Kaydence Michalsky | December 2024 

From RFID tags to automatic milking systems and hormone implants, there have been countless advancements within the cattle industry over the years. However, one piece of equipment has remained all too similar, with very few advancements: the manual cattle chute.

Designed to help operators restrain cattle for safe handling purposes, most squeeze chutes often fail to meet the real-world demands of today’s cattle ranchers due to a lack of innovation. From handling larger breeds of cattle and bulls to withstanding everyday use, today’s manual cattle chutes frequently leave ranchers frustrated and, in some cases, injured, leading to a lesser profit and no choice but to look for better options.

The Problem with Most Manual Chutes

For many ranchers, a manual cattle chute is the star of their operation – some may even call it their right-hand man when handling cattle. From holding cattle for vaccinations and routine check-ups to keeping them still when helping a calf nurse, a squeeze chute is helpful for many things involving cattle. However, many chutes have failed to move forward with the advancements of the cattle industry, and this has become painfully clear as the days go on. This poses the question, where exactly do manual cattle chutes fail? 

• Struggling to Hold Large Livestock

There’s no such thing as a “cookie cutter operation,” which means that not all operations or livestock are the same. This is why ensuring that the equipment can handle livestock of all sizes is key. Something that every rancher must face from time to time is working a bull through the chute. They present a unique challenge as their neck is often much wider than their head. This is why most ranchers will opt for a hydraulic chute to work bulls, as most manual chutes struggle to securely hold the animal, which can risk the operator’s safety. Weak head gates and squeezing mechanisms can lead to dangerous situations for all involved.

• Too Many Levers

Imagine you have a mama cow coming through the chute, and right behind her is a small calf. With most manual cattle chutes, you’ll have to pause your operation in between animals to adjust the many different levers for the head gate and squeeze. As all ranchers know, time is valuable in any operation, and good help is getting harder to find, so using a chute that requires multiple operators, constant adjustments and harder-to-use levers, simple tasks such as ear tagging, brisket tagging, or vaccinations can take up more time and energy than necessary. In the long run, this can reduce profits and take time away from other important tasks.

• Not Built for Longevity

A cattle chute is an investment for your operation that is meant to last for generations. However, most manual cattle chutes these days can hardly withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Weak materials and poor construction can lead to the equipment breaking more often, causing ranchers to make more frequent repairs, which takes time and money away from the success of their operation. Additionally, most cattle chute manufacturers choose to galvanize their equipment, which can be more costly in the long run as galvanized equipment is more prone to rust and damage from the harsh effects of UV Rays.

These issues and many others can leave many ranchers questioning which manual cattle chute is the best for their operation. They need a solution that can withstand elements and hold any size of cattle, from the smallest calves to the largest bulls. Luckily, Arrowquip has the perfect solution: the Arrowlock manual cattle chute lineup.

The Arrowlock Cattle Chute Advantage

Recognizing the need for something new within the cattle handling industry, Arrowquip launched their new Arrowlock lineup – a series of manual cattle chutes designed using the feedback of ranchers across North America to make their work safer, easier, and more efficient. The lineup consists of the Arrowlock 55 Series, Arrowlock 75 Series, and the Arrowlock 88 Series. Each chute offers its own innovative solutions that prioritize the needs of the modern-day cow-calf rancher for a seamless operation every time.

• More Power than Most Hydraulic Chutes

Yes, you read that right… The Arrowlock 88 Series squeeze chute sets the new standard for manual cattle chutes. Unlike the other models in this series, this chute features an adjustable head gate with three settings (calf, cow, & bull) so that operators can securely hold even the biggest cows and bulls without the risk of them slipping out. When in the bull setting, the Arrowlock 88 provides up to 7.7x the pressure as its previous Q-Catch model, making it the only manual cattle chute in the industry that provides more pressure than most hydraulic chutes. Operators can safely work cattle without worry by guaranteeing a strong hold on cattle. Additionally, with the Arrowlock Head Gate, the chances of hip lock are almost impossible. If the operator gets into an issue where the animal gets stuck, the solution is simple: all they have to do is apply slightly more pressure to the head gate handle when opening than usual, and the head gate should pop open, making the situation less stressful and your cattle handling experience simpler.   

• True One-Person Operation

Getting too many people involved to operate a cattle chute can often be more hassle than necessary. That’s why the Arrowlock cattle chutes are designed with a true one-person operation in mind. With these chutes, you can control the head gate and squeeze from one spot thanks to an adjustable head gate handle that can slide from the front to the back of the chute. The ability to operate the chute from one spot reduces the amount of movement required, saving you energy. It also helps to maintain a lower-stress environment for the cattle and streamlines your operation to create a more enjoyable experience for all involved.

• Built to Withstand the Test of Time

When purchasing a cattle chute, you want to ensure it’s built to withstand the rowdiest cattle and the harshest weather. At Arrowquip, we understand that equipment can be put through a lot, so we manufacture our equipment with only the toughest materials. Each chute is manufactured using heavy-duty North American steel, then powder-coated with the famous Arrowquip green all ranchers have come to know and love. The Arrowquip engineers have also taken every step to ensure that the Arrowlock Head Gate will withstand the test of time. During the beginning stages of the Arrowlock, Arrowquip’s team of engineers ran the head gate through thousands of cycles to ensure no wear on any of the parts. Additionally, they were so confident in the ability of the Arrowlock that they put a lifetime warranty on all locking mechanisms.

The Arrowlock lineup, especially the Arrowlock 88, is a testament to Arrowquip’s commitment to making the ranching industry easier and safer for ranchers everywhere. By addressing the core issues ranchers face every day, Arrowquip has created a manual cattle chute lineup that stands above the rest no matter what kind of cattle operation you run. 

For ranchers tired of the limitations and safety risks that older manual cattle chutes offer, the Arrowlock lineup proves there is a better way. When it comes to cattle handling, the right equipment makes all the difference. To experience the Arrowlock advantage and learn more, visit arrowquip.com or call 1 (866) 383-7827.