The DraftMaster is a robust and versatile livestock handling system designed for the efficient and safe management of sheep, particularly for weighing, drafting, and general handling. It is engineered for durability and ease of use, suitable for various farming environments.
Function Description
The primary function of the DraftMaster is to facilitate the weighing and drafting of sheep. It integrates a main body with sliding and side doors, a weigh scale bracket, and various accessories to streamline the process. The system allows for controlled movement of animals through the crate, enabling accurate weighing and subsequent sorting based on weight or other criteria. Its design prioritizes animal welfare by minimizing stress during handling and ensuring operator safety. The DraftMaster can be configured for both right-handed and left-handed operation, offering flexibility to suit different user preferences and site layouts.
Important Technical Specifications
The DraftMaster's main body is constructed from galvanized steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion, as detailed in the "Paint & Protective Systems" section. The steelwork, typically 3mm and 5mm thick, is hot-dip galvanized to BS EN 1461:1999, providing coating thicknesses of 55 and 70 microns, respectively. This galvanization is expected to offer protection against corrosion for over 25 years.
The system incorporates various components, including:
- Sliding Doors: Equipped with handles, latch housings, and stop plates for controlled animal movement.
- Side Doors: Designed for easy access and animal flow.
- Weigh Scale Bracket: A dedicated plate for attaching weigh scales, compatible with Gallagher W-0, TW Range, W210, W310/W810 models.
- Transport Handles: For repositioning the DraftMaster, requiring M10 x 75 bolts to fasten the outer crate and inner cage together during transport to prevent damage to load bars.
- Anti-Jump Rail: A safety feature to prevent animals from jumping out of the crate.
- Medicinal Bag Holder: For convenient access to medical supplies.
- Storage Rack: For storing equipment or supplies.
The weigh scales, while not part of the DraftMaster's core structure, are integral to its function. The manual provides calibration processes for various Gallagher models, indicating their compatibility and the system's focus on accurate weighing. For instance, the TW Calibration Process mentions a max weighing capacity of 2000 Kg for load bars, suggesting the DraftMaster is designed to accommodate substantial loads.
Usage Features
The DraftMaster is designed for straightforward assembly and operation.
- Assembly: The manual provides detailed instructions for assembling the main body, sliding doors, and side doors. It highlights the importance of fitting stop plates and latch housing assemblies correctly. Tools required include Ø10mm, Ø13mm, and Ø17mm open-end spanners/socket wrenches.
- Operation: The system facilitates a clear four-step process for animal handling:
- Pulling the sliding door handle to give access into the drafter.
- Pushing the door to latch once the animal is out, allowing the next animal to enter.
- Pulling the sliding door handle back and outwards to draft an animal in a specific direction.
- Pushing the door in to latch once the animal is out, and then pushing to close once the animal has exited.
- Opposite Hand Set-up: A key feature is the ability to relocate sliding door handles, handle guides, latch housing, stop plates, and the weigh scale bracket to change the system from a right-handed to a left-handed setup, enhancing adaptability.
- Transport: The DraftMaster is equipped with transport handles for repositioning. Users are advised not to move it long distances and to use M10 x 75 bolts to secure the outer and inner crates to prevent damage to the load bars during transport.
- Weigh Scale Calibration: The manual provides comprehensive instructions for span calibration of various Gallagher weigh scales (W-0, TW Range, W210, W310/W810). This ensures accurate weight readings, which is crucial for effective drafting. The calibration processes involve steps like checking for load on load bars, applying known test loads, and saving new span values.
Maintenance Features
The DraftMaster is built for durability, but regular maintenance is essential to extend its lifespan and ensure continued safe operation.
- General Guidance: Monthly inspections are recommended to check for signs of corrosion, distortion, or wear on the steel framework. Any damage to exposed bare metal should be repaired by rubbing down and applying Galvafroid and oil-based paint.
- Door Operation: Users should regularly check the operation of side and sliding doors, tightening or replacing any fittings as necessary.
- Cleaning: Pressure washing or steam washing all equipment after each usage is advised.
- Lubrication: All moving parts should be lubricated at regular intervals.
- Fasteners: Nuts, bolts, and set screws, especially nyloc nuts, should be checked regularly. Nyloc nuts may degrade over time and require replacement.
- Storage: Before storing, the DraftMaster should be cleaned of excess mud. It should be stored empty and upright, with doors closed and secured to prevent wind damage.
- Environment: Any vegetation growing on the kit should be cut away.
- Spring-Operated Handles: The operation of spring-operated door handles should be checked, and fittings tightened or replaced as needed.
These maintenance practices, combined with the robust hot-dip galvanized construction, ensure the DraftMaster remains a reliable and long-lasting asset for livestock management.
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