Abstract: A time saving automatic hydraulic control for that sequence in operations in which a grab excursioning out of sight of the operator, is sequentially lowered open to engage work material, closed to pick up a load, and then hoisted with its load and emptied. A hydraulic-electrical control is activated to stop the lowering of the grab within an adjustable timed period after initial work engagement to provide desirable penetration of the work material by the grab followed by a minimal time for grab closing to accomplish an adjustable constancy of loads as well as positive sequential control for the lowering and hoisting modes.