Portable Corrals Materials Matter

Posted on March 12, 2025March 31, 2025 by Twin Rivers Media

Why Portable Corrals Materials Matter

Here’s one thing we know: In the agricultural industry, Portable Corrals Materials Matter. Products that are made of strong, durable, and long-lasting materials can stand up to the intense activity within the cattle industry. John McDonald, founder and owner of Rawhide Portable Corral understands too well the necessity of designing and manufacturing products that feature materials that can stand up to heavy use by cattle producers. As well as the interaction with the animals themselves.

Since 2002, when McDonald introduced the first Rawhide Portable Corral, he has worked diligently to bring this durable, efficient, and streamlined corral system to thousands of farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. Thanks to McDonald’s focus on continuous improvement. The team has enhanced the Rawhide Portal Corral through the years. Resulting in a one of the toughest corral systems that meets the needs of today’s producers. All because of the materials chosen in its design.

Cowboy Tested

“It all goes back to being a cowboy and being around wild animals, bucking bulls, and doing televised bull ridings,” McDonald explains. “I was able to see what equipment could take the hits of all the animals and the pressure involved.” Portable corrals materials matter.

When designing his original portable corral, McDonald instinctively knew that the panels had to be coped and saddled for strength. He also recognized the need to use 13-gauge material to offer the strength and durability required by producers.

“The material was something that was denser than the muffler on a car, and that could take the hit when animals were running into it,” McDonald explains.

Being portable, the corrals also are often transported down highways or on tough terrain. So, the mainframe of the corrals had to be designed durable enough to withstand both interactions with cattle, as well as the jarring along roadways and fields. The Rawhide’s enhanced suspension system ensures stability and reduces the strain on the corral’s core components.

“I decided to use the square tubing for the mainframe because it provides the framework for the trailer,” McDonald says. “3/16” and 1/4’ thickness provides the strength needed as the unit travels up and down the highway and in rough pastures.”

Years of Design Work

McDonald says that he knew there was only one other portable corral on wheels in the world when he invented his. I found that it wasn’t a very large corral. Because the material they used was oil field pipe, which is very heavy. You just can’t add too much of that type of pipe. It made the product very heavy and unstable in transport going down the road as well.” Recognizing the importance of constructing the Rawhide Portable Corral with panels consisting of round tubing, McDonald could also get more equipment on his product’s construction.

Heavy material specifically Schedule 80 pipe and Schedule 40 pipe that collars onto the tubing and the 2” round 13 gauge on the panels creates strong ends when cattle run into or fold the corral.

As pipe schedule values increase, the pipe wall thickness also increases, resulting a durable and stronger support. It also allows for more equipment to be included on the mainframe for larger corrals.

Built Many Things, But No Manufacturing Experience

“When I first started building the Rawhide Portable Corral, I had built a lot of things in my life, but I had no manufacturing experience nor had I ever sold something that I had built for others,” McDonald says. “So, most everything that I used (connectors, gussets, flat iron, square tubing), was heavy.”

“I did a lot of research and development with my own animals, since I was raising bucking bulls,” McDonald says. “I could take something home and I could find out really quickly if it was going to handle the things that animals were going to do to it. In my eyes, I felt like I had to build something that’s going to last forever.”

McDonald says that the team had to make the gooseneck heavier because of the strain it might experience. I designed the long gusset on the front of the gooseneck, and I attached it to the front mainframe. The buffer absorbs the impact. It bounces against the front where the two by six is attached. That long gusset also transfers up. The team purposefully keeps the Rawhide bow gates close to the stability of the mainframe.

Transport Wheels

“Our mainframe is the foundation for our corral. I knew it had to be the trailer and the racks,” McDonald says. “Knowing the importance of bow gates to our system. We tried various locations for them.” Early on, McDonald tried to place a gate on the end of a panel. But quickly found that it didn’t make it easy or possible to fold it up and move it around in fields and pastures.

