Inventory Close Out Sale. Shop the markdowns

The widest selection of automatic waterers and parts, shipped fast.

Parts for discontinued waterers. Find your model

Save $10!!!

Save $10 on orders of $120 or more of select small waterer parts orders

WATERERPARTS
Ritchie Industries  |  SKU: 18251

Ritchie CattleMaster 480 - 240V #18251

240V - 200 Beef, 100 Dairy

Regular price $1,699.99

Freight quote required if shipping. Request a freight quote here.

Available for pickup in the following locations:

  • Chambersburg, PA
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • Lincoln, NE
  • Beloit, KS
  • Billings, MT
  • Denver, CO

Contact us for pick-up information.


Common Applications

  • Beef cattle pastures
  • Feedlots and backgrounding operations
  • Dairy barns and freestall facilities
  • Fence-line watering systems
  • High-traffic livestock watering areas
  • Cold climate livestock operations

Features

  • Install using the same concrete pad and drain-out configuration as the CattleMaster 48
  • Electric heat standard; attached directly under the trough for maximum performance
  • Trough and hardware is 304 stainless steel for durability and long life
  • Meets Grade A dairy recommendations
  • Trough slopes toward drain for quick and easy cleaning
  • Unique water seal technology keeps cold air away from valve
  • Cable heater provides extra valve and supply line protection
  • Fully adjustable thermostat - 0-100 degrees
  • Constant flow optional

Specifications

Part No. 18251
Length 51in/129.54cm
Width 23.5in/59.69cm
Overall Height 24in/60.96cm
Shipping Weight 90lb/40.82kg
Drinking Height 16in/40.64cm
Heat 548W (4.6A @ 120V)
Capacity 20gal/75.71L
Herd Capacity 200 beef, 100 dairy

Warranty

Ritchie warrants its waterers against manufacturing defect for ten years, with coverage depending on how the unit is built.

Poly units: the base, top and ball closures carry a ten year limited warranty, covered at 100 percent for the first five years, then declining 20 percent per year through the remaining five years.

Stainless steel units: the stainless trough and stainless valve chamber frame carry a ten year limited warranty, plus ten years of corrosion coverage, at 100 percent for the entire ten year period.

Parts, such as floats, valves and heating elements, are warranted for one year from the date of purchase, at 100 percent against manufacturing defect.

See your instruction manual or ritchiefount.com for complete warranty information.

Delivery and Shipping

This item is a freight item. Please reach out to us for a freight quote otherwise ask about our pick-up options.

Freight items typically take 1-2 weeks for delivery. Allow extra time during peak season.

Description

The Ritchie 240V CattleMaster 480 is a high-performance automatic waterer designed for cattle operations that demand reliability, durability, and consistent water access year-round. Built with a fully insulated, heavy-duty polyethylene casing and a stainless steel trough, this unit combines strength with energy efficiency to perform in harsh environments.

Engineered for large herd capacity, the CattleMaster 480 can support up to 200 beef cattle or 100 dairy cows, making it an ideal solution for feedlots, pastures, and dairy facilities. Its thermostatically controlled heating system, paired with under-trough heating elements and a cable heater, ensures water stays ice-free even in extreme winter conditions.

The unit also features Ritchie’s fast refill valve system, ensuring fresh water is always available while minimizing downtime. With sloped trough design and accessible service components, maintenance is simple and efficient.

  • CattleMaster 480 Instruction Manual

  • CattleMaster 480 Parts Breakdown

  • CattleMaster 480 Footprint

Built for the Herd. Ready for Any Season.

The Ritchie CattleMaster 480 delivers dependable, frost-free water for high-demand operations. With fully insulated construction, powerful heating, and fast refill performance, it’s built to keep cattle hydrated and productive in even the toughest conditions.

Product Comparison

Find the waterer that is right for you, your operation and your budget. Compare similar waterers below. 

A table comparing the facets of 5 products
Facet
Yellow and red toolbox with 'Ritchie' branding on a white background
Ritchie CattleMaster 480 #18248
View details
Ritchie Omnimaster 4 automatic waterer
Ritchie OmniMaster 4 18920
View details
Lilspring 3200 livestock waterer by Miraco
Lilspring 3200 livestock waterer by Miraco
View details
Pride of the Farm WPO50 series open trough livestock waterer tank
Pride of the Farm WPO50E Heated Open Trough Tank
View details
Smidley 9150CT cattle trough, 21 gallon insulated stainless steel heated waterer
Smidley Cattle Trough 9150CT
View details
By
ByRitchie IndustriesRitchie IndustriesMiracoPride of the FarmSmidley
Price
Price
Sale price $1,900.00 Regular price $2,048.00
Regular price $1,680.00
Regular price $704.00
Regular price $975.00
Regular price $2,128.00
Heat
Heat
Heat Standard 548W (4.6A@120V)
548W (4.6A @ 120V)
Immersion and Cable Heater
Heated
Electric, standard, with a self regulating thermostat
Herd Capacity
Herd Capacity
200 beef, 100 dairy
180 beef, 90 dairy
150 Beef / 75 Dairy
200 Beef, 100 Dairy
Trough Capacity
Trough Capacity
20gal/75.71L
27.5gal/104.1L
25 Gallons
50 gal/189L
21 gallons
Length
Length
51in/129.54cm
54in/137.16cm
48 Inches
54in / 137.2cm
52 inches
Width
Width
23.5in/59.69cm
24in/60.96cm
22.5 Inches
31in/78.7cm
31 3/4 inches
Drink Height
Drink Height
16in/40.64cm
24in/60.96cm
24 Inches
24.5in/62.2cm
Overall Height
Overall Height
24in/60.96cm
30in/76.2cm
29 Inches
32.25in/81.9cm
32 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cattle can the CattleMaster 480 support?

The unit is designed for up to 200 beef cattle or 100 dairy cows, making it ideal for medium to large herd applications.

Will this waterer freeze in winter?

With proper installation and running electrictiy and heaters, No. It features a thermostatically controlled heating system with multiple heat elements and a cable heater, ensuring reliable freeze protection in cold climates.

Is the CattleMaster 480 energy efficient?

Yes. The fully insulated body and sealed design help retain heat and reduce energy consumption compared to non-insulated systems.

Is this unit suitable for dairy operations?

Yes. It meets dairy operation requirements and is commonly used in freestall barns and dairy setups due to its clean water delivery and durability.

How easy is the CattleMaster 480 to maintain?

It features accessible service components, sloped troughs, and drain options, making cleaning and maintenance straightforward.

More ways to shop Ritchie

  • Shop Ritchie Waterers

    Very easy. The trough is designed so all surfaces slope to a large drain, allowing it to empty quickly and clean out faster than traditional waterers. It also includes a finger-lift service cover, so you can access internal components without tools.

  • Shop Ritchie Parts

    Shop Ritchie parts to keep your waterers running reliably with genuine components designed for a precise fit, easy replacement, and long-lasting performance in all seasons.

  • Shop by Ritchie Parts Lists

    Not sure which part you need? Shop by Ritchie waterer model new or old to quickly find the exact replacement parts for your unit.