ATV Cattle Guards from Barn World!

Barn World carries a variety of cattle guards and livestock equipment for your every need and now has an ATV cattle guard.

front view of an atv on a cattle guard
It’s made for easy installation. No need to dig a hole – simply cut your fence and lay the cattle guard on the ground.

Specifications:

  • 1-1/2″ x 11″ gauge square tubing!
  • 72″ wide X 91″ long
  • The ramp is 14″ tall at the center
  • Overall width of the guard (including the wings) is 87″
  • Includes a gray enamel finish
  • Shown for two seat, also available for four seat designs too

Installation Suggestions:

We do recommend a couple of installation guidelines when placing in a pasture:

Vegetation: The guard is most effective when it can be readily seen by the animals. While this is a place it and forget it design, keeping the area free and clear of weeds and tall growing grasses ensures it can be sign and not hidden beneath vegetation. If plants are allowed to grow up through the top rails, it can hide the crossing from your livestock and they may think they can trot right through the opening in the fence.

We’d strongly suggest that the ground that the guard sits on be clear of tall vegetation growth to make sure your animal can see the barrier before walking on it. Most of the time just the sight of the rails will keep them away and you don’t anyone in your herd mistakenly stumbling upon it unknowingly.

Drainage: The other suggestion is to promote drainage way from the site. The guard is made from steel coated in enamel but leaving it for long periods of time in standing water or muddy conditions can promote rusting.

Ideally, the site should be able to drain water and allow moisture to move away from the structure. A bed of crushed gravel can help it drain into the ground below and a slight slope will also guide it away from the guard.

Easy site preparation should include:

  • Selecting a fairly flat area with a slight grade for drainage to the side
  • Creating a layer of gravel to assist with downward (into the ground) drainage
  • Spraying or removing excess weeds
  • Laying a weed control fabric to prevent future growth

These simple preparation steps will help ensure a long-lasting and extremely effective cattle guard to contain your livestock for years to come.

Sizes

The ATV Cattle Guard may be customized for golf carts, four seat ATV’s and other vehicles you may need to cross a fence line.

The standard design is built for two-place configurations and have an 11″ tall center over the span of 91″ in length. This top rail ramp size is great for the two seat version but may cause bottoming out in the longer four place vehicles.

The four seat vehicle design requires a longer structure to prevent the extended four seat wheelbase from bottoming out. We can ‘stretch’ the ramp to make it longer to prevent the high point from centering an extended machine on top of the guard.

Pictures of the ATV Cattle Guard

atv crossing over a cattle guard atv sitting on top of the atv cattle guard
side view of the atv on a cattle guard

Barn World still has all the cattle guards necessary for any road project and now carries this simple and easily installed ATV Cattle Guard too.

If you’d like a quote with shipping to your site, please let us know and we’ll be happy to forward one for your review.

Call or email Barn World today at Sales@BarnWorld.com or (720) 238-2190 to place an order for this simple standalone and very effective cattle guard today!

 

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Cattle Guards at Barn World

Barn World has a large selection of cattle guards for all of your livestock containment needs.They may be called by various names (Texas gates, animal guards, cattle grids, cow guards etc.) but they all are the same great idea. Barn World has a cattle guard for every need.

Rated Cattle Guards

The HS20 and HS25 rated cattle guards are designed for highway use and certified to meet the specifications needed for State and Federal requirements such as DOT, BLM, USFS, NP, and US Military installations. They provide years of rugged service in commercial applications such as mining, forestry, agriculture, and petroleum production. They are also the product of choice for residential usage where city, county, or state regulations require the HS20 rating.Certified structural steel is used in the manufacture of all Barn World HS20 rated Cattle Guards.

Standard Cattle Guards

Barn World also carries a less expensive option for private use such as washouts and driveways.  The Standard 6’and 8′ wide cattle guards are made of NEW 3″ Schedule 40 steel. All Flat Cattle Guards may be ordered with optional wings, integral box, or removable box.

