Blog #31

Mary Poppins Bag?

So …, I’ve got a lot of stuff in my shearing kit.  If I put all of it in the back of my truck it would probably be about level full, but some rides up front.  Some folks I know travel with little more than an Oster Shearmaster ® and a can of oil, but my setup is a bit more involved.

First is what rides in the cab with me.  My handpiece box, combs, cutters, used comb container, lunch, clean clothes, drinking water, lunch, and paperwork all ride up front with the safety officer (Dede) and the shearer (me).  Dede’s got a pair of duck shoes in the front, too, since we’re always working in a barn or pasture.  Since my handpieces are precision industrial tools they get additional protection from the elements, humidity, and jostling around.  I usually have a little over a gallon of drinking water and Gatorade ®, plus a full change of clothes and a set of coveralls, soap, and towels.  Dede and I split lunch that always includes fruits, raw veggies, and proteins.  If I’m still hungry or thirsty during or after the gig, I’m not too worried.  I’m in America which means the nearest food or drink is available at the next exit, gas station, or fruit stand. 

 

   

The back of the truck more closely resembles a casual game of Tetris.  To make everything fit it’s packed in a specific order and fashion.  The mounting board for my Heiniger EVO® shearing machine and bracket goes in first along my side shepherd’s crooks.  The downtube/drop for the machine is next, crossed over the board.  The tool bag, first aid kit, tray, boots, and extension cord tuck in around those bits of gear.  The cargo divider space holds the EVO machine, my shearing box, rubber boots, hoof trimming kit, and 5 gallons of water. 

 

  

 

My shearing box is an entity unto itself.  The bottom has an oil can dating from the late 1980s, my moccasins, a left glove, Clippercide, Blu-Kote, pull cord, and halter lead.  The tray has a livestock crayon, wrenches, screwdriver, sockets, a pocketknife, counters, Super-Glue, flashlight, shoemaker’s rasp, and a few deck screws. I use >80% of the contents of the box on each gig, so it’s all earned a spot.

  

 

I learned from a shearer in Scotland to carry my own wash water in case I’m ever dry-land shearing.  That, and it’s nice to get the top layer off before going into someone’s house or outbuilding. 

Once all that’s loaded, I add the shearing board and my sign if I’m taking it, laid over top of everything else.

   

That’s the loadout that goes on each trip.  How do I make sure everything is in the truck?  The almighty checklist!  To paraphrase from Full Metal Jacket: “This is my checklist.  There are many like it, but this one is MINE!”   

Did you notice which item on the checklist wasn’t mentioned, alluded to, or shown in pictures?  Find that out next week.

 

C-Ya!

*** No animals were harmed in the making of this post. Shearing is an important part of sheep farming for the wellbeing of the sheep. ***