Abstract:
The present invention relates in general to grasping accessories for utility tractors, particularly, for hydraulically-operated front end loader attachments for skid loaders. The purpose of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose accessory that protects an operator from loose debris while allowing the operator to remain in the tractor cab while grasping, pulling, and/or lifting bulky objects that would normally require the operator to step away from the cab or request the assistance of one or more persons. Such objects may include planted trees, bushes, or posts that require removal from the soil and transportation for disposal.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/968,911 filed Aug. 16, 2013, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to grasping attachment accessories for utility tractors, particularly, to hydraulically-operated front end loader attachments for skid-steer loaders. The purpose of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose attachment accessory that protects an operator from debris and allows the operator to remain in the tractor cab while grasping, pulling, and/or lifting bulky objects that would normally require the operator to step away from the cab or request the assistance of one or more persons. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Smaller than a conventional tractor, a skid-steer loader or skid loader is widely used in the construction, ranching, and farming industries because of its modest size, maneuverability in tight spaces, and lower cost. A skid loader is a rigid frame, engine powered machine with lift arms typically attached to a conventional bucket. However, the bucket may be exchanged with a wide variety of labor-saving tools or attachments powered by the skid loader&#39;s hydraulic system. Such skid loader attachments include, for example, backhoes, hydraulic breakers, pallet forks, angle brooms, sweepers, augers, mowers, snow blowers, stump grinders, tree spades, trenchers, dumping hoppers, rippers, tillers, grapplers, tilters, rollers, snow blades, wheel saws, cement mixers, and wood chippers. Newer skid loaders have a connection for external hydraulic systems, so that hydraulics on the attached equipment can be connected readily to the loader&#39;s hydraulic system. 
     Though sometimes equipped with tracks, skid loaders usually are four wheel drive vehicles with the left-side drive wheels independent of the right-side drive wheels. By having each side independent of the other, wheel speed and direction of rotation of the wheels determine the direction the skid loader will turn. Skid loaders are capable of zero-radius, “pirouette” turning, which makes them extremely maneuverable and valuable for jobs that require a compact, agile loader. Moreover, skid loaders may be operated by one user where steering is controlled by two hand levers and attachments are simultaneously operated by foot pedals. 
     Currently, large bulldozers, tractors, or backhoes are typically required for removing posts, trees, and shrubs deeply rooted into the ground. Such operations are time consuming, awkward, and may require more than one person. For example, an operator will typically drive up to the unfortunate tree, step out of the tractor, wrap a heavy logging chain around the tree trunk, attach the logging chain to the loader of the tractor, climb back into the tractor, and then—hopefully—remove the tree by lifting the loader. Otherwise, two persons are utilized to save time. In this instance, the operator remains in the cab of the tractor and the second person attaches and removes the logging chain around the tree, shrub, or post. Notably, this method is only useful for removing small trees, shrubs, and posts in wide open spaces where a tractor, bulldozer, or backhoe has freedom to maneuver. In addition, the large machinery is very expensive. 
     Furthermore, there are a number of attachments for skid loaders that enable them to accomplish a number of functions. One attachment mechanism is a clamping mechanism known as a “grapple.” A grapple is typically a hydraulically operated clamp, which includes pivotal jaws extending across the front of the skids steer loader. In most such grapples, the jaws are opened by a pair of spaced hydraulic cylinders. A problem with grapples of this nature is that they do not protect the operator of the skid loader from loose debris while removing posts, trees, and shrubs deeply rooted into the ground. 
     Thus, what is needed is a tree, shrub, and/or post removing attachment for smaller machinery, such as a skid loader, that can fit in tight places, be highly maneuverable, and allow a single user to operate. What is also needed is an attachment that has the ability to remove trees, shrubs, and posts quickly, conveniently, and to lift other heavy objects as well. What is further needed is an accessory comprising a grapple for the attachment that fits through narrow openings, has improved construction for picking up a variety of objects, and protects the operator of the skid loader from loose debris while transporting objects. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies in the art and provide a multi-purpose attachment accessory that can be easily attached to and removed from a utility tractor, particularly, to a skid loader, and its hydraulic system. 
     Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor that is capable of grasping, lifting, pulling, picking up, holding, loading, and transporting large heavy objects. 
     Yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor that is attached to the front of the utility tractor for easy visibility to the operator. 
     A further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor that has the ability to remove trees, shrubs, and posts quickly and easily. 
     Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide an accessory for the multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor that has the ability to grapple and transport large heavy objects when used in concert with the attachment. 
     A still further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor that only requires one user to operate without requiring the user to step away from the cab of the utility tractor. 
     Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor that allows for high maneuverability in tight places. 
     Yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a method of removing trees, shrubs, and posts quickly and easily. 
     A further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to protect the operator of the skid loader from loose debris while removing posts, trees, and shrubs deeply rooted into the ground. 
     Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide an accessory for the attachment that assists in grasping, lifting, pulling, picking up, holding, loading, and transporting large heavy objects while protecting the operator of a skid loader from loose debris. 
     These and/or other objects, features, and/or advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features, and advantages. No single aspect need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor is provided. The multi-purpose attachment comprises a frame that fits onto the loader arms on the front of the skid loader via at least one attachment section. The frame serves as a platform upon which a pair of jaw members can be employed to grasp, lift, pull, pick up, hold, load, and transport large, heavy objects. One of the jaw members is pivotally mounted on the frame and hydraulically driven by a jaw actuator assembly, while the remaining jaw member is fixedly mounted on the frame at an angle, preferably between 45-85° relative to the frame. The object sought to be grasped is positioned between the jaw members. Such positioning can be accomplished by moving the skid loader close to the object and utilizing a tilting motion of conventional skid loader arms. Through movement of the pivotally mounted jaw member, the jaw members are capable of maintaining a closed position upon the object for grasping, and an open position for releasing the object. This design produces unexpected results in that the fixed jaw member increases the stability and strength of the attachment while grasping and transporting objects, while the angle of the fixed jaw member allows larger objects to be grasped. A hydraulic connection, typically comprising hydraulic hoses, is further utilized to connect the jaw actuator assembly to the external hydraulic system of a skid loader to allow the operator to control the jaw actuator assembly. A cab guard can be further attached to the frame to protect the cab and operator of the skid loader from stray limbs, branches, or other objects while the attachment is grasping, lifting, and transporting such objects. 
     This design enables a single operator of the utility tractor, such as a skid loader, to lift and move heavy objects that would normally require two or more persons to accomplish. This is all accomplished easily and conveniently without the operator leaving the cab of the skid loader. Furthermore, the angle of the jaw members enables irregular objects, in addition to large trees, shrubs, and posts, to be grasped, lifted, and transported. Utilizing the tilting motion of conventional tractor arms, additional torque can be applied to increase the lifting force of the attachment. For example, jaw members may be positioned around and near the base of a tree trunk, which may be eight inches or more in diameter. Upon closing the jaw members, the tractor arms may be tilted to apply extra leverage against the ground while simultaneously lifting the tree. Such approaches can be utilized to grasp and lift a variety of heavy objects by the present invention. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention, an accessory for the multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor is provided. The accessory comprises a crossbar fixedly yet removably attached to the frame of the multi-purpose attachment. The crossbar supports a grapple comprising a plurality of tines and a protective see-through shield. The grapple is pivotally attached to the crossbar and includes a hydraulic actuator for rotating the grapple between an open raised state and a closed lowered state with respect to the jaw members of the multi-purpose attachment. The hydraulic actuator is preferably a single hydraulic drive cylinder that is inexpensive and easily replaceable. A hydraulic connection, typically comprising hydraulic hoses, is further utilized to connect the accessory to the external hydraulic system of a skid loader to allow the operator to control the accessory. This design produces unexpected results in that the jaw members of the multi-purpose attachment when used in combination with the grapple increases the ability of the skid loader to grasp and transport unwieldy objects. Furthermore, when in the raised state, the shield of the grapple acts as a cab guard to protect the cab and operator of the skid loader from stray limbs, branches, or other objects while the attachment is grasping, lifting, and transporting such objects. