Crush layout ideas

funkey_monkey

Hi,

Anyone know where I can get some ideas for a crush layout for inside a shed? Not looking anything fancy - have an idea I want access to both sides of animal.

Looking for ideas for something to fit into a 15' x 30' area.


Thanks.

funkey_monkey

I've found this again:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2016/Beef-Manual-Section8.pdf

Access to both sides in an enclosed shed makes the race difficult to design - won't be cutting side out of shed for side access.
Thought about putting the crush in at an angle, but to get sufficient access at the udder on wall side the crush would end up in middle of shed.

FeelTheBern

funkey_monkey wrote: »

I've found this again:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2016/Beef-Manual-Section8.pdf

Access to both sides in an enclosed shed makes the race difficult to design - won't be cutting side out of shed for side access.
Thought about putting the crush in at an angle, but to get sufficient access at the udder on wall side the crush would end up in middle of shed.

Sounds tricky to get access to both sides of a crush in a shed unless unless you’re happy to lose a good bit of shed space both sides of it for walkways. If it’s just to access both sides of an udder, you could design the crush so you can access the cows right hand side, and then use a calving/section gate somewhere else in the shed for a case where you need get at the left side.

funkey_monkey

I've kind of though that cow can be put in crush in reverse and held with backing bar - the only reason for this would be access to that side of udder - so head restraint not required - Essentially the same as you are suggesting. Although if I could get a cheapish gate that would double as a headgate and closing gate for the crush that would let me work in both directions.

Would also like to utilise the crush as winter stock pens - so considering an easily disassembled safety zone around the crush.

tanko

I've seen crushes where most of the crush is along the wall but the last section at the front of the crush is angled out from the wall to give access to both sides of the animal at the front.

Cavanjack

tanko wrote: »

I've seen crushes where most of the crush is along the wall but the last section at the front of the crush is angled out from the wall to give access to both sides of the animal at the front.

Yeah saw plenty of these online. If you rang condons or whoever supplies crushes around you they will so you a price and send you a plan.

hopeso

If it's only to access each side of the udder, would it be an option to hang a calving gate half way along one wall of the shed? If the calving gate could swing either way, you could put the cow in from whichever direction you needed....

MfMan

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Hi,

Anyone know where I can get some ideas for a crush layout for inside a shed? Not looking anything fancy - have an idea I want access to both sides of animal.

Looking for ideas for something to fit into a 15' x 30' area.


Thanks.

Look at the websites of the steel suppliers, Condon's, O'Donovans, O'Donnells, maybe Gibneys, Teemore, Nugents etc. They often have plans or illustrations showing internal layouts.

funkey_monkey

Thanks all got a plan in my head now - for the odd time that we need access to the left side of an animal I'll put it down the crush other way.
May need to fab a gate with a built in headlock for that bottom of the crush. It's an expense, but saves money compared to other designs I had thought of. Once you put in the permanent things and decide where you're loading from etc it kind of designs itself mostly.
I'll take another look at it in the morning and see what sort of mess it is!!!

FintanMcluskey

If possible have them entering the crush and walking toward daylight at the top of the crush.

Makes loading the crush much easier with stubborn animals

Not always possible of course

Good loser

If you're right handed have wall on LHS as you look from rear.

funkey_monkey

Good loser wrote: »

If you're right handed have wall on LHS as you look from rear.

Majority are right handed so that decision was made for me. Seen a few nice touches like a vet gate which I might add. Also leaving the headgate slightly 'exposed' from the catwalk (will just be protected passageway) so that when levering a headscoop or fighting trying to bullet one you don't get a whack in the back or elbow from a gatepost behind you.

thanks for all the replies. I've looked at some of those sites and got some ideas. Will take another look tomorrow!

mr.stonewall

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Majority are right handed so that decision was made for me. Seen a few nice touches like a vet gate which I might add. Also leaving the headgate slightly 'exposed' from the catwalk (will just be protected passageway) so that when levering a headscoop or fighting trying to bullet one you don't get a whack in the back or elbow from a gatepost behind you.

thanks for all the replies. I've looked at some of those sites and got some ideas. Will take another look tomorrow!

Have the option of keeping some of the forcing exit pens outside. Another option would be a mobile crush unit and just a race feeding into it

Lady Haywire

I thought this setup was pretty cool over in Texas. Probably not needed to the same extent over here, except for those crazy ones out the Wesht:D.

https://twitter.com/fishroper/status/1355341343330086920

Jb1989

Lady Haywire wrote: »

I thought this setup was pretty cool over in Texas. Probably not needed to the same extent over here, except for those crazy ones out the Wesht:D.

https://twitter.com/fishroper/status/1355341343330086920

I can't see much advantage in the squeezeing end of it. And a very quiet animal in it unlike wild cattle of the west.

