Choosing Between the Clipex HD or HDX Series Cattle Crushes

Choosing Between the Clipex HD or HDX Series Cattle Crushes: A Complete Guide for UK Beef and Dairy Farms

Clipex HD or HDX Series – Investing in the right cattle crush is one of the most important decisions a livestock farmer can make. Whether you run a high‑throughput beef unit, a busy dairy herd, or a mixed enterprise, your crush needs to deliver strength, safety, efficiency, and long‑term reliability. The Clipex HD Series or HDX Series are two of the most respected options on the UK market, each offering heavy‑duty construction and practical design features built for real farm conditions.

While both ranges share Clipex’s signature build quality, they are designed with slightly different priorities in mind. Understanding these differences will help you choose the model that best suits your cattle type, handling frequency, and long‑term system requirements.

This guide breaks down the key features and helps you decide whether the Clipex HD or HDX Series is best for you. It compares their strengths and explains which farms will benefit most from each option.

 

Understanding the Clipex HD Series

The Clipex HD Series is designed as a robust, reliable, and highly capable crush for everyday cattle handling. It offers heavy‑duty construction suitable for both beef and dairy cattle, making it a strong choice for farms that need durability without stepping up to the premium features of the HDX range.

Key strengths of the HD Series

• Heavy‑duty steel construction built for long service life
• Strong, reliable head bail mechanisms for safe, controlled capture
• Smooth, quiet operation to reduce stress on cattle
• Excellent side access for routine treatments and inspections
• Suitable for both beef and dairy cattle
• Cost‑effective without compromising on strength

The HD Series is ideal for farms that need a dependable crush for routine tasks such as TB testing, dosing, foot trimming, AI, and general veterinary work. It’s particularly well‑suited to mixed herds, smaller beef units, and dairy farms that want a strong, reliable crush without the additional automation or structural upgrades of the HDX.

 

Understanding the Clipex HDX Series

The Clipex HDX Series represents the top tier of Clipex engineering. It is designed for farms that require maximum strength, advanced functionality, and high efficiency in their cattle handling equipment. The HDX Series is built to withstand heavy, continuous use and is particularly suited to large beef units, high‑throughput dairy farms, and operations where cattle are frequently handled.

Key strengths of the HDX Series

• Upgraded structural strength for the largest and strongest cattle
• Reinforced frames and welds for exceptional stability
• Advanced safety features for both cattle and handlers
• Hydraulic options for low‑effort, high‑precision operation
• Fast‑acting head bails for efficient capture
• Designed for intensive, high‑frequency handling
• Ideal for integration into complex cattle handling systems

The HDX Series is the right choice for farms that need premium performance, maximum durability, and the ability to process cattle quickly and safely with minimal labour.

 

Clipex HD or HDX Series: What’s the Difference?

Clipex HD or HDX Series – Although both ranges share Clipex’s heavy‑duty build quality, the HDX Series includes several upgrades that set it apart.

1. Structural Strength

• HD: Strong, durable, and suitable for all adult cattle.
• HDX: Reinforced to a higher specification, offering superior stability for large beef animals, bulls (model‑dependent), and high‑throughput dairy cows.

If you regularly handle big, powerful cattle or run a large herd, the HDX’s extra strength is a major advantage.

2. Handling Efficiency

• HD: Efficient for routine handling and moderate throughput.
• HDX: Designed for speed, precision, and continuous use, with features that reduce bottlenecks and improve workflow.

Dairy farms with frequent handling (AI, foot trimming, mobility scoring) often benefit from the HDX’s efficiency.

3. Operator Effort

• HD: Manual operation with smooth, reliable mechanisms.
• HDX: Hydraulic options available, reducing operator fatigue and improving control.

Hydraulics are especially valuable for farms handling large numbers of cattle or working with limited labour.

4. System Integration

• HD: Works well in standard race and yard setups.
• HDX: Designed for seamless integration into advanced livestock handling systems, including drafting, weighing, and EID setups.

If you’re planning a full cattle yard redesign or upgrading to a high‑performance system, the HDX offers more flexibility.

 

Which is Better for Beef Farms?

Which is better for beef farms, the Clipex HD or HDX Series?

HD Series for Beef

The HD Series is a strong choice for:

• Small to medium beef farms
• Suckler herds with moderate handling frequency
• Producers wanting a durable crush at a lower price point
• Farms that need reliable performance without advanced automation

HDX Series for Beef

The HDX Series is ideal for:

• Large finishing units
• High‑throughput suckler herds
• Farms handling big, strong cattle
• Producers wanting hydraulic operation and maximum efficiency
• Units where safety and speed are top priorities

If your cattle are large, lively, or handled in big groups, the HDX’s extra strength and efficiency make a noticeable difference. Pneumatic crushes and manual crushes are available.

 

Which is Better for Dairy Farms?

Which is better for dairy farms, the Clipex HD or HDX Series?

HD Series for Dairy

A great fit for:

• Smaller dairy herds
• Farms with moderate handling frequency
• Producers wanting a strong, reliable crush without premium features

HDX Series for Dairy

The best choice for:

• Large dairy herds
• Farms with frequent handling (AI, foot trimming, mobility scoring)
• Units needing hydraulic operation to reduce labour
• High‑throughput yards where speed and calm handling matter

Dairy cows benefit from the HDX’s quiet operation, strong frame, and excellent side access – especially during foot care and routine health checks.

 

Final Recommendation

The Clipex HD or HDX Series? Both offer exceptional build quality, safety, and performance. The right choice depends on your herd size, handling frequency, and long‑term system plans:

• Choose HD if you want a strong, reliable, cost‑effective crush for routine handling.
• Choose HDX if you need maximum strength, hydraulic efficiency, and premium performance for high‑throughput or intensive handling environments.

Livestock Handling Advice