipment will depend on the chassis and individual vehicle specification.

Safety and Compliance Equipment

Grab lorries frequently operate on construction sites, public highways and within busy urban environments.

MV Commercial can supply vehicles with safety and compliance equipment including:

• Multi-camera systems
• Side-scan detection
• Reverse cameras
• Audible warning systems
• Digital recording equipment
• Direct-vision windows where available
• LED beacons
• Work lights
• Reflective markings
• Side underrun protection
• Load covers
• Automatic sheeting systems
• On-board weighing equipment
• Additional mirrors
• Safe-access steps

Equipment packages can be developed around the operator’s fleet policy, chosen accreditation schemes and contract requirements.

Paint, Lighting and Livery

A grab lorry is a highly visible working asset and can also serve as a mobile advertisement for the operator.

MV Commercial can prepare vehicles with:

• Full cab and body paint
• Colour-coded crane components
• Company livery
• Reflective markings
• Chapter 8 graphics
• Chevrons
• LED work lights
• Beacon bars
• Additional marker lights
• Stainless steel accessories

Our in-house graphics team can develop and apply a livery that complements the vehicle while meeting the required operational markings.

Grab Lorry Finance

Purchasing a specialist grab lorry is a major investment. MV Asset Finance can help operators explore funding options for new and used vehicles.

Finance options can support:

• New grab lorry purchases
• Used and ex-hire vehicles
• Bespoke builds
• Fleet replacement
• Business expansion
• New contract mobilisation
• Multi-vehicle orders
• Specialist equipment
• Refinancing existing assets

Available arrangements may include hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease and tailored payment structures, subject to status and approval.

Nationwide Aftersales Support

Vehicle uptime is critical for grab lorry operators. A fault affecting the chassis, tipping body, crane or hydraulic system can prevent the truck from completing its work.

MV Commercial provides nationwide aftersales support through workshops, mobile technicians and specialist crane engineers.

Support can include:

• Scheduled servicing
• Preventative maintenance
• Safety inspections
• 24/7 breakdown assistance
• Mobile technician support
• Crane servicing
• LOLER testing and support
• Hydraulic diagnostics
• Grab and rotator repairs
• Electrical fault finding
• Tipping-body repairs
• Camera and lighting repairs
• Parts support
• Fleet maintenance

This complete support helps operators keep vehicles working and reduce disruption to contracts.

Why Choose MV Commercial?

Choose MV Commercial for:

• More than 600 grab trucks supplied in the past decade
• New and used grab lorries
• 32 tonne 8x4 grab trucks
• Flexible hire and lease options
• Rent-to-buy availability
• DAF, Scania and Volvo chassis
• Palfinger Epsilon cranes
• Kinshofer grab buckets
• Steel and insulated tipping bodies
• Ready to Go stock
• Bespoke design and manufacturing
• Paint, livery and lighting
• Truck finance through MV Asset Finance
• Nationwide workshop support
• Mobile crane engineers
• 24/7 customer assistance

Whether you need a used grab lorry, a Ready to Go 32 tonne tipper grab or a bespoke fleet built for a new contract, MV Commercial can help you source, build, hire, finance and support the right vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a grab lorry the same as a tipper grab?

Yes. Grab lorry, grab truck and tipper grab are commonly used to describe a tipping vehicle fitted with a hydraulic crane and grab bucket.

What size are grab lorries?

The 32 tonne 8x4 grab lorry is one of the most popular configurations for UK construction, utilities and muck away work. Other configurations may be available depending on the required payload and application.

Can a grab lorry load itself?

Yes. The hydraulic crane and grab bucket allow the operator to collect loose material and place it directly into the tipping body without separate loading machinery.

What materials can a grab lorry carry?

Grab lorries commonly carry soil, sand, aggregates, hardcore, rubble, construction waste, excavated spoil, road planings and green waste. The body and grab must be suitable for the specific material.

Can I hire a grab lorry?

Yes. MV Commercial can supply grab lorries through short-term hire, long-term rental, contract hire, lease and rent-to-buy, subject to availability.

Are used grab lorries available?

Yes. MV Commercial supplies used, late-registration, part-exchange and ex-hire grab lorries alongside new vehicles.

Can MV Commercial build a bespoke grab lorry?

Yes. A bespoke vehicle can be developed around the required chassis, tipping body, crane, grab, payload, storage, safety systems and livery.

Contact MV Commercial

Looking for a grab lorry for sale, hire, lease or rent-to-buy?

Speak to MV Commercial today about our latest tipper grab trucks, tipper trucks, utilities trucks, Ready to Go vehicles, truck finance and nationwide aftersales support.