When a cattle crossing needs more than a standard private-use design, a load-rated cattle guard provides an engineered solution for heavier vehicle traffic. HS20 cattle guards are rated for 16 tons per axle and are commonly specified for public roadway, highway, and other demanding crossing projects.

Barn World offers HS20-rated cattle guards in multiple sizes and configurations, including different top rail designs and options for connecting the cattle guard to an existing fence line. Higher load ratings are also available for applications involving equipment that exceeds the HS20 loading classification.

The right cattle guard depends on more than the size of the opening. The required load rating, roadway dimensions, vehicle traffic, rail design, foundation, fence layout, and project specifications should all be considered before selecting a cattle guard.

HS20 Cattle Guards From Barn World

Barn World HS20 cattle guards are designed for applications where a 16-ton-per-axle load rating is required. They are available for a variety of roadway and heavy-duty crossing applications, including public roads, highway projects, commercial properties, agricultural operations, and other locations where a rated cattle guard is appropriate.

HS20 cattle guards can be supplied in different configurations to accommodate the requirements of individual projects. Depending on the design, options can include round or flat top rails, different lengths and depths, wings for fence connections, and foundation or installation components.

Because public roadway requirements can vary, the required rating and specifications should be confirmed with the appropriate roadway authority or project engineer before ordering.

Understanding the HS20 Load Rating

The HS20 designation identifies a 16-ton-per-axle highway loading classification. In practical terms, the rating describes the engineered axle load the cattle guard is designed to support.

This is different from simply describing a cattle guard as "heavy duty." A load-rated cattle guard is designed around a specified loading classification, which is particularly important when the cattle guard is being used as part of a public roadway or engineered construction project.

The load rating should be selected according to the requirements of the project and the vehicles expected to cross the cattle guard. A private ranch driveway and a public highway can have very different requirements even if the physical roadway openings are similar.

16 Tons Per Axle: What the Rating Means

An HS20 rating of 16 tons per axle does not mean that the entire vehicle is limited to 16 tons. The rating refers specifically to the axle loading used in the structural design.

This distinction is important when evaluating cattle guards for trucks, trailers, construction equipment, and other heavy vehicles. The loads transferred to the cattle guard depend on the vehicle configuration and how those loads are distributed through the tires and axles.

For projects with vehicles heavier than the HS20 design calls for, higher-rated cattle guards may be appropriate. Barn World offers load classifications above HS20 for applications requiring greater capacity.

Where HS20 Cattle Guards Are Used

HS20 cattle guards are commonly considered for crossings where vehicles need to pass through a fenced area without using a conventional gate.

Typical applications can include public road crossings, highway projects, ranch entrances, agricultural properties, commercial facilities, logging roads, and locations where heavy equipment needs access through a fence line.

They can also be appropriate for private properties when an engineered load rating is specifically required by a local regulation, project specification, engineer, or property owner.

The important consideration is the required structural rating for the particular installation, rather than assuming that every cattle guard needs the same load capacity.

 

Rated Cattle Guards for Public Roadways

Public roadway projects often have specifications that are different from private driveway installations. The roadway authority may establish requirements for the cattle guard's load rating, dimensions, foundation, roadway opening, drainage, and other aspects of the installation.

An HS20 cattle guard may be specified when the project calls for a 16-ton-per-axle rating. However, HS20 should not automatically be assumed to be the required rating for every public road. Requirements can vary between jurisdictions and individual projects.

Before ordering a cattle guard for a public roadway, verify the project specifications with the appropriate city, county, state, or other roadway authority.

Cattle Guard Load Ratings

Different cattle guard load classifications are available for different applications. The following ratings provide a useful comparison of the load capacities offered for rated cattle guard designs.

The HS20 rating sits between the H-15 and the higher-capacity U-54 and U-80 classifications. Selecting the appropriate rating depends on the actual project requirements and expected vehicle loading.

Construction of a Load-Rated Cattle Guard

A load-rated cattle guard is a structural assembly rather than simply a group of pipes placed across a roadway. The top rails, support members, connections, and supporting foundation work together to transfer vehicle loads into the ground.