McDonald states that any kind of bow gate away from the main frame is not supported. McDonald explains that a bow gate anchored to the main frame is also not supported. “The strength of the anchor can protect it.” The farther you move away the weaker it becomes. The builders firmly anchor the gates to 3 x 3 1/4-inch square tubing. The builders construct them with the frame three inches off the ground.

“In our design, there’s no need to have them anywhere else. Because of the pinning system that I invented. All of my panels can hinge like a gate,” McDonald says. “So not only do you have a panel that you can sort with and that hinges like a gate. But it’s on solid rubber wheels.” This results in flexibility and the assurance that it is not going to go flat, unlike other companies that have tried unsuccessfully to use metal wheels and aluminum wheels. Portable Corrals Materials Matter.

Design of Wheels Critical

“For example, when using metal wheels and you try to roll your panels open on frozen ground with a bunch of frozen cow pies, you just about break your jaw because the panels come to a dead stop because there is no bounce in those metal wheels,” McDonald says. “Not only are the metal wheels too hard, but they’re also heavier.” Portable Corrals Materials Matter.

The axles on the Rawhide Portable Corral are another area that McDonald has refined. As he explains, although he has used the heaviest, most durable materials in his designs. His original design did not factor in the intense treatment the axles were going to endure on rough roads or at high speeds through pastures.

“Over time, I’ve gradually beefed up the axles. I use an inch-and-a-half cold rolled rod. There are two types of solid rod in the material world. Hot rolled and cold rolled. Hot rolled is less expensive and quickly made. But you can hit it with a hammer and put a huge dent in it,” McDonald says. “Someone may get a flat tire from something they did, or they may damage their pickup from bouncing too much. But they aren’t going to hurt the corral – from the gooseneck to the axles – from how fast they drive because the materials are heavy, durable, and built to last.”

Portable Corrals Materials Matter.

American Cattlemen 2025

Cattle Handling Systems

Posted on March 11, 2025March 31, 2025 by Twin Rivers Media

Cattle Handling Systems

Whether you’re running a handful of cows in a small place or working a big outfit.

We’re all looking for ways to make cattle handling systems more manageable and safer.

The less stress on the cattle and the people working them the better.

Regarding working cattle, the conversation often concerns two central systems: crowding tubs and Bud Boxes.

Each has its place in a well-run operation and what works best for you depends

on your setup handling style and labor situation.

Some folks swear by tubs while others won’t use anything but a Bud Box.

The truth is that both can be effective when used correctly.

Let’s look at what each system offers how they work and their pros and cons.

Crowding Tubs

A crowding tub also known as a sweep tub is a curved or funnel shaped area.

Designed to guide cattle into a smaller space usually an alley or a squeeze chute.

The tub has a sweep gate that gradually pushes cattle forward narrowing their available

space and encouraging them to move in the right direction.

Cattle enter the tub and as the handler moves the sweep gate the animals naturally

move forward seeing only one way out.

The tub’s sides are typically solid preventing cattle from seeing distractions outside

and keeping their focus on the exit.

A roughened concrete floor often provides secure footing and easy cleaning.

The “degree” of the tub refers to how much of a turn it makes to direct cattle.

That plays a significant role in how smoothly they move through the system.

There are a few standard options, and which one works best depends on your

setup and how your cattle handle it.

A 90-degree tub is a pretty standard design, and it is a quarter circle design.

It redirects cattle just enough to get them lined up and moving where they need to go.

It makes a sharp turn which works well in smaller spaces where you

don’t have a lot of room to work with.

A 180-tub makes the cattle turn entirely around doubling them back in the opposite direction.

This setup needs more space but can help with cattle flow if designed correctly.

It’s a curved semi-circle design.

A 270-degree turn is a more gradual way to direct cattle.

The extra turn makes for a smoother transition and can be helpful

when dealing with nervous or high-strung cattle.

It’s also a good option when space is tight, but you still want a natural flow.

Choosing the proper crowding tub setup depends on a few things.

