Operator Instruction
Priefert Model 91 Automatic/Manual Headgate
Caution
Be familiar with handling livestock prior to use of this equipment. Working with livestock carries inherent risk
of injury or death. See page 3 for additional information on safe practices for handling of livestock.
Manual Operation
1. Turn automatic selector lever (#9) toward rear of gate, disengaging it from operator’s handle (#8).
This lever is located at the top back corner of the gate above the operator handle.
2. The gate’s latch boxes (#1) (locking mechanism) are automatically disengaged when the handle is
raised. This allows for opening the gate to a desired opening.
3. Catch cow by opening the gate just wide enough for animal’s head t
enters, pull han
allowing more time for cow to enter.
4. To release cow, simply raise operator handle (#8) to open gate fully, allowing cow to walk through
the headgate.
dle down locking the animal’s neck. Use same procedure for horned cattle,
Automatic Operation
1. Turn automatic selector lever (#9) forward to engage it into notch in operator handle (#8). This
lever is located at the top back corner of gate (same lever mentioned in sentence #1
operation).
2. Open the headgate to an open width wider than the cow’s head to be
trip control handle (#5) (red gripper handle), located at the top front side of the gate. Raise the
handle and slide it toward you, thus positioning the automatic slide tube with setting slots (#3) into
the desired position with the appropriate slot aligned with the peg on the yoke nearest the op
Now while holding the automatic trip control handle (#5) “up”, allow the gate to close until the
automatic slide tube with setting slots (#3)
wide enough apart for the cow’s head to enter, but not wide enough for her shoulders to get
through. (NOTE: Recommended settings are 1) slot farthest away from operator is for calf, 2)
middle slot is for heifer 3) slot nearest operator is for cow and 4) position the setting bracket
“end-to-end” between pegs to catch a large cow or bull).
3. Now the gate is set and ready to catch the cow. Stand back or
toward the headgate; as her head enters the gate and her shoulders attempt to spread the yokes, the
trip mechanism will release and gate will shut on animal’s neck, preventing her
of the headgate. To make the headgate trip easier, you may want to “hair trigger” it by just
catching the edges of the pegs in the slots when using the automatic feature on small calves and
unusually gentle animals.
is resting between the pegs thus holding the yokes just
o enter; as the cow’s head
under manual
caught. Raise the automatic
prod the cow up the crowd alley
from backing out
erator.
Installation
Mount gate on the ground. The holes in gate mounting brackets will accommodate ½" bolts. Lag
screws are not recommended (DIMENSIONS: Inside holes are 33" apart and outside holes are 36"
apart, horizontally; top holes and bottom are 61¾" apart, vertically.
OPMAN-HG91-0217
Lubrication
LUBRICATE ANY and ALL WORKING PARTS with light oil at the beginning of each work
day for best performance! It is especially important to lubricate the locking mechanism inside the
latch box (#1).
Instruction For Reversing Headgate Operation
TO REVERSE HEADGATE OPERATION FROM THE LEFT SIDE TO RIGHT SIDE, FOLLOW
THESE INSTRUCTIONS. (NOTE: ALL HEADGATES ARE SHIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WITH
THE CONTROLS ON THE LEFT SIDE.) Also, when referring to the left or right of the headgate,
consider how the animal stands in the headgate – “their right or their left”.
1. Remove operator handle (#8) by removing two ½" bolts
headgate.
2. Remove automatic selector lever (#9) by loosening and removing eyebolt from the lower end
of the 10" spring. Now pull selector lever out through the top of the gate. Reinstall on right
side by reversing this procedure. NOTE: You will need a screwdriver to stretch the 10"
spring in order to get the eyebolt into bottom bracket.
3. Disconnect the automatic slide rod (#4) from one end by removing the lynch pin and sliding
the rod out of the holes. Now slide t
automatic slide rod (#4). Now reverse the automatic slide tube with setting slots (#3), end-toend and slide it back onto the automatic slide rod. This process will have the automatic trip
control handle (#5) on the opposite side of the gate. The handle will be turned “up”. To
position it “down”, loosen the locking nut that holds it locked in that position. Now, rotate
the handle “down” and retighten the lock nut.
he automatic slide tube with setting slots (#3) off the
and reattach handle to right side of
Troubleshooting:
Problem Solution to Problem
Gate does not work smoothly Clean and lubricate all moving parts.
Gate failure to stay locked 1. Lubricate latch boxes with WD-40
2. Be sure handle falls freely from
unlocked position. If not, bolts on lift
arms may be too tight. Handle must
fall freely in order for lock to hold.
3. Call 800-527-8616, Toll Free
Gate hangs in open position Lubricate top rollers and all pivots and slides
Gate is slow to close in automatic position, or
does not close and cow backs out.
1. Be sure automatic selector is engaged
in notch of operator handle.
