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CANADA

Split Smarter: The Complete Guide to Carcass Splitting with Jarvis Equipment

  • Writer: Jarvis Canada
    Jarvis Canada
  • 1d
  • 6 min read

No two meat plants are exactly alike — and that’s why Jarvis builds splitting equipment for every operation, every need, and every budget. Whether you’re processing a handful of hogs a day or hundreds of beef carcasses an hour, we’ve got a saw designed to match your pace, power source, and price point.


Our lineup covers the full spectrum. Need high-horsepower muscle for big beef? The Buster 5 or Buster 4 electric bandsaws deliver raw power and precision for large carcasses. Running a high-speed pork line? The Buster 6 or SEC-400 circular saw will keep up with the fastest split stations in the industry. Managing a regional abattoir or mixed-species plant? You’ll love the flexibility of our H080 bandsaw or the lightweight Wellsaw series, available in both electric and pneumatic versions.


That’s the beauty of Jarvis — you don’t have to overbuy or compromise. You can choose the right tool for your throughput and budget without giving up quality. Every saw we make, from our smallest Wellsaw to our largest Buster, carries the same Jarvis DNA: rugged construction, precise cutting, and long-term reliability.


When you upgrade to Jarvis, you’re not just getting a saw — you’re getting a partner in performance. We help you split smarter, work faster, and get more from every carcass.


A meat plant operator uses a Jarvis electric bandsaw to split a beef carcass cleanly down the backbone
A meat plant operator uses a Jarvis electric bandsaw to split a beef carcass cleanly down the backbone

Matching the Right Saw to Your Operation


Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide:


  • Large Beef Processors: Go with the Buster 5. Its raw power, long throat, and steady precision make it perfect for steers, bulls, and oxen. If you’re handling high volumes, it’s the heavy-duty choice that won’t slow down.


  • Mid-Sized Beef or Mixed Operations: The Buster 4 gives you serious cutting power in a slightly smaller frame. It’s ideal for plants processing both beef and hogs or for those who need a reliable all-around splitter that just keeps going.


  • High-Speed and Industrial Pork Lines: Choose the Buster 6 for fast, continuous splitting — up to 400 hogs per hour. Need extra clearance for large sows or boars? Step up to the Buster 6ST, with its stretched throat and same dependable 3 hp motor. For the highest-throughput plants running at full capacity, the SEC-400 circular saw is built to keep pace — processing up to 750 hogs per hour with clean, controlled cuts and minimal bone dust.


  • Regional Abattoirs or Mixed-Species Plants: The H080 electric bandsaw is the perfect balance of versatility and economy. It can handle both beef and pork at moderate volumes and runs on either single- or three-phase power, making it great for smaller facilities.


  • Custom Butchers or Low-Volume Operations: Look to the Wellsaw 404 or Wellsaw 444. These handheld reciprocating saws offer control, precision, and easy handling for a fraction of the price of a bandsaw. If you prefer air power, the pneumatic 424 or 464 versions deliver the same performance without electricity — perfect for wet-floor environments.


Every plant is different — and Jarvis has the right solution for every size, species, and workflow.


Heavy-Duty Electric Bandsaws – The Buster Series


Buster 5 (Model Buster V)

Meet the powerhouse of beef processing! The Jarvis Buster 5 is made for large beef operations that handle big animals like steers, bulls, and oxen. With a 5-horsepower motor and nearly 20 inches of cutting throat, it slices through dense backbones with ease.


You can split up to 180 beef sides per hour — all while maintaining perfect alignment cut after cut. Its oil-bath gear drive keeps things running smooth, and the ultra-thin guide rail maximizes yield by minimizing meat loss. If you’re running a high-capacity beef plant, this is your go-to splitter. Pure muscle, pure reliability.


Model Buster 5 Electric Splitting Bandsaw
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Buster 6 (Model Buster VI)

Built for high-volume pork plants, the Buster 6 delivers speed and comfort all day long. Weighing just 63 kilograms, it’s light enough for operators to maneuver easily but powerful enough to split up to 400 hogs per hour.


Its built-in hot-water sanitizing system keeps the blade clean during operation — a huge plus for hygiene. The adjustable front wheel keeps the blade tracking straight, extending blade life and keeping maintenance low. If you’re running a modern pork line, the Buster 6 will keep pace with even the fastest throughput.


