Cattle Guards: Fabrication & Installation
Custom-fabricated cattle guards built heavy enough for oilfield traffic and installed right the first time. Serving operators across the Powder River Basin.
Built for Heavy Loads on Working Ground
A cattle guard that cannot handle the weight crossing it is worse than no cattle guard at all. WYO Services fabricates and installs cattle guards engineered for the loads that oilfield access roads carry -- water trucks, rig components, heavy haul trailers, and constant daily traffic.
We handle the full scope: design and fabrication in our shop, foundation preparation on-site, installation, and backfill. Every guard is built from heavy steel and sized to match the road width and traffic requirements. When a standard size does not fit, we build custom. Operators and landowners across the Powder River Basin count on WYO Services to put in cattle guards that stay level, drain properly, and hold up for years.
Cattle Guard Capabilities
Custom Fabrication
We design and weld cattle guards in-house to match your road width, load requirements, and site conditions. Custom sizing means you get a guard that fits the crossing -- not a compromise that almost works.
Standard Sizes
For common road widths and standard load ratings, we maintain proven designs that can be fabricated and delivered on a shorter timeline. Same heavy construction, ready when you need it.
Foundation Work
A cattle guard is only as good as what it sits on. We excavate, form, and prepare foundations that keep the guard level and draining properly for the long haul. No shortcuts on the base.
Installation
We set guards with the right equipment, align them to the road grade, and tie them into the fence line. Proper installation means the guard does its job without creating a hazard or a maintenance headache.
Wing Fencing
Cattle guards need wing fence on both sides to funnel livestock away from the crossing. We install wing fencing as part of the cattle guard package so the system works as intended.
Replacement & Repair
Old cattle guards that have bent, rusted, or settled out can be pulled, replaced, or repaired. We assess the existing guard and foundation to determine whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
From Steel to Installed
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Site Assessment
We evaluate the crossing location, road width, expected traffic loads, drainage, and fence-line tie-in points. This determines the guard dimensions, steel weight, and foundation requirements.
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Design & Fabrication
The guard is designed and welded in our shop using heavy structural steel. We size pipe and rail spacing to prevent livestock hooves from passing through while allowing debris to fall clear.
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Foundation Preparation
On-site, we excavate the vault, set proper drainage, and prepare a level bearing surface. The foundation work is what keeps the guard from settling, shifting, or holding water.
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Installation
The fabricated guard is transported to the site and set into the prepared foundation. We align it to road grade, secure it in position, and connect wing fencing on both sides.
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Backfill & Finish
Approach ramps are built up and compacted, edges are dressed, and the road surface is blended to the guard. The finished crossing is smooth, level, and ready for traffic immediately.
Common Questions About Cattle Guards
What weight capacity do your cattle guards handle?
We build cattle guards to handle the loads specific to your road traffic. Oilfield access roads typically require guards rated for heavy trucks, water haulers, and occasional oversize loads. We size the steel and foundation accordingly. If you have specific load-rating requirements, we design to meet them.
Do you offer standard sizes or only custom?
Both. We have standard designs for common road widths that can be fabricated quickly. For non-standard crossings, unusual load requirements, or specific site conditions, we design and build custom guards. Either way, the construction quality is the same.
What maintenance do cattle guards require?
Cattle guards need periodic cleaning to remove debris, dirt, and mud that accumulates in the vault. Drainage should be checked to make sure water is not pooling and accelerating corrosion. Beyond that, a well-built and properly installed cattle guard requires minimal attention. We build them to last, not to generate service calls.
How long does installation take?
A typical cattle guard installation -- including foundation preparation, guard setting, wing fencing, and backfill -- can be completed in one to two days on-site. Fabrication lead time depends on whether you need a standard or custom size and current shop workload. Contact us for current timelines.
Need a Cattle Guard Built?
WYO Services fabricates and installs cattle guards that handle real oilfield weight. Contact us to discuss sizing, load requirements, and installation scheduling.