Hydraulic hoof nipers

[wwhite1973]

Drum Roll.......Hydraulic hoof nippers have arrived for a mere $1995
What do you think?
http://www.steelhorsetech.com/
Got this email today thought I would pass it along. Don't kill the messenger! If this already been discussed on the forums please accept my apologies.
Wayne

[dave murray]

I wonder how many theyv'e sold?

[T. Wm. HALL]

If I happened to have a hand severed in a horrible farming accident, and needed to keep shoeing, I MIGHT consider using one. But at $2050 a guy (or gal) could buy a heck of a lot of GE Nippers. According to my figures, around 10 pair.

Nice concept, but unless the horse stands good, it may be quite hazardous and loud, not to mention clunky. Maybe that gal that was featured on the video we all reviewed using the angle grinder on her hour long trim may be able to get it done a smidge quicker.

Have a good Holiday weekend guys, please be safe out there.

[Box Forge]

I saw one of their ads that said something to the effect of it being the first one handed nipper. I couldn't help but think, that if you don't normally nip one-handed (and I don't) you might have to, after a hydraulic nipper gets ahold of you. I did go on and watch some videos on you tube and I could see several other potential hazards such as getting either yourself or the horse or both you and the horse tangled in the hydraulic hoses. I could just see Ole Dobbins dragging me all about a barn or pasture with me just dangling through the air tethered to him by a hydraulic hose. It did also have a robotic type sound to it, that I know some of the horses I do would have a fit about. It seemed to work a lot slower than I can normally make a go round with my nippers b/c the jaws close slowly then you have to open them back up slowly and so on. I don't think I'll be trading in my nippers anytime soon you a set of hydraulics. Just some thoughts.

[steelhorsetech]

From Steelhorsetech. I am a 1995 Oklahoma Farriers College Course Master Farrier or O.F.C. Bud Beastons school in Sperry OK. And the Inventor. I have used the hydraulic hoof nipper for over 3 years now.with Safe Blade Technology. Patend Pending.This Is the first farrier tool ever to have a electronic computer safety over ride feature. If the operators skin touches the sharp replaceable blades,The hydraulic hoof nipper automatically springs open. And will stay open until the operator is clear. The tool makes no sound at all. There is a small sound 20-40 feet away in the pump tool box.I know this tool will not be useful for all trims, and will never replace manual nippers, but it is a proven tool and saves time and labor, and creates less stress for the horse. My hopes have been to make farriery safer, faster and easer with less time under the horse, or other hoofed animals. This new state of the art tool is designed for the professional farrier only, not the unschooled indivdual. Return policy is 45 days.You pay for shipping. Warranty is One Year to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. We will, at our option, repair or replace without charge any part of the hand tool and computer unit only. The Replaceable cutting Blades are not covered for obvious reasons. So do not try cutting nails with it. I have used the same 2 inch blades for 10 months with little ware showing on them. The hydraulic pump comes from an outside source and have had NO problems reported. I Have over 1 year with the same pump in my truck.
Thank you for your interest and feed back.

[sean_the_shoer]

Looks like a few improvements have been implemented since I first heard about it. A few questions, (pardon my ignorance)...

1.) What's an O.F.C. master faster (or more exactly who is the O.F.C)?

2.) What's your return policy/warranty policy?

thanks, and good luck...

[SlowShoe]

Can I see a video of you putting your finger in the nipper and engaging it? well actually just touch your finger to it I dont want to see it if it fouls up! I'd like to see this over-ride function happen.

Josh

[Jack Evers]

I've seen video of the same feature on a table saw. They used a hot dog rather than a finger, but the blade stopped with only a scratch to the hot dog.

[SlowShoe]

Originally Posted by Jack Evers

I've seen video of the same feature on a table saw. They used a hot dog rather than a finger, but the blade stopped with only a scratch to the hot dog.

wow. that should be incorporated into every power tool with a nasty blade!!!

[Cyber Farrier]

Originally Posted by steelhorsetech

Thank you for your interest and feed back.

First, you need to sign your full name to your posts.

Second, and more importantly, the FHF and FHHO forums aren't for commercial purposes, i.e.: manufacturers and suppliers are not supposed to promote or sell stuff in them. Providing information in a factual manner in response to questions is fine. But using language which is intended to "praise" the product or promote its sale is forbidden. We'll give you a Mulligan on your first post, but please don't stray over the line again.

Baron

[Jim Sweeney]

Originally Posted by SlowShoe

wow. that should be incorporated into every power tool with a nasty blade!!!

I read in one of my tool mags that originally the technology was only available in one brand ( I think Bosch). The inventor claimed he would make it available to all manufacturers at a very small cost so everyone could offer it. The braking action is so sudden and violent that parts of the saw are destroyed in the process but are replaceable at about 60 dollars cost. And I did see the inventor(on TV) actually use his finger to demonstrate the product, barely a mark. I do have some friends with some pretty funky looking fingers from run in with table saws. It is one of the more common reasons for visits to teh ER. Now if they could just do that with power nailers, or rasps for that matter.

[T. Wm. HALL]

It would have been nice to have such a safety feature for Chainsaws.

I have cut into several pair of boots while working in the woods back when I was younger, and my shins and lower legs look worse that a barrel racers.

The Kevlar Chaps make a difference, but they are as hard to find long enough for me as a pair of store bought Farrier Chaps.

[steelhorsetech]

From steelhorsetech: This is not the same technology as sawstop. Although the result is the same. The electronics there simply would not work in this application. The horse would trip the relay. The same way a touch lamp works. This system is very different. It resets itself every 6 seconds as long as the operator is clear. And does not cost any thing but the 6 seconds you have to wait. I am a farrier also. I understand everyones concern.

Guy Bush

[Chris Gregory]

Leroy, the fellow that invented this nipper came to my shop yesterday. I have to say, the safety switch works well. It had 3 settings of sensitivity, so you could make it as safe as you want. If I did a ton of minis, drafts, or cows this would be pretty neat. Thank God I don't. My hat is off to anyone trying to make a better mouse trap, although if you know me, you know that I am as traditional as you can get.

[vthorseshoe]

Sean back in the early years there were schools such as the "Oklahoma Farriers College" aka OFC this particular one was owned and run by "Bud Beaston"
Bud was a skilled inovator at working with crippled horses and making braces and such.

I don't remember the graduating titles given to certain students, but that is what OFC is.

As I recall to the best of my memory, Bud had and outstanding reputation.

my 2 cents worth