7-Way / 9-Way Modular Automatic Cattle Drafter

• Expandable modular design supports 7-way or 9-way cattle drafting.
• Based on a pneumatic 5-way cattle drafter architecture.
• Air-operated gates provide fast and repeatable livestock routing.
• Designed to operate from a suitably sized compressed-air supply.
• Compatible with selected livestock weighing and automatic drafting systems.
• Supports weight-based and EID-based sorting when connected to compatible controls.
• Heavy 65 × 65 mm SHS reference main-frame construction.
• Galvanized steel structure provides corrosion resistance for cattle-yard environments.
• Sheeted lower gate sections improve cattle containment.
• Slam-shut personnel gates provide handler access on both sides.
• Open head-working area maintains practical access ahead of the cattle crush.
• Suitable for new cattle yards and retrofit livestock-handling projects.

• Base Drafting Module: Provides the primary multi-direction cattle-routing structure.
• Expansion Draft Modules: Additional powered gate modules increase the number of available exit groups.
• Pneumatic Draft Gates: Redirect cattle into the selected exit lane.
• Air Cylinders: Provide controlled powered movement of the drafting gates.
• Heavy SHS Frame: Supports repeated cattle loads and gate operation.
• Sheeted Lower Gates: Reduce openings around the animal's lower body and legs.
• Personnel Access Gates: Allow handlers to enter the working area when required.
• Control Interface: Receives drafting commands from a compatible operator control or livestock weighing system.
• Exit-Lane Connections: Interface with cattle panels, races and holding pens for each management group.

• Large commercial beef cattle farms.
• Dairy cattle herd-management facilities.
• Feedlot receiving and processing yards.
• Sorting cattle into multiple live-weight groups.
• Separating breeding, treatment, sale and replacement groups.
• EID-based livestock management programs.
• Performance and weight-gain monitoring.
• Replacement-heifer and youngstock grouping.
• Livestock markets and cattle processing centers.
• Research and genetic-selection facilities.
• High-capacity cattle-yard automation projects.

• Drafting Capacity: 7-way or 9-way according to livestock-management requirements.
• Module Layout: Customizable according to available cattle-yard space.
• Exit-Lane Geometry: Designed according to holding-pen and yard layout.
• Automatic Drafting Rules: Configurable according to compatible weight, weight-gain or EID criteria.
• Weighing System: Available according to required livestock data-management platform.
• EID Equipment: Reader and antenna configuration available upon request.
• Pneumatic System: Compressor, valves and air-line layout selected according to module quantity and operating frequency.
• Gate Dimensions: Customizable according to cattle size and project requirements.
• Complete Yard Integration: Can be combined with cattle crushes, weigh boxes, races, holding pens and drafting yards.

• Complete the cattle-flow and exit-lane layout before finalizing the 7-way or 9-way configuration.
• Install all modules on a level reinforced concrete slab suitable for livestock and equipment loads.
• Align the primary entry lane accurately with the cattle crush or weigh box.
• Maintain clear cattle movement between primary and secondary drafting modules.
• Provide sufficient space for all exit gates to operate without interference.
• Secure every module using the specified bolt-down points.
• Size the compressor and air receiver according to the number of pneumatic gates and expected throughput.
• Check air cylinders, valves, hoses and fittings regularly for leakage or damage.
• Keep gate pivots, latches and moving components free from manure and debris.
• Verify weighing, EID and automatic drafting communication before major processing sessions.
• Test every possible drafting route after installation or control-system adjustment.
• Replace damaged structural, pneumatic or safety components before continued operation.

Q: How is a 7-way or 9-way cattle drafter created?
A: Additional powered drafting modules are added to the base multi-way system, creating secondary sorting points and additional final exit lanes.

Q: Is the system pneumatic?
A: Yes. The reference modular cattle drafter uses air-operated gates and can operate from a suitably sized compressor system.

Q: Can cattle be drafted automatically by weight?
A: Yes. Compatible livestock weighing controllers can create multiple drafting groups according to live weight or weight-gain criteria.

Q: Can the system use EID data?
A: Yes. Compatible weigh scales and EID readers can use predefined electronic identification lists or recorded animal data for automatic drafting decisions.

Q: What is the reference internal race width?
A: The referenced cattle auto-drafter platform has an internal width of approximately 750 mm.

Q: What is the total length of the 7-way or 9-way system?
A: Final overall length depends on the number and arrangement of expansion modules and should be determined from the project layout.

Q: Can it be added to an existing cattle yard?
A: Yes. The modular system can be integrated into suitable existing yards and installed in front of compatible cattle crushes or weigh boxes.

Q: Can the complete drafting layout be customized?
A: Yes. Drafting capacity, gate arrangement, lane dimensions, pneumatic controls, weighing integration, EID equipment and surrounding cattle-yard layout can be configured according to project requirements.