Lady Haywire

Jb1989 wrote: »

I can't see much advantage in the squeezeing end of it. And a very quiet animal in it unlike wild cattle of the west.

I found it an interesting setup for a change. Especially if space doesn't allow for a traditional style..

funkey_monkey

Couple of questions:

Will have some pens in the shed - the steels are not galvanised to the floor, so when wintering animals on them I expect them to have it tough with the dung. What is the best product to put on them now when new in order to protect the lower part of the steels which will com into contact with the dung?


Does anyone have a roofed dungstead? What are the thoughts on them? Need somewhere to store dung and was considering that a roofed dungstead with a gated front would be more advantageous than an open one which would require a contaminated water tank.

funkey_monkey

Does anyone have a sliding crush gate and a vet gate in their crush setup?
Most designs I've seen put the vet gate behind the sliding crush gate - is there an advantage to reversing this so that the cattle meet the sliding gate first and then the vet gate like this design:

https://www.forum4farming.com/forum/index.php?threads/cattle-handling-facilities.19203/post-719903

Although I get the impression that they put the vet gate ahead of the sliding gate due to the shortness of the Condon crush sides.

In the system I've designed, the vet gate is behind the sliding gate and latches behind blocking the race and preventing cattle coming forward into the crush on top of the vet/stockperson.

It would only be used for AI, tail clipping, etc. When dosing etc which would not require person in crush behind the beast the sliding gate would be used (majority of time).

mr.stonewall

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Does anyone have a sliding crush gate and a vet gate in their crush setup?
Most designs I've seen put the vet gate behind the sliding crush gate - is there an advantage to reversing this so that the cattle meet the sliding gate first and then the vet gate like this design:

https://www.forum4farming.com/forum/index.php?threads/cattle-handling-facilities.19203/post-719903

Although I get the impression that they put the vet gate ahead of the sliding gate due to the shortness of the Condon crush sides.

In the system I've designed, the vet gate is behind the sliding gate and latches behind blocking the race and preventing cattle coming forward into the crush on top of the vet/stockperson.

It would only be used for AI, tail clipping, etc. When dosing etc which would not require person in crush behind the beast the sliding gate would be used (majority of time).

Have that set up of the sliding gate and vet gate. Reasoning is they the animal head is caught in head gate and then the vet gate and sliding gate can be opened.
Have 2 of the sliding gates put in, first at the rear of the race at the forcing pen and the the other at the head of crush. Find them super,really help cattle flow greatly and most importantly safe.
Personally have only used the vet gate myself a few times, but really comes into its own when the vet or ai man are in the yard. Small price to pay now, but worth it for years to come

minerleague

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Does anyone have a sliding crush gate and a vet gate in their crush setup?
Most designs I've seen put the vet gate behind the sliding crush gate - is there an advantage to reversing this so that the cattle meet the sliding gate first and then the vet gate like this design:

https://www.forum4farming.com/forum/index.php?threads/cattle-handling-facilities.19203/post-719903

Although I get the impression that they put the vet gate ahead of the sliding gate due to the shortness of the Condon crush sides.

In the system I've designed, the vet gate is behind the sliding gate and latches behind blocking the race and preventing cattle coming forward into the crush on top of the vet/stockperson.

It would only be used for AI, tail clipping, etc. When dosing etc which would not require person in crush behind the beast the sliding gate would be used (majority of time).

Normally vet gate would only be used when animal locked in head gate, so no need for sliding gate ahead of vet gate? Also most vet gates are same height as crush sides - would some animals try to jump this ? think i prefer sliding gate behind vet gate to protect AI man etc if crush is full

Hard Knocks

minerleague wrote: »

Normally vet gate would only be used when animal locked in head gate, so no need for sliding gate ahead of vet gate? Also most vet gates are same height as crush sides - would some animals try to jump this ? think i prefer sliding gate behind vet gate to protect AI man etc if crush is full

Could the vet / AI gate latch to the wall
That should protect from other cattle

funkey_monkey

The Vet gate is sized same as width of crush and intention is for it to swing inwards and latch across the race blocking it off safely for the vet to access the animal which as you say will be trapped in the headgate.

However, during normal operation the sliding gate would hold an animal in the crush and prevent it backing out if it got spooked or refused to go into headgate. Also allows for sheep to be closed up in the crush for work too as if there was no gate blocking the rear of the crush then they would be able to travel full length of crush plus race.

