Automated catching pen wins Henty Machine of the Year

An ergonomically designed, automated catching pen boosting comfort and efficiency in shearing sheds by reducing dragging distances and allowing shearers to maintain better posture has won the 2024 Henty Machine of the Year Award.

The ‘Ram-to-Ewe’, entered by Flinn Design from The Rock (NSW), impressed the judges with its innovation, design and safety features.

The Machine of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the field days.

Judging criteria included the machine’s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction (durability and design), ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts, and value for money.

Judge Warren Scheetz described the Ram-to-Ewe as fit for purpose and a leap forward for the shearing industry in operator and sheep safety.

“The design of the automated system works by the back fence moving progressively forward, reducing the size of the pen as it empties out of sheep,” Scheetz said.

“This reduces the dragging distance for the shearer and allows for improved sheep handling and operator safety.

“The design focuses very much on the shearer – they are always picking the sheep up on a level surface with the tilting pen towards them. They are pulling straight out so there is no twisting while they are pulling.

“It is increasing the efficiency of the shearer as well and reducing the extra stress on their body, keeping the shearers in better health and allowing them to shear longer.

“It also reduces the penning up time and total shearing time for the grower.”

Flinn Design principal, Simon Flinn, said the Ram-to-Ewe was designed to modernise old or poorly designed catching pens, at a fraction of the cost of either a new shearing shed or completing major internal modifications.

“The Ram-to-Ewe comes in two versions – Instinct is a computerised version which regulates the speed and distance the gate moves over the run; and Manual, where the shearer controls the back gate with the push of a button. It is fully pneumatic with no need for any power,” Flinn said.

Meanwhile, highly commended was the Midwest Legacy from Midwest Fabrication in Dalby (Qld) – the world’s widest draper platform at 18.3m which stands out with its innovative pro-cut guard design that delivers 20 per cent faster cutting speeds.

A total of 10 machines and equipment were shortlisted for judging in the Henty Machine of the Year.

Scheetz paid tribute to the excellence in design displayed by all entrants, which also included an innovative full-swing farm gate.

“The competition is very well supported, and we appreciate the interest each year from local and international businesses,” he said.