Double-Deck Cattle Loading Ramps: Boosting Efficiency for Australian Farmers

Double-deck cattle loading ramps offer significant improvements in efficiency, animal welfare, and operator safety for Australian farmers. Traditionally prevalent in saleyards and processing facilities, these ramps are now increasingly being installed on farms to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

Loading Efficiency and Time Savings

Integrating double-deck loading ramps on cattle properties markedly reduces loading times. Alister Clarke of Gracemere Livestock Transport notes that approximately 35-40% of Central Queensland properties now feature these ramps, leading to time savings of up to half an hour per truck during loading. This efficiency not only boosts productivity but also allows for more effective scheduling and resource allocation.

Improved Animal Welfare

Double-deck ramps facilitate a more natural and less stressful movement for cattle. By enabling direct loading onto both upper and lower decks of transport vehicles, these ramps minimise the need for steep internal ramps that can cause animals to baulk or rush, thereby reducing stress and potential injuries. Central Queensland cattleman Ian McCamley emphasises that such ramps contribute to smoother loading processes and better cattle welfare.

Operator Safety and Convenience

The design of modern double-deck ramps prioritises the safety of handlers. Features such as fully sheeted sides prevent cattle hooves from slipping out, while handrails on catwalks provide stable support for operators. Additionally, access gates on both upper and lower ramps allow handlers to move safely and efficiently between different sections during loading and unloading.

Te Pari's Dual-Height Loading Ramps

Te Pari's dual-height loading ramps exemplify these benefits. Constructed from high-quality Australian steel and fully hot-dip galvanized, these ramps offer durability and resistance to weathering. The patented stepped design ensures secure footing for cattle, reducing the risk of slipping and promoting steady movement. Furthermore, the inclusion of operator access gates and handrails enhances safety and ease of use.

Justin Dickens from JAD Speckle Park has experienced the benefits firsthand with his Te Pari Dual Height Loading Ramp. He says,

“The little bit of extra cost has been a great decision. Unloading B-doubles and loading out – there’s just no dropping of ramps, and we get a full truck every time. They walk off and on really, really well.”

Watch a video about the Te Pari Dual-Height Loading Ramp installed at West Wimmera Beef in Victoria.