Need a gate? Get one that fits its purpose
Nov 16, 2020
By Jeff Wilkerson, TFC Hardware Product Manager
There’s no question about the quality of gates made in LaVergne, Tenn., that carry the Co-op label. However, the best gate in the world won’t hold up or serve the purpose if it’s not the right kind of gate. Before you spend your hard-earned money, ask yourself, “What does this gate need to do?”
If you have a large pasture and just need a barrier, you would be better off with a Co-op Prime Pasture Gate. These gates are very durable but are lighter and easy to handle and hang.
If you need a gate inside a barn or for access to a holding pen where animal crowding is a concern, a Co-op Super Heavy Duty Gate fits the bill. These are constructed of heavy gauge, large diameter tubing and are designed to take abuse. Super Heavy Duty Gates are also available in a 5’ tall, seven-bar version to keep more aggressive animals from hurdling over the top.
In situations where small livestock such as goats or sheep are concerned, a Co-op Stockade Panel Gate will do the trick. These gates are made with the same type of tubing as the pasture gates but have a wire panel welded on them to prevent small animals from getting through. Small animals could slip through the bars of a pasture gate.
When building a fence or barn, keep in mind what size gates you will need. Measure equipment that will have to pass through the openings and allow for plenty of room. Buying a larger gate is less expensive than repairing a fence or barn that gets torn up by a piece of equipment. One thing to also remember is that gates are sized by the opening. For example, A 12’ gate fits a 12’ opening, meaning the actual length of the gate is not 12’. A 12’ gate is actually about 11’ 6” because room has to be allowed for the hinges and there needs to be enough space for the gate to swing freely. Leaving the wrong size opening is one of the most common mistakes when building a fence or barn. It’s a good idea to check and see exactly what sizes are available before you start. Gates generally run in sizes from 3’ or 4’ to 20’ in even number sizes (4’, 6’, 8’ 10’, etc.).
Visit your local Co-op store for information on styles and availability. We’ll leave the gate open!
There’s no question about the quality of gates made in LaVergne, Tenn., that carry the Co-op label. However, the best gate in the world won’t hold up or serve the purpose if it’s not the right kind of gate. Before you spend your hard-earned money, ask yourself, “What does this gate need to do?”
If you have a large pasture and just need a barrier, you would be better off with a Co-op Prime Pasture Gate. These gates are very durable but are lighter and easy to handle and hang.
If you need a gate inside a barn or for access to a holding pen where animal crowding is a concern, a Co-op Super Heavy Duty Gate fits the bill. These are constructed of heavy gauge, large diameter tubing and are designed to take abuse. Super Heavy Duty Gates are also available in a 5’ tall, seven-bar version to keep more aggressive animals from hurdling over the top.
In situations where small livestock such as goats or sheep are concerned, a Co-op Stockade Panel Gate will do the trick. These gates are made with the same type of tubing as the pasture gates but have a wire panel welded on them to prevent small animals from getting through. Small animals could slip through the bars of a pasture gate.
When building a fence or barn, keep in mind what size gates you will need. Measure equipment that will have to pass through the openings and allow for plenty of room. Buying a larger gate is less expensive than repairing a fence or barn that gets torn up by a piece of equipment. One thing to also remember is that gates are sized by the opening. For example, A 12’ gate fits a 12’ opening, meaning the actual length of the gate is not 12’. A 12’ gate is actually about 11’ 6” because room has to be allowed for the hinges and there needs to be enough space for the gate to swing freely. Leaving the wrong size opening is one of the most common mistakes when building a fence or barn. It’s a good idea to check and see exactly what sizes are available before you start. Gates generally run in sizes from 3’ or 4’ to 20’ in even number sizes (4’, 6’, 8’ 10’, etc.).
Visit your local Co-op store for information on styles and availability. We’ll leave the gate open!