Sheep clipper

Shearing sheep is not only a way to get certain volumes of wool, but also a mandatory hygiene procedure. If it is not carried out, then various microorganisms and parasites accumulate in the hairline, causing diseases in animals. Since ancient times, this procedure has been carried out using ordinary scissors. But today this method of obtaining wool is outdated and ineffective. A sheep clipper, which is commercially available in several versions, allows you to significantly simplify the process. But this article will tell you how to choose the most suitable model.

Shearing

Benefits of shearing sheep with a machine

Manual shearing of sheep with scissors has been practiced by sheep breeders at all times. Many small home farm owners use this method to this day. But when working with a large livestock of animals, it is extremely inefficient and costly in terms of time and effort.

Much more efficient and modern is the automated shearing of sheep using a machine. In comparison with the manual execution of the procedure, the use of a machine offers a number of significant advantages:

• in a short period of time, it is possible to shear a large number of sheep, which is especially important for industrial breeding;
• machine haircut does not damage the hair, which greatly increases the value of the fleece;
• for such a haircut, less power is needed;
• the tool does not injure the skin of the lamb and does not pull the wool, as a result of which the animal calmly tolerates shearing;
• for the processing of flocks for industrial maintenance, much fewer employees are needed, which helps to save significantly;
• to work with such a tool, much less skill and strength is required, which simplifies the procedure for beginner sheep breeders.

Another advantage of the sheep shearer is that, working with it, the shearer feels much more confident and calm. And such calmness is transmitted to the animal, therefore, during the haircut, it behaves more obediently.

Types of cars

The modern market offers several constructive options for such equipment. All of them are conditionally divided into two types:

1. Mechanical machines. Such a device is actually an improved scissors. It works from the efforts that the shearer makes to it. The mechanical version differs from conventional scissors in a more comfortable handle and efficient knife design.
2. electrical models. This category of instrument is more diverse. The blades are powered by an electric motor. The device is presented by a large number of models, which differ among themselves in performance, performance and other functional points.

Manual or mechanical sheep clipper

A manual or mechanical sheep clipper is used, as a rule, in small households. But in addition to low efficiency, this device, due to the large number of moving elements, also implies less strength. Mechanical models from Germany, France, Pakistan and Poland are considered to be of the highest quality.

The electric option is more in demand in large farms. It is much stronger and does not break as often.

What to look for when buying?

For an inexperienced buyer, choosing the right clipper can be a serious problem. Without knowing the important nuances of the device, it is easy to get lost in all the variety of models. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with them in advance.

Key points in this regard include:

1. Power. When buying an electric tool, this parameter is paid attention first of all. To make the right choice, this parameter is compared with the size of the sheep population. So, for a herd with more than 50-60 heads, a device with a maximum power of 320 watts is suitable. But it is not cheap and on a farm with 20-30 heads of cattle is unlikely to pay for itself. Therefore, for such farms, a sheep shearing machine with a power of 180–220 watts is more often purchased.
2. Ease of use. The device should be light, have a comfortable handle, and a sufficient supply of electrical cable. In addition, it is desirable that the device has several interchangeable heads for wool of different lengths.
3. The presence of protection against sudden voltage drops in the network. In domestic open spaces, this moment is one of the key conditions for the long-term operation of the device.
4. The level of noise emitted by the device. When buying, you should pay attention to the fact that the machine does not create a sound of more than 80 dB during operation. If this value is exceeded, the sheep will become nervous and restless, which will complicate the work.
5. Quality of knives. It is advisable to inspect the cutting part in advance for its serviceability. In addition, you should also pay attention to the possibility of self-sharpening a specific type of knife.
6. Availability of parts. No matter how high-quality the machine is, over time its main parts wear out. Therefore, you should immediately pay attention to their availability from the implementer. Otherwise, in the event of a breakdown, you will have to buy a new device.
7. Producing country. All over the world, models of cars from the USA, Germany, Pakistan, Switzerland and Russia are recognized as the highest quality.

And in the end, you should consider the desirable availability of a guarantee for the device. Moreover, if the purchase is made in another region, it is necessary that the service center be located near the location of the farm.

Popular models of electric machines

Among the whole variety of shearing machines for sheep, according to numerous reviews, some models are especially in demand among sheep breeders. Moreover, among them there are both popular domestic options and high-quality imported ones.

Domestic

Among the domestic versions of the sheep clipper, the most popular are two:

1. MSU-200.
2. ESA-1D-I.

Sheep clipper ESA-1D-I

MSU-200

The MSU-200 sheep clipper has been produced by the Russian plant Aktyubselmash for more than 15 years. During its existence, the instrument has already managed to gain popularity among domestic breeders. The device is distinguished by simplicity of design and high operating parameters, which have the following values:

• power – up to 90 W;
• productivity – about 160 heads of cattle per day;
• the recommended duration of continuous operation is 12 hours;
• noise level – 83 dB;
• device cord length – 2,5 m.

The device works on a 36-volt asynchronous motor. In addition to the device itself, the kit also includes a special current converter and a set of knives. The model assumes one operating mode and is suitable for operation in any temperature conditions.

