What makes a rock grapple bucket different from a standard bucket or root grapple?
A rock grapple bucket combines the sifting capability of a rock bucket with the grabbing power of a grapple, making it ideal for handling mixed debris like rocks, logs, and brush in one pass. The contoured 3/8-inch Grade 50 steel tines are spaced at 2-7/8 inches apart, allowing soil and small debris to fall through while retaining larger material. The 48-inch grapple opening with twin 2500 PSI hydraulic cylinders securely clamps down on irregular loads like stumps, brush piles, and boulders that would slip from a standard bucket.
This dual functionality eliminates the need to switch between attachments during land clearing, site prep, or debris removal projects. Whether you're clearing rocky pastures, removing construction debris, or handling mixed piles of organic and mineral material, the rock grapple bucket handles everything in fewer passes. The independent cylinder control lets you adjust grip per side for uneven loads, and the serrated cutting edge bites into packed soil and root balls. For operators who need versatility without compromising on grabbing or sifting performance, this attachment delivers both in one rugged package.
Will this rock grapple bucket fit my skid steer loader?
The Stinger RG Series rock grapple bucket features a universal skid steer mounting plate that fits most popular brands including Bobcat, Cat, John Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Case, and Gehl without modification. The attachment includes 1/2-inch flat face hydraulic couplers that connect directly to your machine's auxiliary hydraulics. Available in seven widths from 60 to 88 inches, there's a size to match compact skid steers through full-size high-flow loaders.
The 60-inch model at 884 pounds works well for smaller machines, while the 88-inch model at 1,105 pounds suits larger loaders with higher capacity. For optimal grapple performance, your machine should provide adequate hydraulic flow to power the twin 2500 PSI cylinders—most standard skid steers handle this without issue, though compact or lower-flow machines may experience slightly slower grapple operation. If you're running specialized equipment or need specific hydraulic configurations, Stinger offers custom mounting options. Before ordering, confirm your machine's lifting capacity can handle the attachment weight plus anticipated load, and verify your auxiliary hydraulic connections match the included couplers. Forge Claw is happy to help confirm compatibility for your specific machine model.
What types of jobs and materials is this rock grapple bucket best suited for?
This attachment excels in land clearing, site preparation, demolition cleanup, agricultural field work, and landscaping projects that involve mixed debris. Contractors use it to remove construction waste, clear lots for foundations, and handle demolition debris that combines concrete chunks, rebar, and lumber. Farmers rely on it for clearing field stones before planting, removing fence line brush, and handling organic debris mixed with rocks. Landscapers grab it for boulder placement, decorative stone installation, brush removal, and natural area restoration.
Tree service professionals appreciate the ability to grab logs, branches, and stumps in one solid grip while sifting away soil. Ranch and property owners use it for everything from clearing overgrown areas to moving firewood, handling hay bales, and general property maintenance. The grapple handles stumps, root balls, logs up to the 48-inch opening capacity, rocks and boulders, brush piles, construction debris, concrete rubble, mixed organic and mineral material, and irregular loads that would fall from standard buckets. The contoured tine design makes it particularly valuable when you need to separate material by size while maintaining the ability to grab and transport what you want to keep or remove.
How does the Grade 50 steel construction hold up compared to other attachments?
Grade 50 steel offers significantly higher tensile strength than the mild steel used in economy attachments, which translates directly to longer service life and resistance to bending under heavy loads. The 3/8-inch tines maintain their shape even when digging into compacted soil or prying against embedded rocks, while the 1/2-inch serrated cutting edge withstands repeated impact with rocky terrain and hard-packed earth. The heavy-duty tubular reinforcement—4x4x1/4-inch top tubing and 3x3x1/4-inch bottom tubing—creates a rigid framework that distributes stress and resists the twisting forces that come with side loading or uneven material.
This construction quality means you're not constantly straightening bent tines, rewelding cracked frames, or replacing worn-out components after a season of hard use. Operators who've run cheaper attachments know the frustration of equipment that fails mid-project or requires frequent repairs. The Stinger RG Series is engineered for commercial-duty applications where downtime isn't acceptable and repairs cut into profitability. Made in the USA with quality materials and solid fabrication, this attachment is built to handle years of demanding work across construction sites, farms, and land management operations. The investment in proper materials and engineering pays back through reliability and reduced maintenance costs.
What maintenance does this rock grapple bucket require?
Routine maintenance is straightforward and critical for long-term performance. Grease all pivot points regularly using the provided grease fittings—daily greasing is recommended when working in dusty, muddy, or high-use conditions, while weekly greasing suffices for lighter applications. Before each use, visually inspect hydraulic hoses and couplers for signs of wear, abrasion, or damage, and check that all connections are secure. Periodically examine the cutting edge for excessive wear and monitor welds and structural components for any stress cracks or damage.
Keep the grapple mechanism clean by removing packed dirt and debris that can interfere with smooth operation. Store the attachment on level ground or with the grapple closed to prevent stress on the cylinders, and protect hydraulic connections from weather and contamination when not in use. During extended storage, consider applying rust preventative to exposed steel surfaces. The greasable pivot points are specifically designed for easy maintenance—keeping them properly lubricated ensures smooth grapple operation over thousands of cycles and prevents premature wear that leads to sloppy performance or component failure. With basic care, this attachment will deliver reliable service for years. Forge Claw stands behind every unit we ship with free nationwide delivery and support.
How much time and money can this attachment actually save on typical projects?
The productivity gains show up immediately in reduced attachment changes, fewer passes, and faster job completion. A land clearing project that requires multiple tools—a bucket for digging, forks for moving logs, and a grapple for brush—can often be completed with just the rock grapple bucket, eliminating 15-20 minutes per attachment swap and the associated downtime. The ability to sift, grab, and transport material in one operation means a site cleanup that might take three days with standard equipment can often be finished in two days or less, saving a full day of equipment and labor costs.
For contractors billing by the job, faster completion means moving on to the next paying project sooner. For owner-operators, the efficiency translates to taking on more work in the same timeframe. The independent hydraulic cylinders reduce spillage and repositioning time by securely holding irregular loads during transport, and the contoured tines eliminate multiple sorting passes that burn fuel and machine hours. Material costs drop when you can precisely separate and reuse soil, aggregate, or stone instead of hauling everything off-site. The durability of Grade 50 steel construction means you're not replacing bent attachments or paying for frequent repairs. Free nationwide shipping from Forge Claw eliminates freight charges that can add hundreds to your investment, and easy financing options make it accessible without major capital outlay.