Barn World offers rated cattle guards using heavy-duty steel construction and different rail configurations. Current cattle guard designs include round top rails as well as flat or other structural rail configurations depending on the model and project.

The specific construction of a cattle guard can vary according to its length, depth, load rating, and intended application. When a project requires an engineered rating, the specific model and configuration should be selected based on that rating rather than assuming that all cattle guards of similar dimensions have the same capacity.

Round Rail and Flat Rail Designs

Round Top Rail

Round top rail cattle guards are a traditional design that uses tubular rails across the opening. The rounded rails create an uneven surface that discourages cattle from attempting to walk across the crossing.

Round rail designs are available in several sizes and can be configured for both private-use and rated applications. They are a common choice when livestock containment and a familiar cattle guard design are the primary considerations.

Flat Top Rail

Flat top rail cattle guards use a different upper rail profile and can provide a smoother vehicle crossing. This can be useful where roadway traffic and vehicle ride quality are important considerations.

Flat rail designs can also be engineered for load-rated applications. The choice between round and flat rails should take into account the vehicle traffic, livestock being contained, roadway requirements, and the specific cattle guard design.

Selecting the Right Cattle Guard Dimensions

Cattle guard dimensions should be based on the actual opening that needs to be crossed. The length, depth, and overall configuration all affect how the cattle guard fits into the roadway and fence line.

Barn World offers HS20 cattle guards in multiple lengths. Current product configurations include shorter units as well as longer one-piece cattle guards for wider crossings. Six-foot and eight-foot depths are also available on various models.

For example, Barn World's current HS20 product selection includes 8-foot, 10-foot, 12-foot, and 14-foot cattle guards, while larger one-piece designs are also available for unusually wide crossings.

The actual dimensions needed should be determined from the finished roadway opening and the fence layout. If the crossing is wider than a single cattle guard, multiple units may be used together where the design allows it.

Foundations, Wings, and Fence Connections

A cattle guard is only one part of a complete crossing. The foundation, fence connections, and surrounding roadway all contribute to the finished installation.

Load-rated cattle guards may be installed on foundations designed to support the structural loads transferred from the cattle guard. The appropriate foundation depends on the cattle guard design, site conditions, roadway construction, drainage, and project requirements.

Wings can be added to connect the cattle guard to the fence line and help prevent livestock from walking around the ends. Proper fence connections are especially important because even a properly rated cattle guard cannot contain livestock if animals can simply go around it.

Foundation and wing requirements should therefore be considered when planning the cattle guard rather than treated as an afterthought.

 

Private-Use Cattle Guards Versus HS20

Not every cattle guard installation requires an HS20 rating. Barn World also offers more economical cattle guards intended for private property.

Private-use cattle guards are commonly installed at ranch entrances, farm driveways, private roads, and other locations where the roadway is not subject to a public-road load specification.

Barn World's current private-use cattle guards are described as having an estimated capacity of approximately 12 tons per axle. HS20 models are rated at 16 tons per axle.

The choice between the two should be based on the requirements of the installation. If a public roadway or project specification calls for an HS20 rating, a private-use cattle guard should not be substituted simply because the dimensions are similar.

Heavy-Duty Cattle Guards for Equipment

Some applications involve equipment that places greater loads on a cattle guard than a typical highway vehicle. Agricultural machinery, construction equipment, logging equipment, and industrial vehicles can require a higher-rated crossing.

Barn World offers higher load classifications beyond HS20, including U-54 and U-80 designs. These provide 25-ton-per-axle (U-54 Rated Cattle Guard)  and 30-ton-per-axle (U-80 Cattle Guard) ratings, respectively.

The appropriate rating should be determined from the actual vehicle loading and project specifications. Choosing a rating simply because it is the highest available is not necessarily the right approach; the cattle guard should match the requirements of the installation.

Special Cattle Guard Options

Different sites can require different features. Barn World offers options designed to address some of the practical issues that arise during cattle guard installation and use.

