Expert Insights

The Longevity of Steel Hardware in Dairy Barns

In the demanding environment of a dairy barn, equipment must withstand constant use, exposure to moisture, and the physical stress exerted by livestock. VES-Artex understands these challenges and has engineered steel hardware solutions that offer exceptional durability and longevity. What’s more? We have these items in stock! Available for pick-up. Let's explore how our steel components — headlocks, gates, grates, waterers, and accessories — stand up to the rigors of daily farm life.

Headlocks: Precision and Strength

VES-Artex headlocks are crafted from high-strength galvanized steel, ensuring they can handle the daily pressure from cows without bending or fatigue. These non-locking or self-locking (self-locks) and quick-release mechanisms facilitate efficient animal handling during feeding, milking, and veterinary care. Hot-dipped galvanization and corrosion-resistant coating extend the life of the headlocks, even in high-moisture environments typical of dairy barns. Explore the options available:

Freestall Systems

VES-Artex freestall systems are built to withstand the toughest barn environments. Hot-dipped galvanized componentsprovide superior corrosion resistance, ensuring a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution. Heavy-duty tee and cross clamps feature locking holes that eliminate swiveling, delivering extra strength and secure fastening for reliable, worry-free performance. Free stall options include:

Round Posts – Versatile, Durable Livestock Solutions

VES-Artex Round Posts offer dairy and livestock producers a flexible and long-lasting solution for barn enclosures, walkways, and equipment mounting. Available in post and bollard styles, with or without dome caps, these posts are constructed from high-quality steel to withstand the rigors of livestock environments.

A wide variety of accessories, including caps, hangers, and connectors, allow you to customize your setup for maximum functionality and efficiency. Whether used as standalone posts, part of a modular system, or integrated into existing barn layouts, VES-Artex Round Posts provide durable, corrosion-resistant support that enhances barn safety and operational efficiency.

T-Posts – Durable, Reliable Fencing Solutions

VES-Artex T-Posts provide dairy and livestock producers with a strong, long-lasting fencing solution. Constructed from high-quality, hot-dipped galvanized steel, these T-Posts resist rust and corrosion, ensuring years of reliable performance in harsh barn and pasture environments. Designed for easy installation, VES-Artex T-Posts deliver secure support for fencing systems, keeping livestock safe and contained while minimizing maintenance. Perfect for barn enclosures, pasture fencing, and perimeter security, these T-Posts are a durable choice for any livestock operation.

Shoulder Bars – Enhancing Cow Comfort and Safety

VES-Artex Shoulder Bars are engineered to provide optimal spacing and comfort for dairy cows in freestall barns. Constructed from high-quality, corrosion-resistant steel, these bars maintain their strength and durability even in the most demanding barn environments.

By guiding cows into proper stall alignment, shoulder bars help reduce stress, prevent injury, and promote better lying behavior, ultimately supporting animal well-being and milk production. Easy to install and compatible with a variety of freestall configurations, these shoulder bars are a reliable, long-lasting solution for modern dairy operations.

Adjustable Fencing

Our adjustable fence system offers dairy and livestock producers a modular, cost-effective solution that’s easy to install. Each fencing section features telescoping bars, allowing for full customization to fit any space and adapt layouts as needed. Built for long-lasting performance, panels are securely cemented in place without on-site welding, and all steel components are hot-dipped galvanized for superior corrosion resistance and durability.

Gates: Secure and Reliable

Our barn gates are constructed from 12-gauge high-tensile steel tubing, offering robust strength to withstand the physical demands of livestock movement. The hot-dipped galvanized finish provides resistance against rust and corrosion, ensuring the gates maintain their structural integrity over time while delivering comfort and ease to those who deploy them. VES-Artex noise-reducing hardware adds to the user experience! Customize your gate solution to fit your operation with variances in length, height, bar options and hardware. Options for gates include:

Waterers: Hygienic and Long-Lasting

Our waterers, like the Aqua Dump Water Trough, are constructed from stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning. This material choice ensures a hygienic water supply for your herd, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. The durable construction withstands the wear and tear of daily use, providing a long-lasting solution for your barn's hydration needs.

Accessories: Enhancing Barn Efficiency

VES-Artex offers a range of steel accessories, including slant bars, boot washes, fence panels, and gate latches, all designed with durability in mind. These components are made from high-quality steel and are treated to resist corrosion, ensuring they perform reliably over time. Their robust construction contributes to the overall efficiency and safety of your dairy barn operations.

Supporting Research on Steel Durability

Studies have highlighted the importance of durable materials in dairy barn equipment. Research indicates that barns constructed with steel components experience less damage and require fewer repairs compared to those with alternative materials. For instance, a study comparing tie-stall and freestall barns found significant differences in equipment wear, emphasizing the need for durable materials in barn construction.

We invest in research at our manufacturing facility, rigorously testing each product within a test environment then in a live study. We’d love to host your group for a tour to explore our testing facility. Have a visit to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin in your future? Contact us to schedule a tour.

Why Choose VES-Artex Steel Hardware?

  • Corrosion Resistance: Our galvanized and stainless-steel components resist rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity.
  • Structural Integrity: Designed to withstand the physical demands of dairy operations.
  • Low Maintenance: Durable construction reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
  • Tailored Solutions: Customizable features to meet the specific needs of your barn.

Get Started

Investing in VES-Artex steel hardware means choosing quality, durability, and reliability for your dairy barn. For more information or to discuss your specific needs, contact us today. Our team is ready to help you enhance the efficiency and longevity of your barn operations and our vast dealer network is committed to servicing your operation for generations to come!

Local to Chippewa Falls? Please stop by HQ and stock up on your seasonal needs. Call ahead and we’ll have your order ready! To place an order for pick-up, call 1-888-622-2999.

Prev