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of removing trees, shrubs and/or posts quickly and easily is provided. The method includes providing a multi-purpose attachment to a utility tractor, such as a skid loader. The multi-purpose attachment comprises a frame that fits onto the loader arms on the front of the skid loader, a pair of jaw members attached to the frame, a jaw actuator assembly, and a hydraulic connection. One of the jaw members is pivotally mounted on the frame and hydraulically driven by the jaw actuator assembly, while the remaining jaw member is fixedly mounted on the frame at an angle, preferably between 45-90° relative to the frame, and more preferably between 60-80°. The hydraulic connection typically comprises hydraulic hoses utilized to connect the jaw actuator assembly to the external hydraulic system of a skid loader to allow an operator to control the jaw actuator assembly. The method further includes actuating the jaw members into an open position. The method includes positioning the tree, shrub, or post between the jaw members in the open position by moving the skid loader close to the tree, shrub, or post and utilizing the tilting motion of conventional skid loader arms. The jaw members are then transitioned into a closed position, wherein the jaw members close tightly upon the tree, shrub, or post for grasping. The method further includes raising the conventional skid loader arms to remove the tree, shrub, or post from the ground. The tree, shrub, or post is then transported to the desired location by moving the skid loader, wherein the jaw members are finally actuated into the open position for releasing the object. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of removing trees, shrubs and/or posts quickly and easily is provided. The method includes providing an accessory coupled to a multi-purpose attachment for a utility tractor, such as a skid loader. The multi-purpose attachment comprises a frame that fits onto the loader arms on the front of the skid loader, a pair of jaw members attached to the frame, a jaw actuator assembly, and a hydraulic connection. One of the jaw members is pivotally mounted on the frame and hydraulically driven by the jaw actuator assembly, while the remaining jaw member is fixedly mounted on the frame at an angle, preferably between 45-90° relative to the frame, and more preferably between 60-80°. The accessory comprises a crossbar fixedly yet removably attached to the frame of the multi-purpose attachment. The crossbar supports a grapple comprising a plurality of tines and a protective see-through shield. The grapple is pivotally attached to the crossbar and includes a hydraulic actuator for rotating the grapple between an open raised state and a closed lowered state with respect to the jaw members of the multi-purpose attachment. The hydraulic actuator is preferably a single hydraulic drive cylinder that is inexpensive and easily replaceable. A hydraulic connection, typically comprising hydraulic hoses, is further utilized to connect the jaw actuator assembly and the accessory to the external hydraulic system of a skid loader to allow the operator to control the accessory and jaw actuator. The method further includes actuating the jaw members into an open position and the grapple into the open raised state. The method includes positioning the tree, shrub, or post between the jaw members in the open position by moving the skid loader close to the tree, shrub, or post and utilizing the tilting motion of conventional skid loader arms. The jaw members are then transitioned into a closed position, wherein the jaw members close tightly upon the tree, shrub, or post for grasping. The method further includes transitioning the grapple into a closed lowered state. The method further includes raising the conventional skid loader arms to remove the tree, shrub, or post from the ground. The tree, shrub, or post is then transported to the desired location by moving the skid loader, wherein the grapple is transitioned into the open raised state and the jaw members are finally actuated into the open position for releasing the object. 
     Different aspects may meet different objects of the invention. Other objectives and advantages of this invention will be more apparent in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the figures. The present invention is not to be limited by or to these objects or aspects. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         FIGS. 1-9  represent examples of multi-purpose attachments and accessories of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  an overall perspective view of the present invention attached to a skid loader. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the invention of an attachment wherein the jaw members are in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the invention of  FIG. 2  wherein the jaw members are in a closed position. 
