There are five main types of shearing boards. The following sections cover these different dimensions (including images) and briefly list the advantages and disadvantages of each:

• Across the board (PDF 63Kb);
• Centre board (PDF 314Kb);
• Raised board (PDF 406Kb);
• Curved board (PDF 29Kb); and 
• Sawtooth board (PDF 131Kb).

See example shearing shed images in the renovate or build section.

OH&S

Properly adjusted safety clutches and worm drives in good condition should be fitted to all shearing machines. In addition, anti lock motors (such as the Heiniger EVO drive) are also an important safety consideration to avoid lock-up injuries (Note: this is critical for new technology such as upright posture shearing platforms (UPSPs). See more information about UPSP's (PDF 139Kb).

An example of OH&S risks in relation to the shearing board can be found here (PDF 40Kb) (from the Victorian Workcover Authority). Michael Lawrance and Associates have also produced a summary of OH&S statistics in relation to shearing.

WorkSafe Victoria also displays some research in relation to drag paths and physical exertion on page 54 of  the publication “Health and Safety in Shearing” (PDF 917Kb) 

There are also a number of hazards in relation to overhead gear and handpieces – see examples on pages 24 and 25 of the WorkSafe Victoria publication “Health and Safety in Shearing” (PDF 917Kb)

Productivity

As referred to earlier, there is a number of performance measurements that can be made to determine the productivity and ease in relation to the shearing board. Some measurements that can be used include:

• Length of drag in pen;
• Degrees of turn in pen;
• Length of drag on board;
• Degrees of turn on board;
• Catch, tip, drag and position time (from sheep exited from shearing board to handpiece start of next sheep);
• Catch tip drag and position perceived exertion  ranking 1 – 10; 1 = minimum exertion, 10 = maximum exertion;
• Release time (last blow on sheep to whole of sheep exited off shearing board); and
• Perceived exertion during release.

Return to The shearing boards.