LEAP4Beef – chuck chining cell concepts

The aim of this project was to design and build a test rig to demonstrate mechanised chining of the beef chuck portion, and to provide findings that support the benefits of this strategy and the development of a chuck chining machine.

A test rig was developed to demonstrate mechanised chining of the beef chuck portion. The rig demonstrated the practicality of a clamping means and cutting the chine cut with a circular saw. With the mechanised chine cut trials, the beneficial yield was shown.

A standalone chuck chining machine has been proposed, suitable for processing 164 heads per hr.

The benefit to a processor, and by extrapolation to the industry, is significantly influenced by the market values of spine bones, chuck, chuck rib sets and trim.

The payback could be between 1.1 years and no payback. 

Given the significance of the highly variable market values on payback, it is recommended that further input is required from the beef processors to establish the justification for the development of a specific chuck chining machine.