Clear Out and Let the Best Tractor Grapple Do the Heavy Lifting

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Ever since the agricultural industry went through a boom with motorized vehicles, doing farm work has never been the same as in the days of old.

Nowadays, heavy-duty tasks have become something that you can finish in an hour or two – based on the project – and you can even take breaks while you’re at it.

Skid-steer loaders and tractors have become a practical necessity in the farming business due to their application and capabilities.

Then, if you have the right attachments, you can even transform them into something new – a stone-cold hay lifter or a log-remover.

All of this is possible with grapples – attachments that are basically large, metallic hands that can pick up and move anything.

Now, we’ve decided to find the best tractor grapple, so we’ve compiled a relatively long list of the products that might fall into that category.

Stay with us, and we promise you’ll even learn a new thing or two about grapple for compact tractor in the buyer’s guide.

Let’s go!

The Best Tractor Grapple – General Overviews

$$$72″ Heavy-Duty Root Grapple Rake Attachment – 72 inches.

It’s bad enough as it is that the market has a low number of tractor grapples and grapple buckets. Even if you find the one you need, you have to worry about whether it’ll fit your tractor.

That’s why our top pick is a universal root rake grapple that fits all popular tractor models.

$$Titan Attachments Root Grapple Bucket – 60 inches

Are you doing some heavy lifting in the backyard? This dual-arm grapple will surely handle the weight with its 3000 lbs capacity.

It does fit only John Deere tractors, but it’s such a heavy grapple bucket that you’ll never worry about it breaking.

$Titan Attachments Extreme HD Stump Bucket

Another thing you can use as a great substitute for a grapple bucket is a stump bucket.

It can pretty much do the same things and lift some heavy loads, and it’s a great affordable pick, unlike most grapple attachments.

Also, it’s probably the best thing you can buy for a compact tractor.

$$$Titan Attachments Extreme Skid Steer Root Grapple Rake – 72 inches

If you’re purchasing a grapple rake to remodel your backyard or the garden, this is the best tool to do it with.

With its twin 3,000 psi cylinder and great durability, this rake will pull trees, carry logs, and do so with complete efficiency.

$$Titan Attachments 72″ Root Grapple Rake – 72 inches

This might be the best grapple for compact tractor models due to its size and serrated leading edge. That’s a perfect feature for cutting through small brushes and roots.

It’s the best choice for heavy-duty tasks, but it’ll perfectly suit both small and large tractors.

$$Titan Attachments Stump Bucket Grapple Attachment – 46 inches

Most bush clearing jobs don’t require a lot of power, even if you have to pull roots and other debris.

However, larger debris will require a bit stronger grapple attachment, which is where this 0.5-inch steel grapple will surely be handy.

$Titan Attachments Mini Skid Steer Root Grapple – 42 inches

A heavier-duty grapple will surely help with all kinds of tasks, but it almost always costs a lot. Therefore, here’s a perfect blend of utility and a reasonable price tag.

$$$ – Titan Attachments Skid Steer Root Grapple Rake V2 – 84 inches

Now, this is one premium skid-steer root grapple rake. It costs a lot, but it performs heavy tasks with such ease you’ll forget all about other attachments.

You do have to invest a bit, but it’ll pay off, for sure!

Best Tractor Grapples 2022: Our Exclusive List!

1. 72″ Heavy-Duty Root Grapple Rake Attachment – The Best Universal Skid Steer Mount Attachment

  • Weight: 700 lbs
  • Dimensions: 74x40x33 inches
  • Teeth length: 24 inches
  • For: Kubota and Bobcat skid steers

Farming and doing agricultural work entails a variety of processes, which in turn, requires a lot of different machines.

If we’re talking about tractors and skid steer loaders, you’ll get the best versatility from investing in a grapple rake.

Here’s our best pick, the 72″ Heavy-Duty Root Grapple Rake Attachment.

Now, the main problem with tractor grapples is that they’re hard to find, especially new ones that have a reasonable price.

Then, when you find the right one, you have to take into account the dimensions and the mount to see if it’ll fit your tractor, skeleton loader, or skid-steer – whatever it is that you’re using.

