What makes a root grapple different from a standard grapple bucket?
The key difference is the open-bottom design. A standard grapple bucket has a solid floor that holds everything you scoop up, including dirt, gravel, and debris you don't want. A root grapple has an open frame with spaced tines instead of a solid bottom, so when you grab a load of stumps, roots, or logs, the dirt and small debris fall through while the larger material stays secured by the dual grapple arms.
This means you're moving less weight per load, making cleaner piles, and spending less time shaking out unwanted material. The aggressive front tines on this root grapple also dig into piles and root balls more effectively than a standard bucket edge, giving you better penetration and grip on tangled brush and embedded stumps. For land clearing, demolition debris, and storm cleanup, the open-bottom root grapple design is far more efficient than a closed bucket.
How do I choose the right width for my skid steer?
Choosing the right width comes down to matching your skid steer's operating capacity and your typical job requirements. The 66-inch model weighs 746 pounds and works well with compact skid steers and smaller machines where you need maneuverability in tight spaces or around obstacles. The 75-inch model at 795 pounds is the most popular choice for mid-size skid steers and offers a good balance of capacity and versatility for general land clearing and material handling.
The 85-inch model weighs 843 pounds and is ideal for larger skid steers with high-flow hydraulics, giving you maximum width for moving big loads quickly on open sites. As a general rule, your grapple width should be close to your machine's overall width for best stability and performance. If you're unsure which size fits your machine and work, contact Forge Claw and we'll help you select the right model based on your skid steer's specs and the jobs you run most often.
Can I use this root grapple for demolition work and construction debris?
Absolutely. This root grapple excels at handling demolition debris including broken concrete, timber, metal scrap, and mixed construction waste. The aggressive front tines break apart piles and let you grab large chunks of material, while the open-bottom design allows smaller rubble and dirt to fall through so you're only moving the debris you need to load.
The dual 2500 psi cylinders provide serious clamping force to hold awkward loads like bundles of rebar, sections of roofing, or tangled wire fencing securely as you drive across uneven ground or up a ramp into a truck or dumpster. The grade 50 steel construction and reinforced frame are built to handle the shock loads and sharp edges that come with demolition work. Contractors use this attachment daily on teardown projects because it's faster and more versatile than a standard bucket, and the removable grapple arms let you switch to bucket mode when you need to load loose rubble or backfill a foundation.
What kind of maintenance does this root grapple require?
Maintenance is straightforward and minimal. The most important task is greasing the pivot points regularly—hit them with a grease gun every few weeks or more often if you're working in muddy, dusty, or wet conditions. This keeps the grapple arms moving smoothly and extends the life of the cylinders and mounting hardware. Check the hydraulic hoses and fittings periodically for leaks, wear, or damage, and make sure all mounting plate hardware stays tight.
Inspect the welds and frame for cracks after heavy use, especially if you've been prying stumps or handling large rocks. At the end of a job or season, hose off the attachment to remove dirt and debris, and touch up any paint chips with rust-preventive paint to protect the steel. Store the grapple off the ground if possible, and keep the hydraulic cylinders retracted to shield the rods from weather and corrosion. Following these simple steps will keep your root grapple working hard for years with minimal downtime.
Is this root grapple compatible with my skid steer brand?
Yes, this root grapple comes with a universal skid steer quick-attach mounting plate that fits all major brands including Kubota, Bobcat, John Deere, Case, New Holland, Gehl, Mustang, ASV, Takeuchi, and others using the standard skid steer quick-attach system. The attachment connects to your machine's auxiliary hydraulics using the included 1/2-inch flat-face hydraulic couplers, so you can hook up and start working without hunting down adapters or making special modifications.
If your skid steer uses a different mounting system or you need a custom configuration, Forge Claw can help you sort out the right setup before you order. Both standard-flow and high-flow hydraulic systems work perfectly with this grapple—high-flow machines will see faster cycle times and more responsive grapple action, while standard-flow machines deliver reliable performance with slightly slower cylinder movement. If you have questions about compatibility with your specific machine model, give us a call and we'll confirm fitment and hydraulic requirements.
How quickly can I remove and reinstall the grapple arms?
The grapple arms are designed to be completely removable in less than 10 minutes without special tools. This feature gives you real versatility on the job site. If you need to use the attachment as a standard open-bottom bucket for a specific task—like spreading gravel, loading loose soil, or working in tight spaces where the grapple arms would catch on overhead branches—you can pull them off quickly and reinstall them just as fast when you need the grappling function again.
The removal process involves disconnecting the hydraulic lines and pulling a few pins, then reversing the steps to put them back on. This quick-change capability means you're not locked into one configuration all day, and you don't need to invest in a separate bucket attachment for those occasional jobs where an open bucket works better. It's a simple design choice that adds significant value and flexibility to your operation without complicating the attachment or adding weight.
What are the most common uses for this root grapple?
This root grapple is built for land clearing, storm cleanup, demolition debris handling, tree service work, site preparation, and general material handling. Contractors use it to pull stumps and root balls, move logs and brush piles, load demolition debris into trucks, and clear fence lines on rural properties. Tree service professionals rely on it to handle cut trees, limbs, and root balls without switching between a bucket and a grapple.
Landscapers find it indispensable for cleaning up job sites, moving rock piles, and handling pallets of pavers or blocks. Farm and ranch owners use it for clearing brush, moving hay bales, handling fence posts, and cleaning livestock pens. Municipalities deploy it for storm cleanup, park maintenance, and roadside debris removal. The open-bottom design and aggressive tines make it ideal for any job where you need to grab, lift, and move irregular material while leaving dirt and small debris behind. It's equally effective on residential lots, commercial sites, and large rural properties.
Does Forge Claw offer financing and what is the shipping policy?
Yes, Forge Claw offers flexible, easy financing options so you can get the equipment you need without tying up cash or waiting for budget approval. We work with operators and contractors to find financing solutions that fit your business. We also provide free nationwide shipping on all heavy machinery attachments, including this root grapple, so there are no surprise costs or hidden fees when you order.
Lead times can vary depending on production schedules and current demand, so if you have a project deadline or need a specific size quickly, contact us and we'll check availability and make sure your grapple arrives when you need it. Our team knows these attachments inside and out and we're ready to answer questions about sizing, compatibility, hydraulic requirements, and which model is the best fit for your machine and your work. Forge Claw is a top-rated nationwide distributor committed to reliability, quality products, and straightforward customer service.