         FIG. 4  is a side plan view of the invention of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is an opposing side plan view of the invention of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the accessory coupled to the multi-purpose attachment of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an opposing side view of the accessory coupled to the multi-purpose attachment of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the accessory in the raised state coupled to the multi-purpose attachment of  FIG. 7  wherein the jaw members are in an open position. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the accessory in the closed state coupled to the multi-purpose attachment of  FIG. 8  wherein the jaw members are in the open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an attachment  10  and an accessory  5555  for utility tractors, particularly, to hydraulically-operated front end loader attachments for skid loaders. Such attachments are capable of grasping and lifting a heavy object, moving it to a new location, and setting it down without the skid loader operator leaving the cab of the skid loader. The object may be simply or oddly shaped, and it may be moved to a location that requires it to be lifted over a barrier like a wall. Trees, bushes, or fence posts can be pulled from the ground and moved to a rubble or debris bin for hauling. Accordingly,  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a grasping attachment  10  attached to a conventional skid loader  12 . Other vehicles can also be used, including track-type skid loaders or tractors. The unique configuration of the attachment  10  that is pivotally mounted on the loader arms  24  of the skid loader  12  at a pivotal mount and via actuators  16 , allows the attachment  10  to be tilted during use. Using conventional skid loader operation, the attachment  10  can be tilted forward to grab, for example, a shrub  18 , close to, at, or just beneath the ground surface. When this motion is reversed to raise or lift the shrub, the skid loader causes the jaw members  14  to tilt back, thus providing torque to the shrub being lifted. In addition, tilting the attachment  10  forward slightly when grasping the shrub  18  allows the jaw members  14  to be driven into the ground as the skid loader  12  is moved forward. This enables jaw members  14  to be positioned as low as possible under the shrub  18 , or other object, for removal. It also maximizes the lifting force when the attachment  10  is used to uproot shrubs, trees, or to pull posts from the ground. 
     The weight of the object that can be lifted depends on the nature of the skid loader used, for example the rated lifting capacity, and the heft with which the inventive tool is manufactured. The skid loader may be manufactured from lighter or heavier materials depending on the strength characteristics required. While the lifting force of a skid loader may be rated at about 1,700 lbs., however, by tilting the attachment the application of torque maximizes the lifting force applied to the object. 
     The attachment  10  is easily attached to and detached from the skid loader  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , a frame  20  of the attachment  10  is attached to skid loader arms  24  using at least one attachment section  22 . In other embodiments, the attachment  10  may be attached in a conventional fashion using a single attachment section, for example, via a post or rod connection in the middle of frame  20 . Tilt can be controlled by at least one actuator  16  on skid loader  12 . Other suitable conventional attachment mechanisms generally well known to practitioners in this art may also be utilized. Additionally, at least one jaw actuator connection  26 , typically comprising hydraulic hoses with corresponding hydraulic couplings, connect attachment  10  to the external hydraulic system  46  of skid loader  12  for providing power and operational control. An optional cab guard  28  may also be attached onto frame  20  (e.g., via welds or bolts) for protecting the cab of the skid loader  12  and operator from stray limbs, branches, or other objects during grasping, lifting, and transportation. 
       FIG. 2  is a view of one aspect of a grasping attachment  10  of the present invention for a utility tractor, such as a skid loader, wherein the jaw members  14  are in an open position. The attachment  10  comprises a frame  20 , wherein the frame  20  is made from any number of materials strong enough to support the jaw members  14 . Preferably, the frame  20  comprises metal, and most preferably, continuously welded steel. The attachment  10  further comprises at least one attachment section  22  on the frame  20  that fits onto the loader arms  24  located towards the front of the skid loader  12 . A fixed jaw member  32  is fixedly attached to the frame  20 , wherein the fixed jaw member  32  does not pivot, rotate, or otherwise move in relation to the frame  20 . Moreover, the fixed jaw member  32  is fixedly mounted on the frame  20  at an angle  38 , for example between 45-90°, and more preferably between 60-80°. At least one fixed reinforcing member  50 , preferably two, is fixedly attached to the frame  20  and the fixed jaw member  32 , forming a triangle support that provides increased strength and stability to the fixed jaw member  32 . Similar to the fixed jaw member  32 , the fixed reinforcing member  50  also does not pivot or move in relation to the frame  20 . This inventive design, incorporating the fixed jaw member  32  supported by at least one fixed reinforcing member  50 , produces unexpected results in increased strength and stability of the attachment  10  while grasping and transporting objects. Furthermore, the particular angle of the fixed jaw member  32  in relation to the frame  20  allows larger objects to be grasped and transported. For example, it is contemplated that trees approximately eight inches or more in diameter may be removed with use of the attachment  10  of the present invention. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a pivotal jaw member  36  is pivotally mounted on the frame  20  and opposite the fixed jaw member  32 . The pivotal jaw member  36  may be pivotally mounted on the frame  20  by a first rod  34 , or other similar mechanisms recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. In the open position, the pivotal jaw member  36  is in a common plane with the fixed jaw member  32  and forms an angle  40 . The angle  40  is variable, and can extend up to or greater than 90° between the pivotal jaw member  36  and the fixed jaw member  32 . This particular angular range allows the attachment  10  to grasp larger objects, such as tree trunks 6-8 inches (or more) in diameter between the jaw members  14 . The pivotal jaw member  36  is supported by a pivotal reinforcing member  52  pivotally mounted to the frame  20  by a second rod  54  (see  FIG. 4 ), or any similar mechanisms recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Pivotal jaw member  36  and pivotal reinforcing member  52  form a triangle shaped support that provides increased strength and stability to pivotal jaw member  36  during movement. 
