Cattle Handling Systems

[WiltonRanch]

I am going to redo my loading system. Going to build a double loading chute for both semis and stock trailers. Now does anyone have experience with bud boxes on a loading chute. I'm thinking that way or a v style. No tub. Worked with them in auction markets and they are not my favourite.

[Happytrails]

It doesn't take very long at all and definately speeds up processing. Sometimes even have some trouble filling the bud box because the calves start down the crowd alley instead of continuing into the pen.

[grassfarmer]

Thats an interesting idea HT, might try it out - probably doesn't take long to run them through if you aren't catching them anyway?

[Happytrails]

I've got a comment on using handling systems. We tried putting fresh weaned calves thru the bud box, S alley and chute, free flow in a dry run before processing. The guy who works with me would quit if I tried to stop the practice. I'm not sure why it helps so much but probably something to do with the first impression being the strongest. Anyway in 4 sessions we processed over 500 hd after a dry run and they went up the alley good, into the chute good, and left the chute good.

A couple of days ago we got a late start due to fog and my son suggested we skip the dry run to save time. The rest of us said no, the dry run SAVES time and it sure went smooth.

[perfecho]

Quite often work cattle alone, use the Lakeland squeeze, alley tub config. Like the handle at back of squeeze, alley way a bit narrow for bigger bulls.
Cutting off the tub and adding alley way and bud box style of entry. Used a rough "bud box" type of system and it worked well, so try to mimic that. Pretty happy with chute overall.

[15444]

Something I forgot to mention is that you can buy 2 Tuff chutes for the price of 1 Lakeland. Might even be more than that now, haven't priced Lakeland in a few years.

[smcgrath76]

I would echo that. The bifold gates are a nice touch, but having looked over the Tuff as an option compared to our qcatch squeeze, not even close. We ran a self catch for 50 years so i was really hesitant to go to the q catch type headgate, but it has been a HUGE improvement, especially with the movable control where you can shut the gate from behind the shoulder of the cow.

[grassfarmer]

I watched your video and it was a public relations nightmare with the blood lol!
The bi-fold gate is interesting but I like the rolling doors on ours too. Agreed the guillotine is horrible.
Our Arrow has the slidable handle for controlling the headgate - from the front right to the back of the palp cage. It has the butt bar you talk about - two actually - one higher and one lower which is something you were wishing for.

I didn't dislike the self catch idea until I tried the Q-Catch and I much prefer the latter. Sounds like extra work to do catching them, but they go so much quieter through it it makes for an easier operation. No adjusting for width - ready to catch biggest bull neck to week old calves. Really like the fact the gate "locks" in any position and unlocks just as easily. The squeeze handle is the same - locks where ever you stop and releases the same way. No other catch or ratchet to release.
A video below of an Arrow chute. This one only has a single row butt bar. Ours has one on the top of the bottom door and one on the bottom of the top door so accommodates different heights as well leaving you with a butt bar if you had either the top or bottom half door open.
We don't have the ugly looking scissor head catcher shown - looks like something you'd bump into. Rather like the sticky out things on the front of your chute.
Compared to the chutes I started out with years ago these new ones are all really nice, safe pieces of machinery and a joy to work with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1PZEJONX0M

[15444]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SqCIC1-2SHA

[15444]

GF, the bifold gate in the back is a major factor. So many mfg's are decades behind with rolling and *guh* the dreaded guillotine gates. Neighbor was so proud of his brand new Hi-Hog and seen the guillotine gate and just had to make remark about how nice shape it was for being built in 1970's. The rear mechanism for operating headgate on SS is nice feature. Very wide opening of sides on Tuff, some of widest in industry, everything on it is reversible to other side if your left or right-handed. A quality self-catching headgate. Excellent butt bar, particularly for calves. Optional covered sides, which Tuff was one of the first to come out with in a manual chute. A standard removable brisket bar. I made a video on for some on Cattle Today about the chute on YouTube, I will try and find a link.