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.

A well equipped abattoir is essential for ensuring efficient, hygienic, and compliant meat processing. From stunning and bleeding to dressing, evisceration, and by-product processing, every stage of slaughter requires specialist abattoir equipment that meets industry regulations and maximises efficiency.

At AES Food Equipment, we supply a comprehensive range of abattoir equipment for the slaughter of beef, sheep, pigs, venison, poultry, and rabbit.

Whether you're upgrading an existing kill line or setting up a new facility, our high-quality machinery ensures safe, reliable, and high performance operations.

Stunning Abattoir Equipment – Humane and Effective Stunning Solutions

Proper stunning is a critical first step in the slaughter process, ensuring humane handling and compliance with welfare regulations. We supply:

• Stunning boxes & restrainers – Designed for secure animal positioning before stunning.
• Electric stunning systems – Effective for pigs and sheep, offering controlled stunning with EU complaint systems.
• Captive bolt stunners – Ideal for cattle and smalls, these units provide an instant and effective stun.

Our stunning equipment is sourced from leading manufacturers including Accles & Shelvoke, Jarvis and Hubert Haas, ensuring precision, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

Bleeding Equipment – Secure Handling for Efficient Processing

Efficient bleeding is crucial for ensuring high-quality meat and proper carcass handling. Our bleeding equipment includes:

• Bleed shackles – Securely hold animals during the bleeding process.
• Bleed hoists – Designed for lifting carcasses quickly during exsanguination.
• Transfer platforms – Safe and ergonomic solutions for slaughterhouse staff working on kill lines.

Our bleeding solutions are built to support both high throughput abattoirs and small scale slaughterhouses alike.

Dressing Abattoir Equipment – Efficient Carcass Preparation

Once bleeding is complete, dressing equipment is used for removing hides, hair, pelts, or feathers, ensuring carcasses are clean and ready for processing. We supply:

• Hide pullers – For efficient removal of cattle hides.
• Dehairing machines – Essential for pig processing, ensuring thorough cleaning.
• Pelt pullers & punching arms – Designed for safe and effective pelt removal.
• Plucking machines – Essential for poultry processing, ensuring efficient feather removal.

Our dressing equipment is designed for speed, hygiene, and precision, helping abattoirs increase throughput while maintaining quality.

Evisceration Equipment – Precision for Hygienic Processing

Evisceration is a key stage in carcass processing, requiring specialist equipment to ensure hygiene and efficiency. We supply:

• Leg spreaders – Ensuring easy access to the internal cavity for gut removal.
• Gut conveyors – Streamlining the transport of offal and reducing manual handling.
• Rise & fall platforms – Providing operators with safe and adjustable access during evisceration.

Designed for ease of use and hygiene, our evisceration equipment meets the highest industry standards.

Saws & Tools – Leading Brands for Precision Cutting

High quality saws and cutting tools are essential for efficient and accurate carcass processing. We supply a full range of saws and hydraulic tools from leading brands, including:

• Jarvis, Freund, and Kentmaster saws – Renowned for durability and performance.
• Breaking saws & carcass splitting saws – Precision tools for portioning and cutting.
• Hydraulic cutting tools – Improving efficiency and reducing operator fatigue.

These industry leading tools ensure smooth operation and precise cuts, meeting the demands of small and large scale abattoirs.

By-Product Processing – Maximising Efficiency

Efficient by-product processing ensures better resource utilisation and hygiene compliance. We supply:

• Stomach washing machines – Ensuring clean and efficient processing.
• Feet dehairers – Perfect for processing sheep and cattle feet for additional revenue streams for your abattoir.
• Refiner machines & gut blowers – Streamlining offal and by-product handling.

These systems help abattoirs maximise yield and efficiency, reducing waste and improving productivity. They also ensure your abattoir is utilising every revenue stream possible.

