Carcass Splitting Saw – Choosing the Right One for Your Abattoir

A carcass splitting saw is a vital piece of equipment in any abattoir or slaughterhouse, ensuring clean, efficient, and precise splitting of carcasses. Whether processing cattle or pigs, selecting the correct saw is essential for maintaining workflow efficiency, hygiene, and safety.

At AES Food Equipment, we supply high performance carcass splitting saws from leading brands such as Jarvis, Kentmaster, and Freund. Choosing the right model depends on several key factors, which we’ll cover below.

What Species of Animal Are You Splitting?

Different animals require different splitting saw specifications:

• Cattle Splitting Saws – Require high-power bandsaws capable of cutting through large, dense bones efficiently.
• Pig Splitting Saws – Typically use bandsaws or circular saws to ensure a clean, precise cut while minimising bone dust and contamination.
• Sheep and Other Small Animals – Generally, these are not split in an abattoir and are dispatched as whole carcasses.

For high throughput slaughterhouses, bandsaws are preferred due to their speed and precision. Reciprocating saws offer a more cost-effective solution for low-volume operations across all species.

If height restrictions are an issue, a reciprocating splitting saw may be required instead of a bandsaw.

What Space and Height Do You Have Available?

Before selecting a saw, consider your abattoir’s space and layout:

• Overhead Clearance – Bandsaws require sufficient space to operate without obstruction.
• Operator Movement – In smaller spaces, a compact saw or counterbalance system may be necessary.
• Steelwork for Support – Many abattoirs install overhead steelwork to support counterbalance systems, improving saw handling.

Do You Need a Counter balance System?

Larger carcass splitting saws often require a counterbalance system to:

• Reduce operator fatigue, improving handling and safety.
• Enhance cutting precision, ensuring a consistent and controlled split.
• Support heavy-duty saws, reducing strain on operators during extended use.

Spring operated counter balancers from manufacturers such as AeroMotive and Tecna are commonly used in abattoirs. These systems are typically mounted to overhead steelwork to ensure smooth and controlled saw movement.

What Power Supply Do You Have?

All carcass splitting saws are electrically powered, so it’s crucial to ensure your facility has the correct electrical setup:

• 400V three-phase power is standard for most industrial abattoirs.
• Some smaller facilities may require alternative power solutions, but three phase remains the industry standard.

While some models feature pneumatic switches, this is rare, virtually all carcass splitting saws are fully electrically driven.

Will You Be Cutting Through a Gambrel?

If your process involves splitting carcasses while they are suspended on a gambrel, consider:

• Whether the saw can accommodate the space between the gambrel and the animal.
• The blade length and cutting power, ensuring a smooth, continuous cut.
• Minimising wear on the saw blade to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

Selecting the right saw for gambrel splitting ensures an efficient and hygienic process without excessive strain on equipment.

Would You Prefer a Bandsaw or a Reciprocating Saw?

The choice between a bandsaw and a reciprocating saw depends on processing volume and budget:

Bandsaws

✔ High-speed, continuous cutting
✔ Clean, precise cuts with minimal bone dust
✔ Ideal for high-throughput abattoirs processing cattle and pigs

Reciprocating Saws

✔ Forward and backward blade motion, similar to a hand saw
✔ Generate less heat and friction, reducing the risk of bone marrow contamination
✔ More cost-effective for smaller abattoirs

For large-scale slaughterhouses, bandsaws are the preferred option. However, for smaller or mixed-species facilities, reciprocating saws provide a lower-cost alternative.

Industry Leading Carcass Splitting Saws – Jarvis, Kentmaster & Freund

At AES Food Equipment, we supply high-performance carcass splitting saws from trusted industry brands:

• Jarvis – Precision-engineered splitting saws designed for efficient and hygienic carcass processing.
• Kentmaster – A leader in high-powered bandsaws, offering heavy-duty solutions for cattle and pigs.
• Freund – Renowned for ergonomic and efficient saws, delivering clean cuts with minimal bone dust.

Each manufacturer offers specialised solutions tailored to different abattoir setups, ensuring maximum efficiency, durability, and compliance with hygiene regulations.

Find the Right Carcass Splitting Saw for Your Abattoir

Selecting the right carcass splitting saw is essential for efficiency, safety, and meat quality. At AES Food Equipment, we provide expert guidance to help you choose the best saw for your species, space, and operational needs.

Contact us today for personalised advice or browse our full range of carcass splitting saws to find the perfect solution for your abattoir.