Grapple Buying Guide: Best Skid Steer Attachments for Clearing, Hauling, and Demolition
Posted by Stephanie Cox on 27th Jun 2025
The Grapple Breakdown
If you are looking at grapples for your skid steer or compact track loader, you are already tackling some serious work, clearing brush, hauling logs, moving debris, or tired of wrestling heavy materials by hand. Good news: There is a grapple for that. Not-so-good news? With so many styles to choose from, root, brush, rock, log, tine, bucket. It can be hard to figure out what is best for your specific application.
In this guide, we are digging into the key differences between popular grapple styles, answering your top questions, and helping you make the right call, so you get the performance you need without over- or under-buying.
1. What is the Difference Between a Root Grapple and a Brush Grapple?
While both are designed to grab and haul loose, bulky material, root grapples and brush grapples have key differences in strength and purpose.
- Root Grapples have strong, narrow tines that penetrate soil easily, making them ideal for removing roots, stumps, and other buried debris. They're built to survive tough jobs and often come with reinforced tines and heavy-duty frames.
- Brush Grapples focus more on grabbing large volumes of lighter material, think fallen limbs, piles of branches, or green waste. They tend to be lighter and wider, helping you clear more in fewer passes, but not necessarily built for deep digging.
Bottom line: If you’re ripping through ground to yank out roots or rocks, go with a root grapple. If you’re cleaning up after a storm or thinning trees, a brush grapple will make your life easier.
2. Which Grapple is Best for Land Clearing?
Root grapples are the go-to for full-scale land clearing. They let you dig, tear, and haul with one attachment. That said, if your clearing is more about brush than roots, a heavy-duty brush grapple could save you some weight and cost.
3. Can I Move Logs with a Root Grapple or Do I Need a Log Grapple?
Yes, a root grapple can move logs, especially if they are medium-sized or part of a larger brush pile. But if you're working with full-size timber, pulpwood, or anything for logging or firewood, a log grapple is purpose-built for that job. They cradle and clamp logs securely, often allowing for better control and safer transport.
4. What Grapple is Best for Working in Rocky Soil or Sorting Debris?
If you’re sorting debris or working in rocky ground, a rock grapple is what you need. These have tighter tine spacing to hold onto rocks while letting loose soil fall through. They are great for landscaping, construction cleanup, and separating unwanted material from your load.
5. Should I Get a Grapple with Dual Cylinders or a Single Cylinder?
- Dual-cylinder grapples offer stronger clamping force and better grip on uneven loads. They're ideal for heavy and irregular materials.
- Single-cylinder grapples are lighter and simpler. They are great for smaller machines or lighter-duty work where cost and weight matter more than brute strength.
Tip: If your machine can handle it, go dual cylinder. It’s worth the extra grip.
6. What Size Grapple Do I Need for My Skid Steer?
Match your grapple to your machine’s size and hydraulic capacity:
- For standard skid steers (50–75 HP), grapples in the 66"–78" range usually fit the bill.
- For high-flow or high-horsepower machines, you can step up to 84" or more.
- Compact or mini skid steers? Keep reading...
7. What is the Best Grapple for a Compact or Mini Skid Steer?
Mini machines need mini muscles. Look for compact root grapples, tine grapples, or mini brush grapples specifically designed with narrower widths (36"–48") and lighter frames. Weight matters too much, and you lose lifting power or risk damaging your loader's arm.
8. Do I Need a Solid Bottom (Like a Grapple Bucket) or Open Tines?
Depends on your job:
- Solid-bottom grapple buckets are great for holding loose material like mulch, gravel, or dirt. It’s a clamshell bucket with a bite.
- Open-tine grapples are ideal for letting dirt and small debris fall through, so you are only hauling what you want. Better for land clearing, demolition, and sorting.
If you're working on cleanup or demo, tines win. For loading finer material, go to bucket.
9. What Kind of Hydraulic Hookups Do Grapples Require?
Most grapples use a standard hydraulic quick-connect system and operate the auxiliary hydraulics on your skid steer. Make sure your machine has a third function or at least a button/lever for hydraulic actuation.
Tip: Check for compatibility with flat-face couplers and make sure your machine's hydraulic flow and PSI match the attachment specs.
10. How Do I Know if My Skid Steer Has Enough Power for a Grapple?
You will want to check:
- Lifting capacity: Can your machine lift the grapple plus the material?
- Hydraulic flow: Most grapples need standard flow (15–25 GPM) but check your machine’s specs.
- Weight balance: Heavy grapples + heavy load = risk of tipping. Counterweights or careful operation may be needed.
11. What is the Most Versatile Grapple if I Can Only Buy One?
If you need a true do-it-all solution, go with a root grapple or a grapple bucket. Both offer strength, versatility, and good all-around performance for everything from clearing to loading.
If you work in varied terrain and only want to buy one grapple, root grapples are tough to beat.
