Overview

The Monarch has evolved to feature everything that a grazier would need to improve efficiency when handling cattle in a restrainer. This product is a low maintenance and reliable workhorse that will deliver consistent results time and time again. It has been extensively tested by clients in feedlots that process high volumes of cattle quickly and efficiently. Their feedback has helped us to further develop this model, now offering an improved user-friendly control system and improved longevity through the use of bushings.  

Ergonomic Operation

The Monarch has enhanced the capabilities of the restrainer, easing the physical demands on the operator. The increased functionality of the control system means that the operator can control the entire system from a pivoting console that is suspended from the restrainer. This means that a sole operator can remain in a safe location, from which he can restrain, treat, and release cattle without having to approach the restrainer. For example, the operator can position the console at the front of the working side of the restrainer, and from there he can open the gates, catch the animal in the headbail, engage the head cradle and treat a diseased eye without moving from his position.

It also gives the operator the ability to collaborate with another person such as a vet by pivoting the console into position, giving the second person full access to the animal for the use of equipment needed to treat or determine the condition of the animal.

360 Degree Access

The design of the restrainer allows for access to both sides of the animal as well as the front and rear in a safe and efficient manner. This means an operator can work on the animal from any angle with no restrictions or compromise to his or the animal’s safety.

For ease of use the headbail has been designed with neck extenders which elongate the animal’s neck and limit lateral movement of the neck making it easier to perform tasks at the head of the animal as it has less ability to pull back on the headbail or jerk forward. This helps when the operator is holding equipment close to the head, such as when dehorning or ear tagging.

The lower access doors have been designed as double doors which swing out on outside hinges with a spring loaded latch on the top and bottom of the inner edge of the centre. The top and bottom spring loaded latches have a lip on the barrel of the spring allowing the latch to hold open securely. This means the door can be swung open and closed without the latch being constantly opened and closed, reducing a step for the operator when several animals need attention that requires access from these doors. Both doors can be opened separately or together to provide front, back or full access to the legs of an animal.

The operating side has been designed with convenient sections of rails which drop down fully. The sections include 2 sections at the front and 3 sections from the centre to the rear. The front sections are designed as a safe access point when accessing the neck of an animal, in particular when the operator needs to reach inside the restrainer to needle cattle. The centre to rear sections are useful when back lining cattle.

The vet compartment has been designed as a walk through section which has a top and bottom gate on the operating side and one gate on the non-operating side, this facilitates ease of use when preg-testing and preforming AI as the vet and operator have a secure walkway and standing area which is shielded from stray hooves by the kick gate.

A recommended addition for our clients who routinely use a kick gate is to upgrade to a pneumatic kick gate to dramatically reduce the risk of injury to the operator. The pneumatic kick gate can be controlled through the console and limits the time a person is standing behind the animal without protection. When a pneumatic kick gate is used the latch will attach when it is engaged behind the animal and the operator will only have to unlatch it to release it. Depending on operator preferences this gate may be released after the animal has been let out of the crush, further increasing the operator’s safety. This practice also decreases the likelihood of the animal stepping backwards in the crush when the headbails or squeeze are released.

For animal welfare the non-operating side has been designed as a break out gate, which opens 180 degrees. This allows an animal which has fallen or ‘gone down’ in the restrainer to be removed without being forced through the front. On occasion animals struggle or become overwhelmed in a crush (normally due to limited handling). They can lose their footing or decide to lie down in a crush. The safest and easiest way to help an animal in this situation is to create a large opening, enabling the animal to roll or step into an unrestricted space.

The break out gate is also designed to be used as a RFID scanner and is manufactured from a timber/ plastic composite. This material is long wearing and does not split or crack over time. The panel dimensions are important to get accurate reads on the scanner as cattle go through the restrainer, and limits readings from cattle in the waiting bay or lane. The RFID scanner unit itself is NOT included in the purchase of a Monarch; however we can source the correct size unit for your needs and add it to the total purchase.

Reduced Maintenance

Headbail and rear door tracks are self-cleaning to ensure they don’t jam during operation. The LFX wear pads are made from durable, wear resistant self-lubricating nylon to allow consistent smooth operation of squeeze doors. Multiple grease points are located on the pneumatic linkages to provide superior and cost-effective lubrication to the squeeze mechanism, headbail and rear doors, ensuring the pneumatic performance is sustained. Hinges on doors and access gates are also greased for ease of use and to prolong the longevity of the equipment.

OPTIONAL FEATURES

STANDARD FEATURES