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Our patented bolt together system will
handle uneven or sloping ground.
A 3.2 metre panel can rise or fall over 4 inches
via our slotted holes. A rise or fall of over 8 inches
is easy with our extender cleats.
Also, impact is still spread over adjacent panels if a beast hits hard.
The steel we use is Grade 450 (very high
tensile and gal inside and out)
A 1.6mm wall has the same strength as 2.1mm wall
in normal steel, and a 2.0mm wall has the same
strength as 2.6mm wall in normal steel.
Oval rail minimises bruising.
The bolt together system will eliminate rattle
noise, is stronger than pins, acts a theft deterrent
and does not take much longer to erect than a pin
together system.
A conventional joining system which uses pins
and cleats can result in panels becoming separated if the
joining pin length is not at least twice as long as the gap
between the double cleats. Also there is between 320 &
500mm of weld around the cleats on each of our panel
posts compared to around 160mm on a lug and pin post.
(It is possible for the weld on a lug and pin system
to tear out of the wall of the post).
It will take more pressure to shear our bolt than it will to bend a pin.
(We have never had a bolt break yet).
Alternative joining systems utilizing cleats
and pins where the top cleat is below the top of the
panel has resulted in many broken legged horses and
cattle.
This is a vital consideration for round yards
and other yards around horses, or cattle yards where
cattle attempt to climb or jump or where horses are tied
alongside cattle yards.
The centre cleat on our joining system
transfers impact from the gate slam catch post to the 1,
or often, 2 adjacent panel posts. This prevents
the slam catch popping from the keeper under impact or
pressure.
If a gate does not swing back to lay flat
against the adjacent panel, then it is very easy for the
gate hinges to be broken, or the gate hinge to be torn off
the post (due to the massive fulcrum effect). That is
why some other yard manufacturers swing their gates on
the outside perimeter of yards. (This results in the
operator having to do a figure of 8 around the yard when
transferring cattle into the next yard). Our gates generally
swing from the inside (the open gate lays flat against the
adjacent panel), thereby minimising operator walking and
greatly enhancing cattle flow.
The shape and placement of our slam catch
keepers makes them non bruise. Also, there is a 90mm
long slot to cater for rise and fall of the gate. This
prevents having to manually lift a sagging gate to engage the
catch as per other slam keepers.
Our pricing is GST inclusive (as per the law).
The longer panels we use (only
in non pressure areas) result in the erected yards being
bigger than they appear on paper. Also
we attempt to provide safe working capacities (based on 2 tooth
steers). (A cow and calf unit will require double that area).
We do not quote tight holding capacities
which leave no room for
processing cattle.
The automatic stopper/s on our gates (2 per gate
on medium and heavy yards) prevent gate twist and eliminates the
gate being pushed through when drafting. (Our gate folds
back 180 degrees one way and the automatic stopper can be
manually over ridden to allow 100 degrees swing the other way).
The slam catch pin rotates
back behind the gate post so as to be non bruise when drafting.
Also pulling a slam catch
gate behind you to close it, when walking through yards, is
infinitely quicker than stopping and turning to latch a
conventional chain or drop bolt closing gate.
A drop or slide bolt latching system is a real
rib catcher and can severely injure an animal if it gets jammed
between the gate and the gate post.
A 360 degree swinging gate with a double gudgeon
can result in a big gap between the gate post and the latch
post. A calf or weaner can get their head in this gap, suck
back and it is difficult to free the animal.
The slide gates and calf panels have extra rails
to prevent heads getting through the rails. Also we provide
an extra rail option in our working race.
The manways are wide enough to allow a beast
through easily. (Our manways are wider than our race). Many
cattle have been caught between the ribs and hips attempting to
go through an open mangate that is too narrow, and, it is a big
effort to release them.
Manways are included in most plans, ground pins
are included in all yards and concretable spiggots with sleeves
are included with all ramps. These are all often optional
extras with other suppliers.
Our gates and joining system won the
Encouragement Award at the 2005 Ag-Quip Inventor’s Competition.
The Hicks Drafter was the overall winner in the same competition
in 2007 and won an Award of Excellence at the Australian
National Field Days in 2009. In addition we have patents or
patent applications on our concrete floors, on our gates and
joining system, calf cradle, split sliding gate and drafting
boxes. Also we have Registered Designs on our joining system,
overhead draft box, crush operating handle and chin clam.
That is why these practical and
innovative products are unique to National Stockyard Systems.
Our patented concrete floor loading ramps have
been stressed tested.
Each of the 700mm long pads will take 3.7 tonnes before they
crack.
We are often asked by resellers to sell through
them but, we only sell direct. Thus, by purchasing
direct, the end user is receiving practical advice and a
superior product at a lower cost than going through a reseller.
Some resellers push clients into products they make the most
margin on, rather than the most suitable product.
Looking for
more info on what makes
National Stockyard Systems different to the rest?
Visit our "What to
avoid" page. |