12. Are Grapples Hard to Maintain or Repair?
Not at all. Most grapples are built for abuse and designed with easy maintenance in mind:
- Grease fittings on all pivot points
- Replaceable tips or tines on some models
- Serviceable hydraulic cylinders (just check your seals regularly)
Keep it greased, inspect for cracks or wear, and your grapple will outlast your current project, and the next one too.
Product Recommendations from Skid Steer Solutions
To help you choose the right grapple for your needs, here are some top-rated options available at Skid Steer Solutions:
Brush Grapples 
Commercial Duty Skid Steer Brush Grapple | FFC
Built for demanding cleanup, Perfect for land clearing, demo, and recycling.
- 6" tine spacing with open-bottom frame
- Frame rated at 100,000 PSI yield strength
- Learn more
Skid Steer HD Brush Bucket with Grapple | Top Dog Attachments
Heavy-duty performance, Hauls brush, rocks, and debris with reinforced grip.
- Handles up to 3,000 PSI operating pressure
- Open side walls allow oversize load handling
- Made with A‑50 grade American steel
- Available in 62", 75", and 82" widths
- Learn more
Light Duty Skid Steer Grapple | Berlon
Compact and capable. ideal for machines under 50 HP that still need muscle.
- 3/8" high-strength steel tine construction
- 2.5" bore cylinder rated for 3,000 lbs
- Fully welded leading edge for durability
- Learn more
Fork Grapples: 
Skid Steer Pallet Fork Grapple | Top Dog Attachments
Built for contractors, farmers, and loggers, this tough attachment hauls lumber, pipes, logs, and debris with ease.
- Adjustable tine options: 48", 60", or 72"
- Heat-treated, Class 3 forks rated up to 8,000 lb capacity
- Adjustable top tine and powerful 2"×12" hydraulic cylinder clamp
- Learn more
SharkBite Grapple for Pallet Forks | Paladin
Transforms standard Class II pallet forks into a versatile grapple for logs, brush, and debris.
- Installs in under 5 minutes, no tools required
- 117° range of motion for flexible handling
- Optional AR400 reversible teeth enhance grip
- Lightweight at 175 lbs; rated for 3,500 PSI
- Learn more
Skid Steer Pallet Fork Grapple | Top Dog Attachments
Engineered to enhance your pallet forks, this grapple secures and stabilizes loads with precision and strength.
- Constructed with ½" A-50 steel tines for durability
- Universal fit for all pallet fork brands
- Secures to forks using bolts for a firm connection
- Learn more
Grapple Buckets 
Skid Steer Monster Grapple Bucket | CID
Muscle meets grip. Crushes logs, rocks, and brush with serious holding power.
- 57" grapple opening handles bulky material
- Uses 2" x 10" hydraulic cylinders
- Reinforced with thick tubing and ribs
- Learn more
Skid Steer Low Profile Grapple Bucket | Top Dog Attachments
A low-slung loader, ideal for grading, hauling, and ground-level cleanup.
- Widths available: 60" to 84"
- Built from A‑50 grade heavy-duty steel
- Extended low-profile bottom for better visibility and control
- Learn more
Skid Steer Scrap Grapple | Virnig
Made for demolition debris. Low profile design grips misshapen, unstable loads.
- Independent top grapple secures uneven shapes
- Flat-edge bucket doubles as a loading lip
- Features bolt-on wear edge and cylinder guards
- Made with Grade‑50 high-strength steel
- Learn more
Hay Grapples
Skid Steer Hay Accumulator Grapple | CID
Engineered to gather, transport, and stack 8–10 square hay bales in a single pass, saving time and labor.
- Holds and stacks up to 10 standard square bales at once.
- Dual 3" x 6" (or 2×6") hydraulic cylinders and 9" hooks for secure handling.
- 90" W × 93" D platform built with radial bearings and powder-coated steel.
- Learn more
Skid Steer Bale Grapple | Top Dog Attachments
Built to gather, lift, and stack 6–10 square hay bales in a single pass, fast, clean, and without extra hands.
- Choose from 6‑Pack or 10‑Pack models built with rugged A‑50 steel
- Removable side panels make stacking and re-handling easy
- Compatible with standard skid steer quick attach
- Learn more
X‑treme Bale Squeezer | CID
Built to haul and stack wrapped hay bales without crushing or tearing—twin cylinders clamp tight and lift up to 2,800 lbs.
- Twin 2.5″ × 8″ cylinders apply even, secure pressure
- Handles 4', 5', and 6' bales with ease
- Picks up two bales at once without damage
- Learn more
Log Grapples
A powered beast, Precision handling for timber, logs, and high-volume lifting.
- Grapple width options: 58" or 60"
- Built with Hardox® wear-resistant steel
- Full hydraulic rotation with load-holding valve
- Optional winch, tree pusher, and rope bollard
- Ideal for 80+ HP skid steers
- Learn more
Skid Steer Free Rotating Hardox® Log Grapple | Branch Manager
Handles heavy timber with ease. Rotates freely and auto-centers after release.
- Opens to 53"
- Durable Hardox® steel frame
- Swivel mount with auto-return feature
- Integrated load-holding valve
- Includes rope bollard, tree pusher, and hitch receiver
- Learn more
Skid Steer Forestry Claw Grapple | Berlon
The all-in-one forestry solution, Built for visibility, strength, and serious cleanup.
