You know the right chute makes your job easier and safer. Whether it’s vaccinations, health checks, or branding, reliable equipment keeps your operation running smoothly and everyone going home safe at the end of the day.
So let's talk chutes. We'll break down the different types of chutes, key features, and what makes the manual chutes at Seven Peaks Fence and Barn a great option.
What is a Cattle Chute?
First things first. Let's get on the same page when we talk about chutes.
Some people use that term when they're talking about head gates. Others are talking about the actual alley that's part of the cattle handling system.
We're talking about chutes though. Chutes are the equipment at the end of the alley.
How many times did you hear your dad say, "You need to use the right tool for the job?"
That’s true everywhere on a ranch. But it’s even more vital when you’re working with livestock.
Cattle can be gentle giants, but they’re also unpredictable, have a herd mentality similar to lemmings, and a massive distrust of sketchy things like shadows and loud noises.
You need the right setup for ear tagging, branding, pregnancy checks, etc.
Enter the cattle chute.
There are a few types of chutes, each with its own purpose. Cattle loading chutes, for example, are ramps that help guide cattle onto trailers.
But the focus in this guide is squeeze chutes—designed to hold your cattle still while you work with them.
Key features include a narrow space and a head gate to keep animals steady. With various options available, a well-built squeeze chute reduces stress for both you and your herd.
Types of Cattle Squeeze Chutes
When choosing a cattle chute, it’s important to match the design to your operation’s needs. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Manual Chutes: Affordable and Perfect for Smaller Herds
Manual chutes are practical if you're a rancher with a smaller herd.
They’re affordable, simple to operate, and built to last. They also align well with low-stress cattle handling practices, providing a secure yet gentle way to hold livestock.
At Seven Peaks Fence and Barn, we focus on manual chutes because they’re a dependable fit for everyday ranching and hobby farmers.
Watch a walk-thru of the 4-Diamond Chute, our most popular squeeze chute.
2. Hydraulic Chutes: Speed and Efficiency for Large Herds
Hydraulic chutes are ideal if you have a high-volume operation, where speed is critical.
Be aware, they require additional maintenance and may not be the best fit for smaller ranches.
3. Portable Chutes: Flexibility on the Move
Portable chutes are a convenient option for ranchers working across multiple locations. They offer mobility while maintaining safety and functionality.
***Optional wheel kits can be added to our chutes if you need mobility for your operation.**
For most ranchers with smaller herds, a manual chute is the best choice—durable, dependable, and designed for everyday use.
Key Features to Look For in a Cattle Chute
Not all cattle chutes are built the same, so it’s vital to know what to look for. Choosing the right cattle chute comes down to a few key factors. Here’s what to prioritize:
1. Durable Construction
It kind of goes without saying that a cattle chute needs to handle the daily demands of working livestock.
You’ll find that heavy-duty steel construction ensures it can withstand rowdy cattle and frequent use without wearing down.
2. Thoughtful Design for Ease of Use
Look for chutes that are intuitive to operate and designed with your workflow in mind.
Features like double side doors allow for easy access to your cattle, letting you handle tasks like vaccinations or health checks more efficiently.
Floors help limit mud in the chute. Rump bars can help you get reluctant cattle into place. You might decide that a brisket bar is a nice feature to ensure no one lays or kneels down.
If you're not sure what would be the best fit for your operation, give us a call and we can give you an overview of the different features.
3. Safety for You and Your Herd
A well-designed chute minimizes the risk of injury to you, your family or employees, and your herd.
Rounded edges, smooth finishes, and quiet operation support low-stress handling procedures for livestock.
Smart design, like slam latches on split side gates, provide added convenience and safety.
With these latches, you won’t need to manually shut gates when your hands are full, allowing for a smooth, safe day handling the cattle.
4. Adaptability to Your Needs
Depending on your herd, you may need a squeeze chute that can adapt to varying sizes.
The 4-Rivers Chutes we offer feature a parallel side body squeeze operation, which adjusts to fit most sizes in your herd.
Note: The 4-Diamond has a walk-thru head gate width of 27.5. If you have a larger herd or large bull, the larger River King Chute is new and worth a look.
This design not only keeps cattle in one spot, but also reduces stress during handling.
How to Choose the Best Manual Cattle Chute for Your Needs
The key to finding the right cattle chute is considering the one that matches your operational needs. Here are a few questions to consider:
- Do you have a smaller herd and need a straightforward option for basic tasks?
If you need something straightforward and effective, a headgate is a great choice. It’s easy to use and perfect for basic tasks like tagging or quick health checks.
-
Do you need more control while keeping the investment manageable?
The 4-Horn Chute offers the next level of functionality.
With additional control points, it’s ideal if you need affordable versatility without over-engineering your operation.
- Are you ready to upgrade? The 4-Diamond Squeeze Chute provides advanced features like parallel side body squeeze operation and a vet/palpitation cage.
- Have large cows and bulls?
The River King is engineered specifically for your larger stock. It's built 2 inches wider and 3 inches longer from the strongest materials for the ultimate strength and dependability.
No matter your choice, each of these options is built with durability, safety, and ease of use in mind.
Why Choose Seven Peaks Fence and Barn?
When it comes to cattle chutes, you have options—but not all options are equal. Here’s why ranchers looking for cattle chutes for sale choose Seven Peaks.
1. Texas Tough, Made for Cattlemen by Cattlemen
The cattle chutes we stock are manufactured in Gilmer, Texas, by 4 Rivers. One of the reason we love working with them, is because they're ranchers themselves. Making them people who understand the demands of ranch life.
When you buy from us, you’re supporting local craftsmanship and investing in products that are built to last in the toughest conditions.
2. Thoughtful Design for Everyday Use
From double side doors for easy access to slam latches on split side gates, these chutes simplify your work while keeping you and your cattle safe.
When shopping for the best addition to our cattle handling systems, we searched for the ideal balance between functionality, affordability, and durability.
We’re confident we found it.
Built Texas Tough for Ranchers Like You
At Seven Peaks Fence and Barn, our operation depends on reliable, well-designed equipment.
That’s why our cattle chutes work seamlessly with our complete cattle systems.
Ready to upgrade your operation? Browse our selection of cattle chutes for sale. We do keep limited stock on hand, but are always happy to place an order.