2T Cattleguard
25+ years of servicing the farming and ranching community since 1999!
The EZ Rise Cattle Guard has been successfully used on horse farms and cattle ranches since the early 1990s. There are many different locations and applications that these guards are effective. Setting one in the entrance to a hay barn or hay stack keeps the cows from following the tractor into the hay lot. The relocation application also makes it very effective for leased pastures, rotational grazing and seasonal grazing such as winter wheat pastures and temporary electric fences. The ability of heavy machinery and equipment to safely drive over the unit makes it very attractive for the oil/gas field, wind energy locations and construction sites. Locations that are on hills or slopes allow our cattleguard to be used without the risk of soil erosion from the pit washing out during periods of wet weather.
About Us
Agriculture has always been a way of life for the Hodnetts. Greg is a 3rd generation farmer and rancher. His grandfather relocated from Alabama to the Texas panhandle at the age of 14. There he raised his family and supported them by farming and raising cattle. Greg’s father continued that family agriculture tradition.
In 1984 Greg and Regina joined the family operation moving to Dalhart, Texas and ranching and farming under irrigation. In 1992 they moved their family to Paris, Texas and continued to ranch, operating a mother cow and yearling herd in NE Texas.
The opportunity presented itself in 1999 to purchase the patent rights to what is now known as the EZ Rise Cattle Guard. Over the years the design has been improved, but the concept has remained the same – to provide the public with the security of a cattle guard that does not require a pit that has to be maintained. This unique design allows simple and quick installation, and easy relocation of the cattle guard while keeping the roadway undisturbed.
We are very proud of the quality of the product that we manufacture and are equally proud of the satisfaction that our customers have in their purchase. Let us serve you with the best portable cattle guard the industry has to offer. No more gates to open, or finding a gate left open with cattle in places they are not meant to be. Sleep well at night knowing that your livestock is secure.
Info
Operation:
It takes about 900 pounds to compress the unit, so a four wheeler can go over the unit without lowering it. As soon as the vehicle enters the unit the floor collapses rapidly and flattens next to the ground. There is a spring in each end that pulls the floor up into position after you have driven across the unit. A hydraulic cylinder retards the rate of rise so that the floor does not catch your vehicle as you drive across. When the vehicle exits the unit the floor begins a slow rise taking 25 – 30 seconds to return to the original position. This allows very long trailers to be towed safely over the unit without any danger of hanging up on the floor.
Warranty:
The springs and cylinders come with a lifetime warranty. The customer is responsible for removing the failed part and shipping it to 2T Mfg.
Delivery:
If you need a freight quote we will need a town and the zip code for the destination of the order. You are also welcome to pick up your order or arrange delivery yourself.
Kits:
Kits include both complete end units, spacers, hinges and the square tubing frame pieces are precut. Also included are easy to follow instructions.
Not included is the 2 3/8” pipe for the floor build.
The purchase of a kit allows for less cost in freight when compared to a complete unit as well as considerable savings on the initial purchase.
Installation:
This design also speeds and simplifies installation. You only need to pick the sight and lower the unit into place (assuming the site is smoothed out as described above). You do not need to anchor the unit to the ground. This also allows the unit to be relocated when needed. Making it perfect for constructions sites, rotational grazing, hay fields, hay barns and seasonal pastures.
Environment
Because there is no pit underneath the unit, the environment is protected and soil erosion is eliminated. Also small animals cannot become trapped and expire underneath the floor as they can in a pit. Ground disturbance is eliminated and your roadway remains intact.
Site Preparation
Site preparation is minimal. A smooth, firm surface is required to support the floor and the crossing vehicle. Hill slopes are acceptable locations, but a stop on the downhill side may be required to keep the unit in place. When the vehicle is on the floor of the collapsed cattleguard it is basically driving over a series of pipe laying on the ground. So the ground is what is bearing all of the weight. That is why you need to make sure the ground under the unit is smooth and firm. Dirt, pavement, concrete or gravel are all acceptable pad sites. DO NOT place the unit over a ditch.
Measurements
Each unit measurement is the inside driving clearance. The overall footprint is 14″ greater, i.e. the 10′ unit is actually 11′ 2″ overall. Each unit is 8′ across and weighs approximately 1500 pounds. 2 3/8″ pipe ( .191 to .164 wall thickness) is used for the floor and 6″ pipe for the vertical end pieces.
Weight Capacity
The guard has an H25 rating. We have customers that use these for concrete trucks, logging trucks, cattle trucks and oil field trucks. You need to be sure to have the site prepped so that it is smooth with no depressions or ridges running across it and the vehicles need to slow to around 5 mph upon accessing the unit. There is no need for servicing or maintenance to the unit. These units have been placed in high traffic areas, and areas where large equipment passes over them daily.
Tips:
For the first few days that cattle are introduced to a cattleguard we recommend that a rope or chain be tied from wing to wing. This can be removed once you feel that your cattle have accepted the guard as a barrier.
Problem Cattle: It has been proven to be an extremely rare occurrence for cattle to walk our cattleguards. However problem cattle do exist. There are a few approaches that can be taken to break these calves/cows from crossing.
1.) Black plastic placed over the ground and under the entire unit creates the illusion of depth and unstable footing.
2.) Cattle do not like expanded metal. We can add this option to your order for an additional cost or you can add it on site if you find that you have that problem cow.
3.) The most effective solution is the addition of an electric fence charger. This will break problematic cattle from walking the guard. The small solar models are perfect for this and can be used in remote locations. Simply insulate the unit from grounding out with rubber strips cut from trailer flooring or hay baler belting.