Tri-Bander Castrator

Calf work goes faster with one hand free. This bander locks open on a cam, and a flip of your finger releases it, so you can set the bander, steady the calf and release the ring without juggling the tool.

The bands are 2X stronger than ordinary bands, and the bander opens wider, so the ring goes on without a fight. The flat sides of each ring keep it from rolling off during application, which saves a restart when a round band slips off the tool.

Use it on newborns up to calves weighing 350 lb. The kit comes with the bander and rings, so you can bring it along when the next calves are due.

Highlights

• One-hand operation with a cam lock
• Release with a flip of your finger
• Opens wider for easier ring placement
• Rings 2X stronger than ordinary bands
• Flat-sided rings help keep them from rolling off
• Kit includes the bander and 10 rings

Why a cam-lock bander

A bander is a common tool for calves that are young and small enough to handle. The tool is only as good as its grip, and a bander that locks open and holds lets you spend your hands on the calf instead of the tool.

Flat-sided rings matter more than they look. A round band that rolls off the tool costs you the ring and the time to reload. A ring that stays put keeps the rhythm of the pen.

It suits a small operation banding a few calves each spring, and a bigger herd where every restart slows the crew.

At a glance

How to use it

1. Lock the bander open on the cam before you load a ring.
2. Load a ring with the flat sides in place so it sits square on the bander.
3. Follow your vet's guidance on timing and placement for your calves.
4. Release with a flip of your finger, keeping one hand free for the calf.
5. Rinse the bander, wipe it dry after each session, and store it with the spare rings out of the weather.

Good to know

• Keep a spare set of rings in the truck during calving season, so you are not stopped mid-chute.
• Ask your vet to walk you through the technique on the first calves of the season.
• Give tetanus toxoid at banding time unless your veterinarian directs otherwise.

Stock a spare set of rings before calving season starts.