Wings

Cattle Guard Wings provide a transition from the cattle guard to the fence line. They can help close the gaps at the ends of the crossing and provide fence attachment points.

Boxes and Removable Boxes

Some cattle guard designs are available with boxed configurations. A boxed cattle guard can be designed to sit directly on a prepared surface, while removable-box configurations allow the cattle guard itself to be lifted out for access underneath.

A removable design can be particularly useful where periodic cleaning beneath the cattle guard is important.

Snow Plow Strips

In areas where cattle guards are crossed by snow plows, plow strips can be incorporated into certain designs. These strips provide a smoother transition for the plow blade across the cattle guard and can help reduce the tendency of the blade to catch on the top rails.

Planning an HS20 Cattle Guard Project

The most effective way to plan a cattle guard project is to determine the requirements before selecting the specific model.

Start by measuring the roadway opening. Determine the required crossing length and depth, identify the vehicles that will use the crossing, and establish the required load rating.

Next, consider the rail configuration. A round rail may be preferred for a traditional cattle crossing, while a flat rail can provide a smoother vehicle crossing. Then determine whether wings, a box, a removable box, or other options are appropriate.

For a public roadway, review the project requirements with the responsible roadway authority or engineer. This is especially important when the project specifies an HS20 rating or another particular structural classification.

HS20 Cattle Guards for Public and Private Projects

The HS20 rating is useful when a project requires a defined 16-ton-per-axle structural capacity. That makes these cattle guards suitable for many public roadway and highway applications, as well as private projects where an engineered load rating is required.

For a typical private ranch driveway, however, a private-use cattle guard may provide a more economical solution. The goal is to select the cattle guard that matches the actual requirements of the crossing rather than paying for a rating that the project does not need.

Frequently Asked Questions About HS20 Cattle Guards

What does HS20 mean on a cattle guard?

HS20 identifies a 16-ton-per-axle highway loading classification used for rated structural designs.

How much weight can an HS20 cattle guard support?

An HS20 cattle guard is rated for 16 tons per axle. The rating refers to axle loading rather than the total weight of the vehicle.

Is HS20 required for every public road?

No. Public roadway requirements can vary by location and project. HS20 may be specified when a 16-ton-per-axle rating is required, but the applicable roadway authority or project engineer should confirm the requirement.

What is the difference between HS20 and a private-use cattle guard?

An HS20 cattle guard has an engineered 16-ton-per-axle rating. A private-use cattle guard is intended for private property and may have a different, generally lower, load rating.

Are HS20 cattle guards available with round rails?

Yes. Barn World offers HS20-rated cattle guards with round top rails, along with other rail configurations depending on the model and project.

Can an HS20 cattle guard be used on a private driveway?

Yes. An HS20 cattle guard can be used on private property when the additional load rating is desired or required. For many private driveways, however, a private-use cattle guard may be sufficient.

Do HS20 cattle guards come in different sizes?

Yes. Barn World offers HS20 cattle guards in multiple lengths and depths. The appropriate size depends on the roadway opening and installation requirements.

Can cattle guards be connected together for a wider road?

Some cattle guard designs can be installed end-to-end to accommodate wider crossings. The specific connection method and suitability should be confirmed for the cattle guard being used.

Choosing an HS20 Cattle Guard From Barn World

An HS20 cattle guard is a practical choice when a project calls for a 16-ton-per-axle load rating and a gate-free crossing through a fenced area. With multiple sizes, rail configurations, and installation options available, the cattle guard can be matched to the roadway and livestock containment requirements.

For private property that does not require an engineered highway rating, Barn World also offers economical private-use cattle guards. For heavier applications, higher load-rated designs are available.

Before requesting a quote, have the roadway width, desired cattle guard dimensions, required load rating, vehicle types, and any project specifications available. That information will help determine the appropriate cattle guard and installation components.

Important: Public roadway and construction requirements vary by location and project. Confirm the required load rating, dimensions, foundation, and installation specifications with the applicable roadway authority or project engineer before ordering.

 

Call Barn World today for help planning your project!