I think the choice between hydraulic and manual really depends on how many head you will be running through it each year.

I have been using a simple lowcost For-most 125 with an A25 auto headgate and palp cage. Very good setup except I now realize why the other chutes have drop down panels and a squeeze rather than crowd.

My Formost dealer traded my 125 for a Formost 150 and this is about all any small to midsize operation needs as far as I can see. A lot of chute for the money if it is not something you will be running 500 head through a couple times a year. Dealer says most/many vets in WI use the For-most 150.

I kept the palp cage and A25 headgate. Headgate works very well.

If you are putting in an alley and chute I would strongly recommend also putting a scale under one or the other. jmho.

Good luck.

Jim at Dawn

edit: McFarmer: my vet requested the drop down sides on the 150 also. That is the chute his clinic has on wheels and why I traded.