PG Forcing Tub vs. HD Forcing Tub

PG Forcing Tub vs. HD Forcing Tub – A forcing tub acts as the funnel of your cattle handling system, using natural cattle behaviour to encourage movement into the race. Choosing between the PG Forcing Tub and the HD Forcing Tub comes down to herd size, handling frequency, and required automation.

┌──────────────────────┐
│ Curved Race Way │
│ (Blind Sheeting) │
└──────────┬───────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PG / HD Forcing Tub │
│ – 180° Sweep Radius │
│ – Self-Locking Ratchet Latch │
│ – Solid Blind Panels (Prevents Peripheral Sight) │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

1. Model Overview

PG Forcing Tub (Standard Duty)

Target Operation: Small to medium suckler, pedigree, or commercial herds (up to 250 head).
Key Mechanism: Manual ratchet-operated crowd gate with a spring-loaded latch running along a heavy outer ring frame.
Steel Finish: Pre-galvanized frame construction with heavy-duty slide gates.
Product Link: View the PG Forcing Tub Specs

HD Forcing Tub (Heavy Duty & Pneumatic Ready)

Target Operation: Large commercial finisher yards, dairy units, and high-throughput livestock enterprises (250+ head).
Key Mechanism: Heavy-duty rotary crowd tub with anti-back ratchet mechanisms, optional pneumatic gate automation, integrated top-walkway, and modular drafting integration.
Steel Finish: Hot-dipped galvanized construction for long service life.
Product Link: View the HD Forcing Tub Specs

2. Feature Comparison Table

Technical Specification	PG Forcing Tub	HD Forcing Tub
Frame Material	Pre-Galvanized Steel	Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel
Operation Type	Manual Ratchet	Manual / Pneumatic Powered Options
Sweep Radius	180 Degree Rotary Crowd	180 Degree Heavy Duty Rotary
Handler Walkway	Optional Add-on	Integrated High-Level Platform
Crush Compatibility	Manual Crushes (e.g., HDX 1300)	Auto Crushes (e.g., HD 2000 Pneumatic)
3-Way / 5-Way Draft Ready	No	Yes (Pneumatic Draft Modules)

3. Flight-Zone Science: Why Curved Sheeted Tubs Work

Both the PG and HD tubs rely on Dr. Temple Grandin’s livestock handling principles:

Circular Motion: Cattle moving through a 180° sweep think they are returning to where they came from.
Visual Blind Barriers: Sheeted side panels prevent stock from seeing handlers, dogs, or machinery outside the tub, keeping their eyes focused on the open entry to the race.
No Dead Ends: The curved radius avoids 90-degree corners where flighty animals tend to bunch up or stall.