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Upright Posture Shearing PlatformsFunded by Australian WoolInnovation (AWI) and developedin close consultation with shearersand contractors, the UprightPosture Shearing Platform (UPSP)program aims to provide a lower cost, flexible, more productive andsafer alternative to conventional

shearing, making shearing moreattractive as a profession.

 AWI has invested around $2.5 million so far 

on the UPSP program, funding six

alternatives and innovative UPSP designs.

This amount includes direct funding to the

UPSP developers, as well as indirect

technical support. Furthermore, UPSP

developers have assisted by co-funding

many of the development costs.

Key benefits

UPSP technology provides a solution to the

OH&S issues facing shearers on a daily

basis by:

• directly addressing ‘catch and drag’ which

is the cause of most shearing injuries; and

• eliminating the need for bending down

while shearing so reducing the physical

effort required. In turn this prevents fatigue

and prolongs the shearer’s working life.

Where the Program is up to

The UPSP development program has now

concluded with the development of a mobilemulti-stand Peak Hill Industries ShearEzy.

Presently, AWI is involved with a series of 

adoption and extension events and field days

that are aimed at introducing growers and

shearing contractors to the UPSP concept.

Who will use UPSPs?

The systems are suitable for woolgrowers

who wish to install a UPSP in their wool shed

and shear their own sheep, as well as for 

small and large scale contractors supplying

shearing services using mobile trailers.

It is not even necessary for every user to

have their own wool shed as UPSPs can be

used on a level outside area or in a simple

multi purpose shed.

Case study: Peak HillIndustries’ ShearEzy

What is the ShearEzy system?

The ShearEzy system, designed by Peak Hill

Industries consists of a shearing platform with

an integrated loader, loading races and optional

transport trailer. It can operate as a single unit

as well as a multiple stand unit when one or 

more are put together.

Operation

The rotation of the leg restraints and thehinged movements of the two wings allow

the shearer to mechanically manipulate the

sheep to each desired position through the

shearing process. Optimal flat surfaces are

provided for the shearer which enables long

continuous blows around most of the body

of the sheep.

Shearing different sheep types and sizes

requires minimal adjustment. The fleeces fall

onto the electric driven wool conveyor belt

directly under the sheep and is transferred

intact to a knee height tray at the rear of the

machine for easy pickup by the wool handler.

www.wool.com.au

phone 1800 070 099 

at a glance...• The UPSP program is aimed at

addressing the productivity, shearer 

supply, shearing costs and OH&S

challenges of conventional shearing

methods.

• The program is a key part of AWI’s

broader wool harvesting strategy.

This covers new technology,

improvements to existing technologyand shearer training.

• With the elimination of ‘catch and

drag’ as well as shearers performing

their work upright, rather than

bending over, shearing should be

faster, more efficient and there

should be a reduction in injuries.

ShearEzy multiple stand version - set up in a shearing shed.

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For more information

Call AWI tollfree on 1800 070 099, visit 

www.wool.com.au, or get in touch with:

Joe Sullivan

 Australian Wool Innovation LimitedProgram Manager Wool Harvesting

t 61 2 8295 3100

f 61 2 8295 4100

e joesullivan@woolinnovation.com

Australian Wool Innovation Limited

 ABN 12 095 165 558GPO Box 4177 Sydney NSW 2001

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Insight isgeneral information only and readers should confirminformation from an appropriate and relevant sourcebefore making business or commercial decisions based 

on this information. Australian Wool Innovation Limited will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by areader arising from the reader’s reliance upon thecontents of this publication.

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Setting Up

The ShearEzy system can be set up in the

open, or in any shearing, multi purpose or 

machinery shed with nearby access tosheep and wool handling facilities. Weighing

approximately 250 kg for the base unit, the

ShearEzy can be transported on a box

trailer or a tray top ute. An 8-10 cfm, air 

compressor and 240 volt electricity isrequired to power ShearEzy.

Right hand view: 2-stand trailer mounted ShearEzy system – conveyor 

system, fleece handling and catching race

Left hand view: 2-stand trailer mounted ShearEzy system – shearers at work 

Right hand view: 2-stand trailer mounted ShearEzy system – wool 

 preparation area