The Hock Cutter from Dutch Poultry Tech is an essential machine in the poultry processing line, positioned at the end of the killing and defeathering section. Its primary function is to automatically cut off the hocks at the ankle joint, preparing the carcass for further processing or transfer to the next stage.

As birds move along the overhead conveyor, they are guided into the machine where the hocks are positioned in a specially designed catching wheel. This ensures that each bird is aligned correctly before cutting, which is crucial for achieving consistent results and maintaining product quality.

The cutting process is performed by a rotating circular knife that cleanly separates the hock through the joint. The position of the blade can be adjusted, allowing the machine to handle different bird sizes and processing requirements without compromising accuracy.

Key features include:

• Overhead conveyor-driven system for synchronized and continuous operation.
• Catching wheel to guide and position hocks before cutting.
• Adjustable circular blade for precise cutting at the ankle joint.
• Capacity of up to 6,000 birds per hour for efficient processing.

The Hock Cutter improves workflow by automating a step that would otherwise require manual handling. This not only increases efficiency but also enhances consistency across the processing line. Once removed, the hocks can be further processed in dedicated feet processing systems, adding value to by-products.

With its reliable cutting performance and easy integration into existing lines, the Hock Cutter helps poultry processors maintain high throughput, consistent results, and an organised processing flow.