Tarter CattleMaster 120

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Tarter CattleMaster 120 Open Sweep & Alley System is a comprehensive livestock handling system designed for efficient and safe management of cattle. This system is versatile, allowing for six different configurations to suit various operational needs and space constraints.

Function Description

The primary function of the CattleMaster 120 Open Sweep & Alley System is to guide cattle from a holding area into an alley, typically leading to a palpation cage, a CattleMaster chute, or an existing chute for various procedures such as vaccination, sorting, or veterinary examinations. The "sweep" component of the system is a curved section with a sweep gate that allows a single operator to gently and effectively move cattle into the alley. The "alley" component consists of straight panels that form a narrow pathway, ensuring that cattle move in a single file, which is crucial for safety and efficiency during handling. The system is designed with both right-hand and left-hand sweep options, providing flexibility in setup based on the user's preference and facility layout.

Important Technical Specifications

The system requires an area of approximately 15 feet by 31 feet 6 inches for the 90-degree units. For the straight lead-in units, the required area is 11 feet 3 inches by 31 feet 10 inches. The estimated shipping weight of the entire kit (Item # OSS120) is 1680 lbs, indicating a robust and durable construction.

Key components of the system include:

Curved Sweep Panel (Item # CSP): Forms the curved section of the sweep.
Sweep Gate Latch (Item # SGL): Secures the sweep gate.
Straight 10' Alley Panels (4) (Item # SAP10): Form the straight sections of the alley.
Adjustable Alley Arch (Two Way) (Item # AAA2): Provides structural support and adjustability for the alley width.
Adjustable Alleyway Arch (One Way) (Item # AAA1): Another arch component for alley adjustability.
Straight 10' Panel with Arch (Item # SAPA10): Combines a straight panel with an integrated arch.
Sweep Pen Gate (Item # SPG): The gate used to sweep cattle.
Attachment Rods (3) (Item # AR): Used for connecting various components.
Center Arch Assembly (Item # CAA): A central arch component for structural integrity.

The system features adjustable alley arches, which are crucial for accommodating different sizes of cattle and ensuring a snug fit to prevent animals from turning around or getting injured. The panels are constructed from durable materials, typical of farm and ranch equipment, designed to withstand the rigors of livestock handling.

Usage Features

The CattleMaster 120 Open Sweep & Alley System is designed for ease of assembly and operation. The setup process is broken down into nine clear steps:

Step One: Attach the first bow. This bow connects to a palpation cage, CattleMaster chute, or existing chute using attachment rods. It's important to note that this first bow has corral hardware on one side.
Step Two: Attach two 10' straight alley panels. These panels connect to the back of the first bow, extending the alley.
Step Three: Attach the second bow. This bow connects to the alley panels, ensuring that adjustment handles remain on the same side. It features drop-pin connectors on both sides for secure attachment.
Step Four: Attach the two remaining 10' straight alley panels. These panels connect to the second bow, completing the straight alley section.
Step Five: Attach the sweep exit panel with arch assembly. This panel can be oriented for either a right-hand or left-hand sweep, providing flexibility in design.
Step Six: Attach main sweep bow. This bow contains the sweep gate and the secondary bow, connecting to the end of the sweep exit panel.
Step Seven: Spread out secondary bow. This step involves positioning the secondary bow to begin forming the curved sweep area.
Step Eight: Attach first curved panel. This panel connects to the sweep exit panel with the arch assembly and the secondary bow, then locked with pins.
Step Nine: Attach second curved panel. This final panel connects to the secondary bow and the main sweep bow, completing the sweep area and locking with pins.

A key usage feature is the system's adaptability to the direction of the sweep. Depending on whether a right-hand or left-hand sweep is desired, the sweep gate latch assembly may need to be unbolted and remounted to the opposite side of the sweep gate. Similarly, the secondary arch may need to be moved to the other side of the main sweep arch to align with the chosen system direction. This flexibility ensures that the system can be integrated into various existing farm layouts.

The "Open Sweep" design allows for better visibility for the operator, which can reduce stress on the animals and improve handling efficiency. The adjustable alley width is a critical feature, allowing operators to customize the alley to fit the size of the cattle being worked, preventing them from turning around or becoming agitated.

Maintenance Features

While specific maintenance instructions are not detailed in the provided information, general maintenance for such a system would involve:

Regular inspection: Checking all connections, pins, latches, and panels for wear, damage, or loose components.
Cleaning: Keeping the panels free of excessive mud, manure, and debris to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation of gates and latches.
Lubrication: Periodically lubricating moving parts such as gate hinges and latches to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust.
Repair/Replacement: Promptly repairing or replacing any damaged components to maintain the safety and integrity of the system. Given the robust construction and heavy-duty materials, the system is designed for longevity with proper care. The use of attachment rods and drop-pin connectors suggests that individual components can be easily replaced if necessary.

The Tarter CattleMaster 120 Open Sweep & Alley System is a durable, versatile, and user-friendly solution for efficient cattle handling on farms and ranches, designed to enhance both animal welfare and operator safety.