2. Lubricate all moving parts.
3. If necessary, tighten spring at eye bolt
to desired tension.
4. Check automatic slide rod to be sure it
is straight. If not, straighten it or
replace it. If automatic slide rod is
bent, the setting slot will not release;
therefore, the gate can not close.
5. Lubricate slide rod.
OPMAN-HG91-0217
LIVESTOCK SAFETY
Caution
Be familiar with handling livestock prior to use of this
equipment. Working with livestock carries inherent risk of
injury or death.
Livestock Safety1
One of the most important issues for consideration when handling
livestock is safety. Although considered domesticated animals, working
with livestock carries with it an inherent risk of danger. It is important to
understand that livestock have both instincts and habits, known as
behavior patterns, that are based on actions that make them the most
comfortable. These instincts and habits allow them to react to changes
in their environment. Many instincts and habits are strong and
dangerous. Using common sense, practicing caution, and understanding
livestock behavior can greatly reduce a handlers risk and enable him or
her to work safely with livestock. This article will detail some important
livestock behaviors as well as cautionary tips to practice when handling
livestock.
potentially
Livestock Behaviors
Animals who are used to being around other livestock can become
•
frightened and agitated when separated, becoming dangerous and
difficult to handle.
The maternal
•
instincts are not evident in an animal’s behavior until shortly after
giving birth. It is important to recognize these behavior patterns and
use appropriate caution.
Another behavior pattern that livestock may exhibit is a territorial
•
instinct. Feed time is when this instinct is most readily observable.
A valuable behavior is the instinct to follow the leader. Often times,
•
all that is required is to begin one animal moving and the rest
follow.
Livestock exhibit the most activity at sunrise and sunset. In
•
contrast, livestock are the most inactive during night and at midday.
The flight zone is one of the most important principles regarding
•
livestock behavior and safe handling. It is an animal’s personal
space. Livestock will react in a variety of ways according to a
handlers activities relative to their flight zone. For example,
livestock will face a handler and maintain a safe distance, when
handler is outside their flight zone. In contrast, livestock will turn
away from a handler who enters their flight zone. Individual animals
will have flight zones of varying size. Working from the edge of the
flight zone will generally keep livestock calm and manageable.
The point of balance is another important behavioral principle to
•
understand. An animal’s point of balance is located at their
shoulders. An animal will move depending on a handlers position
relative to their point of balance. Th
calmly and easily be encourage livestock through crowding pens,
chutes, and squeezes. For example, when a handler stands behind
the animal’s point of balance, the animal will move forward. When
the handler stands in front of an animals point of balance, the
animal will stop or back up. To encourage an animal forward,
simply walk towards the animal, crossing the point of balance, and
it will move forward.
instinct is also very powerful. Many times these
will
the
is principle can be used to
Precautionary Measures
The following are precautionary measures that are recommended to
anyone when working with livestock.
Be alert. It is impossible to fully know or predict an animals
•
actions. Always be aware of what is happening around you. This is
particularly important when handling livestock at sunrise and
sunset when livestock are most active.
Keep animals together. Livestock will be more calm and
•
cooperative when in groups. When alone, they quickly become
agitated and frightened ma
handle.
Carefully approach animals. Because of the placement of their
•
eyes, cattle have approximately a 270 degree range of vision.
Despite their range of vision, cattle have poor depth perception,
and are unable to see behind them. To reduce risk, always
announce yourself when approaching an animal.
Leave yourself an out. Never enter small enclosed areas with
•
livestock. If unavoidable, always be sure there is always a fast and
easy method of escape.
Avoid
•
•
•
Remember that livestock draw upon past experiences and
treatment when reacting to a situation.
are the result of human error rather than an animal problem. A lapse in
judgment, inexperience, or unpreparedness are major causes of
accidents with livestock. Many
more assistance than is available. Whatever the reason, many accidents
can be avoided if handlers use common sense, follow safety guidelines,
and make every effort to understand livestock behavior.
quick movements and loud noises. Livestock can startle
and frighten easily. Move slowly and deliberately around livestock.
Be careful not to create excess noise.
Be patient. When working with livestock in a crowding pen, chute,
or squeeze, prodding an animal when it has no place to go is
dangerous. Animals can react quickly and violently.
Respect livestock. Do not fear them. Underestimating an
animal’s size, strength, and speed can result in serious injury.
Always consider mature
animals who are sick, injured, or otherwise frightened.
Caution
Train new workers and handlers before allowing them to work
with livestock. The majority of the time, accidents with livestock
king them dangerous and difficult to
males to be dangerous. Be aware of
times, handlers attempt jobs that require
1. Jill Webster Ph.D., & Mark Gonzalez; Livestock Safety; Agricultural Systems Technology and Education, Utah State University Extension; Utah State University ,
<http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/AHS-11.pdf>
OPMAN-HG91-0217
Loading...