Cattle Working Equipment Buying Guide

From squeeze chutes and cattle alleys to Rancher working systems and complete cattle working pens, Red River Arenas builds dependable galvanized equipment for gathering, sorting, loading, and processing cattle.

Shop Cattle Equipment by Type

Choosing Equipment for Existing or New Pens

The right cattle-handling equipment depends on what is already installed, the amount of space available, and how cattle need to move through the facility.

• You already have a tub and alley: Start with the Top Hand Self-Catch Squeeze Chute.
• You already have holding or sorting pens: Add a crowding tub, cattle alley, or complete Rancher working system.
• You need a place to load cattle: Compare the compact 20' x 30' cattle loading pen packages.
• You need holding and sorting areas: Compare the 40' x 60' and 60' x 60' cattle working pens.
• You need the entire setup: Choose a working pen package with a crowding tub, alley, and squeeze chute.

Open, Sheeted or Adjustable Equipment

Crowding tubs and cattle alleys help create a controlled path from the holding area to the squeeze chute. The construction you choose affects visibility, cattle movement, and the ability to accommodate different sizes of livestock.

• Open equipment: Provides visibility and access throughout the working system.
• Sheeted equipment: Helps reduce outside distractions and encourage forward cattle movement.
• Adjustable alleys: Allow the working width to be changed for different sizes of cattle.

Rancher Cattle Working Systems

Rancher working systems combine a crowding tub, cattle alley, and Top Hand Self-Catch Squeeze Chute into one coordinated package. Choose the Rancher Standard for an open tub and alley, the Rancher Classic for a sheeted tub and straight sheeted alley, or the Rancher Ultimate for a sheeted tub and adjustable alley.

PHT vs. PBT Cattle Panels

Complete cattle working pens are available with heavy-duty PHT or extreme-duty PBT Series panels. Both options are 6 feet tall and galvanized for outdoor livestock use.

• PHT Series panels: Heavy-duty cattle panels with square support shoes.
• PBT Series panels: Our strongest cattle panels, constructed with larger 2-inch square tubing.

Loading Pens vs. Working Pens

A compact loading pen is useful for lease properties, temporary setups, or facilities that already have pens but need an organized load-out area. Larger working pens provide additional divided areas for gathering, holding, and sorting cattle. Packages with a crowding tub, alley, and squeeze chute create a complete cattle-processing system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is needed for a complete cattle working system?

A complete cattle working system generally includes holding or sorting pens, a crowding tub, a cattle alley, and a squeeze chute. The exact layout depends on your available space, herd size, and cattle-flow requirements.

Can I add cattle working equipment to my existing pens?

Yes. If your existing pens provide enough gathering and sorting space, you can add a crowding tub, alley, and squeeze chute to create an organized path for processing cattle.

What is the difference between an open and sheeted cattle alley?

An open alley provides greater visibility and access. A sheeted alley helps block outside distractions and encourage cattle to continue moving toward the squeeze chute.

When should I choose an adjustable cattle alley?

An adjustable alley is useful when working cattle of different sizes. Its width can be changed to provide a more controlled path for smaller calves or larger mature cattle.

What is the difference between a loading pen and a working pen?

A loading pen provides a controlled area for gathering, sorting, and directing cattle toward a load-out point. A working pen provides additional holding and sorting areas and may also include a crowding tub, alley, and squeeze chute.

Do cattle working systems require assembly?

Yes. Cattle working systems and complete pen packages ship unassembled and require proper assembly and anchoring. Customers should also plan for the equipment needed to unload the shipment.