The loading ramp is in two sections. The rear ramp is hinged in the middle of the chute. The rear ramp rests on the adjustment leg base plates which are raised during transport and lowered to ground level when chute is placed.
The front ramp has 5 pre-set height adjustments in 8” increments beginning at approximately 16” up to 48”. These heights can vary, depending on the variable height adjustment of the Loading Chute support legs.
The recommended maximum angle of the ramp is 20-25°. The rear ramp while in use is ~15° and the front ramp at the highest setting is ~20°, which is well within the standard.
The loading ramp floor is made from 1/8” checker plate, with 1.25” square tubing traction bars mounted on 9” centers, providing the recommended space of approximately 8” (Mayes, 1978). The basic principle for all species is that the animal’s foot should fit easily between the cleats to provide good traction. If cleats are too far apart, the feet will slip. (Grandin, 2008)
For additional traction, the ramp surface includes a high grip textured powder coat finish.
For the safety of your livestock the inside of the loading chute is lined with 48” high sheet metal.
The livestock loading chute includes adjustable stabilizer legs at the front and back of the chute. The four stabilizer legs allow you to level and stabilize your chute, even on irregular terrain.
-
First lower the rear stabilizer legs to the desired elevation and secure with supplied adjustment pins.
-
Next lower the front stabilizer legs to ground level.
-
Using the jack which is built into the drawbar, lift the front of the chute until the load is taken off of the transport axle. At this point it’s recommended to remove the two Wheel Assemblies.
-
Final adjustment can now be made to the front stabilizers and secured with supplied adjustment pins. The best results are when the face of the loading chute is perpendicular to the ground plane.
If you purchase the stationary loading chute (item 76) you can always upgrade to the portable loading chute by purchasing the optional transport kit (item 74).