- Massive 60" claw opening
- 2,000 lb rated capacity
- Built-in tree pusher for added force
- High-visibility orange claw design
- Includes saw scabbard, rope bollards, hose saver, hoses & couplers
- Learn more
Rock Grapples 
Skid Steer Severe Duty Rock Bucket Grapple | Blue Diamond
Engineered for the roughest terrain. Great for demolition and land clearing.
- ½" thick tines spaced at 3"
- Max grapple opening: 30"
- Heavy-duty 10" stroke, 2" bore cylinders
- Learn more
Skid Steer X-Treme Duty Rock Grapple | CID
Rugged yet balanced, ideal for gripping, sifting, and moving heavy materials.
- 2" x 10" protected hydraulic cylinders
- 3" tine spacing with built-in digging teeth
- Includes bolt-on side plates
- Learn more
Skid Steer Heavy Duty Rock Grapple | CID
Sifts, grabs, and lifts with total control. Built for debris, rock, and uneven loads.
- Equipped with 2" x 10" cylinders
- ¾" x 6" edge with optional weld-on teeth
- Available in 63" to 84" widths
- Includes bolt-on side plates and hose guards
- Learn more
Root Grapples: 
Skid Steer Monster Root Grapple | CID
It’s called "Monster" for a reason. Serious bite for clearing logs, roots, debris, and more.
- Delivers 7,500 lbs of clamping force
- 57" opening, 47" grapple depth
- Serrated tines with open-bottom design
- Learn more
G2 Root Grapple | Sidney
A heavyweight built to crush concrete, grab logs, and rip through brush without hesitation.
- Constructed from 900 lbs of solid steel
- Delivers 39,000 lbs of tip pressure
- Scissor-style jaws open to 31.5"
- Features 3 massive, reinforced teeth
- Learn more
Skid Steer Heavy Duty Root Grapple | CID
Reliable and affordable, built tough for landscaping, ag, and cleanup jobs.
- Designed for small- to mid-scale land clearing
- Grips roots, brush, logs, and debris securely
- Built from high-strength USA steel
- Widths range from 63" to 81"
- Learn more
Tines Grapples: 
Skid Steer Tine Fork Grapple | Virnig
Built for tough brush, debris, and heavy loads with unmatched penetration and control.
- ½" thick high-tensile steel tines with no front crossbar for better grip
- NitroSteel® cylinder rods and Teflon® bushings for smooth, reliable operation
- Fits 61"–91" skid steers (40 HP+)
- Heavy-duty universal mount with hoses and couplers included
- Learn more
Skid Steer X-treme Manure Fork with Grapple | CID
Engineered to handle heavy manure, silage, and tough debris with powerful precision and durability.
- 63"–84" widths fit skid steers 55 HP and up
- 2" cold-rolled steel tines for serious digging
- Dual 2" × 10" cylinders deliver strong clamping force
- Powder-coated finish for long-lasting durability
- Learn more
Skid Steer Quik Pik Multi-Purpose Grapple Attachment | Bradco
Versatile and tough, handles brush, logs, hay, rocks, pipes, and pallets with ease.
- Dual hydraulic boom and curved tines secure irregular loads
- Removable landscape shoe stabilizes materials
- Optional rake and fork tines expand use
- Universal skid steer mount with hoses and couplers included
- Learn more
Specialty Grapples: 
Heavy Duty Pole Setter | EZ SPOT UR
Rotates and clamps poles for precise setting, even on uneven ground and long lengths.
- Clamp and rotate poles with precision, even on uneven ground.
- Fits all skid steers with Universal Quick Tach
- Dual rubber-lined jaws for secure, damage-free grip
- 115° rotation for exact pole positioning
- Handles poles up to 45' long and 2,500 lbs
- Learn more
Barrel Handler Attachment Tool | EZ SPOT UR
Lift, rotate, and dump barrels without damage or spill, metal or plastic.
- Clamps 30–55 gal. drums up to 1,200 lbs
- Anti-static, rubber-lined arms prevent slipping
- 21"–39" arm range for secure grip
- Rotates up to 350° (with rotating base)
- Guaranteed not to crush plastic or metal barrels
- Learn more
Rock and Tree Hand Tool | EZ SPOT UR
Grip, lift, and rotate trees or boulders with precision and zero damage.
- Place trees and boulders with grip and finesse.
- Rubber-lined claws protect bark and finish
- Rock tips for extra grip on heavy loads
- Compatible with all EZ SPOT UR Base Units
- Add a rotating base for full 360° control
- Designed for palm trees, perfect for landscapers
- Learn more
Final Thoughts
No matter what you are moving, breaking, or cleaning up, there is a grapple that will make it faster, safer, and easier. Choosing the right one is all about matching the right attachment to your task. If you are still unsure, reach out to our team at Skid Steer Solutions. We will help you find the perfect fit for your machine, your job, and your budget.