Cattle Handling Systems

[grassfarmer]

15444, what are the innovative features that put Tuff and Stampede ahead of the rest in your eyes?
I thought the Q-Catch headgate in Arrow and Lakelands was the biggest innovation in chutes since about 1970.
Used a Morand in a public facility and it was incredibly heavy - so much so that the gates were breaking welds to come off the posts.

[smcgrath76]

The Hi-hog stuff is OK. Do not buy a REAL industries chute. Stampede Steel is nice stuff.
We have a Lakeland Group chute (same roughly as Arrow Farmquip) and it is fantastic. Bud box on the end made with Hi-Hog panels. Our chute is straight, but the sides are cut down so you can actually work a flight zone.
If you have lots of cattle, I would recommend staying away from catwalks. They really wear you out if you have to climb up and down them all day.
Our working system is pipe and clamp setup. Completely solid but can take it apart if needed without using a torch. The Real portable panels are good. I like the 2W gates. They are UFA or Peavey Mart Available.
I know a couple of guys that use Morand and like them, but they seem cumbersome to me.

[15444]

Tuff Equipment from Notre-Dame, Manitoba and Stampede Steel are the only two I would consider. They are the equivalent of a 2016 model truck. Using tha same analogy, every other manufacturer's products ranges from 2000 to 1970.

Many created their system designs 20-30 years ago and evolution is not a very strong concept.

Biggest factor is you have to physically use them in dealer's yard. I had very high marks for Hi-Hog until I used the squeeze. Rest of system is good, but their squeeze needs major improvements. I will say, their portable loading chute is the best on the market - no one else even comes close.

[grassfarmer]

The Hi-Hog stuff is certainly built heavy but I think they are missing out by not building portable set ups. We just bought an Arrow portable with tub, 8 foot alley and chute and like it a lot. Arrow also builds these for Lakeland - Manitoba built. It has the Q catch manual headgate instead of the self-catch the Hi Hog has. Only ran a few through it so far but am getting used to it pretty quick. It's a smoother, quieter operation than the crash and bang of a self-catch. Spoke to my vet here and he loves this system - has one himself and says the cows are happier to come through the system on future trips with not having the self-catch.

Used some Real equipment too - it was lighter built but adequate but "Real" noisy.

[SADIE]

I will be the first to wade into this one for you.

First of all where are you located for product availability in case of future expansion. Approx how many head of cows?

I will give you my preference and also working as a veterinarian for 20 years in practice.

Hi-Hog---Made in Calgary. Many distributors across Alberta/Saskatchewan and Manitoba for the chute, palpation cage, tub and alleys with sliding doors at both the front and back end.

To move cattle into the S shaped tub and alley you need a 10ft or 12 foot gate in frame set up to move groups of cattle along into the tub.

Hi-HOg has that but I use Two-W panels, gate in frame, hi pole gates with spreader bars.

Two W. I see this set up at auction markets, calving barns. It is the grey steel with the Red posts (2 way, 3 way or 4 -way posts.

Two Double is made in Nanton Alberta and Peavy Markets are distributors across Saskatchewan.

Tw0 W ---for 15 years our clinic was the distributor in East Central Alberta.
The chute,crowding alley was IMHO inferior to Hi Hog.

THE BROWN STEEL OF ROUND-UP, Tried to imitate two W was sold by the pool. It is lower gauge steel and was Junk. Many problems with this set up in Chute, Alley. Seen people get hurt, seen cattle get hurt. In our practice we would ask what kind of chute we had to work in. If the rancher said Round-up we would refuse to go out to that set up.

Stampede steel I have seen at trade shows and some ranches ---Help me out isn't it made around Calgary area.

I hear it is reliable and good.

Pearson Chute---Worked in that chute. It appears fine. Where is it made? Does it have the complete facility set up?

Morland---Where is it built. Not familiar with it.

Others ?

[pickarock]

What is the best brand of cattle handling system. Pros and cons ........ Thanks for any advice