What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Loading Ramps

Cattle loading ramps are important for any cattle yard where loading and unloading of the herd is needed. Cattle ramps help ensure safe and efficient livestock management. The loading process can be made a whole lot smoother and faster when you know how to use the ramp. Its placement, stability, and build are necessary factors that decide the productivity of the yard. However, not everyone knows the correct way to use the ramp, and they end up putting the cattle themselves in danger. We will now talk about the most common mistakes cattle producers make when working with loading ramps.

Poor Ramp Placement and Setup

Starting with the placement of the ramp. This is the most frequent mistake made when positioning the ramp with the transporting vehicle or any high platform. Improper placement means an issue with height alignment or a gap between the both. Cattle might see this as an uncertain situation, building hesitation and agitation in them. And slips or injuries because of the gaps are also possible when they walk past it.

The whole setup should be ideal, with a firm surface beneath the ramp. As soft uneven ground causes instability, the risk of tipping and falling increases. With adjustable loading ramps, height issues can easily be tackled because of the height adjustment feature. Ensuring correct placement and stable setup in your yard contributes to a smoother loading process.

Overloading the Ramp

The herding instinct of the cattle kicks in during unusual activities. Cattle might start overcrowding the ramp after one or two of them step on it. However, every cattle ramp is designed to hold a specific weight and volume, and exceeding that level will result in strained and panicked cattle. Overloading should be avoided at all costs as it comes with more negatives. It could result in cattle slipping and falling because of insufficient space or damaging the structure of the equipment.

Understand the capacity of your cattle ramp, and allow only an organised flow of the livestock to avoid the panic stage. Proper spacing between the cattle during the loading process will reduce overcrowding on the ramp and possible injuries.

Rushing the Loading Process

By pushing cattle forward, the loading process will not speed up, but in contrast, it may lead to resistance from cattle. Productivity in a yard is very essential, but such rushing will only lead to accidents and increased stress to livestock. Handlers are supposed to maintain a calm approach at all times if they want low-stress handling.

A quiet controlled environment encourages the livestock to move forward at a constant pace, following one after the other. Guide the cattle up the ramp and the herd will follow along without causing any delays.

Using the Wrong Ramp for the Job

Not all ramps work for different situations. A cattle ramp is designed with the definite purpose of loading and supporting cattle movement and weight. Using just any ramp will create unnecessary challenges for the handlers as well as the livestock.

A cattle ramp with a height adjustability feature and non-slip surfaces will prove to be a safer option than other purpose ramps, like wheelchairs or vehicles. Choosing the right ramp with specific cattle yard requirements can be a tough one. Explore RPM Livestock Equipment, they offer a range of loading and unloading ramps for specific yard needs. Their ramps are built tough to withstand the Australian conditions.

Final Thoughts

Keep away from making such common mistakes to utilise your cattle ramp to its best capacity. Having the right ramp in your yard makes a significant difference in livestock safety as well as operational efficiency. Ensure proper setup, solid surface, ideal loading techniques, and selecting the right ramp that gets the job done.

A productive yard comes from a safe environment for livestock. Investing in a reliable adjustable loading ramp improves loading processes and productivity. Explore the range of cattle ramps available and ensure safety and flexibility factors are considered.