Meat Rail & Dispatch Machinery – Seamless Carcass Handling

Efficient meat rail systems are crucial for smooth carcass transport and storage. We supply:

• Twin track meat rail systems – Designed for high-capacity abattoirs and meat processing plants.
• Tubular round bar rails – Offering versatile carcass movement solutions.
• Meat loading arms – Improving carcass handling efficiency.

Our custom-designed rail systems ensure seamless processing and cold storage integration.

Consumables – Essential Supplies for Daily Operations

In addition to abattoir equipment, we stock a full range of abattoir consumables, including:

• Knives & blades – Precision tools for cutting and processing.
• Protective aprons – Ensuring safety and hygiene compliance.

These consumables are essential for maintaining hygienic and efficient operations in any slaughter facility.

Your Trusted Supplier for Abattoir Equipment

At AES Food Equipment, we provide a complete range of abattoir equipment for beef, sheep, pig, poultry, rabbit, and venison slaughter. Our solutions are designed to maximise efficiency, ensure compliance, and improve safety across all areas of meat processing.

Whether you need stunning equipment, carcass dressing tools, saws, meat rails, or consumables, we have the right products for your abattoir or slaughterhouse.

Browse our full range of abattoir equipment today or contact us for expert advice on the best solutions for your facility.

Choosing the Right Hooks for Your Butchery or Abattoir

Meat hooks are an essential tool in the meat processing industry, enabling efficient handling, storage, and transportation of carcasses. Whether you operate a small butcher shop, a large abattoir, or a food processing facility, selecting the right meat hook is crucial for maintaining hygiene, workflow efficiency, and safety.

At AES Food Equipment, we supply a comprehensive range of meat hooks to meet the needs of butchers, abattoirs, and food producers across the UK and worldwide. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of meat hooks available and their applications.

Butcher S Hooks – A Versatile Solution for Butchers and Meat Processors

Butcher S hooks are widely used in the industry, providing an effective and hygienic way to hang meat. They are available in a range of sizes and weight capacities, making them suitable for:

• Small butcher shops looking for hooks to hang and display cuts of meat.
• Domestic users processing meat at home.
• Large-scale meat producers requiring heavy duty hooks for handling full carcasses.

Our stainless steel butcher S hooks are designed for durability and hygiene, ensuring they meet food safety regulations. Explore our full range of butcher S hooks here.

Abattoir Hooks and Chains – Heavy Duty Options for Slaughterhouses

In abattoirs, hooks and chains play a critical role in carcass processing and movement along the production line. We supply a variety of options to suit different applications, including:

• Bleed shackles – Securely hold animals during the bleeding process.
• Spreader hooks – Support carcasses to ensure proper airflow and hygiene.
• 7-link chains – Durable stainless steel chains used for carcass handling and transport.

Our high-strength abattoir hooks and chains are designed for demanding environments, offering reliability and longevity.

Meat Rail Hooks – Designed for Smooth Carcass Movement

For facilities using overhead meat rail systems, choosing the correct hooks is vital for seamless operation. Our range includes:

• Twin track meat rail hooks – Suitable for standard overhead meat rail systems, allowing efficient carcass movement through processing areas.
• Tubular rail hooks (skids) – Designed for hanging and transporting carcasses in cold storage and processing facilities.

We supply a variety of meat rail hooks to suit different setups, ensuring compatibility with industry-standard rail systems.

Gambrels – Strong, Reliable Support for Carcass Processing

Gambrels are an essential tool for suspending carcasses securely during processing. We offer:

• A-Frame Gambrels – Sturdy, triangular gambrels suitable for lamb, pork, and venison.
• W-Gambrels – A thinner gambrel without additional support of the A, this design ideal for supporting sheep carcasses.
• Pig Gambrels – thick 10” gambrels for support pigs.
• Deer Gambrels – we can fabricate special deer gambrels for extra long widths.

Whether for small game or full-size pigs, our gambrels provide stable, efficient support for carcass handling.

Find the Right Hooks for Your Needs

At AES Food Equipment, we stock a wide selection of hooks, including butcher S hooks, abattoir hooks, meat rail hooks, and gambrels. Our hooks are built for strength, durability, and hygiene, meeting the needs of both small-scale and large-scale meat processors.

