06 Mar New Generation Head and Trachea Removal for Poultry Slaughter Lines
BAADER Head Puller 2420
Consistent head removal is an important step in poultry slaughtering and processing, affecting line efficiency, carcass presentation and downstream processing. The BAADER Head Puller 2420 is designed to remove heads and tracheae from birds on the slaughter line with controlled mechanical action while maintaining continuous movement of carcasses along the overhead conveyor.
How the Head Puller 2420 Works
The system is typically installed on the slaughter line between the bleeding and picking stages. At this point on the line, carcasses enter the machine guided by positioning rails that ensure each bird is correctly aligned.
Inside the system, a rotating head wheel with teeth stabilises the head and neck as it moves through the pulling mechanism.
Immediately before the head is pulled downwards, knives make a small cut on each side of the neck skin. This controlled cut guides the removal process and limits the amount of neck skin removed with the head, helping maintain carcass yield and presentation. The carcass continues along the overhead conveyor while removed heads can be directed into a funnel connected to the plant’s offal system.
Designed to Prevent Blockages
Continuous slaughter line operation requires equipment that avoids block-ups and manual intervention. The Head Puller 2420 uses rotating carriers to guide heads downward and away from the pulling plates, preventing accumulation inside the machine.
A water spray bar assists with smooth movement along the guide rails and helps keep the machine clean during operation. When fitted with the optional funnel system, removed heads can be transferred directly into the offal system, reducing manual handling on the processing floor.
Head Puller 2420 – options with or without funnel system
Adjustment for Bird Size Variations
Bird weight and size can vary within and between flocks. The Head Puller 2420 includes several adjustment features that allow operators to configure the machine for the birds being processed.
These include:
- Hydraulic height adjustment of the machine frame
- Adjustable guide rails that can be moved in or out using rotary knobs
- Adjustable neck skin cutting knives for accurate positioning
These settings allow the machine to be configured for different flock conditions while maintaining consistent head removal.
Operating Capacity and Application
The Head Puller 2420 is designed for poultry slaughter lines processing commercial broilers.
The system can operate at throughputs of up to 15,000 bph (birds per hour), depending on line configuration and operating conditions. It accommodates birds with live weights between 1.5 kg and 5 kg, with tolerance for weight variation of approximately ±25% within a flock.
Construction and Installation
The machine is manufactured primarily from stainless steel and non-corrosive materials, with food-contact components designed for hygienic operation in poultry processing environments. Its compact footprint allows installation after bleeding or after picking, depending on the slaughter line configuration and plant requirements.
Supporting Efficient Slaughter Line Operation
By combining controlled mechanical head removal with adjustable settings and a design focused on uninterrupted operation, the BAADER Head Puller 2420 provides a reliable solution for poultry slaughter lines requiring consistent head removal and minimal manual intervention.