What size trees can this tractor tree puller attachment handle?
The Stinger STP-34 Tractor Tree Puller is designed to remove trees up to 10 inches in diameter, complete with their root systems. The 34-inch jaw opening width accommodates a range of tree sizes, from small saplings to mature hardwoods and softwoods within the diameter capacity. The 42-inch jaw length provides the reach and leverage needed to get a solid grip on the trunk, while the 8-inch flat bar at the base of the jaws closes tight to handle smaller trees, stumps, and even fence posts.
For best results, start with smaller diameter trees to understand how your machine and the attachment work together, then progress to larger trees as you gain experience. The front-mounted serrated spade is key to handling larger trees successfully—use it to cut and loosen lateral roots before clamping and pulling. This reduces strain on your hydraulic system and improves extraction success rates significantly.
Will this tree puller work with my compact tractor or skid steer?
This attachment is engineered for compatibility with compact tractors, utility tractors, and skid steers that have adequate hydraulic flow and lifting capacity. At approximately 465 pounds, the STP-34 is substantial enough to provide stability and pulling force without overloading smaller machines. Before purchasing, verify that your equipment can safely handle the weight and has sufficient hydraulic power to operate the jaws under load during tree pulling operations.
The attachment's balanced design works across a range of machine sizes, from compact utility tractors up to higher-horsepower machines capable of tackling larger diameter trees. The key factors are hydraulic flow for jaw operation and machine weight to provide counterbalance during the pull. If you're unsure about compatibility with your specific tractor or skid steer model, contact Forge Claw and we'll help you determine if this attachment is the right match for your equipment and intended applications.
How does the front spade improve tree removal performance?
The front-mounted 6-inch by 6-inch by 3/4-inch spade with serrated gussets is one of the smartest design features on this tree puller. Before you clamp the jaws around a tree trunk, you use the spade to cut and loosen the lateral root system. This step makes a dramatic difference in extraction success, especially with larger trees or species with extensive root networks. By severing roots before you pull, you're reducing the total force required and putting less stress on your machine's hydraulic system.
This means you can successfully remove larger trees with smaller equipment than you'd otherwise need. The serrated gussets on the spade edges help it cut through roots more effectively than a flat blade. The result is cleaner pulls, fewer failed attempts, and more trees removed per hour. This integrated spade eliminates the need to bring a separate root-cutting tool to the job site, streamlining your workflow and improving overall productivity during land clearing operations.
What maintenance does this tree puller attachment require?
Routine maintenance is straightforward and designed to be fast. The attachment features easily accessible grease zerks at all pivot points—not buried behind frame members where you need special tools or difficult positioning to reach them. Regular greasing is essential, especially after working in wet, muddy, or dusty conditions where contamination can accelerate wear. Apply grease to all pivot points according to your usage frequency—daily if you're running the attachment hard, or before each use if it's occasional work.
Periodically inspect all welds and structural components for signs of stress, cracking, or damage. Check that the main 1.5-inch pivot pin and bushing system remain tight and free of excessive play. Keep the jaws and front spade clean, removing caked-on dirt and debris that can reduce gripping effectiveness. With basic preventive care, this grade 50 steel attachment will deliver years of reliable service in demanding land clearing conditions. The quality of construction means you're maintaining rather than repairing, which saves significant time and money over the attachment's working life.
Is it worth buying a tree puller versus renting equipment for tree removal?
For contractors doing regular land clearing, site preparation, or property management work, owning this tree puller typically pays for itself within a handful of jobs. Rental costs for tree removal equipment add up quickly, especially when you factor in transportation, rental periods that don't match your actual work schedule, and the inconvenience of coordinating pickup and return. With your own attachment, you have the flexibility to tackle tree removal whenever it fits your schedule, take on additional clearing jobs you'd otherwise turn down, and eliminate the recurring expense of rentals or subcontracting.
For landowners managing acreage, the value proposition is even clearer—the ability to clear fence lines, remove storm-damaged trees, reclaim overgrown pastures, and maintain property boundaries without hiring outside help pays dividends in both cost savings and property value. The STP-34's durability and 2-year warranty mean this is a long-term investment, not a disposable tool. Forge Claw offers flexible financing options that make ownership accessible, and free nationwide shipping eliminates a significant upfront cost.
What makes this tree puller more durable than cheaper alternatives?
The construction quality separates this attachment from budget alternatives that cut corners on materials and engineering. Every structural component is built from grade 50 steel, which offers significantly higher strength and resistance to bending compared to standard mild steel used in cheaper tree pullers. The jaws are three-quarters of an inch thick and fully welded—not bolted together—so they won't separate or twist under the tremendous forces generated during tree pulling.
The main frame uses 3-inch by 3-inch square tubing with 3/8-inch gussets throughout, creating a rigid structure that transfers force efficiently without flexing or developing stress cracks. The pivot system features a 1.5-inch cold-rolled steel shaft running through a 3/8-inch thick sidewall bushing, engineered to handle repeated stress cycles without developing play or requiring constant adjustment. These aren't minor details—they're the difference between an attachment that lasts one season and one that performs reliably for years. When you're pulling mature hardwoods with deep root systems, construction quality directly determines whether you complete the job or experience equipment failure mid-pull.
Can this attachment handle stumps from previously cut trees?
Absolutely. The STP-34 excels at removing stumps left behind from previous cutting operations. The 34-inch jaw opening accommodates stump diameters up to the attachment's capacity, and the 8-inch flat bar at the base of the jaws provides excellent grip on irregular stump shapes. Use the front serrated spade to cut around the stump perimeter, severing lateral roots before you attempt the pull. This loosens the root ball and makes extraction significantly easier.
For older stumps where the root system has begun to decay, you may find removal even easier than fresh trees. For newer stumps with intact root systems, the same technique applies—cut roots with the spade, position the jaws low on the stump for maximum leverage, and apply steady pulling pressure. The integrated tree guard protects you if the stump breaks or shifts unexpectedly during extraction. This versatility makes the attachment valuable for cleaning up land that was partially cleared by others, removing old stumps from fence lines, or finishing jobs where trees were topped but stumps remain.
What safety features does this tree puller include?
Safety was clearly considered throughout the design. The fully welded tree guard on the main frame protects the operator from branches, debris, and sudden shifts during tree removal—a critical feature when you're working solo or pulling trees that may break unexpectedly. The convenient access step on the left side reduces the risk of slips and falls when entering or exiting your machine cab, particularly important on uneven terrain or when the attachment has accumulated mud or debris.
All structural components are engineered with appropriate safety factors, meaning the attachment won't fail catastrophically under normal operating loads. The accessible grease zerks encourage proper maintenance, which directly contributes to safe operation by preventing pivot wear that could cause unpredictable movement. The heavy-duty construction means the attachment responds predictably under load rather than flexing or twisting in ways that could surprise the operator. While no piece of heavy equipment is risk-free, the STP-34 incorporates thoughtful safety features that protect operators during what can be inherently dangerous tree removal work.