Buying Guide
Squeeze Chute Buying Guide: 12 Things to Check
The twelve specs that separate a $3,000 chute from a $15,000 one, what each costs, and the questions to ask a dealer and a current owner before you buy.
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Size and Build
Start here. These decide which cattle the chute can hold.
1
Inside length
About 90 in. suits calves and moderate cows: Priefert S0191 at 90 in., Tarter Series 3 at 87 to 89 in. Big cows and bulls want 105 in. or more: Tarter Series 6 at 105 in., Priefert SC25 at 108 in., Arrowquip 8800 at 145 in.
2
Chute weight
Weight is steel. Tarter Series 3 is 985 lb and rated for cattle to 1,200 lb. Arrowquip 7500 is 1,764 lb and Priefert SC25 2,122 lb. A heavier chute flexes less and stays put without bolting down.
3
Squeeze style
Single-side squeeze moves one wall and costs least. Both-sides squeeze centers the animal. Parallel squeeze, as on the Titan West Equalizer, closes both walls evenly top to bottom and holds big cattle without pinching.
4
Headgate
Self-catch lets one person work alone. Manual works on mixed sizes and horned cattle. Switchable gates such as the Priefert HG91 do both. Positive-control gates like Arrowquip’s Arrowlock ratchet to a set width.
Handling and Access
These decide how the chute works day to day.
5
Floor
Steel floating floors come on entry chutes. Rubber floors cut noise and slipping and come standard on Arrowquip 7500 and up. Arrowquip covers its floor for life.
6
Noise
Clanging latches and steel on steel make cattle balk. Look for rubber-cushioned latches, rubber floors and top-mounted rolling gates.
7
Side access
Drop-down bars, removable panels and needle access for vaccinating in the neck. A side exit lets out a downed animal. More access costs more.
8
Tailgate
Split and rolling tailgates keep the next animal back without hitting it. Top-mounted rolling gates do not fill with dirt, snow and manure the way floor tracks do.
Cost of Ownership
These show up after the sale.
9
Coating
Powder-coated steel holds up longer than dipped or painted steel. Ask which one the chute has and what the warranty says about rust.
10
Warranty
Tarter gives 1 year. Priefert gives 5 years with lifetime coverage on locks. Titan West gives 5 years. Arrowquip gives 10 years on the 7500 and 15 years on the 8700, 8800 and 1080.
11
Parts and service
Ask how fast replacement latches and headgate parts ship. A chute down during spring working costs more than the price gap between brands.
12
Freight
Freight is extra on nearly every chute and they weigh 1,000 to 2,800 lb. Get a delivered price from two dealers. Tractor Supply store pickup avoids freight on Tarter, Priefert and CountyLine chutes.
Warranty by Brand
| Brand | Warranty | Example model | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarter | Warranty1 year | Example modelCattleMaster Series 3 | Price$2,999 | Where to buyCheck price at Tractor Supply → |
| Priefert | Warranty5 years, lifetime on locks | Example modelS04 | Price$5,099 | Where to buyCheck price at Tractor Supply → |
| Titan West | Warranty5 years | Example modelEqualizer | Price$6,350 | Where to buyCheck price at Ackerman’s → |
| Arrowquip | Warranty10 years, lifetime on locks and floor | Example model7500 Arrowlock | Price$6,950 | Where to buyCheck price at Howard Stores → |
| Arrowquip | Warranty15 years | Example model8700 Q-Catch 87 | Price$10,375 | Where to buyCheck price at Howard Stores → |
Prices last checked September 23, 2026. Freight is extra unless noted.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Ask the dealer
- What is the delivered price to my farm?
- Is the steel powder coated or dipped?
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long on locks and floor?
- How fast do headgate and latch parts ship?
- Can I see one working cattle before I buy?
Ask a current owner
- What would you change about it?
- How loud is it with cattle in it?
- Has anything broken, and how fast was it fixed?
- Does it hold your biggest cow without flexing?
- Would you buy the same chute again?
Decide for yourself
- Your top price, delivered
- Your three finalists
- The features you need
- The features that would be nice
- The problem your current setup causes
Used Chute Checklist
Older manual chutes sell for about $1,300 to $3,200. Check these before paying.
Under load
- Headgate latches and holds with weight on it
- Squeeze locks hold at every notch
- Tailgate slides without binding
Frame and floor
- No cracked welds at hinge points
- Floor free of rot or rust-through
- Frame sits square, doors close flush
Parts
- Brand and model identified
- Replacement latches still sold
- Hydraulic hoses and pump run clean
Buying Guide Questions
What is the most important spec on a squeeze chute?
Inside length and weight, because they decide which cattle the chute can hold safely. A 90 in., 1,000 lb chute is built for smaller cattle; bulls want 105 in. and 1,500 lb or more.
Is a rubber floor worth paying for?
For cattle that balk at noise, yes. Rubber floors come on Arrowquip 7500 and up, which start at $6,950 against $5,099 for a Priefert S04 with a steel floor.
Should I buy a self-catch or manual headgate?
Self-catch if one person works cattle alone. Manual for horned cattle and mixed sizes. A switchable gate such as the Priefert HG91 does both for $1,249.99.
How much should I budget for freight?
Get a delivered quote. Chutes weigh 1,000 to 2,800 lb and ship on flatbeds. Store pickup at Tractor Supply avoids freight on the chutes it stocks.
What should I check on a used squeeze chute?
The headgate latch and squeeze locks under load, welds at the hinge points, and the floor for rot or rust-through. Confirm replacement parts are still sold.