That’s why this 72-inch grapple rake is amazing – it has a universal skid steer mount that can be attached to all Kubota and Bobcat loaders, which are the industry’s leading models right now.

Moreover, this model comes in 48, 64, and 80-inch packages, in case you’re not using compact tractors.

By purchasing this root grapple rake, you’ll also get bushings, pins, hoses, and couplers to go.

Admittedly, it has a large price tag, but it’s truly worth it, especially given the quality of this tractor attachment.

It has a twin 3,000 psi cylinder which gives this root-style grapple rake an incredible lifting power.

In fact, some say that it can lift even a small car if your tractor is strong enough.

Finally, we’d add that it weighs around 700 lbs, and it’s got a 24-inch teeth length, which only goes to present the power of this grapple mechanism.

Working on your yard and commercial tasks will truly take the load off of your tractor and let you perform things you haven’t even dreamed of.

Pros
  • Universal tractor grapple rake
  • The best root grapple for tractor
  • Lifting capacity
  • Twin cylinders
Cons
  • /

2. Titan Attachments Root Grapple Bucket – The Best Grapple Bucket

  • Weight: 565 lbs
  • Dimensions: 61x39x31 inches
  • Teeth length: 30.5 inches
  • For: John Deere loaders and tractors

When you hear the words “John Deere,” you know you’re in for a treat.

This root grapple bucket is the next best thing to our first product, so here it is. It’s the Titan Attachments Root Grapple Bucket.

Even though it weighs 565 lbs, this model is not considered to be a larger grapple bucket due to its dimensions and teeth length.

In fact, it’s a lightweight bucket with a carrying capacity of 3000 lbs. Incredible, right?

Another thing you have to appreciate with lightweight grapple buckets is that they won’t tax your John Deere tractor or loader, which will give you more overall control and let you work faster.

Aside from its lightweight design, this grapple bucket-style model has 1/2-inch thick steel teeth and a powder-coated finish for extra protection.

The hoses and couplers have protection, and it features two individual grapples, unlike most tractor grapples that have connected root grapple tractor grapples.

This feature is great for carrying uneven loads, for example, when you’re digging out rocks or roots from the ground.

Also, we’d like to mention that it’s got a serrated edge that offers more versatility when it comes to dealing with smaller roots and other debris.

Now, it is troublesome that it only fits John Deere tractors, which makes it an exclusive model.

However, this is the most popular manufacturer of loaders and tractors, so it makes sense that they’d design it according to their specifications.

Still, we’d recommend this to everyone.

Pros
  • Lightweight dual-grapple design
  • 3000 lbs carrying capacity
  • Extra protection for hoses and couplers
  • Great for uneven loads
Cons
  • Not a universal skid-steer setup
  • Only fits John Deere loaders and tractors

3. Titan Attachments Extreme HD Stump Bucket – The Best Replacement For A Grapple Bucket

  • Weight: 470 lbs
  • Dimensions: 20x45x46 inches
  • Cutting edge: 20 inches
  • For: Universal skid-steer style hookup

It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about the best skid-steer loader or your ordinary tractor – the fact is that the attachments are quite expensive, especially the ones for heavy tasks, like root grapples.

Well, here’s a cool substitute stump bucket you can use that doesn’t cost a lot. It’s the Titan Attachments Extreme HD Stump Bucket.

Unlike a flat-bottomed grapple or a clam-shape grapple bucket that only fits certain types of models, this stump bucket will go with everything.

It works with loaders, tractors with a skid-steer mount, mowers – everything.

Thanks to its sharp edges, this bucket is not only great for stumps – it can dig up and shred through roots, patches of dirt, and other debris that you might find lying around.

Due to its flexibility, you are able to use it with a lot of models – Kubota, John Deere, Ford, Kioti, and many more.

Due to its design, this stump bucket won’t only cut through the desired object – it’s great for isolating it and digging it out without leaving anything around.

It has a modest capability of around 1500-2000 lbs, depending on the object that you’re digging out, but that’s quite impressive given its 470 lbs weight.

Now, technically, this is not the same as a grapple bucket, but it practically performs the same things, and it costs way less, which is why many people actually opt-out for this model instead of the traditional skid-steer style hookup.

