dun":r7m219nn said:
We have the S01 with the wheels and auto catch. When we bought it the S04 had a shin knocker sticking out at the left front so that knocked it off the list. I also like the sliding rear gate better then the scissors type. Just turns out my likes corresponded to the less expensive chute. The auto catch really worse slick when you're having to crank a tail to get the stupid beast to step forward far enough to catch it. I use it all the time anyway since my wife doesn;t have enough umph to handle the headgate. I'm usually working the back end and my arms are too short to work the headgate too.
Dun
How good is the neck access on the SO1? The front verticle bar on the SO4 has a dogleg in it that appears to give great neck access for vacs, etc while the SO4 has all straight bars. Also a man that has a SO4 said he preferred it to the SO1 because the control for the head gate and the rear gate could both be reached by one person at the same time. Said it made it easier for him to work cattle by himself. Why do you like the sliding gate? I went to a dealer who had both chutes side by side and spent several minutes working each and the split SO4 tailgate seemed to work easier for me. The sliding gate seemed to bind when fully opened and took more force to operate then the split gate. I'm sure some oil on the slide would make it easier at least until it collected dust.
Has anyone run any 150-200# calves thru a priefert chute? If yes, what was your experience with calves this small?
The better neck access and ease of operation of the rear gate are the 2 factors that have me leaning toward the more expensive one. I have reached the age where ease of use has significant value to me.
I really appreciate everyones input as I am trying to decide which one to buy.