Introducing our Flinn Design

Ram-to-Ewe automated catching pens.

The ram-to-ewe is designed to modernise old or poorly designed catching pens, at a fraction of the cost of either a new shearing shed or carrying out major internal modifications.

This automated, pneumatic catching pen is suitable for sheds of all sizes, new or existing, and can integrate seamlessly into timber or steel layouts. During operation, the back fence (which can incorporate a gate) moves forward progressively, reducing the size of the pen, as the sheep adjust and re-arrange themselves. This reduces dragging distances and allows for improved sheep handling due to the ever-reducing pen size.

It enables shearers to maintain better posture and efficiently select sheep or pick their pen, potentially increasing the number of sheep shorn and reducing overall shearing time for the farmer. The adaptable design supports both front-fill and back-fill setups, making it an ideal upgrade for sheds looking to enhance efficiency, animal welfare, and ergonomics without extensive structural modifications. The ram-to-ewe instinct catching pen is suitable for two primary types of applications.

1. New and Existing Sheds The pen can be integrated into both newly constructed and existing shearing sheds. It is compatible with various shed materials, including steel and timber, and supports both front fill and back-fill configurations.
2. Portable Installations Due to its lightweight, the pen is ideal for portable shearing operations. Its design allows for easy transportation and setup at different locations, making it suitable for mobile shearing contractors.

“Ram-to-Ewe can be retro fitted into any catching pen; any age, width or length”

Construction (durability and design) Galvanized Steel: For permanent installations, the pen is constructed from robust galvanized steel. This material offers long-lasting durability and resistance to corrosion.

Aluminium: For portable applications, the pen is available in lightweight aluminium.

Adjustable Dimensions: The pen features adjustable dimensions, initially set at 2 meters wide by 3 meters deep, and expandable up to 5 meters. This flexibility accommodates various shed sizes and layouts, providing a customisable fit.

Pneumatic Operation: The pneumatic system is designed for smooth, low-pressure operation, minimising wear and tear while ensuring gentle handling of sheep. Flow control valves and a programmable PLC adjustable regulator enhance operational precision and reliability.

Manual Override: A manual override feature ensures that the system allows for manual control when necessary.

Maintenance and service: The ram-to-ewe instinct catching pen is designed to ensure minimal downtime and efficient operation.

Simple Maintenance: Accessible Components: Key components are designed for off the shelf access, from local suppliers, allowing for straightforward maintenance tasks. This includes clear access to pneumatic systems, flow control valves, and the programmable PLC adjustable regulator.

Surge Protection: The pen is equipped with surge protection to prevent damage from electrical faults.

Airline Repair: Straight Push Connectors: The pneumatic system incorporates small straight push connectors, which facilitate quick and hassle-free repairs. This design minimises downtime and allows for rapid replacement or adjustment of airlines.

Ease of operation: (including operator safety and comfort) The ram-to-ewe catching pen is designed for versatile operation, accommodating both manual and fully automated settings with a Manual Override option. In the automated (Instinct) version, the movement rate is adjusted using the programmable PLC Adjustable Regulator.

The system is user-friendly, ensuring seamless control for both shearers and shed staff.  Operating at a low pressure of approximately 40 PSI, the pen provides gentle, controlled pressure, which is considerably lower than the pressure used for an auto drafter or sheep handler. This design prioritises the safety of both sheep and operators by minimising the risk of injury. The system also includes a simple start, pause, and retract button that is easily accessible, allowing for straightforward operation and quick adjustments as needed. Additionally, the ergonomic design allows shearers to maintain better posture by reducing dragging distances, ensuring greater comfort and efficiency during use.

Ease of Adjustment

The ram-to-ewe machine is designed, ensuring that adjustments can be made quickly. Its intuitive interface and clearly labelled controls allow operators to fine-tune settings with minimal training. Operators can easily adjust parameters such as speed, pressure, and alignment to suit various operational requirements.

Spare Parts Kit: Each unit comes with a spare parts kit, and parts are readily available through numerous outlets, simplifying the replacement process and ensuring that necessary components are always on hand.

Support from Manufacturer: Flinn Design provides ongoing support and guidance for obtaining parts, ensuring that users have access to necessary components and expert advice when needed.

Overall value for money

The ram-to-ewe system is affordable for clients with a variety of sheep operations who wish to introduce efficiencies into their sheep production operation. We have used four different options – as a comparison to a new shed build. A smaller shed costing was used, if we used a larger shearing shed with extra storage, which is a common scenario the percentages will be significantly reduced and therefore even better value. Structurally sound shearing shed and internals with minor modifications to fit, is approximately – 10% of new build per pen. Structurally sound shearing shed with internals requiring major modifications to catching pen is approximately – 15% of new build per pen. Structurally sound shearing shed with complete catching pen rebuild – is approximately 20% of new build per pen. Structurally sound shearing shed with complete catching pen and shearing board rebuild, is approximately 30% of new build per pen. The system delivers outstanding value for money by enhancing shearing innovative efficiency. Its design allows shearers to maintain better posture and shear more sheep in less time, thereby increasing productivity and reducing overall shearing costs. Additionally, by improving working conditions, the ram-to-ewe makes shearing sheds more attractive to skilled shearing teams.