We’d have to mention that this bucket doesn’t fit excavators and, consequently, you won’t be able to tackle larger objects like the John Deere Quick Tach buckets can.

Still, it’s a great replacement, and we’d certainly recommend it.

Pros

  • Great for removing stumps, roots, and dirt
  • Universal set-up
  • Complete design
  • Affordable replacement for grapple buckets

Cons

  • Not for larger objects
  • It doesn’t fit excavators
Pros
  • Great for removing stumps, roots, and dirt
  • Universal set-up
  • Complete design
  • Affordable replacement for grapple buckets
Cons
  • Not for larger objects
  • It doesn’t fit excavators

4. Titan Attachments Extreme Skid Steer Root Grapple Rake – The Best For Remodeling

  • Weight: 970 lbs
  • Dimensions: 74x39x23 inches
  • Teeth length: 35.5 inches
  • For: Universal skid-steer style grapple rake

If you’re in here to get the best premium model, you’ve got to take a look at this root grapple rake.

It’s got everything you need – strength, durability, and universality.

Here’s the Titan Attachments Extreme Skid Steer Root Grapple Rake.

You’ve probably noticed the trend – Titan Attachments is the brand when it comes to tractor accessories.

Aside from grapple rakes, they also offer a variety of clam-style grapple buckets, rock grapple bucket models, stump removals, hoses, and couplers.

Their quality could be argued to be unmatched by any other manufacturer right now.

The twin 3,000 psi cylinder that this rake is equipped with offers you the power to remove more than just roots – you can excavate rocks, stumps, and even thick brushes.

This makes it great for various things, including remodeling and landscaping, which are the two main applications people purchase this root grapple rake for.

It is a bit heavy, which could pose problems if you own a smaller tractor, but the cool news is that it matches almost all famous brands of mowers, loaders, skid-steers, and tractors, including John Deere and Kubota.

A good thing to know is that you can get replaceable cast bucket teeth if there’s ever a need to. Working in tough areas often wears the rake, so it’s bound to happen.

That’s where Titan Attachments has you covered with their amazing accessories.

Now, this is one of the priciest models on this list, and you might think, “Is this a lot for the right tractor grapple rake?” Yes, it probably is.

However, its quality is truly amazing, and you’ll never have to worry about getting a new one if you treat it right.

Pros
  • Universal skid-steer style rake
  • Twin 3,000 psi cylinder
  • It fits John Deere Quick Tach tractors
  • Carrying capacity/convenient delivery
  • Replaceable teeth
Cons
  • Expensive

5. Titan Attachments 72″ Root Grapple Rake – The Best Grapple Rake For Lightweight Projects

  • Weight: 545 lbs
  • Dimensions: 72x37x25 inches
  • Teeth length: 30.5 inches
  • For: Universal skid-steer style grapple rake

This one’s similar to the previous model, but it significantly differs in weight and dimensions, which is the reason we’ve included it.

For those of you with smaller tractors, here’s the Titan Attachments 72″ Root Grapple Rake.

It doesn’t matter that much if you have a universal skid-steer hookup when your tractor cannot physically support the dual grapple system.

Most of the heavy grapple buckets and rakes weigh more than 600/700 lbs, which taxes the loader and makes the entire process of excavating and cutting through brushes a lot harder.

So, it’s quite a relief to find a grapple rake like this one that weighs 545 lbs that can support a lot of weight, and still maintain an overall balance with your loader.

Furthermore, it comes with a protective sleeve that offers extra protection for the hydraulic hoses.

Same as the last one, it also features a 3,000 psi cylinder that increases the overall lifting power of the tractor.

This is quite great for clearing out thick brushes and larger rocks that are lodged in the ground.

The teeth are wide enough to cover most medium-sized debris, and they are replaceable teeth.

You can find the replacements on Titan’s website, but it should work with any 30.5 inches, as long as the hinges fit.

The biggest complaint is actually that it only opens 32 inches, which is not bad in and of itself, but considering the price of this thing, we’d like to see larger teeth opening.

Aside from that, we have no more to add to this best tractor grapple review.

