6 Best Self-Catching Headgates For Small Cattle Operations For Calm Handling
A self-catching headgate is vital for calm handling in small herds. We review the top 6 models, focusing on safety, ease of use, and one-person operation.
There’s a moment every cattle owner knows well: the animal is in the alley, you’re at the headgate, and you have one chance to get it right. A clumsy, loud, or slow headgate turns a routine task into a rodeo, stressing the animal and putting you at risk. For a small operation, where you’re often working alone, the right equipment isn’t a luxury—it’s the key to safe, calm, and efficient handling. A good self-catching headgate works with the animal’s natural movement, making the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
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Why a Good Headgate is Key for Calm Cattle
A headgate is the single most important control point in your handling system. It’s where you perform essential tasks like vaccinations, tagging, and health checks. A self-catching headgate that operates smoothly and quietly transforms this from a high-stress event into a manageable process.
When a cow walks into a quiet, well-designed headgate that catches her with minimal noise and fuss, her stress level stays low. She is less likely to fight, thrash, or try to back out, which is safer for her and for you. This positive experience also has a compounding effect. Cattle remember, and an animal that has been handled calmly in the past is far more likely to walk into the chute willingly the next time.
For the hobby farmer, the benefits are multiplied. You’re probably not working cattle every day, and you may be doing it solo. A reliable self-catch mechanism means you don’t need a second person to operate the gate. It allows you to focus on the animal and the task at hand, knowing the most critical step—securing the animal safely—is handled by good engineering.
Priefert HG91: The All-Around Performer
The Priefert HG91 is often the first name that comes up in headgate discussions, and for good reason. Its defining feature is the "infinite locking" system. Instead of a few set locking points, it adjusts to fit any size neck perfectly, from a small calf to a mature bull, providing a secure hold without choking.
This level of adjustability is a game-changer for small herds with mixed-age animals. You don’t have to worry about a calf slipping through or a bull getting an incomplete catch. The operation is famously smooth and quiet, thanks to a simple, single-lever handle. When you’re trying to work an animal by yourself, being able to open and close the gate with one hand from one spot is incredibly efficient.
While it sits at a higher price point than some budget models, its durability and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment. The HG91 is a workhorse that holds its value well, making it a smart long-term purchase for any operation that prioritizes ease of use and animal welfare. It’s the kind of tool that makes you wonder how you ever managed without it.
Tarter CattleMaster: Durability for Small Herds
If your top priority is rugged construction that can handle a few hard knocks, the Tarter CattleMaster series is worth a serious look. This headgate is built with heavy-gauge steel and a focus on strength over finesse. It’s a straightforward, durable piece of equipment designed to last for decades.
The automatic catch mechanism is simple and effective, relying on the animal’s forward momentum to trip the gate. It’s a proven design that gets the job done reliably. The shoulder-level levers are easy to access, and the overall feel is one of solid, no-nonsense construction.
The tradeoff for this durability is that it can be a bit louder and less refined than premium models. The locking mechanism is effective but doesn’t offer the infinite adjustment of a Priefert. However, for a small herd of similarly-sized animals, or for someone who values bombproof construction above all else, the Tarter provides exceptional value and peace of mind.
Arrowquip Q-Catch 87: The Quiet Handling Champ
Arrowquip has built its entire brand around the concept of low-stress, quiet cattle handling, and the Q-Catch 87 headgate is the perfect example of that philosophy. The most noticeable feature is the use of nylon and rubber components at contact points. This dramatically dampens the classic "clang" of metal on metal, making the catch significantly quieter and less startling for the animal.
The design encourages natural cattle flow. The curtain-style doors open wide, presenting a clear and inviting path for the animal to walk through. This "Easy Entry & Exit" system reduces balking and hesitation, which is often half the battle. Once caught, the headgate applies pressure evenly, and the quiet operation keeps the animal calm while you work.
The Q-Catch 87 also offers both automatic and manual operation, giving you flexibility depending on the situation. This is a premium headgate with a price to match, but if your primary goal is to create the quietest, lowest-stress handling environment possible, the Arrowquip is in a class of its own. It’s an investment in herd temperament as much as it is in equipment.
