Are portable cattle crushes the way to go?

With an increasing number of farmers expanding due to the abolition of milk quotes, the number of outfarms is on the up. Many farmers are looking down the line of portable crushes for this exact reason, as in many cases the handling facilities on these outfarms wouldn’t be the best.

Engineering companies such as O’Donovan, Condon, O’Donnell, Performance Steel and Nugent, among others, have seen increased demand in the area and developed portable crushes which meet the TAMS safety scheme requirements. For this reason, we had a look at one of these approved portable crushes.

Picture one

This is O’Donovan Engineering’s new ODEL portable crush. The handling unit provides good strength while maintaining a lightweight frame to allow easy movement by three-point linkage or forklift. It also combines creative new features such as semi-automatic head gate, slam closer and is adapted to take load bars for chores such as weighing, as detailed below.

Pictures 2 & 3

Here we see the two mechanisms for movement of the crush. The first is a quick three-point pick-up and the second uses the forklift guides, making it quick and easy for anybody to move.

Picture 4

This is a semi-automatic head gate which incorporates adjustable gates for all sizes of animals. A semi-automatic gate opens inwards when you pull a lever and this allows the animal in the crush to push its head through it. The shoulders catch the gate, closing it on the animal and trapping its head. A lever needs to be pulled to release it again.

Picture 5

One of the best features was the slam closer. Slam the gate behind the cattle and it locks itself into place – a simple and innovative idea.

Picture 6

Here we see how the load bars can be attached to the unit. This allows equipment such as weighing scales, head scoops and hoof knacks to be attached.

Picture 7

The non-slip chequer floor prevents animals slipping and provides resistance to rust corrosion.