Are you a rancher looking for ways to prevent your cattle from escaping? Do you need an alternative to building fences on your large property? Are you a rancher or farmer looking for a way to keep your livestock secure without breaking the bank? If so, then look no further than constructing a cattle guard!
Cattle guards can be relatively simple and affordable solutions when it comes to maintaining the edges of your property. Cattle guards are an easy and affordable option that can provide additional security and help manage your livestock better.
Not only are they effective barriers against rambunctious cows, but they also require minimal maintenance once installed. In this blog post, we will break down how to build cattle guard with ease and confidence! Keep reading for more details.
What is Cattle Guard?
A cattle guard is a reinforced metal grid that’s installed along the edge of your property to deter livestock from crossing onto other lands. They are effective barriers against bovines, and they require minimal maintenance once installed.
The Benefits of Having Cattle Guard
1. Durable
They are more durable and sturdy than most fences. Cattle guards are made of reinforced metal grids that are built to last. Therefore, they can withstand the weather conditions in your area better than a conventional fence would. Also, because cattle guards do not have any moving parts or hardware, you don’t need to worry about them rusting or corroding from moisture.
2. Cost-Effective
Cattle guards are a more cost-effective option than building a traditional fence around your property. Additionally, since cattle guards don’t need to be maintained on a regular basis, you won’t be spending money on repairs or upkeep for years to come.
3. Easy Installation
Cattle guards are relatively easy to install. All you have to do is dig the necessary trenches, place the cattle guard in the middle of them, and then fill it up with concrete or crushed stone. This can be a one-person job, so you won’t need to hire extra labor.
4. Aesthetically Pleasing
A cattle guard is a great way to enhance the look of your property. It’s an attractive and modern-looking addition that will make your land stand out from other properties around it.
Materials Needed
- Two 4×4 posts (6 – 10 feet long each)
- Galvanized Steel Rod s (1/4 to 1/2 inch)
- Concrete Mix
- Gravel or Sand
- Level
Tools Needed:
- Hammer / Mallet
- Drill with Bits
- Tape Measure
- Wire Cutters / Shears
10 Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Build Cattle Guard
1. Mark
Start by marking where you want to install the cattle guard. Make sure that you measure out the same length for both sides of the cattle guard, as it needs to be symmetrical and level. Marking would also help you determine how deep you need to dig the trench for the guard.
2. Digging
Using a shovel or power trencher, start digging your trenches. Make sure that they are wide and deep enough so that the posts will be securely held in place when buried in concrete. Digging at least 18 inches should give you enough room for the posts.
3. Setting Posts
Place the 4×4 posts in each of your trenches, making sure that they are level and straight. You can use a level to help make sure that everything is properly placed. Once you have both posts set, fill the trenches with concrete mix around them. This will ensure that the posts stay securely in place.
4. Connecting Posts
Once the concrete has dried and hardened around the posts, it’s time to connect them together. Take your galvanized steel rods, cut them to length, and then secure them between the two posts using a hammer or mallet. You can use a drill with bits if needed for extra support.
5. Measure Area
Measure the area between the two posts to make sure it is level and even. You want to make sure that your cattle guard is symmetrical, so use a level or tape measure to ensure this when measuring.
6. Lay Gravel/Sand
Once you have measured out the area of your cattle guard, lay down some gravel or sand in the center. This will be the base for your cattle guard, so make sure that it is level and even.
7. Place Steel Rods
Once you have laid down the gravel/sand, place your steel rods in a grid pattern to form the cattle guard. Make sure that all of the rods are securely connected together and held in place.
8. Secure Steel Rods
Take your hammer or mallet and tap the steel rods into the gravel/sand to make sure that they are securely installed. This will also help to ensure that your cattle guard won’t move or shift when in use.
9. Fill in Areas
Once all of your steel rods are securely in place, fill in any gaps or spaces with more gravel/sand. This will help to make sure that your cattle guard is even and level.
10. Test It Out
Once you have finished building your cattle guard, it’s time to test it out! Put a few cows on each side of the cattle guard and see if they can cross it. If they can, then you may need to adjust the height of the steel rods or add more gravel/sand to fill in any gaps.
Congrats! You’ve built your very own cattle guard! With a few simple tools and materials, you can easily build an effective and affordable barrier to keep your livestock secure on your property.
8 Safety Precautions to Follow while Building Cattle Guard
Building a cattle guard is a great way to protect your livestock and property from animals or vehicles entering the enclosure. However, it’s important to take certain safety precautions when building a cattle guard to ensure that your structure is secure and safe. Here are 8 safety precautions you should keep in mind when building a cattle guard:
- Wear protective gear. Make sure to wear proper eye protection, gloves, and a hard hat when building a cattle guard so you don’t injure yourself. Protective gear will also help prevent any eye or skin irritation from dust and debris that is created by the construction.
- Ensure that all materials are properly secured. Make sure to secure all materials, such as metal bars and posts, with screws and bolts so they don’t move around during construction. This will help reduce the risk of injury while you’re building the guard.
- Dig trenches for posts and metal bars. When digging trenches for posts and metal bars, make sure to use a shovel with a handle that is long enough to support your body weight and keep you from straining yourself during the process. Also, remember to wear thick work gloves when working with sharp objects or tools, such as shovels.
- Place all materials in the correct position. When placing metal bars and posts, make sure to place them correctly so that the guard will be able to stand up without any issues. This is especially important if you’re planning on using concrete for the foundation of the guard since it needs to be level and stable.
- Use concrete for stability. It’s important to use concrete for the foundation of the cattle guard because it provides an extra layer of stability and strength that will help keep the guard in place. When using concrete, make sure to follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer and wear protective gear when pouring or working with the material.
- Inspect your work regularly. After you’ve built the guard, make sure to inspect it regularly to ensure that all materials are secure and everything is in good working order. This will help prevent any accidents or injuries down the line.
- Use caution when testing the guard. When testing the cattle guard, make sure to stay at least 10 feet away from it so that you don’t get injured in case the structure collapses or malfunctions.
- Don’t let children near the guard. If you have small children around, make sure that they stay away from the guard at all times so that they don’t put themselves in danger by accident.
By following these 8 safety precautions when building a cattle guard, you’ll be able to ensure that the structure is secure and safe. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to contact a professional for help.
Conclusion
Building cattle guards is a rewarding yet challenging task that requires the right materials, tools, and expertise. Despite its difficulty, this process is important for maintaining the safety of livestock and ensuring their well-being.
It’s essential to work with a professional team or hire an experienced contractor to install your cattle guard properly. Furthermore, you should dedicate enough time to customize your cattle guard so that it fits your needs—whether you need it for large or small livestock operations.
At the end of the day, constructing a safe and strong cattle guard takes significant knowledge and dedication. However, if you must build one yourself, there are guides online that can help facilitate the building process with their step-by-step instructions on how to build cattle guard and tips on common mistakes to avoid. Now get out there and start building your own custom cattle guard!