Pros
  • Great for compact tractors
  • Replaceable teeth
  • Universal skid-steer hookup
  • Excellent lifting prowess
Cons
  • Small teeth opening

6. Titan Attachments Stump Bucket Grapple Attachment – The Best Durable Grapple Attachment

  • Weight: 643 lbs
  • Dimensions: 63×47.2×34.1 inches
  • Teeth length: 30.5 inches
  • For: Kubota, New Holland, Ford

Who says you have to have a large attachment to get the best quality for the work?

Even though this isn’t a large attachment, its great build and durability will show you how much work you can accomplish when you have the right component.

It’s the Titan Attachments Stump Bucket Grapple Attachment review.

The main reason we have this grapple attachment in the list of the best tractor grapple review is due to its incredible durability and design.

Unlike the last stump bucket that we’ve seen, this attachment is made from construction-grade 0.5-inch steel that’s deemed as one of the most durable materials for accessories of this type.

Aside from withstanding pressure, it’s also great when it comes to wearing and facing tough weather conditions.

In essence, if you take care of it, it can last you for years.

It fits John Deere tractors, but that’s not all – it has a universal attachment that lets it mount to almost all popular loader and tractor models.

If you own a Kubota, Ford, or New Holland tractor, you’ll surely find a proper use for this grapple attachment.

Now, you might not be able to perform all the things you’re used to with a classic grapple rake or a bucket, but it’s great for stuff like remodeling the garden or landscaping.

Its ability to lift large rocks and grapple pine rocks will surely be handy when you’re doing some larger work around the garden.

Now, we don’t like the fact that it weighs 643 lbs because it stresses the loader too much.

If we were talking about grapple arms tractors, it would be a different story.

Still, we’d highly recommend this grapple bucket to anyone that owns a smaller tractor.

Pros
  • Great durability
  • Great for uneven loads
  • 0.5-inch steel
  • Difficult task/ quality steel
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Not for heavier work

7. Titan Attachments Mini Skid Steer Root Grapple – The Best Root Grapple for Tractor

  • Weight: 318 lbs
  • Dimensions: 43x30x23 inches
  • Teeth length: 27.5 inches
  • For: Mini skid-steer loaders

Most of these grapple Titan attachments are designed to be used with large tractors or loaders, so it makes sense that we should include a product that’s suitable for mini skid-steer machines, right?

Here’s the Titan Attachments Mini Skid Steer Root Grapple.

You might not be able to excavate large rocks and shred through chunks of roots with this attachment, but you’ll surely be able to pick up all kinds of debris, including logs.

The cool news is that it weighs only 318 lbs, which is terrific if you consider the machine you’ll be using it with.

Even though it’s small, the jaw opening is 24 inches, which is solid for different applications.

If you’re not planning a large farm work, you’ll probably get a lot of work done with this root grapple.

The cylinder rod is there to protect hoses and couplers from damage, and the entire design of this line of Titan attachments is made to last.

It’s got a powder-coat finish, and it can fit most tractors that you can think of.

Just a quick side note – it won’t fit Bobcat, Prodigy, or Kanga Kid loaders.

The flaw is obvious – it’s not for everyone. It’s mostly intended for smaller yard work and picking up logs in the backyard.

However, it fits most compact tractors, which is something to consider as there aren’t many compact root grapples.

Pros
  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • It fits most mini tractors
  • Solid build
Cons
  • Cannot perform heavy-duty projects

8. Titan Attachments Skid Steer Root Grapple Rake V2 – The Best Premium Rake

  • Weight: 855 lbs
  • Dimensions: 85x39x23 inches
  • Teeth length: 24 inches
  • For: Bobcat haulers

Finally, we have one more grapple rake in this best tractor grapple review part, and we’re off to the buyer’s guide.

We’ve saved a pretty special unit for the last place, so here it is. It’s the Titan Attachments Skid Steer Root Grapple Rake V2.

The first thing we have to talk about is the price.

This is quite an expensive attachment, which will probably drive you off from purchasing it, but if you take into account the capabilities of this root grapple rake and its application, you’ll see why it has this price tag.