     Both the pivotal jaw member  36  and fixed jaw member  32  comprise saw toothed inner grasping edges  42 . Such saw toothed inner grasping edges  42  increase friction, prevent slippage, and help maintain control while the jaw members  14  grasp objects. Other geometrical forms may also be utilized for inner grasping edges (e.g., waves, paddles, teeth, or the like). 
     As is also illustrated best in  FIG. 2 , the attachment  10  further comprises a jaw actuator assembly  44  configured to move the pivotal jaw member  36  from a closed position (see  FIG. 3 ) to the open position, and vice versa. While the jaw actuator assembly  44  of the present invention is shown to comprise two hydraulic cylinder assemblies, it should be appreciated that other means could be used such as electric or gasoline motors, cables and pulleys, or other means generally known by practitioners of ordinary skill in the art. The jaw actuator assembly  44  is connected at one end (proximal) to the frame  20  and at the other end (distal) to the pivotal jaw member  36 . The jaw actuator assembly  44  is further connected to the external hydraulic system  46  (see  FIG. 1 ) on the skid loader  12  via a jaw actuator connection  26 . The jaw actuator connection  26  typically comprises at least one hydraulic hose, preferably two, and at least one hydraulic coupling, also preferably two. Thus, the skid loader  12  provides hydraulic power and enables the operator in the cab of the skid loader to operate and control the jaw actuator assembly  44  through the jaw actuator connection  26 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top plan view of the attachment  10 , wherein the jaw members  14  are in a closed position. In the closed position, the saw-toothed inner grasping edges  42  align to fit together. When grasping an object, such as a tree, bush, or post, the jaw actuator assembly  44  moves the pivotal jaw member  36  from the open position (see  FIG. 2 ) to the closed position (see  FIG. 3 ) in order to grasp the object in between the saw toothed inner grasping edge  42  of the pivotal jaw member  36  and the saw toothed inner grasping edge  42  of the fixed jaw member  32 . Subsequently, the attachment  10 , via the loader arms  24 , applies sufficient force to remove the tree, shrub, or post from the ground. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate side plan views of the attachment  10  according to embodiments of the present invention. In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , it is readily apparent that the pivotal jaw member  36  is in a common plane with the fixed jaw member  32 .  FIG. 4  shows that pivotal jaw member  36  is supported by the pivotal reinforcing member  52  pivotally mounted to the frame  20  by the second rod  54 . The resulting triangle shaped support provides increased strength and stability to the pivotal jaw member  36  during movement. Likewise,  FIG. 5  shows wherein at least one fixed reinforcing member  50 , preferably two, is fixedly attached to the frame  20  and fixed jaw member  32  to form a triangle shaped support that provides increased strength and stability to the fixed jaw member  32 . As mentioned previously, this inventive design produces unexpected results in increased strength and stability of the attachment  10  while grasping and transporting objects. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate additional views of an accessory  55  coupled to the multi-purpose attachment  10  of the invention. The accessory  55  comprises a cross-bar  56  removably coupled or attached to the frame  20 . The removable attachment may be means generally known by practitioners of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., apertures with pins, bolts and nuts, shafts, etc.). A grapple  58  comprising a shield  62 , a plurality of tines  60 , a first reinforcing bar  74  and a second reinforcing bar  76 , is pivotally connected to the cross-bar  56  by means of a pivotal fitting  78 . The plurality of tines  60  extend perpendicularly thereto from the first reinforcing bar  74 . The plurality of tines  60  may be removably secured or permanently welded or otherwise affixed to the first reinforcing bar  74 . The shield  62  is located between first reinforcing bar  74  and the second reinforcing bar  76 . Moreover, the shield  62  preferably is made of metal that includes apertures to allow the operator to see through the shield  62  while operating the accessory  55  to assist in picking up objects with the accessory  55  and/or attachment  10 . However, the shield  62  may also be formed of a strong, durable, see-though rigid material, such as plastic, Plexiglas®, or the like, that fulfills the same goals of protecting the cab of the skid loader while allowing the operator