Browse our full range today or contact us for expert advice on the best hooks for your business.

Overview

AES Food Equipment collaborated with The Newt in Somerset to create a cutting edge butchery facility at Avalon Farm. Designed to enhance meat production and supply capabilities, this standalone facility supports The Newt’s hotel, retail outlets, and online shop, with a focus on quality, provenance, and sustainability.

The Challenge

The Newt required a facility that could handle full-carcass butchery across various species while maintaining rigorous hygiene, efficiency, and traceability standards. AES Food Equipment was entrusted with delivering a custom stainless steel meat rail system, along with essential hygiene and butchery equipment, all tailored to meet The Newt’s unique requirements.

Our Approach

Collaborative Design & Planning

Working alongside The Newt and their architects, AES Food Equipment contributed critical insights into the design of the loading bays, meat chillers, and butchery preparation rooms. These details enabled the architects to prepare comprehensive tender documents for contractors. During the tendering process, we supported contractors by addressing technical questions to ensure smooth bidding.

Partnering with CG Fry & Son

After CG Fry & Son won the tender, AES collaborated closely with them and The Newt throughout construction. This partnership ensured the seamless integration of our twin track stainless steel meat rail system and other equipment into the facility’s design.

Tailored Solutions

AES supplied and installed key equipment to meet The Newt’s needs:

• Twin-track stainless steel rail system for efficient carcass handling.
• Hygiene equipment, including boot and apron washes, to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• A carcass loading arm to simplify loading onto the rail system.

The meat chiller was equipped with a stunning glass viewing panel, allowing visitors to observe the butchery process in action.

The Result

The completed facility at Avalon Farm combines aesthetic design with practical functionality. Clad in glass and oak, the butchery reflects The Newt’s commitment to transparency and quality. It features a production area for full-carcass processing and a workshop space for training and education.

This facility now supplies beef, lamb, and venison from Avalon Farm, alongside locally sourced pork and poultry, to The Newt’s estate, shops, and online business. Visitors can experience the craft of butchery firsthand through workshops and training initiatives.

Client Testimonial

"Our new butchery has transformed the way we handle and showcase meat at The Newt. The collaborative efforts with AES Food Equipment have resulted in a facility that’s as functional as it is beautiful. It’s a space where craft and care come together, and it’s integral to our farm-to-table approach."– The Newt

Learn More

For more information about The Newt’s butchery and their commitment to high-welfare meat production, visit their official website.

Overview

Gloucester Services, renowned for its award winning farm shop and restaurant, approached AES Food Equipment to address a significant operational and safety challenge within their onsite butchery. Known for their farm to fork philosophy, Gloucester Services needed a solution that not only improved the efficiency of their butchery but also enhanced the visual appeal of their produce for customers.

The Challenge

The existing meat handling process at Gloucester Services required staff to manually carry carcasses from the loading bay through a corridor into the butchery, causing inefficiencies and potential health and safety risks. Meat was displayed using a flat bar rail system suspended from ceiling panels, one of which had failed, posing a serious hazard.

Due to the layout constraints of the shop, installing a traditional meat rail system from the loading bay was not feasible. AES was tasked with designing a solution that would:

• Eliminate the risk of ceiling panel failures.
• Improve the efficiency of stock rotation and meat handling.
• Create a visually engaging display of meats through the glass viewing window into the shop.

Our Approach

Bespoke Design for Space Constraints
After assessing the site, AES designed and installed a self-supporting meat rail system that operated independently of the ceiling panels. This steel-structured solution ensured:

• Enhanced safety – no weight was transferred to the ceiling, mitigating the risk of collapse.
• Efficient stock rotation – the new system allowed for smooth movement of carcasses, reducing manual handling.
• Visual appeal – cuts of meat could now be showcased effectively through the glass viewing panel, enhancing the customer experience.