The ATV cattle guards are unique in the industry. These cattle guards are suitable for all types of projects on private land. The standard boxed cattle guards are perfectly suited to construction sites, mine sites and oil field applications.

Spec Cattle Guards

Our 7.5′ and 8′ spec cattle guards meet current AASHTO load ratings and are suitable for all types of applications where a square pipe is desired including heavy duty logging roads. They may be ordered with optional wings or clean-out line.

All cattle guards may be fitted with plow strips that allow plows to cross over the guard with minimal interference and wear.

cattle guard with snow plow strips welded to the top

All cattle guards may be outfitted with a removable box for easier cleaning as an option.

Cattle Guard with a removable box

Barn World has a cattle guard to meet your needs. Please call us (720) 238-2190 with your questions and to obtain shipping quotes. We can also provide professional bid packages for large company, military, and government programs and carry a large selection for all of your livestock equipment needs.

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ATV Cattle Guards for Quick Pasture Access

You don’t always need a permanent installation to keep your livestock contained. This new design is built for ATV’s to cross through pastures and fence-lines without the use of a gate.

cattle guard for atvs

ATV Cattle Guard

A lot of work around the ranch is done with ATV’s these days. From fencing repairs to rounding up for health checks, the machine is incredibility useful in almost any pasture.

This cattle guard is built specifically to accommodate the traffic without using a gate. We’ve even made them for golf carts to cross through fenced in lands!

Construction

An ATV resting on a cattle guard crossing

The picture above shows how simple and straight forward the overall design is. The structural integrity is extremely solid with 1-1/2″ square tubing. The 11 gauge steel is finished in a gray enamel.

The ramp is 14″ in height and won’t allow all ATV:s to cross. The larger 4-seat version require a slight modification to prevent bottoming out. We lower the height a bit and extend the overall length for the longer wheel base.

The design for the 2-seat versions is 91″ long and 72″ wide and with the ‘wings’, measures 87″.

Installation

The guard is extremely easy to put in use. It is a free-standing structure and as long as the ground is fairly flat, it can be set in place for immediate use.

Identify the area in the fencing where you’d like to be able drive your ATV through. Make a cut in the center of the area and pull the fencing back. This makes it easier to prepare the ground once the fence is out of the way.

It’s important to make sure your installation area is fairly flat to help prevent the crossing from moving when driving over. We’d recommend adding crushed gravel to assist with drainage if there’s a lot of moisture in the area. A buried railroad tie can also help prevent movement and provide a secure anchoring point.

Once the surface is prepared, simply set the one-piece cattle guard in place and tie your fencing right to the uprights of the crossing.

Also consider applying a grass killer or weed block under the guard. This will prevent it from becoming overgrown and hiding it from your livestock. You want to keep the rails of the guard prevalent so cattle don’t ‘accidentally’ walk onto it.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Square tubing – 1-1/2″ x 11 gauge
  • Overall dimensions: 72″ wide (87″ exterior) X 91″ long
  • The center of the ramp is 14″ in height
  • Finished in gray enamel
  • Available for 4-place ATVs as well

Pictures of the ATV Cattle Guard


an atv crossing a cattle guarda cattle guard made for atvs

Barn World also offers traditional Cattle Guards for highway projects. If you’d like a quote for any type of crossing, please send an email or give us a call and we’ll by happy to send one for your review!

Sales@BarnWorld.com | 720.238.2190 | Barn World

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Cattle Guards Without Foundations

 

Cattle guards can provide years of effortless livestock containment without the need for gates. You no longer have to stop, open a gate while fending off cows only to pull forward and repeat the process again. They allow an effortless crossing for vehicles while creating a secure livestock barrier for your animals.

A Traditional Concrete Foundation Is Not Always Needed

cattle guard installation diagram

One of the criticisms of getting a guard is the time and labor associated with an installation. To make things much easier for driveways and use on private property, there are now three different designs that don’t require a concrete foundation!

These new designs don’t require the digging and the pouring of cement foundations seen with traditional installations. They are built to be quickly and easily added by setting directly on the ground.

