Cattle Guards - Flat Rails

Cattle Grate Category Description

Heavy-duty cattle guard ratings for the H-15, H-20, U-54, and U-80 rated cattle guards are set by the AASHTO for use by state and federal agencies in public roadway projects. These guards are available in lengths of 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet and can be installed end-to-end to meet wider roadway requirements. The finished top rails are flat and provide a smoother transition for crossing vehicles than round top rail guards.

The advantage of the flat, top rail design is that it allows high-speed traffic to cross with minimal ride discomfort. The individual rails are spaced far enough apart to provide an effective livestock barrier and the flat tops allow tires to cross for a smoother ride. The round rails have a curved surface that requires vehicles to slow down and really 'rumble' across, even at lower speeds. This isn't always practical or desired when used on faster roadways or high-traffic areas.

Foundations

The flat rail guards are also available with pre-cast concrete cattle guard foundations that can ship right along with the guards themselves. They are pre-formed to fit the base of the grids and include a pre-cast j-bolt for security and mounting purposes. They make installation much simpler as they can be dropped into place right on-site and installed directly to the cattle grid in the field. No need to create forms, bring out a cement truck and pour your foundations, they're ready to go off the truck!

While on the topic of cement, note that we recently added Concrete Cattle Guard Forms if you'd like to pour your own finished cattle crossing. One design is reusable so you may pour as many as you like while the other is a large, one-piece design that remains in the ground after pouring.

Load Ratings

These powder-coated steel grids are available in a wide variety of load-carry capacities. They include a 12-ton per axle rating for private driveway and ranch entrances uses that are enough for farm and ranch equipment and fully loaded semis. The next higher rating is the HS-20, 16 ton per axle capacity which is used for public roadways and highway projects. From there, the U-rated guards are built for extremely heavy-duty, off-highway equipment up to an incredible 30 tons per axle!

Cattle Crossing Options

CATTLE GUARD FOUNDATIONS

The flat-top rail cattle guards are available to ship with pre-cast concrete foundations. They are built to fit the guards for a secure and easy-to-install foundation. Simply set the pair in place, backfill and lower the guards directly onto the upright rebar ends that provide extra stability. Please note that a qualified contractor familiar with the local site and soil conditions should be consulted for a long-lasting installation. Issues like drainage, freezing levels, etc. should be considered and are different at each location.

Cattle Guard Wings

The wings are designed to prevent livestock from walking around the junction where the fence line meets the cattle grid. If the fence line ends at a post placed in the middle of the guard, cattle could simply step around the post without ever touching the installed guard.

The wing creates a barrier to prevent a 'side-step' around the installation and connects and transitions the vertical fence to the horizontal guard on the ground. It's a two-piece design comprised of the wing end, or triangle section, held up by the post.

Cattle Guard Wing Installation

Cattle Guard Comparisons of top rails

Cattle guards are used to prevent livestock, such as cattle, from crossing a road or boundary while allowing vehicles to pass without the need for gates. The choice between flat and round top rails can depend on various factors, and both designs can be effective in deterring livestock.

Advantages of Cattle Guards with Flat Top Rails:

• Stability and Durability: Flat top rails often provide a stable and durable surface for vehicles to drive over. They are less likely to become misshapen or damaged over time.
• Ease of Crossing for Vehicles: Flat top rails generally offer a smoother surface for vehicles to cross. This can be advantageous in terms of ride comfort for vehicles passing over the cattle guard.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Some people find flat top rail designs more visually appealing, especially in certain landscapes or settings.

Advantages of Cattle Guards with Round Top Rails:

• Enhanced Traction: The rounded surface of the rails can provide additional traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. This can be beneficial for vehicles, particularly in areas where rain, snow, or mud are common.
• Self-Cleaning: Round top rails may be less prone to debris buildup, as their shape can facilitate self-cleaning when vehicles pass over them. This characteristic can help maintain the effectiveness of the cattle guard.
• Traditional Design: Some people prefer the traditional aesthetic of cattle guards with round top rails, especially in rural or agricultural settings.
• Vehicle Ride: The impact on the ride of crossing vehicles can depend on various factors, including the design and construction of the cattle guard, the speed at which vehicles cross, and the condition of the road. In general, a well-designed cattle guard with either flat or round top rails should provide a smooth crossing for vehicles.

Whichever cattle crossing you choose, you'll never have to stop to open, and then close a gate behind you again. No more wondering if it's closed properly, fighting them off to get through, or worrying about someone else leaving it open. They really are THE Ultimate Livestock Gate!