Small Herd Chutes
Best Squeeze Chutes for Herds Under 50 Head
A herd under 50 head works cattle a few times a year, so a manual chute between $4,000 and $8,000 does the job. These five fit.
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The Five That Fit
Priefert
S04
$5,099
- HG91 headgate, split tailgate, side exit
- 1,210 lb, 94.5 in.
- 5-year warranty, lifetime locks
Arrowquip
7500 Arrowlock
$6,950
- Rubber floor, 3E Arrowlock headgate
- 1,764 lb, 104 in.
- 10-year warranty; $8,950 with vet cage
W-W
Beefmaster Standard
$4,900
- Self-catch headgate
- Drop-down side bars
- 92 in., 1,265 lb, cash price
Tarter
CattleMaster Series 6
$4,499
- Heaviest under $5,000 at 1,503 lb
- 105 in. long
- Manual headgate, 1-year warranty
Titan West
Equalizer
$6,350
- Parallel squeeze keeps animal centered
- Model 91 headgate, 5-year warranty
- Palpation cage $1,015, portable kit $1,825
Prices last checked September 23, 2026. Freight is extra unless noted.
Small-Herd Chutes Side by Side
| Model | Headgate | Floor | Weight | Warranty | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarter CattleMaster Series 6 | HeadgateManual | FloorSteel | Weight1,503 lb | Warranty1 year | Price$4,499 | Where to buyCheck price at Tractor Supply → |
| W-W Beefmaster Standard | HeadgateSelf-catch | FloorSteel | Weight1,265 lb | Warranty— | Price$4,900–$6,549 | Where to buyCheck price at Ackerman’s → |
| Priefert S04 | HeadgateHG91 manual or self-catch | FloorSteel, floating | Weight1,210 lb | Warranty5 yr, lifetime locks | Price$5,099–$5,799 | Where to buyCheck price at Tractor Supply → |
| Titan West Equalizer | HeadgateModel 91 | FloorSteel | Weight— | Warranty5 years | Price$6,350 | Where to buyCheck price at Ackerman’s → |
| Arrowquip 7500 Arrowlock | Headgate3E Arrowlock ratchet | FloorRubber | Weight1,764 lb | Warranty10 yr, lifetime locks and floor | Price$6,950 | Where to buyCheck price at Howard Stores → |
Prices last checked September 23, 2026. Freight is extra unless noted.
What a Small Herd Needs From a Chute
A self-catch headgate
With one or two people working cattle, a headgate that catches on its own saves the run to the front. The S04, Beefmaster and Equalizer all have one.
Side access
Vaccinating, tagging and treating happen through the side. Drop bars, removable panels or a side exit matter more than squeeze force at this scale.
A palpation cage option
Pregnancy checking needs rear access. Priefert’s cage is $820, Titan West’s $1,015, and Arrowquip sells the 7500 with a vet cage for $8,950.
Not hydraulics
A hydraulic chute costs $10,000 more and adds a power unit to maintain. Under 50 head, that money buys a better manual chute and a sweep tub.
Where to Buy a Small-Herd Chute
The Priefert S04 and Tarter Series 6 are at Tractor Supply. The W-W Beefmaster and Titan West Equalizer are at Ackerman’s, and the Arrowquip 7500 is at Howard Stores.
Tractor Supply
Priefert S04 and Tarter Series 6 for store pickup, plus the Priefert AI cage.
Shop at Tractor Supply →Farm and Ranch Store
Priefert S04 in corral packages with a sweep and alley.
Shop at Farm and Ranch Store →Prices on this site come from these sellers’ public listings. Confirm the current price and freight with the seller before ordering.
Where the Extra $2,000 Goes
Priefert S04 vs Arrowquip 7500
A Priefert S04 at about $5,500 and an Arrowquip 7500 at $6,950 do the same jobs. The 7500 is 550 lb heavier, has a rubber floor, and carries a 10-year warranty against 5. For a herd worked twice a year either lasts decades. For flighty cattle or a chute that sits outside, the rubber floor and quieter latches are what the extra money buys.
Small Herd Chute Questions
How many head justify a squeeze chute?
Any herd where you vaccinate, tag or pregnancy check. A headgate alone works for a handful of quiet cows; past 10 to 15 head a chute saves time and injuries.
What size chute for a 30-cow herd?
A standard 90 to 105 inch manual chute rated for 1,400 lb cattle or more. The Priefert S04, W-W Beefmaster and Arrowquip 7500 all fit.
Do I need a tub and alley too?
A short alley of two or three panels leading into the chute is enough for under 50 head. A sweep tub adds $2,150 to $4,650 and helps when working alone.
Manual or hydraulic for a small herd?
Manual. Hydraulic starts around $14,700 and pays for itself with hundreds of head or weekly use, not a few work days a year.
Which small-herd chute has the longest warranty?
Arrowquip, at 10 years on the 7500 plus lifetime on locks, floor and rump fingers. Priefert and Titan West give 5 years. Tarter gives 1.