Shear-Ezy consists of a shearing platform with an integrated parallel sheep loader. Mr Byrne said sheep walk into the loader via an inclined non back-up ramp and are held until ready to be shorn.
“The loader clamps the sheep then tilts toward the platform. The sheep is released from the clamp and the rear legs restrained while the sheep lies on the hinged up wings of the platform.”
He said the shearer is able to mechanically manipulate the sheep to each position through the shearing process, and fleeces fall onto the electrically driven wool conveyor belt, directly under the sheep, and is transferred intact to a knee height tray at the rear of the machine for easy pickup by the wool handler. Such awareness of occupational health and safety issues is a driver of the UPSP development, said Mr Sullivan.
AWI has invested significant funds on the UPSP program over the past three years, funding the development and testing of six alternative designs. The Peak Hill ShearEzy was the first of these designs to be made commercially available when it went on the market late last year and AWI has been involved with its continued improvement.
“The fact is that most shearing injuries come from the 'catch and drag' part of the process, and the UPSP overcomes this. Likewise, it eliminates the need for bending down, and reduces the physical effort required,” Mr Sullivan said.
“And with the latest design, productivity levels of the UPSP can be superior to over the board, particularly in difficult shearing conditions, for example with large sheep, or in particularly hot weather.”
Growers can see the latest model in action at the Campbell Town Show, Tasmania, on June 1-2, and at the Shear$marter forum in Dubbo, NSW, on June 13.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
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