On-Site Installation and Testing
AES worked around the operational hours of Gloucester Services to install the new rail system with minimal disruption. The self-supporting structure was designed to seamlessly integrate into the butchery, allowing staff to lift cuts of meat directly from the rail for preparation.

Maximising Customer Engagement
The revamped display turned the butchery into a visual centrepiece within the farm shop, aligning with Gloucester Services’ ethos of transparency and local produce promotion. Customers could now witness the quality and craftsmanship behind the counter, reinforcing trust and driving sales.

The Result

The installation of the self-supporting meat rail system has significantly enhanced both the safety and operational efficiency of Gloucester Services’ butchery. Not only has the risk of ceiling panel failure been eliminated, but the improved layout also provides a more immersive experience for customers. The butchery now serves as a showcase of locally sourced meats, reinforcing the farm-to-fork philosophy that Gloucester Services is celebrated for.

About Gloucester Services

Located on the M5 Southbound, Gloucester Services is one of the UK’s leading service stations, famous for its locally sourced produce, farm shop, and restaurant. A destination in itself, Gloucester Services offers travelers a unique experience that celebrates British farming and artisan food production.

Learn more about Gloucester Services here.

The meat processing industry in the UK handles millions of animals and tons of meat products each year. Having equipment that efficiently performs processing tasks while maintaining high safety and quality standards is critical for meat processors. In this post, we'll look at the importance of choosing high-quality industrial meat processing equipment from experienced suppliers like us.

Improved Efficiency and Productivity

One of the biggest advantages of investing in quality commercial meat processing equipment is improved efficiency and productivity. Well-designed meat processing equipment is engineered to handle large volumes quickly while minimising waste.

For example, high-performance industrial meat grinders can grind hundreds of pounds of meat per hour. Advanced mixing equipment can thoroughly blend large batches of meat and other ingredients in minutes. Fast production improves throughput and allows processors to maximise yields. Less waste means higher profits.

Better Safety and Hygiene

Meat processing involves working with raw and cooked meats, bones, fats, and other animal byproducts. In this industry, food safety is paramount. Quality commercial meat processing equipment is made from materials that make it easy to thoroughly clean and sanitise. Equipment designed with hygiene in mind reduces contamination risks.

Reputable manufacturers and suppliers also offer machines with advanced safety features. This includes things like emergency stop buttons, guards, and sensors. Protecting worker health should be a top priority, and the best equipment is engineered with safety in mind. Investing in equipment built for excellent hygiene and safety helps meat processors prevent issues and avoid costly product recalls.

Improved Quality and Consistency

Consistency and quality are essential for creating profitable meat products that consumers want to buy again and again. Advanced meat processing equipment enables processors to achieve exceptional quality and uniformity batch after batch.

Efficient mixers blend meats and other ingredients to perfection for consistent textures and flavours. Specialised massagers integrate seasonings into meats evenly. High-performance grinders uniformly process meat to any desired fineness. Properly calibrated smokers infuse meats with just the right amount of smoke flavour. Quality packaging equipment produces professional, appealing packages. Premium equipment leads to premium meat products.

Better Inventory Management

Processed meat products have defined shelf lives. Efficient equipment allows processors to improve inventory management. When production is smooth and efficient, it's easier to manufacture the right quantities to closely match supply with demand. Less waste means lower costs. And producing inventory as needed reduces storage requirements. The productivity features of quality equipment enable processors to improve their inventory management practices.

Partner with a Trusted Equipment Expert

When selecting commercial meat processing equipment suppliers, it’s important to partner with reputable firms. Established providers, such as ourselves, understand the needs of local meat processors. We carry industrial meat processing equipment to handle the unique requirements of the regional meat industry. Our knowledgeable teams can help processors select the right equipment, provide installation support, and assist with maintenance and parts needs.

The right commercial meat processing equipment allows meat processors to achieve higher throughputs, lower costs, better inventory management, exceptional quality and consistency, higher profits, and globally recognised food safety standards. Investing in quality equipment from reputable suppliers will serve any meat processing operation well for years to come.