Work Smarter Not Harder with the RPM Air Calf Cradle

Calf handling is a stress-inducing job. Working around young calves, you have to be alert all the time. They run, jump, and make sudden movements because of their playful nature. This could cost you your time and injuries. 

How do others do it then? Well, many cattle producers don’t follow the traditional cattle handling methods. They rely on specialised equipment made to handle tough calf work of the yard. 

Why the Calf Cradle Matters in the First Place 

Let’s start with the basics. A calf cradle is used to restrain young cattle during marking, tagging, castration, vaccination, and other early-life procedures. Most cattle producers these days have one or have used one, they’re simple, strong, and keep both the animal and the handler safe while the job gets done. 

But anyone who’s used a standard cradle for a full day knows the small things that wear you down, the lifting, the clamping, the awkward angles. If you’ve got a few calves, it’s fine. If you’ve got a full mob to get through, it’s a long slog. 

That’s what led to the development of the air calf cradle, a tool that takes some of the physical load off and speeds the job with air powered operation. 

What’s Different About the RPM Air Calf Cradle?

 

It’s not your typical cradle. RPM’s Air Calf Cradle uses a pneumatic system to hold the calf in place, meaning the cradle clamps with the help of air, not just muscle. 

No more pulling levers with all your strength or constantly adjusting clamps. With air power, you’ve got smoother, steadier pressure, enough to keep the calf still but not so much that it causes stress or bruising. 

This also means less effort over the day. 

And the speed? It adds up. Once you get the rhythm, the cradle helps you work faster and with less struggle. You’re back at other yard tasks in no time. 

Built for the Tough Stuff 

Air-powered sounds good, but how’s it going to hold up in an Aussie yard? 

RPM has been building yard gear for a long time, and they know it needs to take a knock and keep going. The Air Calf Cradle’s frame is still good old heavy-duty steel. The air system is protected and fitted for rough use; it’s not delicate gear made for a showroom. It’s built for dusty yards, rough calves, and full workdays. 

The cradle fits where a standard one would go, so it slides into your system with little to no change needed. 

One More Tool for the Job 

At the end of the day, the air calf cradle isn’t about changing the way you work, it’s about making what you already do that little bit easier. Less effort. More control. And more time to get back to the other hundred jobs waiting on the property. 

If you’re curious, it’s worth checking it out over at RPM’s website. Give us a call if you want some serious cattle talk.