There are many types of Cattle Guards and several different methods of installing them that are dictated by traffic type and site conditions. Making sure your installation is appropriate for both will ensure a long lasting installation for years to come.
Below are a few of the more common methods and if you have any site-specific concerns, please contact Barn World and we’ll be happy to help.
Traditional Foundation Installation
Flat Cattle Guard Installation
Flat Top Rail Cattle Guard Installation and Foundation Requirements
Proper installation of a flat top rail cattle guard requires a sturdy foundation, including footings and a concrete vault. A permanent setup involves constructing a reinforced vault with 6-inch thick concrete walls around the perimeter. These walls serve a crucial role in keeping soil and debris from filling the area beneath the cattle guard, ensuring a clear and functional barrier for livestock containment. Additionally, strategically placed footings help distribute the weight of vehicles crossing the guard, preventing structural stress and premature wear.
Concrete Footers for Structural Support
Within the vault, concrete footers are poured to provide a stable resting surface for the support beams of the cattle guard. While specific requirements depend on local soil conditions, industry standards recommend that these footers be at least 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep. The footers must be positioned precisely beneath the support beams to properly distribute the weight of crossing vehicles, ensuring long-term durability. Consult a qualified contractor to assess your soil composition and determine the necessary reinforcements for your installation.
Optimal Vault Depth and Drainage Considerations
The recommended depth of the completed vault is approximately one foot. If the vault is too deep, livestock that attempt to cross may risk injury from falls. Since every cattle guard installation is unique, factors such as local soil composition and drainage conditions must be carefully considered. To facilitate natural drainage, most installations utilize crushed rock and porous soil at the base of the vault, creating a natural French drain effect. However, if the installation site has poor drainage, a PVC pipe system can be installed to channel excess water away and prevent water accumulation beneath the cattle guard.
Flat Rail Cattle Guards for Water Crossings
When installed correctly on a concrete foundation, flat top cattle guards can be placed over small streams or creeks, functioning similarly to a bridge. A culvert is often installed beneath the road surface, allowing water to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. The concrete footers are poured beneath the beams, embedding the culvert securely. A 6-inch thick retaining wall is then formed around the vault to prevent soil erosion and ensure stability. As traffic crosses the cattle guard, the load is transferred from the steel rails to the C-channel support beams, which then distribute the weight evenly onto the footers.
By following these essential installation steps, a flat top rail cattle guard can provide a durable, low-maintenance livestock barrier that supports both heavy traffic and effective containment. Whether used on ranches, farms, or commercial properties, proper foundation planning is key to ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Boxed Cattle Guard Installation
Boxed Cattle Guard Installation and Best Use Cases
The most straightforward cattle guard installation method utilizes a boxed cattle guard. Unlike traditional flat rail designs, these guards are designed to sit directly on the ground without requiring footings or a concrete vault. The welded steel box attached to the guard serves a single purpose—to prevent soil from filling in underneath, maintaining a clear barrier for livestock containment.
Surface Preparation and Installation Considerations
For optimal performance, the installation surface should be as level as possible. This minimizes movement and ensures a stable crossing for vehicles and equipment. While boxed cattle guards do not require permanent anchoring, they may be temporarily secured to prevent shifting, especially in high-traffic areas. They perform best on firm, compacted soil, where they can be set in place and covered with dirt ramps on either side to create a smooth transition for crossing vehicles.
Enhanced Stability with Railroad Ties
One effective method to improve long-term stability and prevent sinking is placing the cattle guard on a set of railroad ties. This approach helps distribute the weight of passing vehicles, reducing pressure on soft ground. If there is concern about slippage, especially on sloped surfaces, the cattle guard can be securely bolted to the railroad ties for additional reinforcement.
Best Applications for Boxed Cattle Guards
Boxed cattle guards are commonly used in temporary or semi-permanent installations where ease of relocation is a priority. Some of the most popular applications include:
- Construction sites – Keeping livestock out of active work zones
- Oil and gas drilling sites – Preventing livestock intrusion
- Mining operations – Establishing temporary livestock barriers
- Truck wash stations – Preventing debris from being tracked onto public roads
Maintenance and Relocation
Since boxed cattle guards are fully portable, maintenance is simple. Over time, debris may accumulate underneath, reducing their effectiveness. To clean, the guard can be dragged a short distance, allowing dirt and debris to be cleared before repositioning it back in place.
Strength and Durability
A boxed cattle guard provides the same level of strength and durability as a permanent flat rail cattle guard. However, its key advantage is its ability to be moved from one job site to another without the need for excavation or concrete work. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses and landowners needing a reliable yet flexible livestock barrier.
For those seeking a temporary yet highly effective cattle guard solution, boxed cattle guards offer a practical, durable, and easy-to-install option suited for a variety of commercial and agricultural applications.
Removeable cattle guard
There is also a handy option for the integral box design called the removable box option. In this unique setup, the steel skirt is a standalone box and the cattle guard may be removed from it without disturbing the surrounding installation site. This is very useful for cleaning out debris in the vault beneath the cattle guard without having to reinstall the guard itself.
The box does not provide structural support or carry any weight, it is merely there to keep dirt from filling in below the category. The flexibility to remove the guard itself is the purpose of the design.
For more information on cattle guards, please call (720) 238-2190 or visit Barn World online at www.BarnWorld.com.
