Farm Animal

Tailwell has only three moving parts. Of these, only one - the self-lubricating sliding-block Rotator Bearing - is subject to any wear. The reduction in moving parts has resulted in a cutting machine that draws the minimum amount of power, ensuring the maximum number of tails are cut from each charge.

Tailwell should be used on a 14-volt cordless power drill, with an operating speed of 1,200 to 1,750rpm. (Higher or lower drill speeds do not cut better, and may damage the machine, voiding any warranty.) A lightweight drill with a high quality battery is the best to use. A quality Li-ion 1.5Amh 14v drill battery should allow trimming of about 70 tails per charge, depending on conditions.

The Tailwell is simply placed through the flexible drill sleeve, and the chuck tightened firmly on the drive shaft. The drill-sleeve is then pulled back firmly onto the drill body to prevent any rotation of the machine. The bungee cord is then put around the back of the drill, and pulled firm. This part is for safety only, to prevent the Tailwell dropping off the drill if the chuck becomes loose.

If tails are not contaminated by sand, the cutters should stay sharp for more than 2,000 tails (depending on conditions). Sharpening the cutters is easily done by inexperienced users. The cutters are removed by opening the drive case. (Tools are supplied for this.) Honing paste is then applied to the cutter faces and they are ‘ground’ together by hand. This process should take only a few minutes. DVD and hard copy instructions are supplied.

Most important is regular and frequent lubrication of the cutters. Special oil is supplied in the kit. Tailwell Cutter Lubricant has been formulated specially for this purpose. It is a non-throw, non-dust-gathering light oil which will not ‘clog’ the cutters. We strongly recommend continued use of this lubricant, available from your Tailwell stockist. Lubricant should be used sparingly but frequently on the cutter tips - every 30-40 tails (or more frequently with sand contamination).

If cutting performance drops, the cutter tension should be adjusted promptly, before hair becomes trapped between them. This is achieved using the three finger-only screws at the back of the cutter head. Follow instructions supplied. Cutters must be kept correctly tensioned at all times to ensure correct cutting performance and cutter life.

Learn more about the Tailwell.

District Councils around the country are concerned about damage to road seal, and mess on vehicles, from herds crossing roads. Increasingly, with dairy amalgamations, farmers are needing their herds to cross sealed roads. Tunnels are the ideal solution, but they are very expensive. There is a low-cost alternative available. Roadmat, from Shoof, is a practical solution. The mat is made from very heavy duty woven polyester material. The 'front' end of the mat has a stitched-over 'pocket' right accross. This pocket is for a pipe or pole to push through to create a pull-bar (not supplied). Openings in the pocket facilitate attaching a chain bridle to loops welded on the pull bar. The whole mat can then be dragged out onto the road when required. The herd tend to naturally keep on the mat. When the herd has crossed, the pull-bar is pulled back over the mat and off the road. This automatically dumps the manure back onto the farm track.

The standard Roadmat is 8m long x 5.2m wide. Longer or shorter mats can be made on request. Roadmat does not require any maintenance, and should last many years of use (depending of course on frequency).

A 5/8” tattoo digit is suitable for cattle and other large animals. It produces a digit 16mm tall. 5/8” digit pliers are supplied single row only. 

NB: To order single digits, specify: “Tattoo Digit 5/8” number/letter...........”

Detail paint is water based, so cleaning up is easy. There is no irritation. The fluoro colours are brighter and even more visible than Tell Tail paint. Just pull off sealing cap and lightly squeeze bottle. Brush head is incorporated. Re-cap after use. Marks up to 21 days duration.