Hi-Hog Self-Catch: A Focus on Animal Safety
Hi-Hog approaches headgate design with an intense focus on preventing animal injury. You’ll notice the smooth, rounded edges on all their equipment, designed to minimize the risk of bruises or cuts. The self-catch headgate uses a scissor-style or parallel-axis motion, meaning both sides close simultaneously and evenly on the animal’s neck.
This design is crucial for preventing shoulder and neck injuries that can occur with single-pivot gates. It also provides excellent support for the animal’s head. Adjustability is another strong point; the opening can be easily set for different classes of livestock, ensuring a proper catch every time.
For producers who are meticulous about animal welfare and want to minimize any chance of injury in the chute, the Hi-Hog is an excellent choice. It may not have the silent operation of an Arrowquip, but its thoughtful, safety-oriented engineering provides a different kind of peace of mind.
Behlen Country Line: A Reliable Budget Option
Not every small farm needs a top-of-the-line headgate. Sometimes, you just need something that is safe, functional, and affordable. The Behlen Country line of headgates fills this role perfectly. It’s a no-frills, dependable option that provides the core function of a self-catching headgate without a hefty price tag.
The design is a classic for a reason—it works. It’s built from sturdy steel and operates on a simple, proven automatic mechanism. While it may lack the quiet features or infinite adjustments of more expensive models, it securely holds an animal for routine work.
This is the ideal choice for someone just starting out, managing a very small number of docile animals, or working with a tight budget. It’s a significant step up from a manual gate or no gate at all, providing a critical layer of safety and control. For the price, it’s hard to beat the pure functionality that Behlen offers.
Sioux Steel Automatic: Simple and Effective Design
Sioux Steel has a long-standing reputation for producing tough, straightforward farm equipment, and their automatic headgate is no exception. It’s a testament to the idea that a simple design, executed well, can be incredibly effective. The headgate is robustly built and designed for years of reliable service.
One of its key features is a spring-cushioned mechanism. This small detail helps absorb some of the impact when the animal is caught, reducing the shock and stress of the event. It’s a simple but thoughtful piece of engineering that contributes to calmer handling.
The Sioux Steel headgate is for the operator who appreciates purely mechanical solutions. There are no complex parts to fail—just heavy steel, strong welds, and a reliable spring. It’s a workhorse that will perform consistently, making it a solid choice for anyone who values simplicity and long-term durability in their equipment.
Choosing the Right Headgate for Your Operation
There is no single "best" headgate; there is only the best headgate for your specific needs. Making the right choice comes down to honestly assessing a few key factors about your farm. Forget the marketing and focus on how you actually work.
Start by thinking through these questions:
- Who is doing the work? If you’re almost always working alone, a headgate with an easy-to-use, single-lever release like the Priefert is a massive advantage.
- What kind of cattle do you have? For a flighty or nervous herd, the quiet operation of the Arrowquip can make a world of difference. For a small, docile herd of uniform size, a simpler model like the Behlen might be all you need.
- What’s your herd composition? If you’re running everything from 300-pound calves to a 2,000-pound bull through the same chute, a highly adjustable model (Priefert, Hi-Hog) is essential to ensure a safe catch for all sizes.
- What is your budget? Be realistic. A top-tier headgate is a fantastic tool, but a solid budget option is infinitely better than no headgate at all. The goal is to get the best tool you can afford that meets your primary safety and handling needs.
Ultimately, the decision is a balance of tradeoffs. Do you prioritize quiet operation, rugged durability, ultimate safety, or budget-friendliness? Answering that question will point you directly to the right piece of equipment that will serve you and your herd well for years to come.
Choosing a headgate is one of the most important equipment decisions a small-scale cattle farmer will make. It’s an investment not just in steel, but in your safety, your efficiency, and the long-term well-being of your animals. By matching the equipment’s strengths to your operation’s unique needs, you can make every trip through the chute a calm, controlled, and productive one.
