Manual 3-Way Sheep Drafter

The Manual 3-Way Sheep Drafter is a lightweight livestock handling and weighing crate designed to sort goat-farming-equipment/" target="_blank" class="keylink">sheep into three separate directions while supporting accurate live-weight recording. Its compact aluminium structure provides an efficient solution for commercial sheep farms, breeding operations, livestock contractors and portable handling systems.

The crate uses manually controlled sliding gates to direct animals into the selected exit route. Quiet and smooth gate movement helps maintain consistent sheep flow, while the practical control layout allows the operator to work efficiently without standing directly in the animal's forward field of vision.

A tool-free internal adjustment system allows the working area to accommodate livestock ranging from smaller lambs to large adult rams. Compatible load bars can be installed beneath the isolation frame so weighing and drafting can be completed during the same handling cycle.

The unit can operate as a stand-alone drafting crate or form part of a complete sheep handling race incorporating forcing pens, EID identification, weighing indicators, holding pens and other livestock equipment.

• 3-Way Manual Drafting: Allows individual sheep to be directed into three different exit routes according to farm management requirements.
• Integrated Weighing Capability: Designed for use with compatible livestock load bars and digital weighing indicators.
• Lightweight Aluminium Construction: Non-corrosive aluminium alloy combines strength with convenient portability.
• Quiet Sliding Gates: Smooth gate movement helps maintain animal flow and reduces unnecessary noise around the handling race.
• Tool-Free Adjustment: Internal width can be adjusted quickly for different livestock sizes from lambs to mature rams.
• Operator-Friendly Layout: Controls are positioned for convenient access while helping keep the operator outside the sheep's direct line of sight.
• Quick Stock Access: The crate provides convenient access when inspection, treatment or manual intervention is required.
• Left- or Right-Hand Configuration: Operating orientation can be selected according to yard layout and operator preference.
• Portable Design: One operator can set up and reposition the lightweight crate, with an optional wheel kit available for easier transport.
• Modular Farm Integration: Suitable for permanent or portable sheep races and complete livestock handling projects.

• Lightweight aluminium alloy frame
• Adjustable internal side panel
• Three-way manual drafting gate system
• Sliding entrance and exit gates
• Manual operating handles
• Isolation frame
• Load-bar mounting points
• Digital indicator mounting position
• Race connection lugs
• Livestock access points
• Optional transport wheel kit

A sheep enters the drafter from the approach race and is positioned inside the crate. The entrance gate is closed to isolate the animal and, when load bars are installed, its live weight can be recorded using a compatible weighing indicator.

The operator selects the appropriate exit direction according to weight, age, sex, breeding group, health condition or other flock-management criteria. Manual gate controls then open the selected route while maintaining the alternative routes closed.

After the sheep leaves the crate, the gate system is reset and the next animal enters. The smooth sliding mechanism helps maintain continuous livestock movement through the handling system.

Internal adjustment allows the crate width to be matched to different body sizes, helping improve animal positioning during weighing and drafting.

• Commercial sheep farms
• Three-way flock drafting
• Individual sheep weighing
• Weight-based livestock sorting
• Lamb finishing management
• Breeding flock selection
• Replacement ewe selection
• Ram and ewe management
• Veterinary treatment grouping
• Market-weight classification
• EID recording systems
• Portable livestock contractor systems
• Sheep research and performance recording
• Complete sheep handling and livestock farm projects

• Left-hand or right-hand operating configuration: Available upon request
• Race connection arrangement: Customizable
• Load-bar specification: According to project requirements
• Digital weighing indicator: Available upon request
• EID reader integration: Available upon request
• Indicator mounting bracket: Customizable
• Transport wheel kit: Available upon request
• Holding and dispersal pen configuration: According to project requirements
• Complete portable yard integration: Customizable
• Complete sheep handling layouts can be designed according to local climate and farm conditions.

Position the drafter on a firm, stable and level surface between the approach race and the three required exit routes. Correct alignment helps maintain consistent animal movement and reduces interference with weighing equipment.

Where load bars are installed, the crate and isolation frame should be mounted according to the weighing-system manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that adjacent panels, gates or flooring do not contact the weighing platform in a way that could affect measurement accuracy.

Adjust the internal width before handling livestock so that animals can enter and exit comfortably while excessive sideways movement is minimized. Check all manual gate controls before introducing sheep.

Regular maintenance should include cleaning the sliding gate tracks, inspecting handles and connection points, checking load-bar cables and keeping the aluminium frame free from accumulated manure and debris.

A typical commercial installation places the manual drafter between a single-file approach race and three dispersal pens. Sheep enter individually, are weighed if required and are then manually directed into the appropriate exit group.

For lamb finishing operations, the drafter can separate animals into target-weight, intermediate-weight and lighter groups. Breeding farms can use the same three-way configuration to organize breeding stock, replacements and animals requiring further management.

Portable livestock projects can combine the drafter with lightweight aluminium or galvanized handling panels, forcing pens and mobile yard systems for seasonal or multi-site operation.

Q: What does a manual 3-way sheep drafter do?

A: It allows individual sheep to be manually directed into three different exit groups while also supporting livestock weighing.

Q: Can the drafter handle both lambs and adult sheep?

A: Yes. The adjustable internal structure is designed to accommodate animals from small lambs to large rams.

Q: Can it be used with load bars?

A: Yes. The crate is designed for compatible livestock load-bar systems, including common 600 mm class weighing bars.

Q: Is the weighing indicator included?

A: Indicator supply depends on the selected configuration and can be provided separately according to project requirements.

Q: Can EID equipment be integrated?

A: Yes. Compatible EID readers, antennas and weighing indicators can be integrated for electronic animal identification and record keeping.

Q: Is the drafter portable?

A: Yes. Lightweight aluminium construction makes relocation practical, and an optional wheel kit can further simplify transport.

Q: Can the operating side be selected?

A: Yes. Left-hand and right-hand configurations are available according to the handling-yard layout.

Q: Can SHEWUYOU provide a complete sheep handling system?

A: Yes. The drafter can be supplied together with races, holding pens, weighing systems, EID equipment and related livestock handling components according to project requirements.