Racewell JR Manual Sheep Handler Manual
Operators Manual for Racewell JR Manual Sheep Handlers.
Thank you for purchasing a Racewell JR Sheep Handler. This guide contains all the necessary information to help you set up your equipment and begin processing your sheep.
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Hazard Identification
Please read and understand the instructions before operating your Racewell JR Sheep Handler.
Warning Crush Hazards
Racewell Sheep Handlers have moving gates positioned at both the front and rear of the unit. Keep your hands clear to avoid the risk of a crush injury when the machine is operational.
All the below hazards are applicable during operation.
Entry Gate
The Entry Gate will move when the switch position is changed on the dashboard. Be sure to keep your limbs, head and body out of the area of movement area.
Clamp Wall
The clamp wall will move quickly and with force when the catch or release button on dashboard or lead up section is pressed.
Depending on the adjustment of the wall it is possible for the wall to come in contact with the opposite side of the clamp and weigh area. Always remove the airlines from the clamp ram before adjusting the clamp wall width.
This is a potential crush hazard. Be sure to keep your limbs, head and body out of the area of movement area.
Drafting Gates
The draft gates will move when the switch position is changed on the dashboard. Be sure to keep your limbs, head and body out of the area of movement area.
Side Tilt
If the handler is fitted with a side tilt option – The tilt will be activated if the foot pedal is pressed.
Ensure the entry gate is closed before tilting. This is a potential crush hazard.
If you have front or rear access flaps on your handler, these flaps open and close when you push the switch on the side of the clamp wall.
Be sure to keep your limbs, head and body out of the area of movement areas of the handler.
Tilt Service Position
If the tilt is up to allow access to the control box under the floor be sure that the clamp ram airlines are disconnected and that the safety chock is put in place to prevent the tilt from coming down while working on the handler. This is a potential crush hazard.
Be sure to keep your limbs, head and body out of the area of movement area.
Racewell JR Handler Side Tilt
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Product Overview
Racewell JR Manual Sheep Handler
Featuring:
- 3-way auto drafting gates
- Spring loaded anti-backing flaps in the lead up section
- Optional side tilt and front and rear access flaps
Racewell JR with 3-way draft gates
Featuring:
- 3-way auto drafting gates
- Spring loaded anti-backing flaps in the lead up section
- Optional side tilt and front and rear access flaps
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Racewell JR Setup Instruction video
Compressor Requirements
The following specification is required for your Racewell Handler:
- 12 CFM capacity
- Minimum pressure of 90 psi
If your compressor lower capacity than these specifications, then the Racewell may work slowly. Manufacturer installation and maintenance guidelines for the compressor should be followed. This includes checking the oil and draining water from the tank.
Connecting the air fittings and the compressor
Connect the airline to the Racewell Sheep Handler. The connection is located at the rear of the machine, below the clamp section. If the compressor is located some distance away from the Racewell Handler, it is recommended that you include a water trap on the line to avoid condensation getting to the handler pneumatics. The image below shows a design for a simple water trap.
We recommend the airline configuration shown below for the best performance from your compressor and Racewell Sheep Handler.
NOTE:
When turning the compressor on or off, use the switch on the compressor and not the switch at the power source. This applies to all compressors, because if air is not discharged, the compressor is being asked to start under load and this can burn out its capacitor.
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Operational Setup
Connect the lead-up section
Line the lead-up section up with the pedal section.
There are anti-luce drop latches that need to be lined up with the holes in the bottom of the lead up section.
Once they’re lined up push the lead-up in tight and secure the drop latches.
Connect the clamp section
Line the clamp section up with the pedal section.
There are anti-luce drop latches that need to be lined up with the holes in the bottom of the clamp section.
Once they’re lined up push the pedal in tight and secure the drop latches.
Connect the drafter section
If you have opted for the drafting gates with your Racewell JR Handler, line the clamp section up with the drafter section.
There are anti-luce drop latches that need to be lined up with the holes in the bottom of the clamp section.
Once they’re lined up push the drafter in tight and secure the drop latches.
Airlines for the entry gate
Below the pedal section of your Racewell JR Sheep Handler, there will be 2 airlines, one will have a “CP” label on it.
Match the airline with CP label up with the fitting that has CP on it. These are for the ram that operates the entry gate on the pedal section.
Reach underneath the pedal section and connect the airlines to the fittings with the matching numbers on the air ram.
Pull the airlines to ensure they are secure. To remove an airline you need to push it in to release the lock.
Airlines to the foot pedal
Look again below the pedal section of your Racewell JR Sheep Handler for two more airlines that have numbers 6 and 5 on them. These are for the foot pedal.
Connect the airlines to the fittings with the matching numbers on the foot pedal.
Pull the airlines to ensure they are secure. To remove an airline you need to push it in to release the lock.
Airlines for the clamp section
Look below the join between the drafter & clamp sections of your Racewell JR Sheep Handler for four more airlines that have numbers on them. These are for the clamp section.
