R. J. Wilson (left), from Shearing Services, and P & W
Engineering general manager Bob Adams try out the new
TalliBuster shearing machine. Photo by Jane Dawber.
An emphasis on increased safety in the shearing industry
has led to the development of a new shearing machine assembled
in Mosgiel.
The TalliBuster machine has an electronic system which is
designed to stop the motor within 0.2 seconds if there is a
lock-up of the handpiece.
Injuries caused to shearers due to lock-ups had been causing
''thousands'' of dollars in ACC pay-outs, Shearing Services
(2010) Ltd director R. J. (John) Wilson, who is a co-partner
in the initiative, said.
The TalliBuster, which is made from lightweight aluminium, is
assembled at P & W Engineering from parts sourced
overseas. There were four different speeds which meant it was
suitable for shearing goats and alpacas, as well as sheep. As
well as the focus on safety, it also required a lot less
maintenance, Mr Wilson said. The electric switch start had a
ratchet to eliminate breakages and the downtube was
interchangable with existing Sunbeam machines. Sales of the
machine had ''really taken off'', he said.
Supplying shearing equipment was something reasonably new to
P & W Engineering and it had received good support for
its products.
The company kept diversifying and looking to supply different
industries, general manager Bob Adams said.
Mr Wilson and P & W Engineering developed the Micron wool
press, a fully automatic hydraulic pinning press which was
now being exported to Australia, as well as catering for the
domestic market.
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