Maintaining cattle handling equipment is the key to having a productive cattle station. Safety of both the livestock and the handler is endangered if cattle equipment is not in perfect working shape. Well-maintained cattle yards and cattle and calf handling equipment mean an extended lifespan of your machinery. Want your equipment to last longer with smooth operation overall? Invest in proper maintenance from time to time, this not only prevents potential breakdowns but also reduces the risk of injuries.
Whether is it crushes, headbails, or hydraulic systems you're working with, this comprehensive guide will help maintain your cattle handling equipment.
1. Importance of Regular Maintenance
To prevent unexpected malfunctions regularly maintain your cattle handling equipment. After all who wants costly delays or potential harm to their livestock?
It is not new information that cattle handling equipment undergos a good amount of wear and tear, as they are used and exposed to the elements. Make it a routine to inspect the equipment after every use, and perform minor repairs onsite to ensure it won’t delay regular operation.
Neglecting maintenance tasks can lead to serious consequences. A stuck headbail, for example, could result in the cattle being trapped in a confined space and becoming agitated, while a hydraulic system that has not been correctly lubricated could become inoperative during use. As a result, timely upkeep will save you both time and money in the long run.
2. Lubrication for Smooth Operation
Parallel Squeeze Models
Cattle handling systems like parallel squeeze models require proper lubrication to avoid seizing the pivot and bush. Greasing these points helps maintain smoother motion when operating the system. Using a grease pump, apply lubrication to all relevant points on the top and bottom frames.
Headbail and Rear Door
For headbails and rear doors, aerosol lubricants are ideal for keeping all pivot and bolt points running smoothly. Now, the headbail opens and closes effortlessly, minimising chances of malfunctioning.
Regular spraying can also help prevent rust, a common problem in cattle machines exposed to weather elements.
3. Bolts: Check and Replace
Tightness
All bolts should be checked frequently to ensure they are tight enough to hold without restricting movement. Over-tightening bolts can hinder the functionality of calf handling equipment and other cattle handling gear, while loose bolts can cause dangerous rattling or even cause parts to come loose entirely.
Worn Bolts
When bolts show signs of wear, replace them immediately. Worn bolts can weaken the structure of your equipment and compromise safety. Keeping spare bolts on hand can save you from delays caused by last-minute repairs.
4. Hydraulic Ram Maintenance
Hydraulic systems are a vital component in modern cattle handling equipment. Regular maintenance ensures they function properly and efficiently.
Lubrication
Spray the top of the hydraulic ram, where the activator rod enters the housing, with an aerosol lubricant. This helps reduce friction and protects the system from wear and tear. Additionally, when not in use, it’s recommended to fully open the headbail handle so the chrome shaft is safely housed inside and shielded from the elements.
Oil Changes and Monitoring
Hydraulic oil must be changed every two years using a light hydraulic oil or automatic transmission fluid (ATF-DX3). Regularly check the ram for oil leaks, as these indicate a potential problem with the seals, which could lead to system failure. Any malfunction should be reported to a representative from RPM Livestock Equipment.
5. Troubleshooting Hydraulic Issues
Hydraulic systems can experience issues, particularly after periods of inactivity. Below are some common problems and their solutions:
Headbail Won’t Hold Closed
If your headbail fails to close properly, the activator rod may be stuck. Lubricate the rod until it springs back to its correct position. Additionally, inspect the hydraulic oil levels and refill them if needed.
Headbail Won’t Open Completely
This issue could be caused by water or condensation getting into the hydraulic ram, which results in oil leaking out. If you detect an oil leak, seals might need replacing, and the oil replenishment procedure should be followed.
6. Oil Replenishment Procedure
Proper oil replenishment is essential for maintaining the smooth operation of hydraulic rams in your cattle handling equipment. Follow these steps for refilling hydraulic oil:
Unbolt the ram from the headbail or crush.
Drain any remaining oil by removing the activator rod and the chrome shaft.
Check the seals inside the ram for wear and replace them if necessary.
Refill the ram with the appropriate amount of oil, based on the equipment type.
Ensure the system is properly bled to remove air from the pressure side (more on this later).
7. Bleeding the Hydraulic Ram
Before reinstalling a ram after servicing, it is crucial to bleed the system. Air in the system can reduce hydraulic efficiency and lead to performance issues. To bleed a hydraulic ram:
Insert a rod or screwdriver through the hole in the bottom of the ram.
Use your foot to stabilise the rod and pull the ram upwards by around 150mm while pressing the adjusting nut on the plunger.
Repeat the process several times until you feel the system locking.
This ensures the hydraulic ram functions smoothly after reinstallation.
8. General Cattle Yard Component Maintenance
Other key components in cattle yards also require attention:
Gates
Cattle yard gates swing on full-length pipe hinges (parallel squeeze models) or regular hinges (ratchet models). Ensure all cam handles are well lubricated and that gates close and lock properly. Regular lubrication helps the gates open and shut easily without sticking, which is especially important for quick operation.
Anti-Backing Bar
This removable bar helps prevent livestock from backing up within the crush. Always ensure the anti-backing bar is correctly locked into position and checked regularly for wear, as excessive force from livestock can damage it over time.
Headlock Operation
The headlock system operates using a lever, which should always be held with a firm grip to avoid injury when engaging or releasing livestock. The headlock system should be lubricated and any worn parts should be replaced immediately to prevent sudden equipment failure.
9. Seal Kit Maintenance
For more comprehensive repairs, RPM Livestock Equipment offers seal kits for reconditioning the hydraulic rams on headbails, calf cradles, and other cattle handling equipment. To maintain hydraulic integrity, check the seals periodically, particularly if you notice any leaks or performance issues.
When replacing seals:
Remove the hydraulic ram from the equipment and drain the oil.
Replace the seals in reverse order, ensuring they are lubricated before installation.
Bleed the system to ensure air is removed.
High-Performance Equipment Leads to Productivity
Maintaining your cattle handling equipment is important for smooth, safe operations in any cattle yard. Regularly lubricating pivot points, replacing worn bolts, and securing proper functionality help stay on top of cattle tasks and help extend the lifespan of your equipment. By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your calf handling equipment and cattle yards run efficiently, reducing downtime and promoting safer handling of livestock.
For specific parts, servicing, or troubleshooting advice, RPM Livestock Equipment offers expert support to keep your cattle handling systems in optimal condition.
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