Chute specs
Squeeze Chute Headgate Types Explained
Every chute on this site sorted by the headgate it ships with, what each type does, and which one fits how you work cattle.
Side by side
Squeeze Chute Headgate Types: Every Model Sorted
32 squeeze chutes on this site. The bar shows where each group sits between the lowest and highest price.
Self-catch
$2,850 to $11,624
Closes when the animal pushes through. Easiest for one person.
- Big Valley MX-V$2,850
- CountyLine Standard Auto$3,999
- W-W Beefmaster Standard$4,900
- W-W Beefmaster XL$5,850
- Arrowquip 8700 Q-Catch 87$10,375
- Tarter CattleMaster Series 9$11,624
Switchable
$2,999 to $5,099
Runs self-catch or manual with a pin or lever.
- Tarter CattleMaster Series 3$2,999
- Priefert S0191 Economy$3,899
- Priefert S04$5,099
Ratchet lock
$5,750 to $15,350
Maker’s ratcheting lock, set by hand, holds at several widths.
- Arrowquip 5500 Arrowlock$5,750
- Arrowquip 7500 Arrowlock$6,950
- Arrowquip 8800 Arrowlock 88$15,350
Manual
$4,499 to $9,299
You pull the lever at the right moment. Simple, fewest parts.
- Tarter CattleMaster Series 6$4,499
- Priefert SC25$9,299
Maker’s own
$6,350 to $9,750
Brand’s own headgate design; see the model page for details.
- Titan West Equalizer$6,350
- Pearson Prime Manual$9,750
Hydraulic
$14,740 to $32,850
Opened and closed from the hydraulic controls.
- W-W Ranchmaster$14,740
- Arrowquip 1050 Powerlock$16,050
- Titan West Cattleman’s$16,350
- Arrowquip 1070 Q-Power$16,875
- W-W Super Pro$17,945
- Arrowquip 1080 Powerlock$19,750
- +10 more
Prices last checked September 2026. Freight is extra unless noted.
How to choose
How to Choose: Squeeze Chute Headgate Types
Why it matters
Squeeze Chute Headgate Types: Why It Matters
People needed
A self-catch lets one person run cattle up and catch them. A manual headgate usually needs someone at the lever.
Catching calves
Small calves can slip a self-catch that is set for cows. A manual or adjustable headgate gives you more control.
Wear and parts
Manual headgates have fewer moving parts. Self-catch trips and springs wear and are worth checking each season.
The details
Squeeze Chute Headgate Types: The Details
The headgate is the part of the chute that catches the animal by the neck. It is the piece you use every time a cow comes through, so it shapes how fast you work and how many people you need.
A self-catch headgate is set open and closes as the animal pushes its shoulders into it. A manual headgate stays open until you pull the lever, so timing is on you. Some headgates switch between the two, and hydraulic chutes close theirs from the valve bank.
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Questions
Squeeze Chute Headgate Types: Questions
What is a self-catch headgate?
A headgate that is set open and closes on its own when the animal pushes through it. The animal trips it, so the operator does not have to time a lever pull.
Is a self-catch or manual headgate better?
Neither is better for everyone. Self-catch suits one-person work and steady cattle. Manual gives more control over when the gate closes, which helps with calves, bulls and nervous cattle.
Can a self-catch headgate be run manually?
Many can. Headgates such as the Priefert HG91 switch between manual and automatic, and the listing will say so. A plain self-catch without that option cannot.
What does automatic headgate mean?
It is another name for self-catch. The gate closes automatically as the animal enters.
Do hydraulic chutes have a different headgate?
Yes. A hydraulic chute closes its headgate with a hydraulic cylinder from the control valves, so there is no lever to time.
Can I swap the headgate on my chute?
Sometimes. Makers sell replacement headgates for their own chutes, and some fit other brands. Measure the opening and mounting points and confirm with the dealer.
Why do calves get through a headgate?
A headgate set for mature cows can leave a gap a calf can slip. Adjustable or manual headgates let you close tighter for small cattle.
How do I keep a headgate working smoothly?
Keep pivot points greased, check trip mechanisms and springs before each working season, and replace bent parts before they bind.
Which squeeze chutes are listed as “Self-catch”?
Big Valley MX-V ($2,850–$4,462). CountyLine Standard Auto ($3,999). W-W Beefmaster Standard ($4,900–$6,549). W-W Beefmaster XL ($5,850–$7,766). Arrowquip 8700 Q-Catch 87 ($10,375). Tarter CattleMaster Series 9 ($11,624).
Which squeeze chutes are listed as “Switchable”?
Tarter CattleMaster Series 3 ($2,999). Priefert S0191 Economy ($3,899–$4,449). Priefert S04 ($5,099–$5,799).
Which squeeze chutes are listed as “Ratchet lock”?
Arrowquip 5500 Arrowlock ($5,750). Arrowquip 7500 Arrowlock ($6,950). Arrowquip 8800 Arrowlock 88 ($15,350).
Which squeeze chutes are listed as “Manual”?
Tarter CattleMaster Series 6 ($4,499). Priefert SC25 ($9,299).
Which squeeze chutes are listed as “Maker’s own”?
Titan West Equalizer ($6,350). Pearson Prime Manual ($9,750).
Which squeeze chutes are listed as “Hydraulic”?
W-W Ranchmaster ($14,740–$21,060). Arrowquip 1050 Powerlock ($16,050). Titan West Cattleman’s ($16,350). Arrowquip 1070 Q-Power ($16,875). W-W Super Pro ($17,945–$25,633). Arrowquip 1080 Powerlock ($19,750). Salt Creek Standard, 8 ft ($20,500). Titan West Cattle Care ($21,200). Plus 8 more in the full list.
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