Category: Corrals and Chutes

The Heart Of Your Operation

Posted on by Amy Wold

The Heart Of Your Operation

The most intricate and important livestock handling work is done at the chute. Having the correct tool for your operation is critical to the success and safety of animals and operators. You need to get it right but where do you start?

Dubas Equipment is a Central Nebraska business Founded by Gene Dubas that sells and services Moly Mfg. and SILENCER Equipment all across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and numerous other countries. They attend over 50 tradeshows, fairs, and conventions throughout the year. “We purchased our first SILENCER Chute in 1993 loved it so much we became a dealer in 1994 and have been representing the company ever since.

One thing that we feel puts us a notch above the rest is that we don’t just sell the products we are producers that use these products, we trust them with our livestock and believe in the craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from Moly Mfg. We use our SILENCER Chute and a Remote Controlled Turret Gate system on a regular basis; therefore, we have a better understanding of the equipment which we can provide our customers with the exact equipment to fit their needs. Hydraulic neck extender bars are the industry standard for vaccinations and neck access. The hydraulic lower squeeze fits the contour of the animals body shape to keep it upright and at a controlled pace.

The low-pressure squeeze allows for enough adjustment to work small calves up to large bulls in the same chute. Hydraulic forward assist helps you keep the flow while at the controls. Platform scales for easy clean out and quick weights. The options are limitless.

All SILENCER Hydraulic Squeeze Chutes are manufacture to order. The type of livestock operation & number of animals going through the hydraulic chute will begin the process of building your ideal SILENCER. In just a few minutes with Dubas Equipment, you can have a SILENCER build sheet, price & time-line for completion. Want to try one first? Ask about live demos!

Safety and Efficiency are the words we hear quite often. What can we do in those high impact areas to reduce the chance of injury? How can we build & keep a flow to the chute? Where can you save steps or reduce labor needs? Remote control Turretgate is THE tool to make an instant improvement to any operation. By staying out of the animals’ flight zone we find it keeps animals much calmer and is the only gate that offers continuous forward flow! Anytime an animal has to stop and turn, you’ve lost your flow and it must start again. Using Turretgate and the ability to shuttle the gate through the middle means the animal is always moving forward.

A common afterthought when purchasing livestock handling equipment & designing facilities is what happens after the chute. If you miss a catch, what is the plan? Do you need to add a loadout lane? Sorting animals after the chute is a common practice that adds time and labor. A hydraulic sort gate added to the controls of the SILENCER Chute gives you a 3-way sort with no extra steps or time. Add more hydraulic sort gates for even more sort options!

Portability can be critical to your operation to create a safer working environment when and where you need it. The complete Moly Mfg. low stress handling system can be made portable and is one of your build options through the ordering process. Setup in a complete remote controlled handling facility in less than an hour. Because these systems are operated by remote, it is possible for 1 person to move an entire herd hands-free with almost zero safety risk for the people processing the animals. No more running to close gates or being in small pens with agitated animals. No more waiting for unreliable labor to help work cattle.

Complete cattle comfort starts when your equipment is first installed. Make sure the introduction to your handling equipment is a positive experience for livestock to help build more efficient processing in the future. It will be worth the extra time spent and your animals will remember the way out.

From complete facility design to implementation and warranty, Dubas Equipment has the experience and staff to serve livestock handling needs of any level. “Not only do we listen to a customer’s wants & needs but we have them talk us through their operation. SILENCER Hydraulic Chutes are built with 100s of different configurations to create your perfect hydraulic chute for your operation. Give us an idea of how things flow currently. That allows us the chance to make suggestions the customer might have no considered. We’ve spent the last 28 years learning and growing. Combining our firsthand experience with technology and media to help share that insight. We don’t just see ourselves as a sales team, but as brand experts than can help your business thrive in production and safety.”

Gene Dubas, Dubas Equipment with Chad Berger, Berger Bucking Bulls

“At ORIgen we have found Gene Dubas to be an important and reliable component of the safe and efficient operation of our seme collection facilities where we have five barns that house up to 200 valuable individual bulls of all ages and attitudes. Gene has assisted us in choosing the correct equipment for our unique scenario where safety of both the bulls and people is paramount. He is an invaluable aid in keeping our equipment doing what it was designed to do. Like many startups, we began operations with other brands of equipment and were disappointed with those early results, but once Gene and the Moly equipment became part of our team, both our people and our customers bulls like the way things work at ORIgen now!”

