If you're using your compact tractor to move logs, brush, rocks, or debris — yes, a grapple will change how you work. A standard bucket scoops. A grapple grips — which means logs that roll, rocks that shift, and brush that spills stay locked in place until you put them down.
The Viper Bite Grapple bolts directly onto your existing front-end loader bucket in minutes. No modifications, no special tools. If your tractor is under 50hp and has a front-end loader, you're ready to go.
It's the right tool if you:
- Move or stack firewood logs
- Clear brush, branches, or debris from your land
- Pick up rocks or stones that roll out of a regular bucket
- Build trails, barriers, or garden beds using natural materials
- Handle any awkward load that a scoop just can't hold
No — and that's one of the biggest advantages of the Viper Bite.
Instead of tapping into your tractor's hydraulic system, the Viper Bite runs on a 12V Electro Hydraulic Actuator (EHA) powered by your tractor's existing electrical system. It's a simple plug-and-play connection — no hydraulic lines, no fluid, no mess.
What that means for you:
- Bolt it on and plug it in — that's it
- No hydraulic modifications or extra plumbing
- Less maintenance — no fluid to check or lines to monitor
- Works on virtually any compact tractor under 50hp
And don't let the word "electric" fool you — the actuator delivers up to 3,200 lbs of force. That's serious performance all in one package.
A grapple turns your compact tractor into a precision material handling machine. Instead of wrestling awkward loads into a bucket, you grip them, move them, and place them exactly where you want — in one pass.
Common uses for the Viper Bite Grapple:
- Firewood & logging — grip, move, and stack logs without them rolling off
- Land clearing — grab brush, branches, and debris and move it fast
- Rock work — pick up stones and boulders that won't stay in a bucket
- Trail & barrier building — place logs and rocks precisely for walls, roads, or garden beds
- Property cleanup — collect fallen branches and debris after storms or pruning
- General material handling — anything bulky, awkward, or irregular that a scoop can't hold
If your tractor is already doing this kind of work, the Viper Bite just makes it faster, safer, and a whole lot less frustrating.
A root ball is the mass of roots and surrounding soil at the base of a tree or shrub. When a tree is dug up and transplanted, the root ball is what gets moved with it — and protecting it is the key to the tree surviving its new location.
The goal during any transplant is to keep the root ball as intact as possible. Disturbing it too much stresses the tree, damages the root system, and reduces the chances of successful establishment in its new spot.
Why it matters when using a tree spade:
A tree spade is specifically designed to dig around the root ball in one clean, controlled motion — keeping it intact during the dig, the move, and the replant. The size of the tree spade you need is directly tied to the size of the root ball, which is why matching the right spade to the right tree size matters so much.
The Kompact 26" Tree Spade handles trees up to 2.75" trunk diameter
The Kompact 36" Tree Spade handles trees up to 3.75" trunk diameter
Tree spade pricing varies based on model size, hydraulic specifications, and your specific equipment requirements. Rather than a one-size-fits-all price, we provide personalized quotes tailored to your operation.
Factors that affect pricing:
- Model size — we offer 26" and 36" models
- Hydraulic specifications matched to your tractor or skid steer
- Attachment configuration for your equipment
- Any custom features or modifications
Why a custom quote works better for you:
A tree spade is a significant investment, and the right configuration depends on what you're moving, how often, and with what machine. We take the time to understand your projects and equipment so we can recommend the right setup — and make sure you're not paying for features you don't need.
Getting your quote:
Use our quote request form on the website to tell us about your needs. We'll come back to you with detailed pricing, financing options, and delivery timelines.
The Kompact 26" Tree Spade is designed to work with both compact tractors and mini-skid steers — but the key requirement for either machine is having enough lift capacity to handle the job safely.
The minimum requirement for any machine is a 900 lb lift capacity.
Mini-Skid Steers Most full-size mini-skid steers are a great match — machines like Bobcat, Toro Dingo, Vermeer, and similar models typically meet the lift capacity requirement. Smaller or entry-level mini-skids may fall short, so always check your machine's rated lift capacity before purchasing.