Below are the new removable box and integral box designs made to make installation quick and easy

Boxed Designs Lays Directly on the Ground

Setting these cattle crossings directly on the ground is the easiest installation option available. This type of setting requires a specially designed feature called a box.

The box is a steel skirt that surrounds the perimeter to prevent dirt from entering below the guard. It’s important to keep the area below the top rails clear of dirt and debris so animals can’t walk across. If the vaulted area did fill with dirt, it would fill in the areas between the rails creating a bridge that would allow animals to simply walk across.

Keeping the area below and in between the rails clear is necessary for an effective barrier. 

There are two designs for cattle guards that are built to set directly on the ground: Welded and Removable Boxes

 

Welded Box Cattle Guards

The box on this design is created by welding a steel skirt directly to the perimeter of a traditional cattle grid. This allows it to be set right on the roadway without digging a traditional foundation. The area beneath the top rails is preserved from dirt ‘creeping in’ by the box.

Picture of a Boxed Cattle Guard

cattle guard with a steel box welded to the outside

Note that the box does not provide any additional structural support, it only keeps dirt from getting in below the top rails.

Some will bury the guard to match the height of the roadway. Others will simply lay it down and push dirt ramps up on either side for crossing vehicles. Either of these installations will allow vehicles access to cross over the structure.

This design is very popular for low traffic areas such as driveways and remote areas that don’t require a traditional concrete foundation. Construction sites also find them useful as they can be moved from job-to-job.

If the guard does need to be cleaned out, you may drag it out of place, remove the accumulated debris and move it back in place. Easy to maintain, keep clean and even move to another location if desired.

 

Removable Box

Another unique design that doesn’t require a concrete foundation is the removable box option. Like the boxed option above, this one is built to rest directly on the roadway.

The removable feature means you can take the guard out of the box without disturbing the surrounding site. See the picture below and note how the site would be preserved even if the guard is removed.

Removable Box Cattle Guard

cattle guard being removed from the box

The most common installation for this design is to slightly bury the box in the ground and set the guard inside. The box preserves the surrounding area when you lift the grid to clean and remove debris below. Set the guard back in the box when done with minimal disruption.

The box options are available on all the round top rail grids, from the 8’er all the way up to the 20′ Cattle Guards.

Foundations without Cement

Make sure you foundation will provide the support and security needed for a long-lasting installation. If your site isn’t exactly level or your require additional security to keep the guard in place, there are a couple of options available.

Railroad Ties

Pouring cement is not the only available option for securing a foundation. Simply burying a set of railroad ties and securing the guard to them can solve many ‘walking’ issues.

When vehicles cross the steel grid, they can impart lateral forces across the barrier. This repeated force and promote movement in the structure. This is especially true if your site isn’t perfectly level.

Bolting your guard to buried ties creates a wider foot-print for the transfer of weight from the rails to the ground. It also creates a more stable setting that protects from lateral movement.

Drainage

As with any construction, your structure is only as secure as your foundation. When selecting your site, it’s important to provide proper drainage to prevent sinking or moving.

Avoid drainage issues by setting the guard on a bed of crushed gravel. The gravel allows the water to pass through to the ground beneath with minimal disruption to the surround supporting soil.

As with any building, a contractor who is familiar with the site and local conditions (drainage, freezing levels and even local building codes etc) should be consulted for a long-lasting installation.

If you have any questions on selecting a guard for your project please let us know. We’d also be happy to forward a quote with shipping for your review!

Sales@BarnWorld.com | Barn World | (720) 23-2190

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Cattle Guards have many names!

There are many names for cattle guards. Simply put, it is a livestock barrier, typically made from steel. It consists of metal bars the run perpendicular to traffic and create unstable footing for flat-hoofed animals like livestock.

The top rails can be round for low speed traffic or flat for higher speed crossings. The round top rails are usually a more aggressive livestock deterrent but provide a rougher ride to crossing vehicles. Go with the smoother flat top cattle guards if you have higher speeds.