to see through the shield  62  during operation of the accessory  55  and/or attachment  10 . A grapple actuator  64 , preferably comprising a hydraulic cylinder  64 , is connected at one end (proximal) to the cross-bar  56  and at the other end (distal) to the first reinforcing bar  74 . While the present invention preferably comprises one hydraulic cylinder, it should be appreciated that more than one hydraulic cylinder may be used depending on the load requirements of the accessory  55 . Furthermore, other actuator means could be also used such as electric linear actuators, pneumatic actuators, electric or gasoline motors, cables and pulleys, or other means generally known by practitioners of ordinary skill in the art. The grapple actuator  64  is further connected to the external hydraulic system  46  (see  FIG. 1 ) on the skid loader  12  via a grapple actuator connection  68 . The grapple actuator connection  68  typically comprises at least one hydraulic hose  72 , preferably two, and at least one hydraulic coupling  70 , also preferably two. Thus, the skid loader  12  provides hydraulic power and enables the operator in the cab of the skid loader to operate and control the grapple actuator  64  through the grapple actuator connection  68 . It should be appreciates, that when electric actuators are used, the hose may be replaced with an electrical line from the tractor or another power source, such as a generator, to provide the electric power to the actuator. 
     It should be appreciated, that when both the attachment  10  and the accessory  55  are used with the same tractor, the attachment  10  may include first and second jaw members that both can be pivoted, and may also include situations in which a fixed jaw member is substantially perpendicular to the frame. While it may be beneficial to have the jaw members as shown and described, the invention should not be limited to those situations only, and it is to be included that any configuration of members be used. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the raised, open state of the accessory  55  of the present invention. Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder  66  of the grapple actuator  64  causes movement of the grapple  58  into a raised open state, which allows the operator to move the skid loader into position around the object to be grasped. The grapple actuator  64  is configured to move the grapple  58  from an open raised state (see  FIG. 8 ) to a closed lowered state (see  FIG. 9 ), and vice versa. When in the open raised state, the shield  62  of the grapple  58  also acts as a cab guard  28  for protecting the cab of the skid loader  12  and operator from stray limbs, branches, or other objects during grasping, lifting, and transportation.  FIG. 9  illustrates the closed lowered state of the grapple  58  which allows the operator to further grasp objects between the attachment  10  and the grapple  58 . 
     According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a method of removing trees, shrubs, or posts is provided. The method includes providing the multi-purpose grasping attachment for a utility tractor, such as a skid loader, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  and described supra. The method further includes providing an accessory  55  for the multi-purpose grasping attachment  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9 . The method includes actuating the pivotal jaw member  36  into an open position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The jaw actuator assembly  44  is configured to move the pivotal jaw member  36  from a closed position (see  FIG. 3 ) to the open position (see  FIG. 2 ), and vice versa. The accessory  55  is actuated into an open raised state, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Next, a skid loader operator moves the skid loader  12  into position, wherein the tree, shrub, or post  18  is positioned between the jaw members  14  (e.g., between the saw toothed inner grasping edge  42  of the pivotal jaw member  36  and the saw toothed inner grasping edge  42  of the fixed jaw member  32 ). The jaw members  14  may be positioned around the base of the tree, shrub, or post  18  near or at the ground. The method further involves actuating the pivotal jaw member  36  into the closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , wherein the jaw members  14  close tightly upon and grasp the tree, shrub, or post  18 . Notably, the saw toothed inner grasping edges  42  increase friction, prevent slippage, and help maintain control while the jaw members  14  grasp the object. Furthermore, the accessory  55  is actuated into a closed lowered state, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , to close tightly upon the object to be grasped. 
