Wash rack

I'm starting my next little project around the farm, a wash rack! It's going to be an outdoor one because I don't have room in my barn. Ive done some searches on here and as of now it will be about 12 x 12, concrete of course (with rubber mats), posts 3 feet back and 3 apart. If anyone has any ideas, advice or even pictures, any help is appreciated! Thanks!

I don't know if you are going to have a drain or just let it run off the pad. when I put in a washrack (mine is inside but this would aply anyhow) I put the drain against the wall and the tie rail back from the wall about 20 inches. I loved that the water going forward I wasn't always standing in a puddle or dragging hoses through the water.

Don't do the post deal, you will have 1 behind it .  Put either a hinged pipe that will fold back when it gets to where  you don't need it any more or a removable stem in the wall.

I agree with cowman 52.  Just be sure then ends are blunt and covered with rubber.  You don't want one injuring themselves. 

The other option is to use gates, one on each side.  and posts at the back.  If you're washing an un-broke animal they would be more confined and they couldn't get to you, either.  For an animal that is more broke , open each side when washing that particular side.  And for the tame ones, leave the sides open all together.  Might be any easy way to have it all?

Cattle Cards said:

I agree with cowman 52.  Just be sure then ends are blunt and covered with rubber.  You don't want one injuring themselves. 

The other option is to use gates, one on each side.  and posts at the back.  If you're washing an un-broke animal they would be more confined and they couldn't get to you, either.  For an animal that is more broke , open each side when washing that particular side.  And for the tame ones, leave the sides open all together.  Might be any easy way to have it all?

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i forgot to mention that i would have plastic sleeves over the pipe and they would be removable. And yes, the last thing i want is too injure one!

King Cattle Co. said:

I don't know if you are going to have a drain or just let it run off the pad. when I put in a washrack (mine is inside but this would aply anyhow) I put the drain against the wall and the tie rail back from the wall about 20 inches. I loved that the water going forward I wasn't always standing in a puddle or dragging hoses through the water.

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the spot i am building it at is already sloped. I'm not too sure what my dad is thinking for drainage but there will be pea gravel around the perimeter of it for sure, and it will probably have a a grated drain connected to a tile. my only concern with the drain is that it will be a pain if it get clogged with straw and chips. I'm thinking the cover would have to be removable and have a double grate that filters water before it enters the pipe. i hope that makes sense to everyone besides me (lol)

i'll try to scan a picture of what i have drawn up so far and post it on here.

TTT

I'd recommend a drain, or at least to make sure its sloped so you dont get stuck in a pool.  I'd also recommend closing it in if possible, so they can get used to walking into the closed area like at most shows.

I disagree with not using the typical post set up.  If you put gates on the side that arent solid, calves that kick or jump can get a leg through one that at best will get skinned up and at worst broken.  That also applies to your front "fence" that you tie to.  Make it either a solid wall in front so they cant catch a leg when they rear up when being broke out.

chambero said:

I disagree with not using the typical post set up.  If you put gates on the side that arent solid, calves that kick or jump can get a leg through one that at best will get skinned up and at worst broken.  That also applies to your front "fence" that you tie to.  Make it either a solid wall in front so they cant catch a leg when they rear up when being broke out.

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If referring to my suggestion, I don't disagree with you...but I mean permanently fixed gates at the front (8' maybe) with post at the back that you would chain them to.  They make pipe gates that have a 2" x 2"  or 4" x 4" welded wire on the bottom half.  And yes, I also think that the front should be permanently set and solid.  You can you a regular pipe gate/fence but then attach rubber, marine grade plywood or other water proof material to the inside to prevent themselves from hurting themselves...truth be told, you have lots of options. 

*IMPORTANT*
First, determine the amount of use, number of cattle, type of cattle (show animals, sale cattle, cows, bulls) and function.  You can build the best wash rack, but if it doesn't work for YOU, then it's worth nothing.  You may read what we write but go with what you see working for YOU and what is in your budget.  YOU are the one that is paying for in and using it.  YOU are the one who needs to be satisfied in the end.  Best of luck.

I would suggest calling someone like Tracy Goretska, John Sullivan, or Wade Rogers that are use to washing 50 head per day for 50/60 days straight to get their ideas on what to do & what not to do. They'll have many great ideas. I would also suggest put in a sediment trap in your drain system to keep it from plugging up. Very easy to do. Go look @ a car wash drain to get an idea of how to.

we have a middle post to tie ours to and then two upright posts on both sides about 3 feel back and about 2 1/2 apart. that works really good for us.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and suggestions. My scanner isn't working so I can't upload a picture of the plans I have drawn up yet. I like chambero's idea of a solid front to tie to because I had a steer this year that liked to paw up over bars of the chute. Does anyone have pictures of their wash rack? I've been looking on here and haven't found very much. Thanks again for the advice and suggestions!

I realize you may have seen it, but if not for a good source of visual information look at YouTube the" Brad Hook BS" (Broadcasting System). Under playlist, look for Real Barns ....Real People, Goretska Part 3. There are 4 videos, video #3 will possibly show you most of the information you are looking for.

dfm said:

I realize you may have seen it, but if not for a good source of visual information look at YouTube the" Brad Hook BS" (Broadcasting System). Under playlist, look for Real Barns ....Real People, Goretska Part 3. There are 4 videos, video #3 will possibly show you most of the information you are looking for.

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yes, i forgot to say i have seen those several times