Expert Tips for Maintaining Your Cattle Headbails and Headlocks

Full control over cattle is a big advantage. The herd needs to be examined, treated, tagged, and branded routinely. And their cooperation is only possible in imagination.  

A team is needed to hold cattle steady in place, but it still comes with risks. Those beasts are strong and become jumpy when anxious. Just one kick from healthy cattle can cause serious injury.  

Modern ways, however, make it a whole lot easier and safer. Equipment like headbails and headlocks, when paired with a cattle crush, gives you complete freedom to operate on the animal. 

Investing in such a piece of equipment and keeping the equipment’s performance alive is not easy. (Certainly not if you shop for just any equipment) 

Cattle Equipment Advantages 

Why do so many producers turn to modern cattle yard equipment instead of sticking with the old ways? The short answer is safety, efficiency, and control. 

When you’ve got a reliable cattle head bail and solid headlocks in place, you’re not relying on manpower alone. Less chasing, less shouting, and less risk of injury.  

Better equipment also means you can get more done in less time. Instead of half a day spent wrestling with a restless animal, you’re moving through your work quicker. Treatments, weighing, or tagging become smoother processes, saving both time and energy. 

Need for Cattle Headbails and Cattle Headlocks 

Someone who has worked with cattle long enough will know the difference the right equipment makes. They will tell you that a tough headbail and quick-release headlock are not just “nice-to-have" pieces of gear, they are essentials. 

Cattle headbails are designed to hold an animal firmly in place by securing its neck. That bit of control gives you the confidence to treat or inspect cattle without worrying about unpredictable movements. For bigger operations where volume matters, it’s the difference between smooth-running yards and chaos. 

Cattle headlocks take it up another level. It holds the head of the cattle to avoid movement, giving even more stability when working on livestock. Combined with a strong cattle crush and head bail, they give you an all-round handling solution that ticks the boxes for safety, ease of use, and efficiency. 

Without these tools, the risks multiply, more strain on workers, stressed cattle, and plenty of room for accidents. 

Maintaining Equipment Performance 

Buying headbails and headlocks is one part of the job. Keeping them working as they should is another. Like any heavy-duty gear, maintenance is the difference between smooth operation and downtime at the worst possible moment. 

Start with the basics: 

Look over the head bail for wear on moving parts, especially hinges, catches, and locking systems. Rust and dirt are two silent culprits that eat away at performance, so it’s worth keeping an eye out. A quick clean and the occasional greasing go a long way. 

Bolts and joints:  

They should be tightened, welds inspected, and all moving sections tested often. If you feel resistance where there shouldn’t be or hear a grinding noise, don’t ignore it. A small fault left unchecked usually grows into a bigger one. 

Another tip:  

Use the gear for what it is made for. Don’t push the gear beyond what it’s built for.  Treat the gear with respect, and it’ll return the favour with years of dependable use. 

Finally: 

Think about storage. Leaving equipment sitting in mud or under constant rain speeds up wear. A sheltered spot in the yard makes a noticeable difference to lifespan. 

Investing at the Right Place 

You can’t cut corners when it comes to cattle handling gear. A head bail or set of headlocks that fails when you need it most isn’t just frustrating, it’s dangerous. That’s why choosing equipment from a trusted supplier is worth it every single time. 

When you’re weighing up your options, consider build quality, ease of use, and long-term support. For an already researched, tried, and trusted option, call RPM Livestock Equipment. They are the manufacturers of rugged yard equipment pieces that will last years of wear and tear.