Buying a cattle guard doesn’t have to be complicated. You want to make sure you make the correct selection for your site and have it properly installed.
Selecting a Cattle Guard
There are many different styles and ratings to choose from but making your selection based on the type of traffic is a good place to start. If you anticipate higher-speed traffic, you might want to consider the flat, top rail design.
Flat Rail cattle guards
The flat top rails allow vehicles to cross at a higher rate of speed than the round rail guards. They are still an effective livestock barrier by spacing the rails far enough apart that hoofed animals can’t gain any secure footing. The space also allows cattle to see to the bottom of the vaulted area beneath which creates and optical discomfort as well.
Round Rail Cattle GuardS
This design is very popular and typically more economical than the flat. They are also a more aggressive livestock barrier. The curved surface provides a more unstable footing as a flat hoof is difficult to balance on the round rail.
This is great for keeping livestock from crossing, however it’s a bit harder on higher speed crossing vehicles. The round rails create more of a rumble and may not be appropriate for high-speed highway use.
Comparing flat and round top rail designs
Choosing the right cattle guard design is essential for balancing vehicle access and livestock control. The two most common styles, flat top rail and round top rail, each offer distinct advantages suited to different applications.
Flat Top Rail Cattle Guards are designed for smoother vehicle crossings, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and roadways where comfort and speed are priorities. The flat rails provide a more stable surface for tires, reducing vibrations and wear on vehicles. This design is particularly beneficial for farms, ranches, and commercial properties with frequent truck and equipment movement, ensuring a safe and efficient passage without sacrificing durability.
Round Top Rail Cattle Guards offer a more aggressive deterrent for livestock, making them effective in areas where animal containment is the primary concern. The curved rail structure creates a less stable footing for hooved animals, discouraging attempts to cross. While this design enhances livestock control, it can lead to a slightly rougher ride for high-speed vehicles when compared to the flat top rail alternative.
Both designs are effective livestock deterrents and are available in both standard and heavy-duty load ratings. They are each designed to accommodate various traffic needs, from farm vehicles to fully loaded-semi-trucks. Additionally, both styles are designed for year-round outdoor use and ensure longevity in all weather conditions.
Ultimately, the decision between a flat top or round top rail cattle guard depends on whether the priority is vehicle comfort or livestock containment. For smoother, high-speed crossings, the flat top rail is the preferred choice, while the round top rail remains the superior option for deterring even the most stubborn livestock.
Cattle Guard Options
Cattle Guard Wings
To prevent your livestock from walking around the ends where the fence line meets the guard, a wing is installed. This takes the horizontal fencing barrier and transfers it to the horizontal guard in the ground. The wing will bolt to the bottom of the grid and the triangle design connects to the fencing to complete the barrier.
Cattle guard wings are an essential addition to ensure livestock cannot bypass the barrier by walking around its ends. These metal extensions connect the fence line to the cattle guard, directing the horizontal fencing downward to meet the guard’s structure.
Designed in a triangular shape, they bolt securely to the cattle guard, forming a seamless connection that prevents animals from finding an open path. By eliminating gaps in the fence-to-guard transition, wings enhance the effectiveness of the barrier, providing reliable containment without requiring additional gates.
Cattle Guard Foundations
Pre-cast concrete foundations allow you to simply set them in place and bolt the guards down to complete the installation. These very large and heavy optional concrete footings make setting up your barrier a breeze. They ship with the flat top rail guard and take the most difficult part of the installation and make it very straightforward.
Installing a cattle guard requires a solid foundation to support heavy loads and maintain long-term stability. Precast concrete foundations offer a practical solution by providing a ready-made base that eliminates the need for on-site pouring and curing. These heavy-duty footings are engineered to withstand extreme weight and weather conditions, ensuring a durable, long-lasting support system.
By bolting the cattle guard directly to the precast foundation, installation is streamlined, reducing labor and ensuring proper alignment. This approach not only saves time but also improves the overall strength and functionality of the barrier.
For help choosing the correct guard for your site, please call or email and we’ll be happy to help.
Barn World (720) 238-2190 Sales@BarnWorld.com
