Skid steer grapples are highly versatile attachments, capable of performing a large range of utilitarian tasks.
While in general, skid steer grapples attachments are all useful in clearing debris, there are some minor variations in style that make some types better suited to given tasks than to others.
Two of the most common styles of grapple attachments are grapple buckets and root grapples. Here are the basic differences, along with what they excel at.
Grapple Buckets
Skid steer grapple buckets are one class of grapple attachments that consist of a set of tines over a bucket that usually has a solid steel bottom. In some cases, the top tines may be segmented or separately manipulable, for extra dexterity and control of debris.
The ability to manipulate the top tines of a grapple bucket makes it highly useful for a wide range of clearing and loading applications. For instance, skid steer grapple buckets can be used to perform light demolition work and then clear up the debris afterward. The tines give the operator a sure hold on rubble and the solid bucket prevents small pieces of debris from falling out through the bottom.
Because of their mechanical tines, grapple buckets can also be used to move, load, or push brush, logs, and other organic debris, in addition to pipes, rubble, and much more.
While they are not designed for loading or grading, the solid bottom of a grapple bucket can, in the hands of a skilled operator, be used for moving or grading earth. At the same time, a grapple bucket can be used in lieu of a dozer for moving or clearing ice and snow.
The solid bottom of the bucket is the main attribute that distinguishes skid steer grapple buckets from root grapples – another type of grapple attachment that is specialized for clearing brush and other organic debris.
Root Grapples
Skid steer root grapples are similar to grapple buckets, except the bottom of a root grapple is slotted. They have mechanical tines, some of which have multiple tines that can be manipulated independently, which, like grapple buckets makes them ideal for moving and clearing debris.
Root grapples excel at clearing logs, brush, roots, stumps, and other organic debris, as well as construction debris and broken concrete.
The slotted bottom of a root grapple, however, makes them less suitable for grading or loading loose materials, such as earth, sand, and snow. This is one of the things that makes them perfect for clearing stumps and roots; the bottom tines of a root grapple can be pressed into the earth and will allow the soil to fall through when the grapple is raised. This makes it easier to remove organic debris without displacing too much earth.
Learn More at Spartan Equipment (SpartanEquipment.com)
For those of you looking for grapple attachments for skid steers, make sure to visit Spartan Equipment at SpartanEquipment.com. Their skid steer grapple buckets, like their root grapples and other skid steer attachments, are the toughest in the industry and Never Surrender, no matter the odds.
Available in three series (Economy, Professional, and Industrial) Spartan Equipment’s grapple buckets are available in a wide range of sizes, have tines that can be manipulated separately, and are made with thick, top-quality steel.
Their root grapples, which are compatible with small tractors and small skid steers, are also available in a range of sizes and are made from top-quality steel.
To learn more about their skid steer grapple buckets, root grapples and other skid steer and tractor attachments, visit their website via the link above or get in touch with them at 1-888-888-1085.