If you’re working in a tight space, you might have to go with a

sharper turn like a 90-degree tub.

If you’ve got the room a 180-degree or 270-degree setup might

keep cattle moving a little easier.

The temperament of your cattle also matters some move better with a gentle

curve while others might need a more direct push.

It all comes down to how your cattle are handled and what works best for your operation.

Pros of Crowding Tubs

One of the most significant advantages of a crowding tub is efficiency.

This system minimizes the need for excessive pressure from handlers making

moving large groups of cattle with fewer people easier.

The design takes advantage of cattle’s natural tendency to move in circles and seek an open path.

This reduces stress and the risk of livestock and handler injury.

A well-built tub system also allows handlers to work outside the enclosure.

Reducing the risk of being in the pen with nervous or unpredictable animals.

A crowding tub can be a real time saver for operations that handle a high cattle volume.

It keeps cattle moving steadily reducing bottlenecks and unnecessary

movement that can lead to stress or injury.

Cons of Crowding Tubs

While crowding tubs are effective, they aren’t foolproof. One of the biggest mistakes

people make is overloading the tub.

Cattle need room to move and if the tub is packed too full, they may balk or even try to jump out.

Keeping the number of cattle in the tub low at any given time will ensure smoother

movement and prevent frustration.

Another drawback is cost. Crowding tubs especially those with high-quality

materials and solid sides can be expensive.

Additionally, they take up more space than a Bud Box and are not as easily

modified or moved once installed.

If a tub isn’t designed correctly cattle can find dead ends or corners

to get stuck in making movement less efficient.

Bud Boxes

Bud Box works on an entirely different principle.

Named after Bud Williams a legendary cattle handler the Bud Box is a simple rectangular pen

that relies on cattle’s instincts to return to where they came from when pressured correctly.

The design places the entrance and exit at a right angle to each other.

The handler must guide cattle into the alley.

The handler positions themselves to encourage forward movement.

Cattle enter the Bud Box and as they move forward the handler closes

the gate behind them effectively forming the “box.”

Using proper positioning the handler encourages the cattle to turn

and enter the alleyway in an orderly fashion.

This method requires understanding cattle behavior but when done right it’s incredibly effective.

Pros of Bud Boxes

One of the most significant advantages of a Bud Box is simplicity.

It’s easy to build requires minimal materials and takes up less space than a crowding tub.

Unlike tubs which can be costly a Bud Box can be constructed from simple panels and

gates making it an excellent option for smaller operations or those working on a budget.

Another significant benefit is flexibility. A Bud Box can be deconstructed

moved or reconfigured to suit changing needs.

This makes it ideal for producers needing a temporary setup or testing

the system before committing to a permanent structure.

The biggest downside to a Bud Box is that it requires proper handling techniques.

Unlike a tub which physically directs cattle toward the exit a Bud Box

depends on the handler’s ability to read and move cattle correctly.

This means it may not work as well for inexperienced handlers or operations.

That frequently rely on different workers who aren’t familiar with the system.

Another potential issue is that a Bud Box does require the handler to be inside with the cattle.

While this isn’t necessarily a problem for those who understand cattle movement.

It does pose a safety concern for those who aren’t comfortable

working in close quarters with unpredictable animals.

Key Construction Considerations

Whether you choose a crowding tub or a Bud Box the right materials

and construction are essential to ensure efficiency and safety.

With crowding tubs solid sides are crucial to keep cattle focused on the exit and prevent distractions.

Some producers who don’t have solid-sided tubs.

Will hang tarps or garden fabric on open panels to create a visual

barrier which can be an effective and affordable solution.

It won’t work the best, but it will block cattle’s vision and keep them from trying to escape.

On the other hand, a Bud Box needs to be the right size.

A typical box is around 12 feet wide and 20 feet long.

But this can vary depending on the number and size of cattle being worked.

Place the gates correctly to allow smooth movement and ensure

handlers have an easy exit if needed.

