a skid - steer loader implement having a hydraulically actuated grapple component that includes an implement having first and second spaced apart pivot support structures and a hydraulically actuated grapple component pivotally secured to the second pivot support structure . a hydraulically actuated cylinder has one end of the cylinder pivotally secured to the first pivot support structure of the implement and is provided with a moveable piston integrally coupled to an output actuation rod that is pivotally secured at an end remote from the piston to the grapple component . the hydraulically actuated cylinder has supply / return ports adjacent the ends of the cylinder adapted to be alternately coupled to a high pressure hydraulic fluid supply or low pressure hydraulic fluid return . the hydraulically actuated cylinder has valve structure to hydraulically cushion movement of the piston and associated actuation rod as the piston moves past a supply / return port prior to being physically stopped at the ends of the cylinder . the actuation rod is provided with a protective shield to protect the actuation rod surface from hostile environmental intrusions by objects in the vicinity of the actuation rod during actuation . the grapple component includes a pivot shaft portion that is at least as wide or wider than a grapple tooth end of the grapple component . the second pivot support structure is comprised of a pair of bearing support elements spaced apart such that a grapple pivot shaft portion cooperates therewith to create a physical barrier to any material thing that may be gripped between the grapple component and implement .