Dick Beck, ORIgen

“I can honestly say SILENCER Hydraulic Chutes are a game changer for the beef industry. Jorgensen Land & Cattle would not be marketing 4000 bulls annually without Moly equipment. Gene Dubas and his team go above and beyond to ensure the support of such a great product. With every great product comes great people and that’s what we have with Moly equipment and Gene Dubas”

Cody Jorgensen, Jorgensen Land& Cattle

“We have had a relationship with Gene Dubas for almost 2 decades, and he understands our needs for our operations. Bob and I have bought many chutes and trailers during that time along with setting him up with our friends and customers to help them with their needs. One of the main reasons I stay with Gene Dubas is that he stands behind the SILENCER name and a great warranty if there is a problem.”

Jim Sitz, Sitz Angus

“We purchased our first SILENCER Chute 20 years ago and are so glad we did. My Dad and I met Gene Dubas at the NCBA tradeshow while we were studying each chute in the tradeshow in search of the right chute for our new working facilities. It was obvious that SILENCER was the best chute, but it was a higher price than we had budgeted. Gene helped us see the value of this long-term investment and boy was he right. He also encouraged us to add scales to our chute and that too was a great investment. Service after the sale has been outstanding and every time we have had a question about the chute, Gene was our first call and he is always quick to help us. The next time we need a chute, we plan to buy a SILENCER from Gene Dubas.”

Home – American Cattlemen

October 2021

Article courtesy of Moly Mfg.

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Considerations for Purchasing a Head Chute

Posted on by Weicks-Webmaster

Key Considerations for Purchasing a Head Chute

When it comes to head chutes, there’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” cattle chute. Picking out the right head chute should make your cattle handling operations noticeably smoother, significantly safer, and ultimately much less stressful for everyone involved. Let’s dive into the key features you’ll want to consider to ensure you pick the perfect one!

Keep Safety First 

Chutes are the basic backbone of many operations, so they need to be built tough! Think seriously durable materials that can handle bulls pushing and the occasional kick without breaking down. When you’re setting them up, it’s super important to set them up correctly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

It’s a good habit to regularly give your chutes a once-over. Keep an eye out for anything problematic like sharp corners, welds that look a bit iffy, or any bent metal that could hurt you or the cattle. And definitely keep them clear of any debris. A well-maintained chute isn’t just safer; it makes your entire workday a lot easier.

Work cattle through the chutes as safely as you can. Stressed animals are far more likely to act unpredictably, which ramps up the risk of accidents for everyone. By intentionally trying to minimize stressful handling, you’re making your own job safer and more efficient. Calm cattle are simply easier to manage, less prone to injuring themselves, and far less likely to have unexpected reactions. By keeping these safety tips in mind, you’ll create a much better, safer, and more productive experience for both you and your herd. 

Consider the Size of Your Herd

Fitting the right chute to your current and growing cattle ranch makes everything smoother and safer. It’s not just about getting the first one you see; it’s about getting a chute that’s specifically designed to work hand-in-hand with your unique herd and the jobs you need to get done.

The very first thing to chat about is the kind of cattle you’re raising and their size. If you’re dealing with larger cattle, you’ll definitely want to lean towards a heavier-duty chute that can really stand up to their size and strength. If you’ve got non-polled, scurred, or longhorn cattle, you know their horns can be a challenge. Some chute designs are just better suited for them, so keep that in mind.

It’s also super important to think about the range of sizes you’ll be running through that chute. Let’s be honest, at some point, you’re probably going to need to put your biggest bull through there, but you’ll also be handling calves. This means you’ll need a chute with a squeeze mechanism that offers an extensive range of adjustment. That way, you can safely and securely hold anything from your biggest bull to your smallest calf, making sure everyone stays safe and comfortable. Getting a chute that’s versatile enough for every age and size in your herd will absolutely pay off in the long run.