Flat and Round Top Rail Cattle Guards


cattle guard with flat top rails  cattle guard with round top rails

Cattle Guard Installation Diagram

Installing a livestock barrier can be straight forward if you have a qualified contract involved. Below is a generic foundation and installation diagram to help illustrate.

This is a generic look at a possible installation. A contractor familiar with the site should be consulted to ensure proper drainage, freezing levels and even possible building codes etc are adhered to.

A quality installation will make a quality installation that will last for years to come.

cattle guard installation diagram
cattle guard with wings – installation

The guards are available with pre-cast concrete foundations that can be delivered right along with the guards themselves.

All of the designs and options listed above fall under then name ‘cattle guard’ in the US. Below are some common variations used around the world.

Cattle Guard Names

  • Australia – cattle grids or grates
  • United Kingdom – cattle grid
  • Canada – vehicle pass
  • New Zeland – cattle stop
  • United States – Texas gate, cattle grill and deer guard

They all are of the same design and allow vehicles to pass and keep livestock contained without the use of a gate.

If you’d like quote with shipping or help selecting the right guard for your use, let us know and we’ll be happy to help.

Sales@BarnWorld.com | Barn World | (720) 238-2190

 

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Cattle Guards: Barn World carries a huge selection

Barn World has a large selection of cattle guards for all of your livestock containment needs. We have economical designs for private driveways, rated cattle guards for public highway projects and even ATV cattle grids for your ranch workhorses.

Rated Cattle Guards

An HS20 and HS25 rated cattle guards are designed for highway use and certified to meet the specifications needed for State and Federal requirements such as DOT, BLM, USFS, NP, and US Military installations. They will provide years of rugged service in commercial applications such as mining, forestry, agriculture, and petroleum production. They are also the product of choice for residential usage where city, county, or state regulations require the HS20 rating.Certified structural steel is used in the manufacture of all Barn World HS20 rated Cattle Guards.

Cattle Guards with Round Top Rails

Barn World also carries a less expensive option for private use such as washouts and driveways.  The Standard 6’and 8′ wide cattle guards are made of NEW 3″ Schedule 40 steel. All Flat Cattle Guards may be ordered with optional wings, integral box, or removable box.

cattle guard options

ATV Cattle Guards

The ATV cattle guards are unique in the industry. These cattle guards are suitable for all types of projects on private land. The standard boxed cattle guards are perfectly suited to construction sites, mine sites and oil field applications.

atv crossing a cattle guard

Cattle Guards Options

Our 7.5′ and 8′ spec cattle guards meet current AASHTO load ratings and are suitable for all types of applications where a square pipe is desired including heavy duty logging roads. They may be ordered with optional wings or clean-out line.

All cattle guards may be fitted with plow strips that allow plows to cross over the guard with minimal interference and wear.

cattle guard with snow plow strips

All cattle guards may be outfitted with a removable box for easier cleaning as an option.

Cattle Guard with a removable box

Barn World has a cattle guard to meet your needs. Please call us (720) 238-2190 with your questions and to obtain shipping quotes. We can also provide professional bid packages for large company, military, and government programs and carry a large selection for all of your livestock equipment needs.

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Cattle Guard Options

barn world logo

Barn World has a large selection of cattle guards to choose from. Once installed, you’ll no longer have to deal with the inconvenience of opening and closing gates again!  Pass through your fence-lines with ease while your cattle remain securely contain with these livestock barriers!

There are many different types, styles and options available when selecting a cattle crossing for your property. Load ratings, boxes, wings and foundations are all available options.

Take a look at some of the general styles and features available below and if you’d like a quote with shipping or have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Sales@BarnWorld.com or call anytime 720-238-2190.

Rated Cattle Guards

The H-rated cattle guards are designed for highway use and certified to meet DOT requirements for public road projects. There are also designs with higher, heavy-duty load ratings for off-road use for BLM, USFS, NP, and US Military installations.

