The aim of the work is to eliminate the shortcomings of the existing methods of selecting the parameters of grapple for bulk materials and to develop an appropriate software. The necessary analytical dependences for the existing graphic data were obtained, which allow to choose the optimal parameters of the grapple with the help of a computer. The recommendations on the choice of parameters of the grapple depending on the load capacity of the grab crane and bulk material types are given, according to the results of the research.