Business owners or entertainment rental companies looking to buy a bull ride machine should look beyond the appearance of the attraction and consider a number of other important factors. They include safety features, operator controls, ride durability, setup requirements, and long-term versatility.

One of the business advantages of a mechanical bull is that it may be used repeatedly at a nightclub or other venue. It can also become a popular attraction for an entertainment rental company. That means it should be engineered for frequent use and come equipped with features such as interchangeable attachments that keep the experience fresh and fun.

Start With Rider Safety and Operator Controls

Any evaluation of a mechanical bull should start with safety. It’s a ride where falling off is built into the experience, so you should examine both the riding attachment and the surrounding landing area. Galaxy Multi Rides, for example, developed its Sofolex™ soft foam bull head to reduce the risk of impact injuries. Its systems also use inflatable safety floors and automatic stop sensors that stop the ride when a rider falls.

When comparing systems from different manufacturers, look closely at construction, safety features, included support and replacement-part availability rather than comparing price alone.

You should also consider how much control staff members have over each ride. Automatic programs can provide consistent ride experiences for guests with different skill levels, while manual controls give trained operators greater flexibility. Galaxy systems include multiple automatic ride programs designed for riders at different ability levels. A combination of automatic and manual controls can help operators adjust the experience while maintaining consistent operating procedures.

Consider Durability, Setup and Staff Training

A bull ride machine may operate many times during a busy day. Given that, you should consider the ride system’s construction and durability, how easily it can be transported, what goes into assembling it, and what kind of support is available after the purchase.

For potential mechanical bull buyers, important questions include:

  • How much space does the complete attraction require?
  • How difficult is the system to transport and set up?
  • What power or operating requirements does it have?
  • What training is provided for ride operators?
  • Are replacement parts and technical support readily available?
  • What warranty is included with the system?

These considerations are especially important for event rental companies, which may need to move attractions from one location to another frequently. FEC and park operators may put more emphasis on durability and the ability to handle repeated daily use. 

Galaxy manufactures its mechanical bulls in-house and provides product manuals, safety and training resources, spare parts, and technical support.

Look for a Bull Ride Machine That Can Grow With the Business

A mechanical bull does not necessarily have to remain a mechanical bull. Systems that accommodate interchangeable ride attachments can give operators more ways to use the same mechanical base. That can be valuable for rental companies serving different types of events as well as FECs looking for seasonal promotions or new experiences for repeat visitors.

Galaxy offers more than 60 attachments for its mechanical bull and Multi-Ride systems, including animals, sports-themed rides, seasonal characters, and custom designs. Specific choices include:

  • Buffalo
  • Hog
  • Football
  • Chicken wing
  • Cruiser bike
  • Alligator
  • Zombie bull
  • Spider
  • Pumpkin
  • Grizzly bear
  • Great white shark

Galaxy also offers a variety of arenas that can further customize the attraction. 

Find the Right Mechanical Bull With Galaxy Multi Rides

Galaxy Multi Rides has designed and manufactured mechanical bull systems since 1990 and offers several models. Contact Galaxy Multi Rides to discuss bull ride machine options, safety features, Multi-Ride attachments, and the type of system that best fits your business plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What safety features should a bull ride machine have?

Operators should look for a padded or soft riding attachment, a suitable inflatable landing area, responsive operator controls, and systems that can stop the ride quickly when a rider falls. Galaxy mechanical bulls include soft foam bull heads and automatic stop sensors.

Are automatic controls useful on a mechanical bull?

Yes. Preset programs can create more consistent rides and make it easier to provide appropriate experiences for riders with different skill levels. Manual controls can also give trained operators more flexibility.

Can a mechanical bull be used for more than western-themed events?

Yes. A Multi-Ride system can use interchangeable attachments that transform the attraction for different themes, sports, seasons, and events. Galaxy offers more than 60 attachment options.

What should event rental companies consider when buying a bull ride machine?

Rental companies should pay particular attention to portability, setup time, transportation requirements, durability, and operator training. A versatile system can also make it possible to serve more types of events with the same mechanical base.

What is the advantage of interchangeable ride attachments?

Interchangeable attachments allow operators to create new experiences without purchasing an entirely separate mechanical ride system. They can also help businesses adapt an attraction for seasonal events, promotions, and different audiences.