Answers to Common Cattle Guard Questions

Choosing a cattle guard usually raises more questions than simply deciding what size to order. The right guard depends on the vehicles using the crossing, the required load rating, installation conditions, livestock, roadway width, and whether accessories such as foundations or wings are needed.

Below are answers to some of the questions Barn World commonly receives from customers planning cattle guard installations. If you're ready to compare available options, browse our cattle guards at Barn World.

What Is a Cattle Guard Used For?

A cattle guard creates a vehicle crossing through a fence line while discouraging cattle from walking through the opening. Vehicles can drive across the guard without requiring someone to stop, open a gate, drive through, and close it again.

That can be especially useful at farm and ranch entrances that are crossed frequently by pickups, tractors, feed trucks, delivery vehicles, and other equipment.

How Does a Cattle Guard Work?

A traditional cattle guard uses spaced rails across the roadway with an open or recessed area below. The combination creates difficult footing and a visual deterrent that discourages cattle from attempting to cross.

Design matters, however. Rail shape, spacing, depth, and the overall installation can affect how the crossing functions. For a more detailed explanation, see how cattle guards work.

How Wide Should a Cattle Guard Be?

There are two important dimensions to consider: the length across the roadway and the depth in the direction vehicles travel.

The roadway span should accommodate the intended traffic and fit the fence and entrance layout. The front-to-back dimension also matters because it determines how much cattle guard an animal would have to cross.

See our cattle guard dimensions and standard sizes guide for a more detailed explanation.

What Load Rating Do I Need?

The appropriate load rating depends on the vehicles expected to use the crossing and any requirements that apply to the project.

Barn World cattle guards are available in several ratings, including:

• H-15: 12 tons per axle
• H-20 / HS-20: 16 tons per axle
• U-54: 25 tons per axle
• U-80: 30 tons per axle

Private farm and ranch crossings may have different requirements from public-road projects. When a cattle guard will be installed on a public road, confirm the required specifications with the state, county, municipality, or other agency responsible for that roadway before ordering.

For more detail, see our guide to cattle guard load ratings and weight capacity.

Do I Need an HS20 Cattle Guard?

HS20-rated cattle guards are designed for a 16-ton-per-axle load and are commonly used for public-road applications. Whether HS20 is required for a particular project should be confirmed with the agency responsible for the roadway.

For public-road projects, see HS20 cattle guards for public roads.

What Is the Difference Between Round-Top and Flat-Top Rails?

Round-top rails create a more pronounced rounded surface for livestock and typically produce a more noticeable rumble as vehicles cross. They are commonly used for farm, ranch, and private-property crossings where traffic speeds are relatively low.

Flat-top rails provide a smoother surface for vehicles and are often used where vehicle traffic and roadway requirements make that design more appropriate.

The best choice depends on the project rather than rail shape alone. Vehicle traffic, livestock, load rating, roadway use, and installation requirements should all be considered.

Does a Cattle Guard Need a Concrete Foundation?

Many traditional steel cattle guards are installed on concrete foundations that support the structural beams at each end of the guard. The foundation and surrounding site must be prepared to support the expected vehicle loads.

Other designs, including certain boxed cattle guards, can be installed without a traditional poured concrete foundation when appropriate for the site and intended use.

Our guide to cattle guard foundations and site preparation explains the major installation options.

What Is a Boxed Cattle Guard?

A boxed cattle guard has a steel skirt or box around the perimeter that helps keep surrounding soil from filling the area beneath the rails. Certain boxed designs can be placed on a properly prepared base without pouring traditional concrete foundations.

This can make them useful for private roads, remote locations, and other installations where a traditional foundation may not be practical.

Barn World's boxed cattle guard options are available in several configurations for private-property and rated applications.

What Are Cattle Guard Wings?

Cattle guard wings extend the barrier from the ends of the cattle guard toward the fence line. Their purpose is to prevent livestock from simply walking around the end of the guard where the fence meets the crossing.

Wings can be particularly useful when the layout leaves room for cattle to approach the side of the guard. See our cattle guard wing ends for a current Barn World option.

Can Cattle Guards Be Used for Horses?

Traditional steel cattle guards should not be relied upon to contain horses. A horse's hoof and leg can enter the spaces between rails, creating a serious risk of injury.

A conventional gate is the better choice where horses must be contained. Cattle guards also should not be assumed to contain every other type of livestock or animal.

See our guide to cattle guards for different animals before planning a crossing for mixed livestock.

Can I Make a Concrete Cattle Guard?

Yes. A reusable cattle guard form allows concrete sections to be poured and then placed together to create a crossing. Barn World's reusable form produces sections approximately 6 feet long by 21.5 inches wide and can be reused for multiple pours.

Each pour uses approximately twelve 80-pound bags of 4,000 PSI concrete mix and 1/2-inch rebar. The finished sections are HS20-rated at 16 tons per axle when made according to the specified design.

See the reusable concrete cattle guard form for specifications and installation information.

How Important Is Drainage?

Drainage is an important part of a cattle guard installation. Standing water, sediment, and erosion can create maintenance problems around the guard and its supports.

The site should be prepared so runoff can move away from the installation rather than continually collecting beneath or around it. Existing installations should also be checked periodically for sediment and drainage changes.

See our guide to cattle guard drainage and water management for more information.

How Much Does a Cattle Guard Cost?

Cattle guard cost depends on size, load rating, rail design, foundations, wings, shipping, and other project requirements. Installation and site preparation can also affect the total project cost.

Because cattle guards are large and heavy, shipping can be a significant part of the delivered price. See how much a cattle guard costs for the factors that affect pricing.

What Information Should I Have Before Requesting a Quote?

Before requesting a cattle guard quote, it helps to know:

• The desired length across the roadway
• The front-to-back crossing depth
• The heaviest vehicles expected to use the crossing
• Any required load rating
• Whether the road is private or public
• Whether round-top or flat-top rails are preferred
• Whether foundations or wings are needed
• The delivery location

For public-road projects, also have any specifications supplied by the agency responsible for the roadway.

Choosing the Right Cattle Guard

A cattle guard should be selected for the actual crossing rather than by size or price alone. Vehicle loads, roadway width, livestock, site conditions, foundations, drainage, and local requirements can all affect the appropriate configuration.

Browse the complete Barn World cattle guard selection, or contact Barn World if you need help matching a cattle guard to your project.