In order to make milking the cow easier, I built this head stanchion. The diagonal board slides up into place and when it's vertical, there is a 1-in hole drilled through all three boards. The front and back sandwich boards are 2x6s as is the diagonal sliding board. I had planned on sliding the board into place and then inserting a bolt through all three holes to lock it in place. She's too fast for me, and backs her head out knocking the board out of place before I can get the bolt through. I tried looking for spring-loaded plunger latches, but none of them are long enough or thick enough. I'm not married to the idea of using some sort of spring-loaded mechanism, but I will certainly entertain. Any idea that might make this easier. I'm not married to the idea of using some sort of spring-loaded mechanism, but I will certainly entertain any idea that might make this easier.
Any ideas on how I can accomplish this? Thank you in advance
It looks way too close to the wall. She likely does not want to put her head there, especially when someone's watching. Would be good to get it another 2-3 feet away from the corner at a minimum. May make her more comfortable to enter it on her own and hang tight while snackig on some grain until you can lock it.
Regarding closing the gate, you can use a pulley system with a friction lock (like on a sailboat). This would allow you to stand far to the side, or even behind and securely close it, at least temporarily, until you can put a bolt/pin in. The system just needs to be strong enough to hold it to the side. Their necks are strong, but not super strong side to side (compared to up/down), doesnt need to be bullet proof. You're mostly trying to keep them from backing out.