Connect the airlines to the control box fittings with the matching numbers.
Pull the airlines to ensure they are secure. To remove an airline you need to push it in to release the lock.
Airlines for the drafting gates
On the floor of the drafting section of your Racewell JR Sheep Handler there will be another four airlines that have numbers on them in protective tubing. These are for the drafting gates.
Feed the airlines down through the hole in the steel frame at the side of the drafting section, then run them underneath and through the hole that goes through to the clamp section.
Connect draft gate airlines to control box
The airlines for the drafting gates are labeled.
Connect the airlines to the control box fittings matching the CP airline to the CP fitting.
Connect air supply
Go round the back of the machine, look below the clamp section and find the compressor air fitting. Plug in your air supply.
After you’ve plugged in your compressor listen for any air hissing noise. If you hear some, follow the sound to where it’s coming from and check the airlines are connected properly by pushing them in harder.
Install anti-backing flaps
Find the two anti-backing flaps in the parts box that came with your Racewell.
Using the screws supplied and an allen key, attach the anti-backing flaps to the inside of your lead up race.
There are predrilled holes and two height options to chose from; higher position is best if you’re mostly running large sheep and the lower position is best for lambs.
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Dashboard Controls
Your Racewell JR Sheep Handler has operation switches on the clamp wall. These are explained below.
(Starting from the left button on the dashboard).
Entry Gate Switch
The entry gate has 2 options:
- Operate on catch: The entry gate will close when you push the catch button. This option is used when you have sheep in the race and do not want them to come into the handler.
- Locked: The entry gate will stay open so sheep can come right up behind the sheep in the clamp. This option provides the best flow for drenching but should not be used if you’re weighing.
Draft Gate Switch
The draft gate switch will move the position of the Drafting gates to the left or right. The draft gate direction can be changed at any time during weighing and drafting should you wish to change the direction manually.
Release Button
The release button will release the clamp. This button is used for releasing a sheep manually.
Catch Button
The catch button will activate the clamp. This button is used for catching a sheep manually.
To increase the pressure on the sheep caught in the clamp, you can press the catch button again, more air will flow to the cylinder and increase the clamp pressure.
Rear Catch Button
There is a second catch button at the back of the leadup race to activate the clamp.
This button is positioned so that you can go to the back of the race, push a sheep up into the handler and catch them in the clamp from the back.
Foot Pedal Controls
The foot pedal plugs into the control box underneath the clamp section.
The foot pedal controls the Side Tilt Up and Down operation.
Side tilt with rear access flap
If you have a model with side tilt and access flaps on it then you can use the foot pedal to tilt the clamp section over for easy crutching access.
Make sure the airlines from the foot pedal are in the correct fittings for the side tilt in the control box.
Make sure the entry gate switch is set to Operate on catch.
Catch a sheep in the clamp and then push the foot pedal to tilt the sheep over. Once it’s tilted over you can pres the switch to open up the rear access flap for crutching access.
Safety Note: The clamp must be tilted to 90 degrees before the access flap is opened or the flap may not stay open.
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Adjusting the clamp and weigh area width
Safety Note: Remove the air hoses on the clamp ram cylinder to make adjustment safer & easier. Failure to do so could result in the clamp being activated and personal injury.
Look around the back of the Racewell, at the bottom of the clamp wall, there are adjustment holes.
Adjust the clamp width
To remove the airlines, push the airline in, push the green tab in and hold it while you pull the airline out.
The width of the clamp and weigh area can be adjusted to suit different size animals. Ideal adjustment will catch the sheep with the clamp wall parallel with the other side and minimise movement of the clamp wall to catch a sheep.
Size can also be adjusted differently from front to back if required.
Adjust the clamp ram
The length of the squeeze clamp wall ram can also be adjusted. In the middle of the moving wall there are four adjustments for ram length. Adjust the ram so that the clamp wall movement is minimal to catch a sheep. Ideally the wall is vertical when a sheep is clamped.
Adjust this pin so the wall cannot touch the opposite side. This is a safety feature so that hands and fingers cannot be caught in the empty unit accidentally.
Safety Note: When adjusting for large sheep, the wall may be able to touch the opposite side. Be careful not to activate the clamp without a sheep in the clamp area.
Pedal section wall adjustment
The rear wall of the pedal section can be moved in or out to help control sheep flow.
Lift the pedal section wall and move it in to your desired position. Let it go and it ensure it has locked into place in one of the holes in the floor.
If your sheep are running too fast this is an adjustment that can help slow the flow down.
Removable panel on Auto Gate
The blue plastic panel on the auto gate is removable. This helps improve sheep flow and is recommended if you are weighing and drafting. Sheep in the lead up race can see the sheep in front in the clamp and will follow it into the clamp smoother.
If you are dagging then we recommend you leave the blue plastic panel in so that the sheep in the race can’t see the sheep in the clamp being dagged.
Swing away rump support
The rump support gate (bum rest) can swing out of the way to provide extra access for crutching or dagging. To operate, push the gate down and rotate it around in front of the clamp. Ensure that the gate drops back down and locks into position.
