Where a cattle oiler is mounted can be just as important as the type of oiler you choose. The mounting setup determines how cattle approach the equipment, how they make contact with the applicator, and whether the oiler fits naturally into their normal movement.

Brush, hanging mop, and apron cattle oilers have different mounting requirements. Before installing one, consider the type of oiler, available support structures, cattle traffic, animal size, and how easily the equipment can be inspected and maintained.

Barn World's cattle oilers include brush, hanging mop, and apron designs that can be incorporated into different livestock setups.

Start With the Type of Cattle Oiler

The first mounting decision is determined largely by the oiler itself. A brush oiler needs a strong supporting structure that can withstand cattle pushing against it. Mop and apron oilers are generally suspended so cattle contact the applicator as they pass underneath or through the installation.

If you're still deciding between designs, our guide to the types of cattle oilers compares brush, mop, and apron systems in greater detail.

Mounting a Brush Cattle Oiler

Brush cattle oilers are designed for cattle to actively push and rub against the brush assembly. That means the supporting structure needs to handle repeated pressure from livestock.

Mounting to a Post or Similar Support

A secure post or other suitable structural support can provide a mounting point for a brush-style oiler. The support should be appropriate for the equipment and the forces created when cattle use it.

Before mounting, check for adequate clearance around the brushes. Cattle should be able to approach and use the oiler without nearby fencing, equipment, or other obstructions interfering with normal movement.

Allow Room for Brush Movement

Many brush oilers incorporate springs or other components that allow the brush assembly to move as cattle rub against it. The mounting location needs enough clearance for that movement.

A wall, fence, post, or other object positioned too close to the brush can interfere with its normal range of motion.

Keep the Reservoir Accessible

The tank or reservoir should remain accessible for inspection and filling. Avoid mounting the oiler where reaching the tank requires working around unnecessary obstacles or where the reservoir could easily be struck by other equipment.

Mounting Hanging Mop Cattle Oilers

A hanging mop cattle oiler works differently from a fixed brush system. Instead of cattle stopping to rub against brushes, the oiler is suspended so the animal contacts the mop while moving beneath or against it.

This makes overhead support, mounting height, and cattle traffic particularly important.

Use a Suitable Overhead Support

The support needs to safely hold the complete oiler, including the reservoir and treatment, while also handling movement created by cattle contact.

Depending on the installation, this may involve an appropriate overhead beam, livestock structure, or another support suitable for the equipment.

Mount the Mop in a Natural Travel Area

A hanging oiler is most useful when cattle actually pass beneath it. Consider locations where animals already move as part of their normal routine rather than expecting cattle to seek out an isolated applicator.

Possible locations include livestock alleys, travel routes between pasture areas, and other controlled movement points when those locations provide appropriate structural support and clearance.

Mounting an Apron Cattle Oiler

Apron cattle oilers also use a hanging installation, but the applicator consists of broad absorbent material rather than a cylindrical mop or fixed brush.

The apron should be positioned so cattle make appropriate contact as they move underneath or through the installation.

Provide Enough Width and Clearance

Consider both the width of the apron and the available travel space. Cattle need enough room to approach and pass through the area while still making the intended contact with the applicator.

Keep the Mounting Points Accessible

Chains, attachment points, applicator material, and treatment-delivery components should remain accessible for inspection. Avoid installations that make routine maintenance unnecessarily difficult.

Mounting a Cattle Oiler Near a Mineral Feeder

Some cattle-oiler configurations can be incorporated into or positioned with livestock mineral-feeding equipment. This can provide an opportunity for cattle to contact the applicator while visiting an area they already use.

However, the mounting arrangement still needs to match the specific cattle oiler. Check that the supporting equipment can accommodate the oiler and that cattle can comfortably access both the mineral feeder and applicator.

A smaller hanging mop design may be particularly useful when the cattle oiler is designed to work with a compatible mineral-feeder setup.

Using Alleys and Controlled Travel Areas

Livestock alleys and other controlled travel areas can be useful locations for certain hanging oilers because cattle routinely pass through them.

The goal is not to block animal movement. Instead, the applicator should be positioned so cattle can continue through the area while making the intended contact.

When considering an alley installation, look at:

• Width of the travel area
• Available overhead support
• Animal size
• Mounting height
• Clearance around the applicator
• Access for filling and maintenance
• Whether the oiler interferes with gates or other livestock equipment

Should a Cattle Oiler Be Mounted Near a Gate?

Gate areas can receive frequent cattle traffic, which may make them worth considering for an oiler. However, traffic alone does not make every gate a suitable mounting location.

Make sure the oiler does not interfere with the gate, fencing, vehicle access, livestock handling, or normal movement through the opening. The mounting structure also needs to be suitable for the particular oiler.

Observe how cattle actually use the gate before deciding whether it provides a practical location.

Choosing the Correct Cattle Oiler Mounting Height

Mounting height affects how the applicator contacts the animal. An oiler positioned too high may receive little or no contact, while one positioned too low may interfere with movement or contact cattle differently than intended.

There is no single mounting height that applies to every cattle oiler. The correct position depends on the equipment design, livestock size, and product instructions.

After mounting the equipment, watch several cattle use it. Actual animal contact can reveal whether the height or position needs adjustment.

Consider Different Sizes of Cattle

If cattle of substantially different sizes use the same area, consider how the mounting arrangement will work for the entire group.

Some brush-style oilers provide height adjustment, while hanging equipment may allow mounting height to be changed through its suspension arrangement. Use only adjustments appropriate for the particular equipment.

Make Maintenance Part of the Mounting Decision

An oiler that is difficult to reach can also be difficult to maintain. Before choosing a mounting location, consider how you'll inspect, fill, clean, adjust, and repair the equipment.

Leave reasonable access to:

• Reservoirs and fill openings
• Valves and fittings
• Hoses and tubing
• Brushes, mops, or apron material
• Chains and springs
• Bolts, brackets, and attachment points

Barn World carries cattle oiler parts for replacing many common wear components.

Check the Mounting Structure Regularly

Cattle repeatedly pushing or rubbing against equipment can loosen mounting hardware or place stress on supporting structures. Hanging oilers also move as animals contact them.

Periodically inspect bolts, brackets, chains, posts, overhead supports, and other attachment points. If a supporting structure becomes damaged or unstable, correct the problem before continuing to use the oiler.

If you're dealing with loose hardware, poor treatment flow, leaks, worn applicators, or another operating problem, see our cattle oiler troubleshooting guide.

Mounting Location vs. Installation

Choosing a mounting location and installing the equipment are related, but they are not quite the same decision.

First, determine which type of mounting arrangement fits the cattle oiler and where cattle are likely to make appropriate contact. Then install and adjust the equipment according to the product's requirements.

For the next step, our cattle oiler installation guide covers installation, setup, placement, and initial inspection in greater detail.

Choosing a Cattle Oiler Mounting Setup

A practical mounting setup brings together three things: the cattle-oiler design, a suitable supporting structure, and a location where cattle naturally encounter the applicator.

Brush oilers need secure support for active rubbing. Hanging mop and apron oilers require suitable overhead support and proper clearance. Regardless of design, the equipment should remain accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Compare Barn World's cattle oilers and cow brushes to find brush, mop, and apron designs for different livestock setups.