Premier Equipment Digital 2017

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Before you buy
1. What species will be shorn or clipped?
Sheep, goats, camelids, cattle, horses, pigs, dogs?
2. What result do you need?
Will the machine be removing fiber, hair or wool? Will
the finish be for the show ring (smooth and pretty) or the
farm/range (where speed beats precision)?
A shearing machine will go through dirty matted hair/
fiber faster than a clipping machine—and resharpening a
cutter and comb is less expensive and less frequent.
3. What is your experience level?
A clipping machine is much easier to set up and use than
a shearing machine.
But a shearing machine will push more easily through
dirty, heavy fiber and hair.
Common mistakes
1. Improperly tensioned or dull blades/combs/cutters.
These are the main culprits for cutting problems.
• Overtensioning reduces the longevity of blades/
combs/cutters.
• Undertensioning reduces the cutting ability.
2. Failure to apply oil frequently. Lubrication reduces
friction (heat) and increases the “cutting longevity” of
blades/combs/cutters.
3. Not cleaning the air filters. Remove the filters and scrub
them with soapy water and a toothbrush. Dry and
reattach to unit.
4. “Air-shearing.” If an operating clipper or shear is held
outside of the fleece, fiber or hair, the extra friction
creates heat and dulls the cutting equipment.
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Comparison of Clippers & Shears
While developing our machines, we
conducted evaluations of the units then
available. We noted hard data such as
length, weight, grip, blade/cutter cycle
speed under varying resistances, and
cost. We also paid attention to balance,
feel, sound, heating of head and motor,
and ease of installation of blades/combs/
cutters. Finally, and most important, we
compared how they actually cut.
Blade speed results: Normal load while
actually clipping is between medium
to high. Zero load simulates less than
normal blade tension.
Your results are likely to vary from ours
due to differences in voltage (from 105v
to 125v), variations between individual
units, and measuring instrument
variations. Small differences (5% or less)
are insignificant.
Our lab results were similar to our in-
field observations. We were better able
to compare Lister and Premier clippers
because we could use a common set of
blades, spring and tension system—
enabling better test protocol.
Remember, no unit (including
Premier’s) is perfect. All have strengths
and weaknesses.
Note: We do not sell all of the machines listed above. It’s for comparison purposes only!
Shearing Price w/o Lgth Wgt Grip Cutter Speed Relative Size
Machines comb/cutter/case in. lb. (circ.) Load: zero >> medium Comparison
Lister Laser Shear $305 12.3 3.1 7.9 3000 2500
Oster Shearmaster $260 13.3 3.1 6.4 2900 2500
Andis/Heiniger Shear $283 13.3 3.2 6.9 2600 2400
Clipping Price w/o Lgth Wgt Grip Blade Speed Relative Size
Machines blades or case in. lb. (circ.) Load: zero >> high Comparison
Lister Laser Clipper $275 11.1 2.6 8.5 2600 2300 1600
Aesculap Clipper $569 13.0 2.7 6.8 2600
Oster Clipmaster $202 12.3 2.8 6.4 2800
Lister Stablemate $235 9.4 1.7 7.5 3300 2600 0
Lister Star $219 9.1 1.2 6.6 2700 2500 0
Andis/Heiniger "Handi" $211 10.9 2.4 6.9 2300
(above) These 4 clippers have enough power to also run shear heads, hence they’re grouped together. We ranked them
by weight as it is the criteria with the largest range (as a percentage). The Premier and Lister clippers have a common
tensioning system, the other two do not. Therefore, we could not develop a standard test protocol for all units.
The Laser has plenty of power but is heavier, moderate in speed at operating load (2300) and has a larger grip. The
Clipmaster is heavier and longer but it is low cost, has a smaller grip and higher speed. The Aesculap has a small grip
and a reputation for quality, but is expensive, heavier and long. The 4000c’s high torque (dropped less than 4% between
idle and at-work loads) indicates high power. Because of its high speed at even peak loads, it is able to clip more animals/
hr than any other unit.
(above) The 4000s, because of its high cycle speed (2600) and its very high torque (lost only 4% in speed from idle to
at-work loads), can be expected to shear sheep and peel cattle rapidly. Higher speeds produce a smoother finish—but
more comb/cutter wear/heat because of greater friction. The 4000s is shorter, lighter and easier to grip than the others.
Please note: Unlike a Clipmaster® , Star™ or Laser ™,
Premier’s 4000 motor will not sound “different” when
oil is needed. Oil the blades with 3 drops every 3
minutes (2 minutes for dogs, horses and camelids).
Some users assume they don’t need to apply oil
when slick shearing lambs because the blades remain
damp. This is a dangerous myth. Water is a coolant
but it’s not a lubricant. To keep cutting edges sharp,
apply 3 drops of oil every 2 to 3 minutes to the tips of
the teeth and into the small hole behind the tension
assembly. And finally the oil hole in the back of
Premier’s clipping head needs a few drops every hour.
(above) This set is grouped because none will drive a shear head. The different tension system of the Handi meant it
could not be compared directly with the others. The high speed of the Stablemate at normal operating loads supports its
suitability for show lambs. The fact that all stalled (hence the 0) at peak loads indicates users can push them faster in
dense fiber than the clippers can clip. The Star is lighter and shorter than all others.
Shearing Machines
Clipping Machines