We recommend the rump support gate is closed before you tilt sheep over as it provides a bit of support to the rear end of the sheep.
Note: The rump support is designed to be either fully opened or fully closed. Leaving the rump support gate in an unlocked state can result in major damage when the machine is tilted over.
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Trouble Shooting Guide
- Please check this trouble shooting guide before ringing customer support, as often something quite simple could be the problem.
- A service charge will be made for call outs if the fault is not covered by your warranty.
- For your safety, and that of others, never leave the unit operational when not attended.
| Symptom | Possible Causes | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| NO POWER AT SCALE INDICATOR | 12v adapter not getting power | Check the12V adapter jug cord is firmly connected. |
| Faulty extension cords to 12V adapter Wire loose | Check all extension cords. | |
| Faulty 12V Adaptor | Check for external damage to the adaptor and using a multimeter check the adaptor output is at least 11 volts | |
| Check wiring generally for breaks or chew marks. | ||
| No air to unit | Check the airlines and compressor. | |
| UNIT DOING UNUSUAL THINGS | Fluctuating air supply | Check compressor and airline connections |
| Faulty Catch/Release switch | Check air lines and wiring | |
| Faulty compressor | Check compressor is operating correctly | |
| PARTS OF THE UNIT ARE WORKING SLOWLY | Constricted, broken or punctured air lines | Check the airlines for cracks & leaks |
| Remove hoses from the cylinder and test. This will help identify if the issue is a air issue or a cylinder issue | ||
| CLAMP WALL IS NOT OPERATING QUICKLY ENOUGH | Low air pressure | Check the compressor–requires 90--120 psi |
| TILT GOING BACK OR CREEPING OVER | Faulty switch | Repair or replace the switch |
| Air leak | Check joints and lines and remedy as required | |
| Remove air line and see if there is air flow leaking through the valve. If so contact Te Pari Tech Support. | ||
| UNIT SLOWLY RELEASES AFTER SHEEP ARE CLAMPED | Air may be leaking | Check for air leaks |
| Damage to cylinder piston | Check piston. Remove air line and see if there is air flow leaking through the valve. If so contact Te Pari Tech Support. | |
| THE UNIT IS NOT HOLDING THE SHEEP | The unit is designed to operate at 90-120 psi | Check the ram adjustment on the moving walls allows the ram to apply pressure to the wall |
| Ensure any regulator on the compressor is set to correct pressure | ||
| SHEEP SLIPPING OUT OF CLAMP | Catch Button | Push the Catch button a second time to increase pressure |
| Wall position | Ensure position is correct for animal size, when a sheep is held the top flat of the crush wall should be about vertical | |
| Air leak | Check for air leaks to ram and replace hosing | |
| REDUCTION IN AIR PRESSURE | Airline or Water trap filters | Water traps should be checked regularly and drain your compressor before use. Replace compressor if required. |
| INDICATOR NOT ZEROING | Scale indicator issue | Refer to the scale indicator manual. |
| Tension in load bars | Loosen 4 top bolts on load bars, if they settle they may require a washer in one corner | |
| Load bars may require servicing. If so contact Te Pari Tech Support. |
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Servicing & Maintenance
Servicing is recommended once every 1-2 years depending on how much you use your Racewell.
Te Pari has a team of service technicians based in New Zealand, Australia and the UK plus agents in Europe that can come to your farm and service your Racewell Sheep Handler.
Regular servicing is a great way to prevent break downs during busy seasons. Our Racewell servicing covers:
- Check weighing systems are working correctly
- Check rams and air fittings
- Check water trap & filter systems
- Clean out the solenoids
- Grease and lubricate all moving parts
- Replace any parts if required
Call your local Te Pari team to book a service when required.
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Product Warranty
We stand by our product and services!
For peace of mind we offer a manufacturers warranty on all our products.
See our website to find details of what’s covered in your warranty and a form to submit a warranty claim.
www.tepari.com/owners-hub/warranty/
If there ever is an issue with anything associated with our equipment, we don’t avoid it like other companies may do. Our qualified Technical Support team provide the best service possible with quick responses and flexibility for your needs. It’s the Te Pari difference… ‘trustworthy customer support’.
See the back cover page for the relevant contact details for your country.
Warranty repairs or replacements
Any warranty repairs or replacement is to be authorized by Te Pari before proceeding.
HOT DIP GALVANIZING
Any Hot Dip Galvanizing on your Te Pari product is warranted for 10 years from date of purchase from Te Pari. Refer to warranty terms for more details: www.tepari.com/owners-hub/warranty/
STRUCTURAL Warranty
Any steel work or structural fabrication on your Te Pari product is warranted for 3 years from date of purchase from Te Pari. Refer to warranty terms for more details.
POWERED COMPONENTS
Any powered components (pneumatic/hydraulic/electronic) on your Te Pari product is warranted for 12 months from date of purchase from Te Pari. Refer to warranty terms for more details.