Which Cattle Crush should you choose?
Are you currently thinking about investing in a Cattle Crush? Well, then you have come to the right place. Today, we are going to be exploring the different types of Cattle Crushes there are on the market and which ones we offer here at Thorburn Group. If you are still on the fence about whether a Cattle crush is the right investment for your farm, then you can read about the different benefits on our blog.
There are four main differentiations between crushes: Crates and Squeezes, or Manual and Automatic, and we have options available in all four categories. Here at Thorburn Group, we sell two different brands of Cattle Crushes: Clipex and Premier; both extremely reputable brands.
Premier Livestock has been running for over 30 years and is trusted by farmers all over Scotland. It was bought over by Thorburn Group in 2022, and as a result, all Crushes are now fabricated in the Scottish Borders. Due to the crushes being manufactured in-house, it means there is the option to choose a bespoke crush. Whether you are looking for extra width to handle your larger-than-average cattle, or you need modifications made to cooperate with your TB testing, then the Premier Crush is the option or you.
Clipex is an Australian brand well renowned for its innovation and safety, while remaining at a reasonable price point, trusted by farmers the world over. Thorburn Group has been a main dealer for almost ten years now, receiving glowing reviews from their customers about the range.
Now that we’ve established the background of each brand let’s dive into the different options available.
Manual Cattle Crates
Premier MK1 Cattle Crate
The MK1 Crate is the simplest Crate in our range, designed to eliminate clutter and obstructions that can often be found on basic crushes. This is the ideal solution for dairy or beef farmers with suckler cows, especially for those working alone.
Features & Benefits:
· Revolving Rump Bar
· Shaped Doors
· Galvanised
· Full unrestricted access to the animal.
Premier MK2 Cattle Crate
The Premier MK2 may look like a simple cattle crate, but it can improve your animal handling processes just like a fancy automatic crush can.
This crate was designed as the next step up from the MK1, improving control of the animal and therefore improving efficiency.
Features & Benefits:
· Rump Bar
· Galvanised
· Can be extended to add VETS Access Area
· Built to Last
· Anti-Kick Bars
Discover more on the website
Manual Squeeze Crushes
Premier Multi-Angular Squeeze Crush
This is by far our most popular crush, due to the patented multi-angular squeeze features it boasts. This gives you ultimate control of the animal, allowing you to squeeze from the front independently from the back, and vice versa.
Features & Benefits:
· Galvanised
· Sturdy & Durable
· Rubber Floor
· Silent, slam catch handles
· Can be extended to add VETS Access are
Discover more on the website
Clipex HD900 Cattle Crush
Featuring a Single Squeeze, the Clipex HD900 Crush is by far one of the most affordable on the market, considering the features the machine boasts. From silent operation - intended to keep cattle cam while you work - to including the Heavy-Duty Head Bail as standard.
Features & Benefits
· Full Vet Section included as standard.
· Split gates on both sides.
· Nylon brushes
· Chin Scoop included as standard.
· Galvanised
· Offside option available.
Discover more on the website
Clipex HD1100 Cattle Crush
The HD1100 is the upgrade of the 900, as it features a double squeeze, allowing you greater control of the cattle, as well as being safer due to squeezing in the middle of the animal. This Cattle Crush also features silent operation, which makes it less likely for the cattle to be spooked, resulting in an easier handling process.
Features & Benefits:
· Chin Scoop included
· Heavy Duty Headbail included as standard
· Galvanised
· Split gates on both sides
· Rubber Flooring
· Load bar mounts on feet.
Discover more on the website
Clipex HD1300 Cattle Crush
The HDX1300 Crush is the latest addition to the Clipex collection, designed for efficient livestock handling, this Cattle Crush features a maximum width of 820mm, narrowing to 280mm for optimal control and better management of wider cattle. This is the widest crush in the Clipex collection.
Features & Benefits:
· Wider than standard Cattle Crush
· Hot Dip Galvanied
· Noise Dampening technology
· Heavy Duty Head Scoop
· Split Gates on both sides
· Full Vet access area
Discover more on the website
Hydraulic/Automatic Squeeze Crushes
Clipex HD1500 Cattle Crush
The HD1500 is the first Automatic Crush in the Clipex range, featuring a double parallel squeeze. This crush is best known for reducing bruising and animal stress, while being extremely strong and durable.
Features & Benefits:
· Hot Dip Galvanised
· Anti-rattle catches on all swinging doors
· Automatic Chin Scoop included as standard
· Nylon brushes on all hinges
· Full Vet section included as standard
· Weigh bar mounting points
Discover more on the website
Clipex HD2000 Cattle Crush
The HD2000 is the upgrade of the HD1500, while still featuring a double parallel squeeze, it boasts a whole other list of pneumatic features, including: the option to draft 4-6 ways, and even side drafting capacity is included, reducing the labour costs significantly. If you are working on your own, then this is the machine for you.
Features & Benefits:
· Automated weighing options
· Auto-locking rear sliding gate
· Heavy-duty split entry gate
· Customisable access door configurations
· Removable standard floor
· Manual override option available.
Discover more on the website
Premier Hydraulic Squeeze Crush
The most recently updated crush in the Premier collection. We have been selling the Hydraulic Squeeze Crush for over 20 years, but the last year has seen us modernise the Crush and bring the aesthetics in line with the rest of the range. As well as increasing the first-time capture rate and installing a more efficient motor.
Features & Benefits:
· Extended to include a VETS Access Area
· Hydraulic Chin Scoop
· Galvanised
· 3 Side Doors for full access
· Silent, slam catch handles
Discover more on the website
There we have it, a round up of our Cattle Crush collection. We hope that gave you some inspiration about which machine is best for your farm to invest in, however, if you are looking for more advice, then please do get in touch and we can suggest the most suitable crush for your requirements.
