I read here a lot, but don't post much... This one, I will, because I bought a 72" MTL Extreme grapple a couple of years back. That version is probably too heavy for smaller tractors, but I found this implement to be an excellent value and well constructed. Their welds are quite good, and frankly I might well tear up the loader before I did damage to their fine work. I have (carefully) picked up very heavy tree sections (I mean large diameter trees that barely would fit) and worried more about the tractor/loader than the MTL itself. Bottom line, digging with a grapple on a tractor is not a good idea in general, but I can attest to the quality of MTL implements (at least the version I bought). Not bad mouthing the other offerings at all, by the way. But...if I personally needed another implement and MTL offered it, I would buy it. Regards, and stay safe if working, or just playing (the tractor and physics don't know the difference...).The pics showing the rod extension is enlightening. Thank you. Regardless of which grapple I get, I plan to be very careful engaging the ground (if at all) after reading all these helpful comments. Seems like a stump bucket or something similar would be better for digging things out.....