U80 - 30 Tons per Axle

Cattle Guard Details

These overbuilt and robust guards are designed for heavy-duty use and are primarily employed in rugged terrains like off-public roadway BLM projects such as logging loads that are overcapacity for public roads.  They are specifically designed for these heavy-duty uses as shown in the load-rating table below.

Cattle Guard Load Rating Capacities

An essential factor to bear in mind is the weight of the vehicles traversing the cattle guard. When dealing with public roadways, it is imperative to obtain an engineer's certification specifying the load capacity of the guard. Conversely, for private use areas such as pasture entrances and driveways, the extensive load-carrying capabilities mandated for highway ratings may be unnecessary, offering a more cost-effective solution.

Federal law dictates the maximum gross vehicle weights and axle loads on the Interstate System, with limits set at 80,000 pounds for gross vehicle weight, 20,000 pounds for a single axle, and 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle group.

These guards are rated at 30 tons PER AXLE of load-carrying ability, almost twice that which is required for public roadways.

Highway projects necessitate an AASHTO load rating of at least 16 tons per axle, with specific equipment crossings potentially requiring even higher ratings, as detailed in the chart below. It is noteworthy that a majority of farm equipment and loaded semi-trucks typically carry loads well below the 16-ton per axle threshold.

Cattle Guard Construction

Ranging in lengths from 8 to 14 feet, the U-80 stands as the most robustly rated among all cattle guards. Notably, these guards are pre-drilled with holes at the ends, facilitating seamless end-to-end mounting for wider roadways, and ensuring comprehensive coverage and effectiveness.

Constructed with an over-built schedule 36, 7-gauge steel, the U-80-rated guards offer unparalleled durability and strength. This heavy-duty material ensures longevity and reliability in the face of demanding conditions, making it a top choice for those seeking a resilient solution for livestock containment in challenging off-road environments.

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Heavy Truck Operations with Cattle Guards

Beyond their utility for cattle, these guards play a crucial role in heavy truck operations that demand continuous crossings and necessitate the use of U-80-rated guards.

In heavy truck operations, where time is of the essence, cattle guards offer a convenient alternative to gates. The continuous crossings required by U-80-rated guards align seamlessly with the demands of these operations, eliminating the need for frequent stops. Operating heavy equipment through fencelines with gates is impractical, making cattle guards the optimal choice for maintaining workflow efficiency.

Peace Of Mind and Convenience!

Importantly, cattle owners can rest easy knowing that the risk of an open gate is eliminated. The design of cattle guards removes the human error factor, ensuring that heavy equipment drivers won't inadvertently leave a gate open, potentially jeopardizing the containment of valuable livestock.

Cattle guards stand as a multifaceted solution, combining physical and visual deterrents to effectively prevent livestock from crossing barriers. The physical deterrent is evident at the top of the cattle guard, where the design creates a challenging balancing act for hoofed animals. This proves particularly effective in dissuading cattle from attempting to cross the barrier. Moreover, the visual element adds another layer of deterrence, as cattle perceive an optical depth that creates an illusion of danger, reinforcing the guard's efficacy.

The convenience, efficiency, and reliability of cattle guards make them an indispensable asset for both cattle owners and heavy truck operators alike.