Frequently Asked Questions

Arrowquip is recognized across North America for designing safe, efficient cattle handling systems. Our equipment reduces stress for both ranches and livestock, making us a trusted choice for operations of all sizes.

Arrowquip equipment includes livestock handling equipment. If you are managing a herd, we have the tools to fit your operation.

Arrowquip has decades of experience designing and manufacturing innovative equipment. With the recent expansion of our product lineup, we’re building on that legacy with even more solutions for today’s ranchers.

Our products are designed and manufactured in North America using North American materials. This ensures durability, reliability, and service that you can trust.

Arrowquip combines years of expertise with next-level innovation to offer solutions that save time, reduce stress, and maximize efficiency. Every product is designed with the end-user in mind, whether that’s handling cattle safely or mowing large properties with ease. 

All you need is a commitment to customer satisfaction and the ability to maintain our equipment to the highest standards.

At Arrowquip, we believe in supporting our dealers every step of the way. That's why we'll set you up with a protected area based on market size, so you can focus on delivering the best possible customer experience.

Yes, Arrowquip provides dealers with product training, marketing assets, and ongoing customer service support to help you reach your local market.

Becoming a dealer starts with completing an application. Our team will connect with you to review requirements and explore how Arrowquip equipment can help benefit your business.

To install the scales in your cattle alley, follow these instructions: 

1. Set the Scale Mount Plates on the frame in each end of the alley. 

2. Bolt the alleyway load bars to the mount plates. 

3. Bolt the Scale Mount Platform to the alleyway load bars. 

For an instructional video on how to install the Scale Platform in your Easy Flow Alley, watch the video here. 

Yes, with the use of additional panel clips, both the Easy Flow Elite and Pro Series Adjustable Cattle Alleys can connect seamlessly to other equipment such as cattle tubs and squeeze chutes.

A cattle alley should be wide enough to fit cattle, but narrow enough to prevent cattle from turning around. Arrowquip’s Easy Flow Elite and Pro models are both fully adjustable, so you can adjust the width depending on the size of cattle you’re working. 

Adjustable alleys can be narrowed or widened to fit all sizes of cattle from calves to large bulls, ensuring smoother flow and less stress during handling. 

Not at all. Small and medium-sized producers benefit greatly from handling systems. Even a few head of cattle are easier and safer to manage with the right setup, and modular options make it affordable for any herd size.

Yes. Cattle adapt quickly when facilities are designed with animal behavior in mind. With proper use, cattle will move through handling systems calmly and consistently, reducing stress over time.

While handling systems are an investment, the right one will quickly pay for itself through fewer injuries, improved cattle health, and time saved. For smaller operations, Arrowquip offers starter systems that are perfect for 10 – 20 head of cattle to help get your operation up and running safe and efficiently.   

While curved alleys are popular, cattle move just as well in properly designed straight alleys. The real key is ensuring consistent flow, solid sides, and low-stress handling techniques, not just the shape of the alley. 

No. Properly designed cattle equipment keeps cattle calm and secure without causing pain. Good handling equipment designs reduces stress and the risk of injury compared to handling cattle without equipment.

The ratchet locking mechanism on the Arrowlock chutes is stronger and offers a more secure hold on your cattle. This means that your head gate won’t slip even with the rowdiest cattle, making your whole operation safer.

Our dedicated team of engineers tested the head gate with technology that repeatedly opened and closed it. After running through thousands of cycles, there was hardly any wear on the ratchet teeth, meaning this head gate lock is built to last!

The Arrowlock Head Gate requires little to no maintenance. If your head gate requires maintenance refer to the product manual or contact our Client Care team at 1-877-275-6075.

The Q-Catch Head Gate is designed using a friction lock, whereas the Arrowlock Head Gate is designed using a ratchet locking mechanism. This ratchet locking mechanism allows for a stronger, more secure hold on the animal while they are in the head gate.

Yes, the working side on your tub can be switched at any time. Find the instructions in your product manual or reach out to our Client Care team for more information.

How the BudFlow works: 

• Cattle enter the BudFlow® system from the front and walk toward the back of the 270° tub as the gate closes behind them. 