     Subsequently, the skid loader operator raises the loader arms  24  of the skid loader  12  to apply sufficient force to remove the tree, shrub, or post  18  from the ground. This is shown in the solid and broken lines of  FIG. 1 , where the solid lines show the object  18  lifted out of the ground. While continuing to grasp the tree, shrub, or post  18  between the jaw members  14 , the skid loader  12  is moved, thus, transporting the tree, shrub, or post  18  to a desired location (e.g. a rubble, burn pile, or debris bin for hauling). The grapple  58  of the accessory  55  is actuated into the open raised state (see  FIG. 8 ), which allows the shield  62  to act as a cab guard for protecting the cab of the skid loader  12  and operator from stray limbs, branches, or other objects during grasping, lifting, and transportation. The pivotal jaw member  36  can then be actuated from the closed position (see  FIG. 3 ) to the open position (see  FIG. 2 ), to release the tree, shrub, or post  18  at the desired location. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     A Bobcat® skid-steer loader, fitted with the present inventive multi-purpose grasping attachment, was used to clear shrubs from a field. The skid loader was driven up to a shrub, wherein the grapple  58  of an accessory  55  was actuated into the open raised state and the jaw members  14  were placed in an open position (see  FIG. 2 ). The attachment  10  was tilted slightly downward, and lowered until the jaw members  14  were positioned at the ground or slightly beneath it. The shrub was positioned near the mid-point between jaw members  14 . The jaw members  14  were then actuated into the closed position (see  FIG. 3 ), thus, closing around shoots of the shrub. The attachment was next tilted upward and away from the ground raised by the skid loader arms  24 . The shield  62  of the grapple  58  in the open raised state (see  FIG. 8 ), acted act as a cab guard for protecting the cab of the skid loader  12  and operator from stray limbs, branches, or other objects. As a result, the shrub and its root system were lifted from the ground and ultimately deposited in a bin with other debris, all without the skid loader operator leaving the cab of the skid loader who was safely protected by the accessory  55  acting as a cab guard. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, trees—with tree trunks between approximately 6-8 inches in diameter—were removed from a grove or field. The entire tree, including canopy, trunk, and root system, was uprooted, moved to a disposal area, and deposited in a debris pile while protecting the skid loader operator from debris and leaving the cab of the skid loader. 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     Akin to Examples 1 and 2, multiple fence posts were quickly and easily removed from a field using the present inventive multi-purpose grasping attachment. A skid loader, fitted with the attachment  10  and accessory  55  was driven up to a fence post wherein the jaw members  14  were placed in the open position (see  FIG. 2 ) and the grapple  58  was placed in the open raised state (see  FIG. 8 ). The attachment  10  was lowered near the ground with the fence post positioned near the mid-point between the jaw members  14 . The jaw members  14  were then actuated into the closed position (see  FIG. 3 ), closing around the fence post. Raising the skid loader arms  24 , the fence post was lifted from the ground safely because the shield  62  of the grapple  58  in the open raised state (see  FIG. 8 ) acted act as a cab guard for protecting the cab of the skid loader  12  and operator from accidents while pulling the fence post out of the ground. The grapple  58  was then positioned in the lowered closed state (see  FIG. 9 ) which assisted the attachment  10  in grasping and maintaining control over the fence post while transporting and depositing it into a wagon for removal, all without the skid loader operator leaving the cab of the skid loader. 
     The multi-purpose grasping attachment and accessory of the present invention and method of removing trees, shrubs, or posts, are universally applicable to utility tractors and skid-steer loaders of all shapes and sizes, makes, models, and manufacturers. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred aspects thereof, it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the intended scope of the invention. According to additional embodiments, the number of tines may vary. For example, such tines may be spaced vertically apart, wherein such tines are spaced not coplanar and are staggered vertically relative to one another. In such cases the number of actuators may vary as well to accommodate independent control of a plurality of pivoting grapples.