Self-Catch Head Gate

A self-catch head gate is the front end of a chute that catches an animal as it walks forward. The gate closes on contact, so the person working cattle does not have to judge the moment and pull a latch by hand.

Stand-alone head gates are used to convert an existing chute or to build a catching point at the end of an alley. They also suit a permanent set of pens where the chute frame is already in place and only the headgate needs replacing.

The value is in repeat work: a gate that catches on its own keeps a line of cattle moving and frees a hand. It also takes the guesswork out of the moment when an animal is half in and half out. Fit matters more than anything else. The gate has to match the alley width so cattle cannot turn or duck under it.