• Cattle see the sweep gate as a wall and turn back to return to where they entered naturally. 

• Because the gate is closed, cattle see the opening to the alley and think it is where they entered from. 

• Cattle move into the alley with no force. 

How a Crowding Tub works: 

• Cattle enter the tub at the back and walk toward the front. 

• The handler uses the sweep gate to encourage cattle into the alley. 

• Though both options work when handling cattle, the BudFlow tub works with animal science to enhance the flow of cattle through your system. 

Most cattle tubs are designed to comfortably hold a small group of cattle, approx. 3 – 5. This reduces pressure and stress on animals while moving through the system. 

Cattle tubs are designed to safely funnel cattle from a pen into an alley or chute. Their circular shape uses cattle’s natural instincts to move in a curved path, making handling easier and reducing stress. 

Yes, Arrowquip provides flexible financing options for livestock handling equipment. This allows you to get the equipment you need today while spreading payments over time.

Most Arrowquip products, including cattle chutes and handling systems, are eligible for financing. Ask our team for details on your specific purchase.

Farm equipment financing is available for people with bad credit. Manufacturers and agricultural lenders offer financing to all types of credit, with multiple options available. Contact Arrowquip directly to learn more about options available. 

Down payments are flexible, based on the transaction size and credit history.

Flexible terms from 24-60 months are available with monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payment structures, depending on your requirements. In addition, the option to skip, modify, or make irregular payments is available in case of unforeseen changes to income or revenue streams.

Financing is available to qualified customers in Canada and the U.S. Our team partners with you to find the best plan to fit your operation and budget.

Start by considering the size of your land, how often you’ll use the equipment, and your long-term goals. Choosing equipment designed for efficiency, safety, and durability will give you the best return on investment.

We regularly refresh this page with the most up-to-date content covering product updates, videos, and best practices.

You can find all maintenance and how-to videos on our YouTube channel or through the product resource page. You can also find care and maintenance instructions in your product manual. These resources will help you stay on top of maintenance and troubleshoot common issues. 

Look for a brand with a track record of innovation, customer support, and durable design. Equipment should not only perform well in the short term but also stand up to years of consistent use in tough conditions.

If repair costs are stacking up and downtime is frequent, upgrading to new equipment can save money in the long run. New designs often include safety, efficiency, and durability features that older equipment may lack.

Low-stress handling reduces animal injuries, improves cattle flow, and creates safer working conditions for handlers. It also supports better weight gain and overall herd health, making it a smart choice for both animal welfare and operational efficiency.

Our dedicated team of experts are here to help. We’ll guide you through your options to ensure you’re choosing equipment that best fits your needs.

Arrowquip provides a full range of cattle handling equipment from cattle chutes to full handling systems. For livestock safety, we’re here to make hard work easier.

With proper maintenance, a high-quality cattle chute can last for many years. All Arrowquip cattle handling products are built with heavy-duty materials and backed by industry-leading warranty for long-term confidence. 

Arrowquip products can be found at local dealer locations all throughout Canada and the United States. To find your local dealer and check out our equipment in-person, look at our dealer map.

Hydraulic cattle chutes provide faster, smoother operation with less physical effort from the handler. They’re especially beneficial for large herds, frequent processing, and operations prioritizing efficiency.

The Powerlock 108 Series comes with a pivoting swing arm, and can be operated from the right or left-hand side without the need for conversion.

The Powerlock 105 Series can be ordered with left or right-hand mounted controls, but this must be specified at the time of order. 

Yes, the Head Sweep on your Powerlock cattle chute can be replaced with a manual Head Holder at a later date. However, the Head Holder cannot be replaced with a Head Sweep at a later date, as the Head Sweep is mounted on the hydraulic control arm and must be installed at the factory.

Yes, with the addition of our Tractor Hook-Up kit, you can run the hydraulics on your chute directly from your tractor.

The PSI should be set between 750 and 1000, however, 900 PSI is the sweet spot. 

For operations with larger herds, the time savings, reduced labor, and improved cattle flow typically justify the investment.

If you’re a rancher just starting up, or have a small herd, it’s recommended that you consider the Arrowlock 55 or 75 Series cattle chutes. To find which one is best for you. Speak to our experts today.

