August 10, 2009

THE first traditional shearing handpiece that is battery operated, hangs in a small sling on a belt, and can be taken out in the yards or paddock, has hit the Australian market.

New Zealand farmer David Short has spent four years coming up with the right design. This year he made the trek from Feilding, on New Zealand's North Island, to Hamilton Sheepvention to enter the handpiece in the inventors competition.

David said the handpiece would be ideal for cleaning up fly-struck sheep in the paddock.

He has sold 430 sets so far in New Zealand, mostly to large-scale - not hobby - farmers.

As a lamb trader, he said he wanted something light, quick and easy that he could take into the yards to clean up the sheep before putting the sheep on the truck.

"And I wanted to use the traditional handpiece shape, as it is the best ergonomically, better than electronic clippers" he said.

Made from steel, the tool is the first portable, low-voltage mechanical handpiece. Mr Short said it was a low-cost alternative to other traditional electric clippers that relied on mains power or a 12-volt battery.

The motor of the handpiece can be battery pack-operated, attached to a belt, or connected to a vehicle. "It is ideal for out in the back paddock scenarios where otherwise you'd have to get a generator," he said.

One battery could crutch about 120 sheep, and the unit comes with two. It weighs 1.6kg and will sell for about $1190, plus GST.