It’s intended to be used with Bobcat haulers for heavy-duty tasks, but it has a universal skid-steer hookup, which makes it connectable with different types of Bobcat models.

When it comes to added accessories, there are a couple of points we’d like to make.

Firstly, a greased hinge pin is something that’s absolutely necessary with these types of rakes, so you’ll be pleased that it comes with easy-to-grease pins, bushings, hoses, and couplers.

Secondly, the same as the best Titan attachments, it also has a twin-cylinder with 3,000 psi that offers extra push when it is needed.

This allows you to grapple and carry large logs, bust open rocks, and tear through brushes.

Also, it’s good to know that the opening height of this grapple rake is 48 inches. If that’s not tall enough to grab heavy objects, then what is?

Naturally, the main reason we’ve put it down here is the price tag.

This is an exclusive unit that not everyone will find a good use for, which is why thinking twice before purchasing is a good idea.

Still, it’s highly valuable, and we recommend it.

Pros
  • Premium unit
  • Great for uneven loads
  • Can operate with large objects
  • Excellent design
  • Replaceable teeth
Cons
  • Price

What is a tractor grapple?

best grapple for compact tractor

It’s bad enough that there’s a ton of information about tractors, and now you have to learn about their attachments as well?

It’s a bit depressing, but there’s no reason to despair.

Anything can be learned, and so can this.

So, we’ll walk you through some additional information about the best grapple for compact tractors, and then we’ll share some features that we believe the best tractor grapples have.

Stay tuned!

First off, let’s set some clear lines of what a tractor grapple is.

A grapple, or a root rake grapple as most people call it, is an accessory that doesn’t just come with the tractor when you purchase it.

It goes right on the front side of your tractor or a loader, and it’s used to pick up, carry, and tear through various objects on the field.

Depending on its build and design, you’ll be able to work with different materials.

For example, lighter grapple rakes that mount onto a tractor are perfect for timber, logs, and smaller brushes.

Furthermore, the lower and upper designs of the grapple affect the type of work you’ll be able to do.

In essence, it’s closely connected to the height of the grapple and the opening.

So, for example, if you need to transport a heavy log, you’ll need a grapple attachment that can open up at least 20-25 inches, give or take.

Aside from classic grapple rakes, you’ll also find grapple buckets, which essentially perform similar actions, but their main application is excavation.

You’ll mostly see them as tractor accessories, but they can also be mounted on skid-steers and classic excavators.

Then, you have stump buckets that we’ve also mentioned in the reviews. These units are great for, well, stumps.

The greatest thing regarding them is that they’re the perfect substitution for grapple buckets if you’re not that willing to spend a lot of cash.

They can do almost everything the same, and yet, they are more affordable.

How to use grapple attachments?

Once you mount your grapple and connect the hoses and couplers, you’ll see that they are connected to the shift via a third-function valve.

The shift is where you’ll perform all the actions, such as open/close functions.

Also, you probably won’t be able to see it clearly from the tractor, but there’s a lot of debris flying around when you’re digging or busting a rock, which can get around the hoses and the back of the grapple.

Therefore, when you use it, make sure to get some isolation for the hoses for absolute protection.

Now that you can differentiate between different types of grapple attachments as wholes, how do you know which one’s better than the other?

Well, we thought it’d be a good idea to give you insight into some characteristics we believe to be crucial in choosing the best.

Let’s move on.

How would you know to recognize the best tractor grapple?

Now that you can differentiate between different types of grapple attachments as wholes, how do you know which one’s better than the other?

Well, we thought it’d be a good idea to give you insight into some characteristics we believe to be crucial in choosing the best.

Let’s move on.

1. Design

In essence, you can choose between two models of grapple rakes – one-handed and two-handed attachments.

So, what’s the catch?

Well, one-handed rakes have a strong cylinder that redirects all power to the fork, thus giving you complete power over the item you’re trying to grab hold of.

However, this can be problematic since you’ll often deal with uneven objects that don’t have the same weight distributed across all ends.

This is why most people go for two-handed grapples because you can set the log, rock, or whatever the object is that you’re trying to dig out in a way that the weight will be evenly distributed.

They also have twin cylinders that can also distribute the strength for carrying out the project.

