Curb and Edging Clamps

Types of curb clamps

A clamp is chosen by how the element should be gripped and by who carries it — a person or a machine. All models below work on the scissor principle: the heavier the element, the tighter the jaws close. The operating principle is explained in more detail in mechanical clamps.

Cross gripper or longitudinal tongs

A cross gripper holds the curb by its side faces at one point, usually mid-length. It is light (Probst BZ weighs 3.8 kg) and suits quick handling of straight elements and edging. Longitudinal tongs such as Altrad Belle MBS06 adjust between 750 and 1000 mm, matching the curb length, so the element is held along its whole length, which makes setting it in line and at the right height easier.

How to match the load limit to curb weight

The working load limit (WLL — the highest mass the manufacturer allows to be lifted) must exceed the weight of the heaviest element on site. Curb and edging weight is easy to calculate from dimensions: volume times concrete density, about 2.4 t/m³.

Curved curbs and machine work

Curved curbs have a bent face, so standard jaws hold them only at a point. Probst UZ-BV has a 80–220 mm gripping range and a 150 kg load limit designed for such elements. For large quantities and elements heavier than 150 kg a hydraulic gripper is used: Probst VZ-H-UNI-KV weighs 170 kg, lifts up to 500 kg and is powered from the hydraulic system of the carrier machine (200–250 bar, 15–75 l/min). For smooth slabs and pavers vacuum lifting devices work better, and curbs are cut on masonry saws up to 400 mm.

Frequently asked questions — curb clamps

Which curb clamp should I choose?

For a typical 15 × 30 × 100 cm road curb weighing about 108 kg, a manual cross gripper with a 150 kg load limit and 0–400 mm range is enough, for example Probst BZ weighing 3.8 kg. Longitudinal tongs with a 750–1000 mm span make setting curbs in line easier, Probst UZ-BV (80–220 mm) handles curved curbs, and elements heavier than 150 kg call for a hydraulic gripper with a 500 kg load limit working with a machine.

What is the difference between a cross gripper and longitudinal tongs?

A cross gripper holds the curb by its sides at one point, usually mid-length, and has a wide gripping range, e.g. 0–400 mm for Probst BZ. Longitudinal tongs such as Altrad Belle MBS06 open to 750–1000 mm, the length of the element, so the curb is held along its whole length. Both types lift 130–150 kg.

How much does a road curb weigh?

A 15 × 30 × 100 cm road curb weighs about 108 kg and a 20 × 30 × 100 cm curb about 144 kg, assuming a concrete density of about 2.4 t/m³. An 8 × 30 × 100 cm edging weighs about 58 kg and a 6 × 20 × 100 cm edging about 29 kg. Choose a clamp whose working load limit exceeds the weight of the heaviest element.

Can a curb clamp be used for edging?

A curb clamp also handles concrete edging if its thickness fits the jaw range. Edging is usually 6–8 cm thick and 20–30 cm high, so it fits cross grippers with a 0–400 mm range (Probst BZ) or 0–250 mm range (Altrad Belle MBS07). An 8 × 30 × 100 cm edging weighs about 58 kg, well below a 130–150 kg load limit.

How do you carry curved curbs?

Curved curbs are carried with a gripper adapted to a bent face, because standard jaws hold them only at a point. Probst UZ-BV has an 80–220 mm gripping range, a 150 kg working load limit and weighs 12 kg, which suits typical curved curbs 15–20 cm wide.

When is a hydraulic curb gripper worth it?

A hydraulic gripper pays off with large quantities of curbs or elements heavier than 150 kg that cannot be carried safely by hand. Probst VZ-H-UNI-KV lifts up to 500 kg, opens its jaws from 45 to 1560 mm and is powered from the carrier machine hydraulics at 200–250 bar and 15–75 l/min.

Can I make a curb clamp myself?

A curb clamp can be made at home, but such a tool has no verified working load limit while handling loads of 60–150 kg. A factory clamp has a manufacturer-declared load limit (WLL), e.g. 150 kg for Probst BZ, and jaws designed not to chip concrete edges.

How do I work safely with a curb clamp?

Before work, check that the element does not exceed the clamp working load limit, e.g. 130 kg for Altrad Belle tongs, and that the jaws are not worn or bent. Lift the element vertically without jerking and never stand under a load lifted by a machine. Operate a 500 kg hydraulic gripper according to the manuals of the gripper and the carrier machine.

Other equipment for laying pavements is available in paving tools. Order online or contact us via the form if you need help choosing.