Pole Grabs Explained: Safer, Smarter Pole Handling with Autoguide Equipment

Handling and installing utility, telecom and infrastructure poles on site is a task where precision, safety and speed really matter. That’s where Autoguide Equipment’s Pole Grab range comes in - engineered to make pole handling faster, safer, and less labour-intensive for contractors and operators across the UK and worldwide.

Whether you’re looking for a solution that integrates with a backhoe/excavator or need a crane-mounted attachment to support larger lifts, Autoguide has you covered.

What Is a Pole Grab?

A pole grab is a hydraulic attachment designed for securely gripping, lifting and positioning poles during installation or removal. By eliminating the need for manual slings or extra hands on the ground, pole grabs make on-site pole work much safer and more efficient.

Backhoe / Excavator Mounted Pole Grabs

For utility contractors and civil engineers working in tighter spaces or performing lots of pole replacement jobs, the backhoe/excavator-mounted pole grab is a powerful asset.

Key Benefits

• Easy mounting: Designed to fit backhoes, front loaders, telehandlers and slew machines from roughly 8 – 16 tonnes with a simple mounting system.

• Flexible rotation: Offers smooth rotation from about 10 degrees below horizontal to 10 degrees past vertical - crucial for accurate placement on uneven terrain.

• Precision control: Twin rotate rams and a large pivot reduce play, making delicate positioning tasks (like live line work) easier.

• High strength grip: To handle everything from telecoms to LV and HV fully dressed poles.

The excavator version includes a rotator assembly to pick poles from ground level and stand them upright for installation — perfect for utility pole planting jobs.

💡 This attachment helps you move poles without needing extra hands on site, reducing risk and boosting productivity.

Crane Mounted Pole Grabs

When your project calls for lifting heavier poles or working at height, the crane-mounted pole grab delivers control and versatility.

Why It Works

• Hands-free operation: Designed to work with cranes and truck-mounted cranes, this grab lets operators load and unload poles safely from pole dumps or carriers with minimal manual handling.

• Quick changeover: When used with Autoguide’s Quick Hitch and Hydraulic Fold Up Bracket, you can switch between pole handling and other attachments (like augers) safely and efficiently.

• Precise positioning: The crane-mounted grab enables accurate pole placement - ideal for long reach or awkward angles.

• Robust grip: Strong clamping mechanisms secure poles from about 4 inches to 18 inches in diameter and up to roughly 800 kg depending on model.

This makes the crane grab perfect for larger projects in telecoms, power distribution, civil engineering and infrastructure sectors.

Built for Real-World Job Sites

Across both mount types, Autoguide’s Pole Grabs are designed with durability, low maintenance and safety in mind - helping crews keep downtime, risk and labour costs to a minimum while boosting site productivity.

When you invest in the right pole handling gear, you’re not just improving efficiency - you’re also protecting your team and equipment. With Autoguide’s range engineered in the UK and proven on demanding sites, you get peace of mind and performance that’s trusted by utility contractors nationwide.

Ready to Transform Your Pole Handling?

From backhoe and excavator-mounted solutions to powerful crane attachments, Autoguide Equipment’s Pole Grab range has the right tool for your project. If you’re looking to reduce manual handling, speed up installations and make your site safer, let’s talk!

👉 Contact Autoguide Equipment today to find the perfect pole grab setup for your fleet.

Pole Grab FAQs

What is a pole grab?

A pole grab is a hydraulic attachment used to grip, lift, rotate and position utility or telecom poles using a crane, excavator or backhoe. Pole grabs improve safety, reduce manual handling and allow precise pole placement during installation or removal.

What is the difference between a crane-mounted and backhoe-mounted pole grab?

A crane-mounted pole grab is used with truck-mounted or mobile cranes and is ideal for lifting poles over longer reaches or at height. A backhoe or excavator-mounted pole grab attaches directly to the machine and is commonly used to pick poles from ground level and stand them upright for installation. The correct option depends on the machine being used and site conditions.

What types of poles can Autoguide pole grabs handle?

Autoguide pole grabs are designed to handle telecommunications poles, utility poles, and LV or HV fully dressed poles. Depending on the model, they can grip pole diameters from approximately 4 inches to 18 inches and handle safe working loads of up to 1300 kg.

Are Autoguide pole grabs suitable for excavators and backhoes?

Yes. Autoguide’s pole grabs are compatible with excavators and backhoes typically ranging from 8 to 16 tonnes, as well as other machines such as telehandlers and front loaders, subject to specification and mounting requirements.

Do pole grabs reduce manual handling on site?

Yes. Pole grabs significantly reduce the need for manual lifting and guiding of poles, allowing a single operator to handle poles mechanically. This helps lower the risk of injury and improves overall site safety and efficiency.

Can pole grabs rotate and position poles accurately?

Yes. Autoguide pole grabs feature hydraulic rotation, allowing controlled movement from below horizontal to beyond vertical. This enables accurate positioning, even on uneven ground or in restricted access environments.

Are pole grabs safe for use on live utility and telecoms sites?

When used correctly and in line with site safety procedures, pole grabs are a safe and reliable solution for live utility and telecoms installations. They provide secure pole gripping, reduce ground crew exposure and improve operator control during lifting and placement.

What industries commonly use pole grabs?

Pole grabs are widely used in:

• Telecommunications

• Power and utilities

• Civil engineering

• Infrastructure and construction

• Maintenance and replacement works

They are particularly valuable for contractors carrying out frequent pole installation or replacement.

How do I choose the right pole grab?

The right pole grab depends on:

• The weight and diameter of the poles

• The machine or crane being used

• Site access and working conditions

Autoguide Equipment can advise on the most suitable pole grab based on your specific application and equipment.