Manual chutes use levers for the head gate and squeeze that are powered by the handler, while hydraulic squeeze chutes are operated with hydraulic controls. Manual chutes are ideal for small to mid-sized herds looking for a more cost-effective option.

The Arrowlock 88 Series cattle chute features three settings: calf, cow, and bull.  

• The calf setting is designed for small calves 

• The cow setting is designed for calves and cows 

• The bull setting is designed for bulls and livestock with thick necks.  

You DO NOT need to change settings constantly; the cow setting will work for all your needs. 

Yes, your chute can easily be made portable with the Wheel Kit depending on the model you have.

Yes, you can convert the working side if you order a conversion kit. You can find an instructional video on how to convert your head gate and squeeze here.

Yes, Arrowlock cattle chutes can be ordered in a right-handed version. It can also be changed from left to right (or right to left) with a conversion kit.

The Heeler Portable Corral lineup is recommended for up to 35 cow-calf pairs (approximately 70 head of cattle). Actual capacity can vary by the specific model, pen layout, and cattle size, but this range ensures safe, low-stress handling and smooth cattle flow.

All units in the Heeler Series should be jacked up and down one end at a time. For the proper procedure, refer to your product manual and follow the instructions. Failure to do so will result in damage to the unit and/or operator.

Our 800 Series portable models feature hydraulic jacks with a military grade solar panel that keeps the battery in optimum condition.

No, on the portable handling systems your scales must be placed under the Easy Flow Alley Section equipped with a Cattle Scale Platform.

Government regulation mandates that Farm Equipment must be towed at no greater than 25mph or 40km/h.

Portable systems provide flexibility, allowing ranchers to safely handle cattle in multiple locations. They’re designed for durability while remaining easy to transport and set up. 

The right squeeze chute depends on your herd size, facility space, and handling style. Arrowquip’s chutes are designed for different operations, from small farms to large commercial ranches. Speaking with our experts can help you decide which model is best for your operation.

Absolutely! With our wide range of accessories, you can create a cattle handling chute that is customized for your operation. From a head holder to a sternum bar, we have it all. For more information on what accessory is right for you, visit our accessories page or get in touch with our livestock experts today.

A cattle chute is a squeeze mechanism paired with a head gate that is designed to restrain all areas of the cattle. A standalone cattle head gate is meant to only secure the animal’s head. Not all operations are cookie cutter, which is why Arrowquip offers both as part of its complete lineup of cattle handling solutions.

For small to medium herds, a manual chute may be sufficient, while larger herds benefit from hydraulic systems for efficiency. Arrowquip offers multiple chute models tailored to herd size and operation style.

Costs vary depending on size, features, and add-ons. Financing options are available through Arrowquip to make investment easier. It is recommended to connect with our team of experts for more information. 

Arrowquip offers a wide range of cattle equipment including cattle chutes, head gates, alleys, crowding tubs, portable handling systems, and accessories. Each piece plays a role in improving cattle flow and handler safety.

Portable systems are ideal for ranchers who move between pastures or multiple properties, while stationary systems are best for permanent setups. Arrowquip offers both options to match your operation.

Though it is always recommended to have multiple people, Arrowquip cattle handling equipment is designed for single operator use, allowing ranchers to handle cattle efficiently without extra labor.

Currently, our chutes are compatible with Gallagher and Tru-Test scales.

Though it depends on what you’re setting up, most of our cattle handling equipment is designed for a quick and easy setup so ranchers can get their equipment ready to use in minutes. All our portable units are designed to easily fold out, so ranchers can get setup no matter where they are in minutes and complete their tasks before the sun goes down. 

Our cattle handling equipment is designed using quiet latches, rubber floors, smooth edges, and 3E concepts to create a calmer environment. This helps to improve cattle flow, reduce stress, and protect both livestock and handlers. 

At minimum, most ranchers use a head gate or full cattle chute to safely manage livestock. Arrowquip offers complete handling systems and modular options so you can start small and expand as your operation grows.

We back our equipment with industry-leading warranty to make sure you’re covered no matter what. Whether you’re investing in a cattle chute or system, we’ve got your back. View the full warranty details here.