Getting Started

Selecting the right gate or panel is more than a matter of price — it’s about safety, durability, and matching your operation’s demands. Whether you’re working cattle daily or simply maintaining a pasture boundary, the wrong setup can cost you time, repairs, and peace of mind.

This guide breaks down how gates and panels differ by construction, gauge, and strength tier, helping you choose the right fit for your livestock, workload, and budget.

Access Control

Light-Duty Applications

Ideal for driveways, pasture entrances, and areas with little to no animal pressure, Access Control gates are designed for ease of use and visual boundary definition.
These products focus on accessibility and general property management rather than confinement.

 

 

FEATURES: 

  • 1-⅝” Diameter Steel Tubing
  • 18 and 20-Gauge Steel
  • A choice between our hard-as-nails powder-coat finish, or a galvanized finish.

BEST FOR: 

  • Driveway or lane entrances
  • Property and field access
  • Decorative or non-livestock fencing

Pasture Confinement

When you need to contain livestock with low-to-moderate contact, Pasture Confinement gates and panels deliver dependable strength and straightforward performance. They’re perfect for small operations, grazing rotations, or perimeter fencing that occasionally experiences contact from livestock.

 

 

FEATURES:

  • 1-5/8” diameter steel tubing
  • 16–18 gauge steel
  • Powder-coat or galvanized finish

BEST FOR:

  • Horses, calves, or small herds
  • Grazing and turnout areas
  • Perimeter or rotational fencing

Moderate Confinement

For working pens, handling areas, or general-purpose confinement, Moderate Confinement equipment offers an ideal balance of portability, strength, and longevity.
These gates and panels are engineered for operations that regularly handle livestock but don’t require the weight or rigidity of a full heavy-duty system.

 

 

FEATURES:

  • 1-5/8” diameter steel tubing
  • 16 gauge steel
  • Powder-coat or galvanized finish

BEST FOR:

  • Working corrals and sorting alleys
  • Moderate livestock pressure
  • Routine animal movement and management

Maximum Confinement

For high-stress environments where animal safety and structural integrity are critical, Maximum Confinement products deliver uncompromising performance.
These heavy-duty gates and panels are built to withstand repeated impact and crowding from large or aggressive livestock in working or handling facilities.

 

 

FEATURES:

  • Heavy-duty 2” diameter steel tubing
  • 14–16 gauge steel
  • Powder-coat or hot-dipped galvanized finish

BEST FOR:

  • Crowding, loading, or holding pens
  • High-pressure working systems
  • Feedlots and heavy livestock operations

Choosing the Right Level for Your Operation

Each Confinement Level builds on the one before it—using heavier gauge steel, larger tubing, and are engineered for more strength to handle increasing levels of pressure and impact.
Choosing the right level comes down to evaluating:

  • Animal type and size — larger livestock demand heavier construction.
  • Frequency of contact — more contact means higher confinement level.
  • Environment — muddy, rocky, or high-traffic areas accelerate wear.
  • Handling intensity — everyday working pens require Maximum Confinement.

If in doubt, step up one level for safety and longevity.

Built to Last. Backed by Behlen.

Every Behlen Country gate and panel is engineered for real-world conditions, from weekend pasture projects to commercial livestock operations.
By matching your equipment to the proper Confinement Level, you’ll get reliable performance, reduced maintenance, and years of dependable service.

Explore our full line of Gates & Panels, or contact your local Behlen Country dealer for personalized guidance on building a system that fits your operation.