Introducing the next-generation Racewell Sheep Handler

Bigger Tilt Ram

One of the biggest changes is the addition of a larger tilt ram.  This introduces cushioning at the end of the stroke and the tilt movement is more controlled when handling larger animals.  It’s less jarring on the animal and the parts, meaning reduced wear and tear.  To accommodate the bigger pneumatic rams, the chassis has been beefed up, including a slightly wider frame and moving to a 75x50x4 steel profile.  Adding to the reinforcements are new bushes on the crush wall, removing the steel-on-steel wear points seen on the old units.   It's also now easier to adjust the clamp wall width with the new levers.

Increased Durability

It’s a theme that’s continued throughout the other improvements.  Everything has been engineered to be stronger, more durable and easier to use.  The changes reduce operation pressures on the farmer and the machinery itself, while also improving the experience for larger animals. 
 
For example, the Anti-Backing Hook in the lead-up is longer and adjustable to suit varying sizes of animals. Then a bigger ram is attached to the hook, adding pressure and preventing animals from reversing up and pushing the hook back.  Also, the jump bar on the auto-gate has been relocated to the opposite side and is adjustable, reducing the hazard of moving parts.   
 
One of the other key longevity improvements is the new Turbo Water Trap, which helps reduce moisture getting into the pneumatics of the machine.  This can be an issue in any wet environment, so we’ve taken additional steps to stop it from causing complications and downtime. 

Usability Improvements

It’s also a sheep handler built to be easier to operate.  So there’s an adjustable mount for a tablet on the pedestal, which can be charged when in place, feeding from the same single power source as the unit itself.  We’ve also added a toolbox on the drafter which fits your foot pedal, remote and any other small odds and ends you might need.   

Overall, the Racewell Sheep Handler (Series 2) is stronger and easier to use.  It takes the hard work out of sheep handling and is built to last.  Of course, the proof is in the paddock with all farming equipment and during the R&D process, we put the new handler out for testing on multiple properties in New Zealand and Australia.  We tested 3 prototype units, each with different changes and designs, tweaking and adjusting the final model based on the perfectly blunt feedback we got from the test farmers.  

Made in New Zealand

The other thing to note about the Racewell Sheep Handler (Series 2) is it’s manufactured in Oamaru, utilizing our robotic welders, tube lasers and CNC machinery.  Using this technology allows us to make the process efficient and cost-effective, so we’re competitive with off-shore manufacturers but able to provide local jobs and support a local supply chain.  Not only that, we just need to walk out to the factory floor to keep an eye on the quality and can make changes quickly.  This means we continue all those little tweaks and improvements we tend to make, not that we think the Series 2 will need any for a while. 
 
Finally, we’d like to acknowledge and express our thanks to all the customers who provided feedback on the Sheep Handler.  We’re thankful for the collaboration, the suggestions and ideas. It’s what makes Te Pari products different and we’re grateful for the continued support. 

Watch Matt talk over the new features

List of improvements

Lead Up Section:

• Ramp steps removed, nothing to baulk animals.
• Longer Anti-Backing Hook
• Can adjust length depending on lead-in width.

Auto-Gate Section:

• Jump bar on opposite auto-gate. Reducing hazard of moving parts.

Scale Pedestal:

• Turbo Water Trap to reduce compressor related issues
• Easier access to connect airlines.
• 1 Power inlet - connects to EID & Racewell and can charge MS Scale
• Adjustable Scale Mount Angle
• Scale Section bolted, no wobble now.

Handling Section:

• Quick & easy to adjust Crush Wall
• Swing gate locking system improved.
• Dag’n’weigh plate has edge to stop feet sliding out.
• Bigger tilt rams with cushions at end of stroke
• Frame increased to 70x50x4mm for strength.
• Crush wall on bushes, instead of steel on steel for smoother operation and longer life.
• Anti-Jump bar will be wider & have 2 positions you can choose from.

Draft Gates:

• Added pin holes to connect portable panels to frame.
• Toolbox on top of drafter - great for storage of foot pedal & remote
• Gates have pin locks for traveling which prevents rattling and reduces wear on parts.
• Access-gate shortened to give better head access for larger animals.