ESA-1D-I

This model is manufactured in Kazakhstan. In terms of power and performance, it is significantly superior to the previous device. The main technical parameters of the product are as follows:

• power – up to 120 W;
• productivity – up to 8 sheep per hour;
• the recommended duration of continuous operation is 12 hours;
• noise level – 83 dB.

The set of the unit includes:

• the typewriter itself;
• electric motor, the weight of which is 10 kg;
• a special flexible shaft for transferring revolutions from the engine to the knives of the device.

The clipper is suitable for working in various climatic conditions. Initially designed to serve one medium-sized farm.

foreign production

Among the imported instruments, the most widespread are:

1. Kaison-500.
2. Takumi F7 – Professional.
3. Liscop Super Profi 3000.

Kaison-500

Kaison-500 units are manufactured in the USA. Such machines are extremely popular in America due to the successful combination of cost, build quality and ease of use. The features of such a device include:

Kaison-500 units

• powerful engine cooling system;
• the presence of 6 speeds;
• rubberized handle for ease of use;
• easy change of nozzles during a haircut.

The operating parameters of the device are as follows:

• power – up to 500 W;
• productivity – up to 450-500 heads per season;
• the recommended duration of continuous operation is 12 hours;
• noise level – 90 dB.

The cost of such a device varies between 10-12 thousand rubles.

Takumi F7 – Professional

The Japanese model Takumi F7 – Professional is one of the professional sheep clippers. It has the following operating parameters:

• power – 350 W;
• productivity – about 350 heads of cattle per season;
• the recommended duration of continuous operation is 8 hours;
• noise level – 80 dB;
• device cord length – 6 m.

The weight of such a device is 1,4 kg. For ease of use, it is complemented by 2 special legs that fix the unit. Also included are drops to lubricate the knives.

Liscop Super Profi 3000

Liscop Super Profi 3000 is one of the German sheep clippers and is also included in the professional category. The model assumes the following characteristics:

• power – 480 W;
• productivity – about 1000 sheep per season;
• noise level – 75 dB;
• device cord length – 6 m.

Machine Liscop Super Profi 3000

This tool is suitable for trimming any type of wool. The design does not require a frequency converter. The unit is supplemented with a special filter that prevents contamination of the components and improves the cooling of the machine. Knives are made of wear-resistant steel.

How to use the device correctly?

Before any livestock shearing session, a preparatory stage follows. It includes sharpening knives, lubricating device components, cleaning moving parts and other mechanisms.

Before starting work, the device is checked for operability and warmed up idle for 10–15 seconds. Animals are sheared in the morning, preferably before she has time to eat and drink liquids. The coat must be completely dry at the time of cutting.

The whole cutting procedure fits into the following sequence:

1. The machine smoothly cuts the wool on the belly of the lamb, moving in one direction and without passing through the same place twice.
2. Then they smoothly move to one of the sides of the animal, after which one of the hind limbs is sheared.
3. At the end of the shearing, the sides are cut off the hair in the sternum and on the neck of the living creature.
4. After that, they pass along the back.
5. Cut off the remaining side and limbs.

To simplify the work, all livestock are sheared in this order:

1. Ewes.
2. Young.
3. Sheep-producers.

Shearing of fine-fleeced sheep is carried out once a year. All individuals with other types of wool are sheared at least 2 times a year.

Attention! When working, in order not to injure the sheep, it must be well fixed in the desired position. To do this, it is better to use a second assistant who will help keep the living creatures.

Shearing fine wool sheep

At the end of the work, the tool is thoroughly cleaned and lubricated.

Shearing machine care

As a rule, shearing devices for sheep involve a high cost. Therefore, it will be more economical for the breeder to use such a device for as long as possible. And the key to its long-term operation is proper care of the unit. It includes the following points:

1. Cleaning and sharpening knives. Despite all the strength and durability of the knives used in the machine, they should be properly cleaned after each procedure. To do this, use a special brush that comes with the kit. At the end of cleaning, each blade is carefully sharpened.
2. Dust removal from working mechanisms and body. During the shearing process, the working part of the machine may become clogged with wool. It must be thoroughly cleaned, and then wipe the body of the device with a piece of cloth.
3. Lubrication of moving parts. All parts of the structure that move must be lubricated with engine oil. Also, the knives of the device are subjected to such processing.
4. Check the device for dryness and its correct packing. At the end of all previous procedures, special caps are put on the cutting elements. The device itself is carefully assembled and, together with the brush and other components, is placed in the original packaging.

Important! Store the packed device in a dry place.

As for the care of the machine during operation, it includes:

• lubrication of knives and mechanisms before starting the procedure;
• degreasing knives in water, in which laundry soap is dissolved, every 30 minutes of operation;
• constant monitoring of the temperature of the unit;
• use of a mains voltage rectifier complete with a machine.

Conclusion

Various models of sheep clippers can greatly simplify the work on the sheep farm and increase its efficiency. Such devices significantly reduce the effort and time expended in the process. In addition, the animal tolerates automated clipping much more calmly. Of course, such a device is more expensive than ordinary scissors, but it pays for itself in the shortest possible time.