Pneumatic 5-Way Automatic Cattle Drafter

The Pneumatic 5-Way Automatic Cattle Drafter is a high-capacity livestock sorting system designed to direct cattle into multiple management groups after weighing, identification, veterinary treatment or routine processing.

Pneumatic gate operation reduces manual handling effort and supports faster drafting in commercial beef farms, feedlots, breeding operations and centralized cattle handling facilities. The system can operate with a compact air supply and can be integrated with compatible livestock weighing and control equipment.

• Five-way cattle drafting for multiple management groups.
• Air-operated gate system reduces manual drafting effort.
• Suitable for operation with a relatively small compressor.
• Heavy-duty 65 × 65 mm SHS main frame on the reference system.
• Galvanized steel construction for long-term livestock-yard use.
• Bottom sections of drafting gates are sheeted to improve cattle flow control.
• Slam-shut personnel gates are provided on both sides of the reference system.
• Provides unrestricted access around the animal's head at the processing point.
• Compatible with selected Gallagher and Tru-Test livestock weighing systems.
• Can be expanded with additional modules to create seven-way or nine-way drafting systems.

• Main Structural Frame: Heavy-duty SHS steel structure supports the complete drafting assembly.
• Pneumatic Draft Gates: Air-powered gates direct individual cattle toward the selected exit.
• Sheeted Lower Gate Sections: Reduce distractions and create a more definite visual barrier.
• Multiple Exit Lanes: Provide five sorting destinations within the complete configuration.
• Personnel Gates: Slam-shut access gates on both sides support handler movement.
• Pneumatic Actuation System: Converts compressed air into controlled gate movement.
• Concrete Mounting Feet: Allow the structure to be securely bolted to the livestock-yard slab.
• Control Interface: Can be configured for integration with compatible weighing and drafting equipment.

Cattle enter the drafter individually from a crush, weigh box or handling race. The operator or compatible control system determines the required destination for each animal.

Compressed air actuates the appropriate drafting gates, creating a clear route toward the selected exit. After the animal passes through the sorting section, the gates reset for the next animal.

When connected to suitable weighing and livestock-management equipment, the system can form part of an automated drafting workflow based on predefined animal-management criteria.

• Large commercial beef cattle farms.
• Feedlots and high-throughput cattle processing yards.
• Breeding and replacement-stock management.
• Sorting cattle by live weight or management group.
• Separating treatment and health-management groups.
• Livestock weighing and performance-monitoring facilities.
• Electronic identification and herd-record workflows.
• Drafting sale cattle into different destination pens.
• Cattle crush and weigh-box installations.
• New or existing permanent cattle handling yards.

• Drafting Capacity: 3-way, 5-way, 7-way or 9-way configurations available according to project requirements.
• Gate Layout: Exit directions can be arranged according to yard design and pen locations.
• Pneumatic Controls: Control arrangement available according to operating requirements.
• Weighing Integration: Compatible livestock weighing systems can be incorporated.
• EID Integration: Electronic identification equipment available upon request.
• Race Connections: Customizable for existing cattle crushes, weigh boxes and handling alleys.
• Overall Dimensions: Available according to project requirements.
• Surface Treatment: Designed according to local climate and farm conditions.

• Install the drafter on a level and structurally suitable concrete slab.
• Align the central race with the cattle crush or weigh-box entrance.
• Secure all mounting feet using suitable concrete anchors.
• Provide adequate space for all five exit lanes and downstream holding pens.
• Install the compressor and air lines according to the pneumatic system requirements.
• Check all pneumatic cylinders, hoses, fittings and control valves before commissioning.
• Test every drafting direction without cattle before initial operation.
• Keep gate hinges, personnel gates and pneumatic components clear of manure and debris.
• Inspect air lines regularly for abrasion, leakage or loose fittings.
• Drain and maintain the compressor according to the compressor manufacturer's instructions.

Q: How many groups can the standard system draft?
A: The standard five-way configuration provides five cattle sorting destinations.

Q: Is the drafter pneumatically operated?
A: Yes. The reference system uses compressed air to operate the drafting mechanism.

Q: Does it require a large industrial compressor?
A: The reference manufacturer states that the system can operate from a small compressor. Final compressor sizing should be confirmed for the selected configuration.

Q: Can it be connected to a cattle weighing system?
A: Yes. The reference design is compatible with selected Gallagher and Tru-Test livestock weighing systems.

Q: Where can the drafter be installed?
A: It can be integrated with new or existing cattle yards and installed in front of a cattle crush or weigh box according to the handling layout.

Q: Can the five-way system be expanded?
A: Yes. Additional modules can extend the reference system to seven-way or nine-way drafting.

Q: Can SHEWUYOU customize a complete automatic cattle sorting project?
A: Yes. Drafting gates, pneumatic controls, cattle races, crushes, weighing systems, EID equipment and holding pens can be configured according to project requirements.