In May of 1999 we began construction of a new layover
table. It was finished in November. Most of the work was done during
evening hours and days off from trimming. I estimate that it took
between 600-700 hours of design and fabrication time, which included
plenty of head scratching time, wondering if it would ever work right or
ever get finished! We have been using it for over a year and are
happy to report that it has met all of our expectations. It has
some unique features that may be of interest to other hoof trimmers
looking to improve or add new features to their own tables. We
have already given permission to several local hoof trimmers and a dairy
farmer to copy some of the table's features for their own use. The
following is a list of current features of our table and we will update
the list as we continue to make improvements.
Retractable roof
Retractable table-better distribution of weight over rear axle for
road travel, a common problem for older style layover tables.
Suspended hydraulic controls
Suspended table-6 inch clearance all around
No crossover support bars at entrance and exit doors
One or two man operation, front feet & back feet suspended
work stations, all hydraulic control.
"Cow proof" flexible suspended work stations for
tools and angle grinder holder.
Latch free front door- opens hydraulically 170 degrees
Entrance door features: adjustable tension spring loaded
door; automatic latch release, hydraulic or manual closing.
Hydraulic adjustable belt placement under the cow
Emergency release mechanism for under belly belts
Adjustable table elevation- 14 inch travel up or down
Move table & truck left or right Hydraulically
Twelve hydraulic cylinders, 5 gallon accumulator, 5 gallon
reservoir and 1.5 HP motor running on 120 volt current designed to
handle 20-22 cows per hour. no batteries or solenoids to replace
Removable roof tarp for rainy or hot sunny days
Adjustable hinged aluminum gate panels. used to protect truck cab
on site or also to create full length panel on passenger side.
truck
can then be used as part of corral setup for cow traffic into the
chute.
NEW!
HOOFGUY ™ Leg restraint system used to immobilize feet.
Click here
we have replaced our strap and modified vise grip system with a
newly designed heavy duty strap clamping unit that is more dependable
and safer to use. These units work so well that we have begun
manufacturing and reselling them to other hoof trimmers.
High Density black plastic box liner. easy to clean and prevents
cow from "creeping" out of position while tipping.