So, our advice? Go with the two-handed rake.

It can be a while until you get used to the one-handed models, and they are quite difficult to use.

2. Material

best root grapple for tractor

By “material,” we refer to the material of the grapple attachment itself.

They are almost always made of steel, but it’s quite a difference in the exact type of steel you choose.

Industrial-grade steel is the best as it’s made to withstand a lot of pressure and won’t wear that easily.

Furthermore, you’ll often work in muddy fields where there’s a lot of moisture, which could influence the health of your attachment over time.

That’s why a lot of people choose stainless steel rakes, but that’s honestly a preference considering that most tractor grapples won’t rust that easily.

On the other hand, you’ll notice the main difference in weight, which is actually crucial for your choice.

Harder steel is heavier, which could interrupt the entire process, especially if you have a lightweight tractor.

3. Protection

We’ve touched upon this earlier, but we wanted to note that protection for these attachments is quite important due to the extreme pressure they’re exposed to every day.

You’ll be working with rough materials in extreme conditions, so it’s best to get a grapple that comes with a cylinder guard.

Also, it’s a good idea to get one with a greased pin since that will ensure that your root grapple bucket stays healthy for as long as possible.

Then, make sure that your root-style grapple comes with replaceable teeth since the chances are you’ll exchange them relatively quickly.

4. Price

Tractors are already pricy enough without the extra expenses that come with Titan attachments.

Still, it’s important to know how much you should spend for a quality accessory, such as a tractor grapple.

In essence, the right tractor grapple attachments vary between $1500 and $2500, with some going over $3000. That’s the range that you should stick in, around $2000.

You probably won’t need anything price, and you won’t do better with cheaper tractor grapples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Titan attachments grapples any good?

Absolutely yes.

In fact, they are pretty much the only attachments you can find right now on the market.

As you can see from the reviews, all of these tractor grapples were manufactured by Titan, which should be enough to tell you about the prowess of their accessories.

Who makes the best skid-steer grapple bucket?

Again, we’d have to say – Titan.

The Titan Attachments Root Grapple Bucket is certainly the best choice you can make, thanks to its incredible build and 3,000 lbs weight capacity.

Moreover, compared to other buckets, it’s relatively affordable.

What is the main difference between a root grapple and a rock grapple?

best tractor grapple for logs

Aside from the obvious, the main difference lies in the tine spacing, which is generally 3 to 6 inches, respectively.

This is the indicator of what type of jobs you’ll be able to perform and what materials you can shred through with your attachment.

Can you put a grapple bucket on a tractor?

Generally, yes, you can do it.

However, it depends on the dimensions of the bucket and the mounting rig of the tractor.

You always have to check the manufacturer’s description to see if the dimensions will fit and if the model in question is compatible with your tractor.

What is a grapple on a tractor used for?

There are many applications, so it’s basically up to you and your preferences.

Starting with excavating, you can quickly go through shredding, transportation, and clearing out parts of a field or backyard.

What’s the best tractor grapple attachment?

It’s kinda hard to choose given the fact that a lot of these attachments are similar.

If we’re talking about root grapple rakes, the edge goes to the 72″ Heavy-Duty Root Grapple Rake Attachment for sure.

It’s the best attachment you can find thanks to its sturdy build and wide openings.

We mention the root grapple bucket in the previous paragraph, but we would like to give a shoutout to the best stump bucket, the Titan Attachments Extreme HD Stump Bucket, that’s the best pick for everyone who is looking for an affordable solution.

Final thoughts

So, what have we figured out?

Well, we know those grapple attachments are quite useful and “handy.”

There are many different types of them, but hopefully, this article made it a bit clearer.

We also know that tractors can be transformed with a simple attachment like a grapple, but what’s the catch?

Well, there isn’t any.

They are a bit expensive, but that’s something you’ll probably invest in once, and you’ll be set.

All that’s left is to replace the teeth and hoses, but that shouldn’t be a big problem.

Overall, we hope you like the information that we included in this article, and we hope that purchasing one of these items will change the way you approach agricultural projects.

After all, these are the best tractor grapple attachments.

Thanks for reading.

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Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

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