Both systems benefit from sound footing.

A roughened concrete floor provides traction and easy cleaning reducing

the risk of slips and falls for cattle and handlers.

Consider emergency escape gates in any setup to give handlers a quick

way out if a situation becomes unsafe.

With a crowding tub one of the best advice is not to overload the tub and to be patient.

If you like to pack all the cattle you can in the tub and keep them moving

this might lead to frustrations and congestion.

However, some producers will tell you that the cattle will almost

work themselves if you refrain from packing the tub.

Both crowding tubs and Bud Boxes can be designed to be portable or permanent.

The portable designs are often lighter in construction and can be moved to remote locations.

More permanent designs will be heaver have set posts and are not made to move quickly.

Consider where you need your crowding tubs or Bud Boxes.

Which System is Right for You?

The choice between a crowding tub and a Bud Box comes down

to your operation’s specific needs handling style and budget.

A crowding tub might be the better option if you’re running a

large-scale operation with a lot of cattle and limited labor.

It streamlines movement requires less training for handlers and can process cattle more efficiently.

If you prefer a low-flexible systema Bud Box may be the way to go.

It requires more finesse but can be just as effective when used correctly.

Many producers find that a Bud Box works exceptionally well for smaller groups of cattle.

Especially when working in a low-stress environment.

No system will work well if the handlers don’t know what they’re doing.

Plenty of cattle have been worked without a tub or a Bud Box.

Experienced handlers can make any system work smoothly.

However, the proper setup can make life much easier.

Ensuring cattle flow efficiently and safely through the working facility.

Whether you choose a tub a Bud Box a combination of both.

The key is understanding how cattle move and using that knowledge to your advantage.

With good design and proper handling either system can be a practical addition to your operation.

Whether you run a handful of cows in a small place or work a big outfit.

We all look for ways to make handling cattle more manageable and safer.

Less stress on the cattle and the people improves the situation.

People often discuss two central systems regarding working cattle: crowding tubs and Bud Boxes.

Each method has its place in a well-run operation.

Your setup handling style and labor situation determine what works best for you.

Some folks swear by tubs. Others won’t use anything but a Bud Box.

Both can use the truth effectively when they apply it correctly. Each system offers unique benefits.

hey function in specific ways. Their advantages and disadvantages are notable.

The team is organizing the crowding tubs. They are placing various items into the tubs.

The workers are ensuring the tubs are filled efficiently. Customers are selecting the tubs they want.

The manager is overseeing the entire process.

Everyone is following the safety guidelines while handling the tubs.

The staff is labeling each tub for easy identification.

They are checking the weight limits of the tubs.

Volunteers are assisting in the crowding process.

The company is promoting the use of crowding tubs for better organization.

A crowding tub, also known as sweep tub, guides cattle into a smaller space.

The crowding tub has a curved or funnel shape.

It typically directs cattle into an alley or a squeeze chute.

A sweep gate gradually pushes cattle forward in the tub.

The sweep gate narrows the available space for the cattle.

The setup encourages the cattle to move in the right direction.

The handler moves the sweep gate, and the cattle enter the tub.

The animals naturally move forward seeing only one way out.

The design of the tub typically includes solid sides that prevent cattle from seeing distractions outside.

And help them focus on the exit.

A roughened concrete floor often gives secure footing and allows for easy cleaning.

American Cattlemen 2025

American Cattlemen’s Podcast with Cassy Wilson and Heather Dallas About What’s Going on At Rawhide Portable Corrals

Welcome to this episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast. Our series from Gale’s recent trip to the NCBA CattleCon show in San Antonio, TX led to a sit down with longtime customers Cassy Wilson and Heather Dallas. These lovely young ladies continued the family tradition of working for the company their father started, Rawhide Portable Corrals. During today’s episode, they will share with you what is happening at Rawhide and what the plans are ahead. It is always a great conversation when we get to chat with these two.

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech, Inc.