Thanks for input. I went to the mill at lunch and looked at the Priefert, the W&W, and the Pearson. Man, theat Pearson is nice, but over $3000!
Priefert: I don't like the headgate. Not a fan of the sliding ones. I prefer the self catching ones that open in and out. I don't like the solid panel at the bottom that opens. It should be a half panel, not a full panel. I think I'm gonna get the crap kicked out of me when cutting bull calves. I like the sliding tail gate, but it doesn't seem to me that you can work that and the head gate at the same time, especially if you have to 'assist' the 'automatic' gate.
W&W: Nice although lots of bars and stuff to bang head and shins on. My fater-in-law has an old one of these I've worked it many times. I like it, with the eception of a few smashed fingers. You gotta pay attention with this one! One-hand operated, half panel at the bottom for cuttin', like it. I don't like the fact that the tail gate pulls up.....and then back over the chute. This gets caught sometimes and we have had 3 calves in my father-in-laws at the same time. Total trainwreck! Love the headgate...heavy built.
Pearson: Seems to be top of the line. Heavy heavy heavy. Nice trap doors behind head gate to work. Nice tail gate, opens straight up and won't bind. Both sides squeeze to keep sides symetrical with lane. Greasable pivots. It also has a bar between in the middle of the chute in the front about 20 inches high. I have never seen one. I guess it keeps stock from laying down in the chute? I'm open for suggestions on this one. It doesn't have any means for barring the head down for de-horning, guess I'll have to built that.
Any more input on this subject is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, JWB