The off-highway rating requirements are much higher than the H-ratings. They’re used for rugged service in commercial applications such as mining, forestry, agriculture, and petroleum production.

flat top rail cattle guard

Standard Cattle Guards

Barn World also carries a less expensive option for private property. They’re built for everyday use on private driveways and farms. They carry fully-loaded semis, farm equipment and everyday traffic on private land. These are much more economical and very popular for driveway use.

The standard cattle guards are made of NEW, 3″ outside diameter, schedule 40 steel. All round top rail cattle guards may be ordered with optional wings, integral box, or the removable box.


round top rail cattle guard   different types of cattle guards

Cattle Guard Options

There are a lot of available options to fit individual site requirements. An effective livestock barrier requires load carrying considerations as well as some optional features to be effective. Take a look at some of the more common illustrated below.

Cattle Guard Wings

The wings prevent your cattle from walking around the connection between the fence and the cattle guard itself. They physically transfer the vertical barrier that your fence line creates into the horizontal livestock barrier the crossing creates in the road.

Without this physical transition, cows could simply step around the end post that terminates at the cattle crossing and easily escape to greener pastures.

wings installed on a cattle guard

Box Options

There are two different box types available: integral and welded.

The integral box is a steel skirt welded to the perimeter of the cattle grid. It does not add any structural integrity but is simply there to keep dirt from sliding in underneath the grid when lay directly on the ground.

boxed cattle guard

Installation is as simple as laying directly on the ground and creating a dirt ramp on either end so vehicles may cross.

These are typically used when an excavated vaulted area is not necessary. This type of installation is common in low traffic areas such as driveways, remote cell phone towers and oil operations. Temporary installation is also benefit from the ability to pick the guard up and move to another location. This makes it popular at construction sites.

With the removable box, you may lift the grid from the installation without disturbing the surrounding area. Lift the grid to clean underneath. It’s a handy and time-saving feature if you expect a lot of debris to accumulate in the area.

cattle guard with a removable box

Cattle Guard Foundations and Footings

one of the most time-consuming portions of installing a cattle guard is the necessity of creating a solid foundation to transfer weight to the ground. We are now able to ship precast concrete footings with cattle guards directly to the job site.

cattle guard footings

Installation is easy. Lower the concrete directly into the ground to provide structural support. They are large and heavy items that require a mechanical means of unloading upon arrival. They are quite a bit heavier than the cattle guards themselves.

The foundations have precast anchor bolts included to match the flat top rail cattle guards that they ship with. This allows you to bolt them down directly in the field without any drilling at all.

cattle guard foundations

Snow Plow Strips

Snow plows can be damaging to a steel crossing. Install plow strips in heavy snow areas so they may cross over the guard with minimal interference and wear.

cattle guard with snow plow strips welded on

ATV cattle guards

The off-road cattle crossings are very unique. You to simply set them in the middle of your fence line and tie your fencing to the vertical posts. It sets directly on the ground and the raised rails create a formidable livestock barrier.atv on a cattle guard crossing
Barn World has a cattle guard to meet your needs. Please call us (720) 238-2190 with your questions and to obtain shipping quotes. We can also provide professional bid packages for large company, military, and government programs and carry a large selection for all of your livestock equipment needs.

Email your quote requests to Sales@BarnWorld.com

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Cattle guard foundations delivered!

Installing a cattle guard is a labor-intensive feat. It requires excavation, pouring of cement footings and the setting of the guard itself. There is now an easier way with pre-cast cattle guard foundations!

Barn World can now ship pre-cast concrete footings with the flat top rail cattle guards! We can deliver a complete set of cattle guard foundations that are designed specifically to bolt to the grid itself.

Cattle Guard Resting on Concrete Foundations

cattle guard and precast concrete foundations

The importance of a solid foundation

The foundation is the most important aspect to any installation. Buildings, bridges and really any structure that requires transferring a large amount of weight to the ground needs solid footing.

