Calf loader saves backs

Animals must have shelter before and during transport, and during loading and unloading should be able to walk on or off the truck. This latter point will be well received by truck drivers, who risk back and other injuries from repetitive hefting of calves from ground level to truck.

So a product seen at the recent Central Districts Field Days offers benefits for stock handlers and animals.

The Oroua Bobby Loader is made from H4 tanalised timber to NZ building specifications and meets with MPI approval. It can be delivered onsite fully assembled and go straight to work.

The loader, with a 2.4 x 3m footprint and 3m height, is designed to hold 17-25 calves, depending on breed/size. It has a wooden non-slip deck that drains, and a Colorsteel roof and side cladding to keep wind and rain at bay.

Attention to detail sees screw fasteners and bolts throughout, so there’s no risk of injury to livestock or people.

Twin swinging gates, made from tubular steel, are favoured over a slide-action gate, so there’s no jamming caused by tracks filling with debris.

With the livestock handlers in mind, a standout point is the OSH approved access ladder with handrail, and an inspection platform that gives easy access to the pen, particularly on wet days.

Manufacturer and supplier Ivan Wildbore says the units can be tweaked to suit buyer’s requirements such as loading height, which might vary from 1100-1200mm.

Accessories include an extended loading ramp, water troughs and teat feeders.