Moly Manufacturing’s All-Purpose Corral has become a trusted solution for the daily demands of ranch and farm work.
Portable corrals have come on in leaps and bounds from the days of chuckwagon crews and temporary rope and horse pens. Many years ago, stockmen and cowboys relied on natural means to gather livestock in places where permanent infrastructure didn’t exist. Today, the All-Purpose Corral is considered an industry standard in portable corrals. It’s designed for both permanent and portable setups, with straightforward assembly and disassembly to handle whatever the job requires. This how-to offers step-by-step guidance for setting up and using the corral effectively in real-world scenarios.
Corral Catching Methods for Livestock
To gather livestock using the All-Purpose Corral, begin by unfolding the panels one set at a time, with each set consisting of two panels. Open both sides of the corral and arrange the panels into the preferred configuration. Once the animals are gathered and relaxed, quietly close the panels and secure them with a chain, leaving enough slack to avoid unnecessary pressure. At this point, the animals should be caught and contained. Be mindful that large interior spaces can cause livestock to run or jump.
For added stability, raise the wheel-holding frame and lower the wheel-lifting tool until it rests firmly on the ground. Begin moving the panels inward with the kickstands in the down position, keeping the panels close to the animals. This allows handlers to remain outside the pen while guiding animals through lanes created by the corral. If animals push against the panels, the kickstands help prevent outward movement, increasing safety and control.
The All-Purpose Corral is designed to hold animals inside or outside the panels, depending on the need — for example, containing a deer feeder within a cattle pen or separating horses or smaller animals. If extreme pressure occurs, the kickstands are engineered to lift slightly and release tension, helping to prevent injury and extend the life of the panels.
Round Pen Setup
To set up a round pen using the All-Purpose Corral, unfold the panels one set at a time, each consisting of two panels, or unfold as many as needed for your layout. Move the panels into position to form a circular shape, unfolding and adjusting until the pen is complete. Once the desired shape is formed, close the pen using the chain. The chain does not need to be pulled tight. If necessary, use the wheel-lifting tool to lower the panels so they sit evenly on the ground. Finally, set and place the All-Purpose Corral kickstands for added stabilization.
Bale Bed Pickup Option: Loading and Unloading
To begin loading the All-Purpose Corral using a bale bed pickup, insert the bale bed bar through the front of the folded panels between the two blue stripes. Use the bale bed arms with pointed spinner shafts to secure both ends of the bale bed bar tightly. Remove the spring-loaded clip from each spinner shaft, slide a washer onto the shaft, then reinsert the clip. This locks the bale arms in place and prevents them from releasing the bale bar during transport.
All-Purpose Corral panels are also designed to slide sideways, a feature known as “skeels.” The wheel design allows for maximum adjustment of the moving walls to create large pens, small pens or alleyways, and lets users work from outside the pen rather than inside.
Before moving, double-check that the safety chains are tight enough to keep the bale arms secured. If the chans are loose, remove a few links from the bolt that holds them in place to ensure a snug fit. Once everything is secured, place the pickup in neutral, and use the bale arms to lift the corral onto the truck bed, adjusting the truck’s position forward or backward as needed.
When unloading, begin lifting the corral with the bale bed arms. As the rear end touches the ground, slowly drive forward to allow the bale bed bar to slide out from the panels. Once the unit is fully on the ground, remove the clips from the spinner shafts, remove the washer and safety chain, and replace the spring-loaded clips. Then, open the bale bed arms to release the bale bar. With the bale bar removed, you can begin setting up the All-Purpose Corral panels.