Compact Tractors For compact tractors, the same rule applies — you'll need a minimum 900 lb lift capacity on your front-end loader to run the 26" Tree Spade safely and effectively.
Quick checklist:
✅ Mini-skid steer — most full-size models qualify (check lift capacity)
✅ Compact tractor — requires 900+ lb lift capacity
❌ Smaller/entry-level mini-skids — may not meet the 900 lb minimum
Not sure if your machine qualifies? Use our quote request form and tell us what you're running — we'll confirm compatibility before you buy.
The Kompact 26" Tree Spade is designed to dig, move, and replant trees in one clean, controlled operation — without damaging the root ball or stressing the tree.
Here's how it works, step by step:
1. Position — Line up the tree spade around the base of the tree you want to move
2. Dig — The spade's blades drive down into the soil in a circular pattern, cutting cleanly around and underneath the root ball
3. Lift — Once the root ball is fully enclosed, lift the tree — roots, soil, and all — intact and secure
4. Transport — Move the tree to its new location with the root ball fully protected
5. Replant — Lower the tree into a pre-dug hole and release — the tree spade can also be used to dig the receiving hole first
What makes it work so well:
The 26" blade diameter is matched to trees up to 2.75" trunk diameter — the right size means a clean cut every time
The root ball stays intact throughout the entire process — which is the single biggest factor in transplant survival
Compatible with compact tractors and mini-skid steers with 900+ lb lift capacity
Hydraulic operation gives you precise control at every stage of the dig and replant
The result? Trees that survive the move and establish quickly in their new spot — with far less labor than traditional digging methods.
No — the Kompact 26" Tree Spade is designed specifically to work with compact tractors and mini-skid steers, not large equipment. That's the whole idea behind the Kompact name.
The one requirement is lift capacity. As long as your machine — whether it's a compact tractor or a mini-skid steer — has a minimum 900 lb lift capacity, you're ready to go.
What that means in real terms:
- You don't need a full-size tractor or heavy equipment
- Most compact tractors in the 25–50hp range meet the lift requirement
- Popular mini-skid steers from brands like Bobcat, Toro Dingo, and Vermeer typically qualify
- Smaller or entry-level mini-skids may fall short — always check your rated lift capacity first
The bottom line: If you're already running a compact tractor or a full-size mini-skid steer, chances are you're already set up to run the Kompact 26" Tree Spade. Not sure? Use our quote request form and tell us what you're running — we'll confirm before you buy.
The Kompact 26" Tree Spade is designed to move trees up to 2.75" trunk diameter — which covers a wide range of ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubs, and younger deciduous trees that are established enough to transplant but still manageable for compact equipment.
What that looks like in the field:
- Young maples, oaks, and other deciduous trees
- Established evergreens like spruce and cedar
- Ornamental trees and large shrubs
- Nursery stock ready for transplanting
Why trunk diameter matters: Trunk diameter is the best indicator of root ball size. A 2.75" diameter tree has a root system that fits cleanly within the 26" blade diameter — giving you a complete, intact root ball every time. Going larger risks leaving roots behind, which stresses the tree and reduces transplant survival rates.
Need to move bigger trees? The Kompact 36" Tree Spade handles trees up to 3.75" trunk diameter — ideal for larger, more established specimens. Not sure which size is right for your operation? Use our quote request form and we'll help you figure out the best fit.
The Kompact Tree Spade lets you dig, move, and replant trees in minutes — work that would otherwise take hours of manual labor, a crew, and a lot of guesswork.
What it's built for:
- Transplanting ornamental trees — move established trees around your property or between job sites without losing them
- Nursery operations — dig and move nursery stock quickly and efficiently, keeping root balls intact for better survival rates
- Landscaping installs — place trees exactly where they need to go in one controlled operation
- Property development — clear trees from one area and replant them elsewhere rather than losing them entirely
- Tree sales and delivery — dig, transport, and replant trees for customers on-site
The bottom line:
If you're in landscaping, tree sales, nursery work, or property development, the Kompact Tree Spade turns a day's worth of digging into a morning's work — with better results for the trees and less strain on your crew.