The AWI sheep delivery units provide a system that delivers sheep directly to the shearer, eliminating the time and energy that shearers spend on the catch and drag.
It also minimises the chance of injury to the shearer from the dragging and twisting movements.
The design focuses on a modular concept in which portable singular shearing stands can be joined together to make a multi-stand shearing platform, which can be stored away after use.
Each modular unit holds three sheep in a race at the back of the unit, with a dummy pen fitted onto the end of the race to assist with the flow of sheep.
The automatic module contains a pneumatically powered delivery section that, at the press of a button, moves out from the race and then tilts the sheep into a position suitable for the shearer to then easily retrieve the animal.
There is also a manual version which is very similar to the automatic module’s race, except that in the race there is a simple springloaded gate in place of the automatic delivery section.
The shearer simply opens the gate and collects the sheep from the race and manoeuvres it the metre or so to the centre of the board before starting shearing.
For both modules, an angled chute allows for simple release of the shorn sheep underneath the race – again without significant dragging or twisting.
The potential benefits for woolgrowers and the industry include:
• increased attraction and retention of shearers to the industry
• decrease in shearer injuries
• improved productivity for workers
• cost effective option when upgrading infrastructure
• provides an avenue for multipurpose sheds.
There are several companies across Australia manufacturing a sheep delivery system based on the AWI designs, including Kyabram Steel at Kyabram which manufactures the manual modular race units (contact 03 5853 1554 or www.kyabramsteel.com.au).
