18 March 2022
Bag Splitter vs Reaper Knife - which should I use?
Are you looking for a safer way to discharge the contents of your bulk bags? Concerned about putting yourself or your staff at risk by reaching under suspended bulk bags to untie the discharge chute?
You’re not alone. In recent years we’ve become much more aware of the inherent risks associated with the use of bulk bags. Unfortunately, there have been some nasty accidents involving them, and as a result, many responsible business owners and factory supervisors now take these concerns very seriously.
As we know, bulk bags have some massive advantages in the workplace, but they come with their fair share of dangers. At Orion Australia, we’re serious about minimizing workplace hazards and providing safe storage solutions that are simple, efficient, and cost effective.
So, what’s the Safest Way to Discharge the Contents of my Bulk Bags?
We’ve come up with two very different solutions for discharging the contents of your bulk bags: the reaper knife and the bag splitter. Both methods are safe. Both methods have been extensively tried and proven. And both are very effective.
Of course, like any product, each method has its pros and cons, and we’re going to tell you about both options honestly and openly. We believe that you have the right to know all the ins and outs of each product so that you can make a well-informed decision.
What is a Reaper Knife?
A reaper knife is a sharp, curved blade which can be mounted to a pole which is long enough to reach underneath a suspended bag. The blade simply rips along the bottom of the bag and the contents are discharged easily. When used in conjunction with your Jacky® Bin, Orion’s reaper knife is an effective, efficient, and economical way to discharge the contents of your bulk bags.
Want to see how it works? Check out our video here.
What are the Pros of a Reaper Knife?
- Efficient
- Easy to use
- Easy to store
- Blade is easily re-sharpened
- Compact and easy to freight
What are the Cons of a Reaper Knife?
User may still have to reach a little way under the suspended bag
Some contents may spill because the bag is suspended over the discharge bin rather than inside it when it’s cut
Does my Reaper Knife come with a Handle?
No. To keep freight costs down we supply the blade only, however, your knife will fit neatly onto a broom handle.
Does my Reaper Knife have a Sheath?
Yes. The blade is extremely sharp, and we recommend replacing the sheath whenever the knife is not in use.
What is a Jacky® Bag Splitter?
Jacky® bulk bag splitters provide a safe and smart method for discharging product directly from a bulk bag.
The splitter is simply a Jacky® Bin with pyramid-shaped blade mounted inside the hopper. When the bag is lowered onto the blade it cuts the bottom of the bag in four directions and the contents discharge straight into the bin. It’s that simple - there’s no need for the user to risk putting any part of their body underneath the suspended bag at any time.
The forkliftable frame is designed to assist with overcoming lifting and height restrictions commonly experienced by users of bulk bags.
Want to see a JACKY Bag splitter at work? Click here.
Naturally, there must be some fors and againsts for this system too so first, let’s look at the advantages.
Advantages of Jacky® Bag Splitters
- Safe
- Efficient
- Single person operation
- Blade is removable
- Blade is easy to re-sharpen
- Safe way to overcome height/lifting restrictions when using bulk bags
Disadvantages of Jacky® Bag Splitters
The cut from a splitter isn’t as neat as that of a knife, and small fibres from the bag could fall into the contents as they discharge.
If the product inside the bulk bag has ‘set’, you may need to break up the contents by banging the bag on the ground a few times or backing into it with a forklift before attempting to split the bag on the blade.
What else should I know about my bag splitter? Here are few things we often get asked, and our answers:
Can I get a Lid for my Jacky® Bag Splitter?
Yes. A lid is supplied standard, allowing you to store contents safely inside until you need to discharge it.
Does my Splitter come with a Discharge Chute?
Yes. Every unit is supplied with a 300mm discharge chute to make discharge safe, simple, and efficient.
How do I re-sharpen my Splitter Blade?
The blades are made from laser cut stainless steel and can be easily re-sharpened on site, using a grinder or file.
Can I remove the Splitter Blade?
Yes. The blade can be easily if you so desire.
The Jacky® Bag Splitter has become a popular choice with many corporate farms around the country because it’s a safe and efficient way to handle and dispense bulk bags.
They’re being used for handling:
- Fertiliser
- Stock feed
- Grain
- Plastic beads
- and many other products.