Teagasc guidance is 6ft (1.8m) for a crush. That would align with most of what I've seen. Adding a vet gate would leave the crush itself 9-10ft long.

Without a sliding gate, would mean that either the crush was open towards rear allowing animals to back out or open to side - might not be a problem for large cows, but for smaller cattle and sheep it would not be okay and so the secondary method of blocking is necessary. I think...

bogman_bass

Do a bit of work with a lad that has that setup. Not a fan of the sliding gate. Awkward to close and no use to get an animal that last few inches.

minerleague

funkey_monkey wrote: »

The Vet gate is sized same as width of crush and intention is for it to swing inwards and latch across the race blocking it off safely for the vet to access the animal which as you say will be trapped in the headgate.

However, during normal operation the sliding gate would hold an animal in the crush and prevent it backing out if it got spooked or refused to go into headgate. Also allows for sheep to be closed up in the crush for work too as if there was no gate blocking the rear of the crush then they would be able to travel full length of crush plus race.

Teagasc guidance is 6ft (1.8m) for a crush. That would align with most of what I've seen. Adding a vet gate would leave the crush itself 9-10ft long.

Without a sliding gate, would mean that either the crush was open towards rear allowing animals to back out or open to side - might not be a problem for large cows, but for smaller cattle and sheep it would not be okay and so the secondary method of blocking is necessary. I think...

I understand that part, only worry i'd have is that any vet gate like u mention that ive seen is the same height and make up as race ( usually 3 horizontal bars) and I be afraid my cattle would try to jump it or get a leg stuck in it. Any sliding gates are usually much higher. I'd still have the sliding gate to keep a single animal trapped until head caught just in different place iykwim

funkey_monkey

I'll not be putting in a hinged gate to block of rear of crush. Too much opportunity for injury with gate getting kicked back and such like. Plus a tendency for people to lean into the race to close it - disaster waiting to happen.
I've seen something that looks like 2 half gates closed by an overhead wheel - looks expensive though.

I might get an old crush gate and use it in a similar fashion, but if the height of the track for the sliding door is sufficient, that would be my preference.

funkey_monkey

minerleague wrote: »

I understand that part, only worry i'd have is that any vet gate like u mention that ive seen is the same height and make up as race ( usually 3 horizontal bars) and I be afraid my cattle would try to jump it or get a leg stuck in it. Any sliding gates are usually much higher. I'd still have the sliding gate to keep a single animal trapped until head caught just in different place iykwim

Race will be made up of a combination of 2" box gates and field gates that will be reused - like below to allow sheep/lambs to be put up it too. The gates will be cut to length, with centre droppers where needed to prevent sidewards pressure bursting them. Crush itself will probably be 2" box. The bars will be close enough to prevent legs going through, otherwise if we notice a problem it will be covered with stockboard to half gate height.

I understand what you mean by placing the taller gate at the rear to protect the vet. I could make a taller vet gate as there will be steels there capable to hang it from.

ABlur

funkey_monkey wrote: »

I'll not be putting in a hinged gate to block of rear of crush. Too much opportunity for injury with gate getting kicked back and such like. Plus a tendency for people to lean into the race to close it - disaster waiting to happen.
I've seen something that looks like 2 half gates closed by an overhead wheel - looks expensive though.

I might get an old crush gate and use it in a similar fashion, but if the height of the track for the sliding door is sufficient, that would be my preference.

I added a spring loaded gate latch at the top of the rear gate to prevent accidents as you mentioned above. I can push it in after the last bullock and it catches on the wall to allow you to latch it without being kicked.

Jb1989

ABlur wrote: »

I added a spring loaded gate latch at the top of the rear gate to prevent accidents as you mentioned above. I can push it in after the last bullock and it catches on the wall to allow you to latch it without being kicked.

Is that a 520 d?

Sami23

ABlur wrote: »

I added a spring loaded gate latch at the top of the rear gate to prevent accidents as you mentioned above. I can push it in after the last bullock and it catches on the wall to allow you to latch it without being kicked.

Great idea there.

Just on that crush - do you have any issues with it being located along the shed with the side sheeting as in if you were dosing an animal and they lifted their head up quickly would they catch your hand against the sheeting ?

ABlur

Sami23 wrote: »

Great idea there.

Just on that crush - do you have any issues with it being located along the shed with the side sheeting as in if you were dosing an animal and they lifted their head up quickly would they catch your hand against the sheeting ?

I don't dose, try to use pouron instead. If they needed a dose or bolus I would use the head scoop. Only summer grazing bullocks here they don't need much minding.

ABlur

Jb1989 wrote: »

Is that a 520 d?

