RIPPER AND SCARIFIER ATTACHMENTS

HOW TO CHOOSE A RIPPER OR SCARIFIER

Bobcat® rippers and scarifiers are built for one job: breaking up tough material so you can dig, remove or regrade faster. The right choice comes down to two things – your carrier and what you’re trying to rip. 

What Machine You're Using

These two attachments don’t overlap much, because they’re designed for different carriers: 

• Front-mount scarifier: built for skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders
• Ripper: built for compact excavators

Once you know your machine, match the tool to the material and the type of finish you need. 

When to Choose the Front-Mount Scarifier 

Pick the scarifier when you’re ripping and loosening material across a surface, especially when you want consistent depth and fast coverage. 

It’s a strong fit for: 

• Ripping asphalt before removal. 
• Breaking hard-packed soil so it’s easier to dig or regrade. 
• Prepping tough ground for landscaping and site work. 

Why it works: 

• Adjustable depth skids let you preset a steady digging depth. 
• Reverse operation helps you bite in and maintain control. 
• Manual lock can hold teeth in a stored position for continuous scarifying. 

When to Choose the Ripper

Pick the ripper when you’re attacking dense material that needs deep, concentrated force – like frozen soil, hard-packed ground, or stubborn layers you need to fracture before digging.

It’s ideal for: 

• Frozen ground and hard soil where buckets struggle to break in. 
• Tough, compacted material that needs a single-point “tear” action. 
• Jobs where you’ll rip first, then clean up with a bucket.

Why it works: 

• Single-point replaceable tooth for strong penetration. 
• Heavy-duty gussets and reinforced shank for ripping power and durability. 
• After loosening material, you can swap to a bucket to finish the excavation and cleanup. 

Quick Checklist

• Carrier: loader (scarifier) vs. compact excavator (ripper). 
• Material: asphalt/hard surface layer (scarifier) vs. frozen ground/deep compaction (ripper). 
• Control: need preset depth and consistent passes (scarifier) vs. maximum bite and penetration (ripper). 
• Next step: ripping only, or ripping + bucket cleanup (often ripper).

If you’re not sure which tool matches your machine and typical jobs, your local Bobcat dealer can help confirm compatibility and set you up with the right attachment for the work you do most.