Written by Dave Thompson Sep. 19th 2008 (866)428-8224

As requested here is a useful tool to help decide which grapple is right for your current demand.

There are several types of grapples available for skid steers today. I will try to break them down for you to better assist your purchasing decision.

1. The Quick Claw Grapple Root Rake

This is one of the world's best selling grapples. It serves many functions in a conveniently designed and economic package. The strength of the grapple rake allows you to pick up a variety of debris, from logs to brush to rocks and concrete. These are also great tools for raking piles as you can rake both forwards with the bottom teeth and backwards with the top teeth due to the clam design. The unique shape of the bottom teeth allow easy removal of unwanted roots by digging them into the earth.

These are availible in a wide variety of sizes from 60 inches to 88 inches. Not all are created equal in design and materials. Look for one that uses a higher tensile T1 grade steel for lasting durability and more resistance to bending and denting. Be careful of any grapple root rake less than 800lbs as less material usually equals less strength. Also look for 3000lb hydraulic cylinders for stronger gripping and less issues with pressure leaks.

2. The Quick Scrape n Grab Grapple Bucket

Ahh the ever popular grapple bucket. Slap on a few hydraulic cylinders and some tines on the top of a durable bucket and watch your productivity rise. This reinforced grapple is perfect for picking up surface based material like concrete, logs, rocks, and demolition debris. It also serves as a great bucket for moving dirt and other earth type matter.

Again these come in a wide array of sizes usually from 60 inches to 84 inches. Look for the 3000lb cylinders on these as well. A good starting weight is around 900lbs of 1/2" 7 gauge steel. The independant tines on these can also be good for uneven material as each grapple will independantly hold on to material. Lots of these have optional bolt on replaceable tooth bars or cutting edges available as well. A tooth bar can assist in scooping material and can dig into earth for light root pulls or digging rocks up out of the ground.

3. The Eagle Talon Heavy Duty Log, Brush & Rock Grapple

Welcome to the worlds meanest, toughest, strongest, most "est" grapple ever constructed. Okay okay it won't cure cancer, but it is one awesome tool that should be on every landscaper or construction worker's wish list. Starting at 1050 lbs this monster was engineered with one thing in mind, perfection.

T-1 Steel construction, 3000lb cylinders, replacable bolt on digging teeth, serrated edges for better grip, and gusseted teeth for added strength make this a great choice for people who don't want to worry about a whimpy attachment that will wear out in a few years. Dig, move, grab, and push your way around almost any obstacle with this talon. I really don't know what else to say, this thing kind of speaks for itself.

4. The Quick Clear Grapple Rod Bucket

Similar to the Quick Scrape n Grab Grapple Bucket this implement is great if you need to sift any unwanted debris in your load. Heavily used in the concrete and landscaping industries where it can be useful in construction and demolition. Replaceable digging teeth made out of T-1 steel is useful for cutting down maintenance.

Again usually available from 60-80 inches look for a starting weight of around 800lbs and 3000lb cylinders.

5. The Quick Combo 6 in 1 Combo Bucket

6 in 1.. the name says it all. This multi-purpose bucket does it all: dozing, grappling, leveling, digging, loading, and dumping. It's kind of hard to see in the picture but the front part of this bucket opens up to allow pinching of material and there are several cutting edges on almost every straight edge to aid in leveling and digging.

Look for cerrated teeth between the interlocking sides. These usually also come with options like replaceable bolt on teeth and cutting edges. They usually range from 60-80 inches and should have a starting weight around 800lbs.

6. The Versa Grab Multi Purpose Rotating Grapple

As you can see this is quite a different design from other grapple models. Landscapers, contractors, tree services, and farmers find this type of rotating grapple ideal for moving objects without disturbing the surrounding area. You can easily pick up individual objects without even touching the ground. It is also great for loading onto trailors or pickup beds because objects can be set down as gently as they are picked up.

90 degree rotation on this grapple is also great for positioning and manuvering objects into tight or specific places. These grapples tend to come in one size with around a 55 inch opening. Weight is around 650lbs and look for 3000lb cylinders on this as well. Objects from 4-36 inches in diameter and weighing up to 2000lbs should be able to be moved.

Well I hope this helps some of you who are considering these type of attachments for your business or personal needs. Feel free to ask me a question or if you have any input on this guide. There are some other designs out there like stump grapples and manuer grapples but due to the lack of interest I have skipped those.

Written by Dave Thompson Sep. 19th 2008 (866)428-8224