What Are You Needing it For

Finally, consider what you’ll actually be doing with your new chute. Are you mostly just doing routine vaccinations, or do you have bigger tasks like artificial insemination, branding, or dehorning on your to-do list? The more varied the jobs you need to perform, the more versatile your chute should be.

In this case, you will want to pay attention to some of the features, like a good headgate to secure their head, a chin bar for extra stability, a rump bar to keep them from backing up, or even a palpation cage if you’re doing veterinary checks. These additions can seriously smooth out those multi-step processes. By looking for chutes designed for both basic everyday tasks and more advanced handling needs, you can pick a model that truly covers all your bases.

Ultimately, choosing a cattle chute is an investment in your ranch’s efficiency and the well-being of your animals. By taking a moment to think about your specific herd – their size, their type, and all the tasks you’ll be doing – you can confidently pick a chute that feels like it was made just for your ranch, helping you work smarter and safer for years to come!

Mobile Cattle Chute

A mobile cattle head chute is essentially a portable version of the robust head chutes. Think of it as your primary cattle handling station, but with wheels! These units are designed to be easily moved, often towed behind an ATV, UTV, or truck, allowing you to bring the handling equipment directly to your cattle, wherever they might be in the pasture. They’re built sturdy but light, offering a secure way to hold an animal by the head for various procedures. 

Furthermore, mobile head chutes are exceptionally versatile. They’re perfect for routine tasks like vaccinations, ear tagging, administering medication, or even artificial insemination, all done conveniently where the cattle are. This can be a huge benefit for ranches that might not have extensive permanent infrastructure in every pasture, or for those just starting out and building their working facilities incrementally. They offer a safe and secure environment to perform necessary husbandry tasks without having to invest in multiple fixed corrals.

The biggest benefit of a mobile head chute is that it can be moved, and that makes managing cattle across different properties and pastures manageable. Instead of spending valuable time and effort gathering and driving your entire herd back to a central, fixed working corral, you can simply hitch up your mobile head chute and take it right to them. 

While mobile squeeze chutes offer fantastic flexibility, they do come with a few considerations that might be seen as drawbacks depending on your specific operation.

One point to keep in mind is the initial cost. Because they incorporate a sturdy frame, axles, wheels, and a hitch for transport, mobile units can sometimes have a higher upfront price tag compared to a very basic stationary chute. You’re paying for that added engineering and the convenience of portability.

Wear and Tear

Then there’s the aspect of wear and tear. Since these chutes are regularly moved across various terrains, exposed to different weather conditions, and constantly hitched and unhitched, components like tires, axles, and suspension can experience more stress and require more maintenance over time than a chute that simply stays in one place. Because these are built to be mobile and lightweight, you might notice they’re not as “tough” as a permanent chute.

While they save time by bringing the chute to the cattle, there’s still a certain amount of setup and teardown involved. You’ll need to position it correctly, ensure it’s level, and secure it in place before you can start working. This isn’t a huge amount of time, but it’s more than simply walking up to a permanently installed chute.

Also, mobile units generally have limitations and work well for smaller groups or specific tasks, but if you’re looking to efficiently work hundreds of head at once, a mobile chute might not offer the same flow and throughput as a custom-built, multi-pen permanent system.

Choosing a headchute is a significant investment for your ranch. A good chute is invaluable and can be a great help when cattle are having dystocia or health problems. When buying one, consider the location and the size of your cattle herd. A mobile option might be best if you’re moving from farm to farm. Above all, please consider the safety of yourself and cattle when making your choices.

By Jessica Graham

September 2025

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Upkeeping Your Cattle Handling System

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Upkeeping Your Cattle Handling System

Having a system to effectively move and handle cattle, no matter how basic or complicated, can make a world of difference on any ranch. There are many reasons why a good system is worth your investment in time and money. Not only does it keep your team and animals safe, but it can also make a difference on the stress load, health and productivity of your animals. And, of course, it saves valuable time. 

A handling system is like any other piece of specialized equipment – there is no substitute for the real thing. That said, what works best for you could be completely homemade or manufactured. Either way, it does demand attention to detail and forethought.

