Beef skinning is the step in the abattoir process following trimming and deboning where the membrane and rind are removed from meat to prepare it for portioning.
Once the initial hide is removed, membrane skinning machines can gently and effectively remove all sinew, fat and membrane to output an attractive end product.
Specialised membrane removal equipment can help abattoirs achieve maximal beef yield and optimise revenue during the beef skinning step.
Overview
- How do beef skinning machines work?
- Why is skinning important in beef processing?
- How to choose beef skinning equipment
How do beef skinning machines work?
A beef skinning machine, also referred to as a derinding or membrane removal machine, uses a toothed roller and sharp blade to separate meat. The teeth of the roller attach to the unwanted rind of the meat portion and pull it towards the blade. This unwanted membrane is dragged under the blade by the roller and falls into the waste section of the machine.
Machines can be set up with more aggressive or less grippy teeth to suit the precise application. An automatic machine can process flat product, while round products are processed by an operator working with an ‘open top’ beef skinning machine.
Why is skinning important in beef processing?
Efficient beef skinning results in an end product that is consistent and has a high-quality appearance. An effective beef skinning process also improves the chemical lean ratio of the final cartons. This enables abattoirs to get maximum revenue per head.
Test the average chemical lean for 27.2kg beef cartons with FPE’s CL testing service.
How to choose beef skinning equipment
Using specifically designed machines to remove membranes and fat will optimise raw beef quality and yield. Here are five things to consider when selecting de-rinding and membrane removal equipment for an abattoir.
Versatility to process a variety of beef cuts
A machine that can process more than one shape or type of meat will provide more value. A versatile membrane removal machine can be adjusted to handle tougher or larger products as well as delicate meat items. A coarse roller removes fat and sinews while a fine tooth roller removes membranes.
A membrane removal or derinding machine with multiple types of tooth roll, including both single and dual pitch tooth roll, allows versatility in the input product. The machine can be adapted for specific applications by changing the tooth roller. All steps can be completed by the same operator.
Manual top yeld skinning machines from Grasselli have a single or dual blade that removes the rind and membrane from meat. Grasselli’s M-Series is available in a dual-blade version, with a maximum distance between the blades of 35mm.
Design for productivity and minimal maintenance
A machine with a high tooth roll speed improves production rates, while rapid sanitation with no disassembly means minimal downtime for cleaning.
Easy access to the motor, wiring and mechanical parts and the option to change blades quickly will contribute to stream-lined maintenance.
Operator safety
An ergonomically designed beef skinning machine will ensure operator comfort and safety and enhance productivity. Operating blades comes with risk, so safety is a top consideration when choosing a beef skinning machine. A machine with ergonomic operating height and in-feed area can improve product handling and safety. This offers many work health and safety benefits when used along with the right protective equipment is also critical.
The Grasselli M-Series machines can be optioned with the innovative CLO system to prevent harm to the operator’s hands. Lowering the risk of accidents by up to 94.6%, the patented system instantly activates at contact with any dangerous working area. Activation reverses the rotation of the tooth-roller to prevent harm to the operator’s hands.
The MS series machines are designed to perform safely in wet or humid working environments, with a double-insulated protection circuit that prevents low-voltage electricity from passing through the operator’s body. Magnetic plugs for each connection wire helps to prevent cable breakage.
Easy sanitation for food safety
Sanitation is essential to food safety and maximising yield. A membrane removal and de-rinding machine that’s easy to sanitise and clean, without disassembly, is key. Look for a machine designed with food-grade, non-radioactive stainless steel and toothroll made from special highly resistant steel.
Continuous welding and rounded edges allow for greater hygiene and easy cleaning.
Lifetime value and ongoing costs
The final consideration when choosing a beef skinning machine is the lifetime value. Easy access to spare parts, seamless maintenance and minimal downtime all contribute to lowering the ongoing operating costs.
Make beef skinning efficient and effective for optimal beef yields
Choosing the right meat processing equipment for the beef skinning process is one way to optimise beef yield and quality in an abattoir. Grasellli’s MS Series, designed for derinding and membrane removal, are intuitive machines that are extremely precise and efficient.
Available exclusively from FPE throughout Australia and New Zealand, Graselli’s membrane removal and derinding machines have the option of the award-winning CLO safety system. We provide equipment training for operator confidence and safety, as well as ongoing maintenance and support when you need it.
To upgrade your abattoir or meat-processing operation with an advanced beef skinning system, get in touch with our expert team at AU 1800 882 549 or NZ 0800 100 003.
Questions about beef skinning
What are the essential tools required for beef skinning?
The ‘silver skin’ of beef can be effectively removed using a machine with a tooth roller and blades that gently grasp and slice the membrane away from the quality meat. An industrial membrane removal machine ensures the maximal yield while effectively removing unwanted products.
What safety precautions are required during beef skinning?
Operators must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like cut-resistant gloves, safety goggles and appropriate sanitary clothing like hair nets. The work area should be clean, well lit and well-ventilated. Sharp blades should always be used to reduce the chance of slips. Safety guards like a CLO system can ensure operator safety. Electrical equipment should be checked regularly for optimal operation.
What common mistakes should be avoided during beef skinning?
Before beginning, the operator should check that the tooth roller selected is correct for the meat being processed. Blade setup should be checked and blades should be sharp. The safety settings on the machine should also be checked before beginning.
