ATV Cattleguards
Coming March 2011
RecConnect will be offering a full line of ATV cattleguards in two designs: an on-grade flat design and an above-grade arched design. Both will be offered in a 36" single-track width, a 60" ATV width, and 72" ROHV or side-by-side width. The on-grade CGs are 8' long and the arched CGs are 9' long.
Certainly, an issue in off-highway vehicle management is the interface between recreationists and livestock permittees. Historically, gates have been put in fencelines, but gates get left open or there is confusion about when and if to close an open gate, so livestock end up roaming where they shouldn't be. A simple and effective solution to this issue is a trail-sized cattleguard.
The Titan F-60 Cattleguard
These cattleguards are designed to be strong, durable, and effective, yet easy to transport and assemble on site. The Titan F-60 is a proven design with more than 100 installations in Central Oregon cattle country.
Why have two designs? The flat or F-Series design looks and performs like a downsized road cattleguard. Being flat, there are minimal forces applied to it as the OHV crosses the cattleguard. This provides outstanding durability and rider safety. If your trail system is used for speed events, the F-Series is the recommended installation. The downside to to this type of installation is that it requires a below grade base and therefore, excavation. In rocky soils or in areas with high cultural values, digging a hole or even getting equipment into the site can be prohibitive. Also, depending on your soils, dirt will gradually build up within the base and periodic cleanout will be required. With bolt-on rails, this is not a big issue, but it is a consideration.
The arched or A-Series design solves the excavation issue and provides the protection of resource values. Just do some minor leveling and place the cattleguard on top of the ground. The arched design is easy to install and generally requires less cleanout. Being above grade, more forces are being applied to it as a vehicle crosses than on the F-Series, so it is important that the cattleguard be pinned to the ground with the supplied anchors. An issue with many arched and especially the ramp type above grade cattleguards is that riders can use them as jumps. The RecConnect A-Series has been designed as a broken back arch which reduces the inclination and ability to jump the structure.
The A-Series is also used to bridge irrigation lines and oil/gas pipelines. Both the A-Series and F-Series can be installed where irrigation pivots need to cross fencelines.
Ramp type designs can create the urge to make a jump out of the cattleguard. Though fun for the rider, this is not what you want as a manager or a property owner.
Cattleguard installations can make good volunteer work party projects.
The angled wings on the F-Series provide an extra margin of safety for the rider. It also allows an ATV with a wide load to safely pass through the cattleguard.
Hungry cows or playful calves can jump a cattleguard that is too short or poorly designed. The RecConnect cattleguards have been carefully designed for maximum effectiveness. To maximize rider safety all cattleguards should be installed on tangents and never on curves, no matter how slight the curve may be.