Car? VW Tiguan

funkey_monkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117512896#Comment_117512896

Just seen this in YT. Check out the crush gate at 1:20 and again at 2:05. Neater solution than the sliding gate. The mechanism is like the headlock on a Tubar mobile crush, but with an additional hinge point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi5ZdOINf-s

mr.stonewall

Pm sent

funkey_monkey

Found this sliding gate and thought it seemed reasonable value. The bi-fold gate I posted above is no longer made due to costs.

Head gate with sliding opening for Kellfri's moveable gates

Anyone see any reasons to avoid - price point makes it look value for a low use use farm.

funkey_monkey

Looks like @renandstimpy doesn't be on here much now. I'm in the same position where I now need to put up facilities for an out farm - needs to handle a few sheep as well as the cattle. I thought it was a really neat idea whereby he got one section of the curved race to open a and used the forcing gates to guide the cattle onto the trailer.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057486411/new-off-farm-loading-pen-and-small-crush-for-about-15-cattle-at-a-time

What are peoples thoughts on circular forcing pens? Are they just for large volumes of rowdy cattle? Was wondering if the flow pace through the crush was on the slow side would they start getting fidgety.

Our other crush has a gate that forms part of the race - open it and load up with cattle.

SuperTortoise

I'm in the same boat, badly need a crush and pen setup on a fragmented piece of land, going to tackle it this year.

I like the curved race idea.

funkey_monkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120171472#Comment_120171472

I'm going to avoid it. It's not a big enough block to justify a curved race as it wouldn't get the usage over the grazing season to justify it. Although when I was looking at pricing it up, I'm not 100% sure that the metal work for a square forcing pen and race entry would be significantly cheaper.

funkey_monkey

Can D6 field gates (the ones with upper and lower snibs) be obtained with the D8 bar configuration - i.e. sheep gate. Looking to see if I can get a heavy duty version of the D8 with two snibs - or from a different viewpoint a D6 gate with additional lower bars.

White Clover

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120199111#Comment_120199111

What do you mean by "snibs"?

patsy_mccabe

Gates & Gate Fitings – Gibney Steel Products Ltd

funkey_monkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120199249#Comment_120199249

I call them snib. You might call them latch?

funkey_monkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120199435#Comment_120199435

That's the site I was looking at. Moyfab were the same. I guess there is some type of grant spec they are working to - not quite what I want/need.

Anto_Meath

If you give Gibneys a call they might customise the gates for you as they are a really sound crowd to deal with.

Cavanjack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120200250#Comment_120200250

Yeah they don’t mind doing specials.

funkey_monkey

How have you all done you external rails around your crush - have you use the panels or holey poles / post & rail?

Was thinking of gates all round, but that mightn't be much if any cheaper than the post and rail setup. What I was planning was to use heavy duty field gates with a full height brace in the centre to prevent it bursting. Along the crush itself and race I'd have to put in something more substantial - either 2" piping or box.

Would block or concrete paneling work out as cheap?

funkey_monkey

When sizing gaps how much do you leave either side of a gate - is it 2" at either end and same in centre for half gates?

i.e. for a 13' gate you need a 13'4 gap and for 8' half gates you need 16'6?

Jb1989

Need to measure the gate first. A 13' gate is usualy 12' 10.5''

funkey_monkey

Does anyone know approx costing for crush post and rail setups?

Cavanjack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120417095#Comment_120417095

Got some last year. Posts were €60 a piece and you’d need one at least every 3 meters but for grant it is 2.4 I think.

Dont have the price of the tubing but roughly €35 for a 6m length of 60mm od galvanised tubing. So roughly €320 plus vat for every 6m of post and rail.

If it’s a crush I’d put in the gates instead of pipes. They are roughly €130-€150 a piece for a 2.4m gate. You’d need extra post alright.

funkey_monkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120417664#Comment_120417664

Thanks for that.

I've got Galvanised box section posts. Just need to fill the spaces.

Are you talking about field gates or crush spec gates? Will be used for sheep and cattle so need close spacing at the bottom.

MfMan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120417095#Comment_120417095

Whereabouts are you based? FRS in Boyle have a lot of good stuff for making pens, crush races etc. They have or used have U beams / crash barriers as ad below. They come in c. 16' lengths but they will cut them in half for you if required. Anchor in 2' of concrete and bolt on the crush pipes as rails and it's a good enough job. They may also be quite competitive on holey posts; you may probably need 4-hole posts at least for the crush race.

https://www.donedeal.ie/fencingequipment-for-sale/steel-beams-and-crash-barriers/27680671