Skid Steer Root Grapples

Root grapples are distinguished from closed bucket grapples by the open-tine design that lets dirt, sand, and fine debris fall through while retaining larger material. This makes them the preferred attachment for clearing stumps, pulling roots, and moving brush piles where operators want the material without the soil.

The Trade Table carries skid steer root grapples from Loflin Fabrication — built with 1½" thick steel tines, 2" x 10" hydraulic cylinders, independent grapple tines, and reinforced quick attach plates for heavy land clearing and jobsite cleanup.

Skid Steer Root Grapples | Root Rake Grapples for Land Clearing & Brush Removal

A root grapple attaches to a skid steer loader using a standard quick attach plate and connects to the machine's auxiliary hydraulics to operate the grapple tines. The operator controls the upper tines through the skid steer cab, opening and closing the grapple to grab, lift, and release material as needed.

The Loflin Fabrication vertical grapple uses independent grapple tines — meaning each upper tine operates separately rather than as a rigid assembly. This lets the grapple conform to irregular material shapes like twisted roots, uneven rock piles, and tangled brush, holding the load more securely than a fixed-tine design. Hydraulic cylinders at 2" x 10" deliver the closing force needed to grip large logs and heavy rocks.

The tined rake bottom acts like a standard land clearing rake when the grapple is open — raking surface roots and debris out of the ground while allowing dirt to fall through the tine gaps. Closing the upper grapple over the raked material captures it for lifting and transport to a burn pile, dump trailer, or debris stockpile.

Root grapples are used across construction, forestry, landscaping, and agricultural applications. Typical jobs include clearing building sites, removing stumps after tree work, cleaning up storm debris, managing brush and fence rows, handling demolition material, and moving rocks during site prep.

Skid Steer Root Grapple Options

• Loflin Fabrication vertical grapple with independent tines and 2" x 10" hydraulic cylinders
• Models with 1½" thick steel tines for heavy-duty stump and root work
• Reinforced quick attach plates for universal skid steer compatibility
• Covered hydraulic hoses for protection during brush and debris work
• Fully protected hydraulic lines routed to prevent damage during operation
• Rake-style tine bottom that lets dirt fall through while retaining roots and debris

Benefits of Skid Steer Root Grapples

• Open tine design that separates material from soil during lifting
• Independent grapple tines that conform to irregular loads for a secure grip
• Heavy-duty 1½" thick steel construction for long service life
• Hydraulic cylinders sized for high closing force on large logs and heavy rocks
• Universal quick attach for compatibility with any standard skid steer loader
• Protected hydraulic hoses that survive the abuse of brush and debris work
• Single attachment that handles raking, grabbing, lifting, and transport

Common Uses for Skid Steer Root Grapples

• Land clearing on building sites, rural properties, and new construction parcels
• Stump and root removal after tree service and forestry work
• Brush removal along fence lines, pasture edges, and overgrown land
• Storm debris cleanup including downed trees, branches, and limbs
• Rock handling during site prep, drainage work, and landscaping projects
• Demolition debris removal on construction and remodel jobsites
• Pasture and field cleanup for agricultural property management
• Moving and piling material for controlled burns and disposal

Why Buy Skid Steer Root Grapples from The Trade Table?

The Trade Table helps customers select the right skid steer root grapple based on skid steer hydraulic flow, lift capacity, and intended work type. Our team provides guidance on matching grapple size and hydraulic requirements to the machine and recommending the right configuration for land clearing, forestry, or construction use. We carry root grapples from Loflin Fabrication built with reinforced construction for heavy-duty commercial and agricultural work.

Also Referred to As

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• root rake grapple for skid steer
• skid steer root rake grapple
• root rake grapple
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• skid steer brush grapple
• skid steer land clearing grapple
• loflin fabrication grapple
• vertical grapple skid steer

Skid Steer Root Grapple FAQs

What is the difference between a root grapple and a bucket grapple?

A root grapple has an open-tine bottom that lets dirt and small debris fall through while retaining larger material like roots, logs, and rocks. A bucket grapple has a solid bucket bottom that holds all material including soil. Root grapples are preferred for land clearing and debris work where operators want the material separated from the dirt. Bucket grapples are better for moving mixed material, gravel, and loose aggregate.

What size skid steer do I need for a root grapple?

Most skid steer root grapples are designed for standard and large-frame skid steers with auxiliary hydraulics and sufficient lift capacity. The Loflin Fabrication vertical grapple works with most full-size skid steers producing standard hydraulic flow rates. Verify the specific attachment's weight and hydraulic requirements against your machine's operating capacity and auxiliary hydraulic output before purchase.

Does a root grapple require auxiliary hydraulics?

Yes. Root grapples use hydraulic cylinders to open and close the upper grapple tines, which requires auxiliary hydraulic flow from the skid steer. Standard skid steer auxiliary hydraulic flow is sufficient for most root grapple models. Machines without auxiliary hydraulics will not operate a root grapple.

What can you do with a skid steer root grapple?

Skid steer root grapples handle land clearing, stump and root removal, brush cleanup, storm debris removal, rock handling, demolition debris work, fence line clearing, and pasture cleanup. The combination of a rake-style bottom and hydraulic grapple tines makes them the most versatile single attachment for any work involving debris, brush, or irregular material that needs to be gathered and moved.

How does a root grapple separate dirt from debris?

The open-tine bottom acts like a rake — as the grapple is dragged or lifted through debris, loose dirt, sand, and fine material falls through the gaps between the tines. Larger material such as roots, logs, rocks, and brush is retained above the tines. Closing the upper grapple over the retained material captures it for transport while the soil stays on the ground.