This Crap Has To Go

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Finally decided what the highest thing is on the to do list.  I guess it's gotta be this.  The tillage stuff, and trailer have to wait.Been working out of this holding pen for years.  It's about 1/3 the size it needs to be, and it's getting pretty dangerous.  Too many animals in too small of a space, and the cheap panels have just about gone the distance.  On top of that, the tree clearing equip. built lately is so's I can put even more animals on the ground.The plan is to make at least 2 10' working chute sections.  Each section independant, and semi portable.  Fully sheeted sides, so the cows can't see out, caged in on top, with opening sides so a cow that goes down can get up and get out.  Drop bars, or sliding doors so that you can keep a cow from backing up once it's inside.  Fold down catwalk so you can goose 'em along from the top.Finally a sweep tub to feed the chutes.  Again built in semi portable sections.All of it has to be semi portable because there's a big highway project coming this way(maybe?), and it may change some things.I'd be interested to see some pics of other projects somebody has made like this.  Feel free to put 'em up.  I'm already pretty firmed up on what I'm gonna build, but it'd be fun to see some others, and maybe get an idea or two. Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Sam,I use this handy device to handle my cowsEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I bet Samm wishes he got the same price per pound on the hoof as you pay to put your "cows" in that cart !!!!                                    MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Samm,Keep your shoots curved. Cows will keep moving better if they can see just a little ways in front of them. No right angles.  They balk.  Of course you probably already know this.  Just mentioning it for the general audience.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Curving the sweep is going to be hard enough on a stand alone basis.  Best I could probably do is to connect the portable chutes at an angle.  I was thinking add in fillers to make the angle where they are gonna bolt together.  A removeable 12-18" section to bolt in on either side of the sections where they meet."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:It's a thought.  I've been working with the straight alley for a long time."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:That would be better than nothing.  In really good and high tech cow operations, they use the curved shoots because they have found out that they remain calmer and are more willing to load and walk if they can see just the butt of the cow in front.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Was looking at some plans from Okla State U., and they also showed the same design.  It does actually work better.The biggest problem is building the chutes with a V shape, wider at top narrow at bottom, and working out a really good strong hinge on the escape door.  I think I have a handle on it, but it may change."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Draw them out on paper first.  It helps to have a CAD but paper and a pencil with a good eraser can help idenify problems early on.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:With me it's paper.  Then I still have to change stuff once I get to stickin' it togetherOne of those deals where it looked good on paper, but when it's starin' you in the face, you know it ain't gonna work"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/