It is especially critical that cattle guards are properly secured. The loads it carries can change and cars and trucks can create changing horizontal loads as the momentum of the vehicle changes. When a vehicle accelerates, brakes, or turns while on the crossing, a horizontal load is introduced. This requires tremendous support to effectively stabilize and transfer them to the ground.

The pre-cast concrete footings have bolts cast into them to match the mounting holes in the bottom of the steel grid. Cattle guards should be bolted directly to the foundation to prevent movement that can disturb and weaken an installation.

Taking Delivery

Pre-cast foundations are now delivered on the same vehicle as the cattle guards themselves. This means the entire crossing can be installed much more quickly. There’s no need to wait for cement to cure before setting the guards and this convenience means a faster project completion time.

As with anything made of concrete, they are very heavy. and cumbersome. They’re available in lengths of 8′, 10′, 12′ and 14′ to match the available sizes of the guards themselves and due to their large sizes and weights, the delivery vehicles do not have a means of unloading. They will usually arrive on a flat-bed truck and require that the receiver provide a mechanical means of unloading. A fork lift will be necessary to unload and providing access to both sides of the trailer is ideal. The more accessibility to the trailer in the delivery area, the better.

An area where a semi truck and trailer can park to unload should include easy access to each side if possible. Reaching across the width of an 8′ trailer to try and lift a 2,000 pound load can be challenging.

The shipper will contact the receiver in advance of arrival to coordinate the delivery. Barn World will also forward the shipper’s information to ensure smooth communication and a seamless unloading.

cattle guard footings and foundations

Cattle Guard Quotes

We do ship these large and heavy foundations and cattle crossings throughout the US and can provide free quotes for delivery upon request. If you’d like one emailed, please let us know by emailing the quantities, sizes and delivery zip code and we’ll be able to forward a quote for your review, usually the same day.

If you have any questions about cattle guard installations or deliveries, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Barn Word | Sales@BarnWorld.com | (720) 238-2190

 

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ATV Cattle Guards

Not all cattle guards are designed for cars and trucks. The new ATV Cattle Guard is a unique design that’s built specifically for your off road vehicle to cross. It’s a simple drop-and-go installation that doesn’t require any digging. Connect your fencing to the uprights and you’re done!

cattle guard with an atv crossing it

The drive-over surface area is 6′ in width and can accommodate Gators and Kubot’s. We are able to build custom crossings for four place ATVs if needed. The ramp is only 14″ tall, but for the (4) person machines, we make it a bit longer and not quite as tall to prevent bottoming out. The longer wheelbases require a ‘stretched’ ramp design.

The standard two place guard has an elevated ramp to deter animals from crossing. A word of warning though, animals should not be allowed to try and pick their way through the bars. It is possible the could get tangled up in the structure and have trouble getting out. The look of the design is usually all that is need to persuade them from going need the guard.

Construction and Design

This one-piece livestock barrier weighs 300 pounds and is 50″ high when measured from the ground to the top of the wings. The ramp itself offers a generous interior driving area of 75″ in width while measuring near 100″ wide overall.  The entire length from front to back is 91 inches.

The entire structure is over-built with SQUARE, 1-1/2″ tubing in 11 gauge steel. It’s finished in a gray enamel and is built to sit directly on the ground.

Cattle Guard Details:

  • Length from outside to outside length is 91″
  • Overall Width Measurements:- Interior (drive-able area) 75″, Outside 100″
  • Height of ramp is 14″
  • Top of wings on each side is 50″
  • Constructed with 1 1/2″ x 11 gauge square tubing
  • Standard finish is a gray enamel
  • Weight is 300 lbs
  • A larger, 4 seat size is available on request

Installation

This livestock barrier couldn’t be easier to install. To begin, find the section of fencing where you’d like to have drive-over access. Cut the fence line and level the ground as best you can. A bed of crushed gravel may help drainage and settling issues.

Move the guard into place and set it on the ground. Once stable, re-attach your fencing to the center upright posts and you’re done. You may now freely cross in your ATV without stopping for a gate!

Post Installation Suggestions

Some simple set up before setting the guard in place can provide long-term benefit down the road.