The How and Why of Handling 

No matter the operation style, if you own cattle, at some point in some way, you will have to handle them as part of a routine or diagnostic protocol. The safety and ease of this task depend largely on your facilities.

A focus on a system that prioritizes minimal labor and allows for standard safe handling practices are essential basics. If you have one in place, periodically ask yourself if it is still serving its purpose. Is the flooring worn, creating a slipping hazard? Are panels loose or damaged? Do you notice patterns of animals balking or becoming spooked at certain points as they move through? Keeping a mind on these and similar details can help you keep what you have in good shape and avoid serious accidents. 

Beyond chutes and alleyways, consider all points in your operation where you handle animals. This includes shipping and receiving points, headgates, various holding pens, scales and designated hospital spaces. If you have limited facilities, consider whether adding dedicated workspaces like these could improve efficiency and animal handling.

“Producers generally agree that some minimal accommodation for corralling, sorting, doctoring and loading cattle for transport is required,” says Troy Smith in his Angus Beef Bulletin article Working Cattle? “Differences in facility size, shape and features relate to the number of cattle routinely handled, various processes performed and labor availability. However, producers often disagree on whether certain kinds of facility ‘equipage’ are necessary, or merely convenient.” 

Each operation should find what works best for them, because every setup is going to be different. Depending on the size of the herd, requirements are going to vary as well.

Systems for Handling Cattle

Most handling facilities share a few components in common – a working alley, holding or crowd pen and a chute with a head catch. This may include a series of sorting pens and/or a load-out area. 

Layouts and floor plans, however, can vary quite widely and you should customize it to fit your setup. The scope of what your system can handle and process should be a consideration in light of your workload. As a general rule of thumb, a holding pen should be able to hold approximately 40-50 head, which should work for operations with up to 250 cattle.

Most systems come in two general styles – tubs and Bud Boxes.

“Tub style systems have a large circular gathering area, or crowding pen, behind the alley, referred to as ‘the tub,’” write Tara Felix and Alfredo DeCostanzo in the Penn State extension bulletin Beef Cattle Facilities: Handling Systems. “This tub allows the handler to gather cattle in an area that will allow them to circle until they find the alleyway. The working alley in a tub system is often, although not always, also curved to allow cattle to follow that instinct to circle or follow the curve. Cattle follow this natural curve up to the squeeze chute where the handler can then restrain individuals to conduct whatever process is needed.” 

A Bud Box system also leverages cattle’s natural instinct to move in a circular pattern but features a simpler design that is easier to build at home compared to a tub system. It consists of a rectangular holding or crowding pen, commonly referred to as “the box,” where cattle are gathered before moving through the handling system.

“The size of the box should be appropriately scaled for the number of cattle,” write Felix and DeCostanzo, “but most are 14 feet by 20 feet (figure 3), the handler will move into the working alley.”

Flooring and footing are critical yet often overlooked aspects of a handling system and facility. Improper footing can lead to safety hazards for both cattle and handlers. While dirt floors are common, they can become muddy or dusty, creating potential issues. Mud can harbor bacteria, while excessive dust will lead to respiratory health. Concrete is another option, but it must have proper texture to ensure adequate traction and prevent slipping.

Care and Management

While they may not be subject to the harsh wear and tear of daily use, handling facilities require solid upkeep to keep them functional and safe. In advance of each handling session, it is a good practice to manually walk through and ensure you are set to go so stress is minimal and movement is smooth. This also gives you a good opportunity to have all the tools you need on hand to avoid rushing and wasting time when you have an animal in the chute. You’ll want to make sure weight scales, taggers, and other equipment are working properly (and even having a backup ready to go) to avoid any roadblocks that day. 

Walk in and outside the system, to observe the set up from the perspective of your team and the cattle. Look out for repair opportunities, gaps, obstacles and other safety concerns. Pay extra attention to gates and latches to make sure they’re operating smoothly.

In a similar vein, make sure that your entire team is familiar with the movement and handling process. There are several resources out there from groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for employee training on best handling practices.

While you may not need to handle cattle every day, make sure you have the proper tools and equipment and a prepared team to do so. This can prevent headaches and help the team wrap up one of your busiest days smoothly, easily and efficiently. 

By Jaclyn Krymowski

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