Trinity Gate

Every ranch's corral set up is unique. The main distinguishing factor is usually the lay of their land. Size of operation and material availability, all play into the picture as well. For us, space is limited and the amount of cattle we work is low. That doesn't mean we have to settle for a second class system, though. It just means we have to do a lot with a little. 

To this end, we installed our Trinity Gate: three gates in one. 

The cattle runway in our small working pen divides the corral into two alleyways. This gate will help complete this goal. 

We already had the gates, themselves, built. So we just had to build the hinges and install everything. 

Finding pipe to pivot on 4 1/2" drill stem doesn't exist. What does work is splitting 4" black pipe and pounding it over the 4 1/2" and peening all around it to ensure the spread stays and pivots smoothly. 

With heavy gates like these, we tapped the back half of the hinge to put in a grease zerk.

Then welded pipes to bolt up the halves. Due to the many variables of this project, we made sure to keep each half matched as well as ensue they were setting flush on the bottom and around the pipe. 

Down at the corral, the first thing we did is connect the two posts that will support the gate. These chunks of drill stem are concreted 3' in the ground. Pretty solid by themselves, but definitely need each other to support our gate. A piece of 2 7/8" up high will do the trick. 

We first hung the center gate, planning ahead for the staggering of other two sets of hinges. 

Before we hung the other gates, we set up the rest of the hinges, offsetting them toward their respective gate.

Definitely want some good welds to hold these heavy guys. Good grinding is imperative. 

To keep all the gates parallel we put a rod across the top to hang the other two. Then welded them to their hinges. 

Once solid, we greased it up before we gave it a swing. To our delight, it moved pretty freely. 

Once swung out of the way, we could set the chute. 

This Pearson 7' self-catching chute is a nice new addition to our ranch wear. 

The Trinity Gate lands about 6" in front of the head catch. When parked, it will separate the two alleyways. 

All the hinges rest on top of each other. The two sets of bottom hinges rest on a base fixed to the pipe. 

Not only is there a lot of weight on these hinges, but the torque is great as well. To help minimize tweaking, we gusseted the mounting brackets. 

The first use of the Trinity Gate is to move as one. Here you can separate a cow into the other pen. Or, when using the chute, you can turn a cow loose to one side or the other. Because they all mount on the same post, the gates don't shift or slide as they move. 

Each gate is then able to swing independently. This allows you to pen up a critter or crowd them for loading into a trailer. 

Just like the Trinity, it is utterly simple. 

And at the same time, quite complex.

There are still some finishing touches to do, such as filling in the 10' stationary section that proceeds the gate and adding some chain latches. But over all, mission accomplished. This three-in-one gate will serve many purposes on our little place. Though we are small, we can still be functional. Besides, being creative in the corral is fun. 

I doubt I have surpassed the man hours that Grandpa put in down here, but I bet I'm nipping at his heels. For him, and for me, this barnyard is a labor of love. By naturally encountering the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we can be recharged in our relationship with God. And in turn, serve Him even better. Keep on ranching in a free world.