Tree puller attachments for skid steer loaders are hydraulic grappling tools designed to remove trees, shrubs, and fence posts directly from the ground—roots and all. With serrated jaws and high clamping force, they are ideal for land clearing, invasive species control, and vegetation management with minimal ground disturbance.
2. Applications
Small tree and sapling removal
Brush and undergrowth clearing
Fence post and stake extraction
Invasive vegetation control
Construction site and agricultural land prep
3. Compatibility
3.1 Mounting System
Mount Type
Compatible Loaders
Universal Quick Attach
Most full-size skid steers and compact track loaders
Ensure the mount plate is compatible with your skid steer’s quick-attach system.
3.2 Hydraulic Requirements
Parameter
Typical Range
Flow Rate
10 – 25 GPM
Operating Pressure
2,000 – 3,500 PSI
Coupler Type
½″ Flat Face ISO
Case Drain
Not required
Exceeding pressure ratings can damage cylinders or hoses—verify machine specs before use.
4. Key Components
Component
Function
Hydraulic Cylinder
Powers the jaws open and closed using auxiliary hydraulic flow
Serrated Steel Jaws
Grip and tear into trees, roots, and posts
Heavy-Duty Frame
Provides structural strength for high-torque pulling
Reinforced Tips
Penetrate ground to grip roots or buried material
Protective Hoses
Shield hydraulic lines from debris or accidental pinching
Mounting Plate
Attaches to skid steer quick-attach interface
5. Jaw Design & Options
Feature
Benefit
Curved or V-Slot Jaw
Centers tree for straight pulling
Serrated Cutting Edge
Enhances grip and severs smaller roots
Narrow Jaw Spacing
Better for saplings, fence posts, or shrubs
Wide Jaw Spacing
Suitable for thicker trunks or large bushes
6. Technical Specifications (Typical Range)
Specification
Typical Value
Max Opening Width
8″ – 12″
Max Pulling Capacity
Up to 4″ – 6″ diameter trees
Clamping Force
3,000 – 9,000 lbs
Attachment Weight
400 – 800 lbs
Hydraulic Flow Required
10 – 25 GPM
Operating Pressure
Up to 3,500 PSI
Jaw Material
High-strength steel with serrated edges
7. Operating Guidelines
7.1 Setup
Attach to skid steer via universal quick-attach system
Connect hydraulic hoses and verify proper function
Inspect all pins, cylinders, and hoses before use
Test open/close function to ensure full jaw movement
7.2 Pulling Technique
Approach tree or object slowly with jaws open
Center base of tree/post in the jaws
Close jaws firmly to grip below lowest visible root
Lift slightly while backing out steadily—don’t jerk or twist
For large or stubborn roots, rock side-to-side while lifting
8. Safety Best Practices
Wear full PPE: eye protection, gloves, steel-toe boots
Keep people and animals at least 15 ft from operating area
Never use the tree puller as a lifting or hoisting tool
Avoid pulling trees near power lines, buildings, or unstable terrain
Shut off hydraulics before service, inspection, or hose adjustments
9. Maintenance Schedule
Task
Frequency
Inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings
Daily
Check for bent or cracked jaws
After each use
Grease pivot points and cylinder pins
Every 10 hours
Clean out debris between jaws
After each job
Inspect welds and structural frame
Weekly
Replace worn or damaged teeth
As needed
10. Selection Tips
Choose jaw size based on typical tree/post diameter Look for reinforced cylinder guards and hose protection Match clamping force to the density and size of material For brush-heavy areas, consider a puller with cutting edges Avoid lightweight units for dense wood or root-bound stumps