Surface Preparation

Make sure the area is as level as possible. The weight of the vehicle crossing over multiple times can cause it to ‘creep’ down a hill and out of position. A level site will help keep it in place as it won’t have a slope to pull it in that direction.

Placing a bed of crushed gravel beneath can assist with drainage. Standing water is not good for steel and can compromise the footing of the crossing. Mud will slowly absorb the supports and allow the guard to sink into the ground. The lower the barrier, the less effective if will be at deterring animals. Assisting the drainage of water is a great help in prevent both of these potential problems.

Weeds are another nuisance if left undisturbed. As with any pasture, the growth of high grasses can conceal the presence of the 14″ tall ramp. Even though it’s 91″ long, if covered by weeds, it’s much less of a deterrent and more of a trap.  Keep it clear of grasses and just the sight of the guard will keep livestock away.

 Pictures

The pictures below tell the whole story of how easy and straight forward this barrier is. Set in place, attach your fence line and enjoy unfettered access to your pastures on your ATV.

cattle guard built for atvs on the ground

cattle guard for atv crossings

Barn World has heavy-duty cattle guards necessary for all road projects and now carries this simple and easily installed ATV Cattle Guard too.

Call Barn World today at (720) 238-2190 to get a quote with shipping directly to your door or email us at Sales@BarnWorld.com

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Cattle Guard Foundations

A cattle guard requires a solid foundation for a long-lasting installation. There is more than one way to create a secure the crossing and each one is site specific. A qualified contractor who is familiar with the local site and soil conditions such as freezing levels, drainage etc. should be consulted to ensure it’s properly designed and installed.

Examples of Cattle Guard Installations

cattle guard installation diagram  foundation diagram for a cattle guard installation

The cattle crossing itself is designed to be a livestock barrier that also allows vehicles to cross unimpeded. The weight, speed and changing momentum of traveling cars and trucks requires a solid installation.

A traditional foundation starts with a vaulted, or excavated area where the guard will be placed. The depth ensures debris won’t fill in between the top rails. It also provides an optical deterrent to crossing animals and allows for drainage beneath.

After the excavating process, cement footings are installed. They’re either poured on site or can be ordered and delivered with the flat, top rail grids.

Pre-cast Footings and Foundations

Below is a set of precast foundations with a flat rail cattle guard resting on top. You can see how they are ready to be lowered directly in the ground and are built to accommodate the cattle guard.

The precast footings have anchor bolts already poured in them. They’re ready to fit the pre-drilled holes on the bottom of the guard so they can be bolted down in the field.

heavy duty cattle guard with pre-cast foundations

 

Boxed Cattle Guards

Boxed cattle guards have a steel skirt welded around the perimeter. The skirt allows it to rest directly on the ground and prevents dirt from sliding into the area below the top rails. Dirt is typically built up and used as a ramp for vehicles on each end. They are very popular in driveways and low traffic or isolated areas that don’t have high-speed traffic.

cattle guard with a steel box welded to it

A real advantage to the skirt is that there is no excavating or digging required. It lays directly on the ground. They are very popular for use in construction sites as wash racks or rumble strips and can be taken from job to job.

For a proper installation, a bed of crushed gravel should be use for proper drainage and to help prevent the guard from sinking into the ground over time. A lot of customers will bury railroad ties and anchor the grid directly to them. This can help prevent movement as vehicles cross and prevent ‘creeping’ over time.

 

Every Site is Different

Remember that these large, one-piece steel structures take a real beating from crossing vehicles. The weight and changes in momentum require a solid foundation not only for support, but to also prevent movement.

A knowledgeable contractor should be consulted as each site has different circumstances and requirements for a successful, long-lasting installation. Freezing levels change throughout the country, each site has unique drainage requirements and even local building codes can come into play.

Make sure you installation is done right and if you have any questions, would like a quote with delivery to your site, please let us know.

Barn World | Sales@BarnWorld.com | 720.238.2190

 

 

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