Model Buster 6 Electric Splitting Bandsaw
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Buster 6ST (Stretched Model)


Need to split large sows, boars, or oversized hogs? The Buster 6ST gives you the same 3 hp motor as the Buster 6, but with a longer 23.1-inch cutting throat. That extra clearance makes all the difference when you’re processing heavier carcasses.


It’s ideal for plants handling mixed hog sizes or occasional beef — offering flexibility without sacrificing performance. Think of it as the best of both worlds: same speed, bigger reach!


Model Buster 6ST(Stretched) Electric Splitting Bandsaw
CA$0.00
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Buster 4 (Model Buster IV)

The Buster 4 is the classic workhorse that’s been trusted by major North American processors for years. With a 3.3 hp motor and proven design, it can handle 160–180 cattle per hour or tackle hogs just as easily.


It’s perfect for mid-sized plants processing both species. Durable, dependable, and easy to clean — this saw is for operators who want one reliable machine that can do it all.


Model Buster 4 Electric Splitting Bandsaw
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Model H080 Electric Bandsaw

Smaller plant? Mixed species? Limited power supply? The H080 is your best friend. This compact 2 hp electric saw can process 400 hogs or 120 beef carcasses per hour and runs on single- or three-phase power.


It’s lightweight, maneuverable, and budget-friendly — but still built with the same Jarvis quality and long blade life (up to 800 hogs per blade!). For regional abattoirs or multi-species processors, the H080 offers unmatched versatility.


Model H080 Electric Splitting Bandsaw
CA$0.00
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High-Throughput Circular Splitting Saw – SEC-400


When maximum speed is the name of the game, the Jarvis SEC-400 steps in. This electric circular splitting saw can process up to 750 hogs per hour, easily keeping up with the fastest kill lines in the industry.


Its 5 hp motor drives a rotating circular blade that cuts clean and straight every time — reducing bone dust and giving you a polished split. Choose from 16- or 18-inch blades to suit your carcass size.


The SEC-400 is built for industrial pork processors who demand nonstop reliability, precision, and hygiene. The sealed motor resists water and dust, while optional electric or mechanical braking systems stop the blade fast between cuts. Simply put — if you want the best-performing circular saw in the business, this is it.


Model SEC-400 Electric Circular Splitting Saw
CA$0.00
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Reciprocating Splitting Saws – The Wellsaw Series


Wellsaw 404

Lightweight, fast, and precise — the Wellsaw 404 is a favorite among custom butchers and small processors. With a 1 hp motor and a weight of just 10 pounds, it’s perfect for splitting smaller carcasses, veal, or hogs without the bulk or cost of a large bandsaw.


It’s also excellent for forequartering, brisket opening, or trimming, offering detailed control in tight spaces. And here’s the best part — the 404 delivers professional, clean cuts for a fraction of the price of a full-size bandsaw. It proves you don’t need massive equipment to get big results — just the right tool for the job!


Model 404 Electric Reciprocating Wellsaw
CA$0.00
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Wellsaw 444

When you need more power without giving up control, the Wellsaw 444 delivers. It’s a 2 hp electric reciprocating saw designed for beef quarters and thick bone cuts.


Heavier-duty than the 404 but still nimble, it’s ideal as a secondary splitter or for rework on the kill floor. Many plants pair the 444 with a main bandsaw — the perfect combo for handling both large and fine cutting tasks.


Model 444 Electric Reciprocating Wellsaw
CA$0.00
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Pneumatic Wellsaws (Models 424 & 464)

Prefer to run on air instead of electricity? Jarvis has you covered. The pneumatic 424 (light-duty) and 464 (heavy-duty) Wellsaws deliver the same performance without electric components.


They’re ideal for plants with compressed air systems or facilities focused on sanitation and operator safety. Pneumatic saws also stay cool during long shifts, making them a smart choice for continuous work in wet environments.


Jarvis Model 424 Pneumatic Reciprocating Wellsaw
CA$0.00
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Model 464 Pneumatic Reciprocating Wellsaw
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Split Smarter with Jarvis


A clean, accurate split is the start of a clean, efficient process. Whether you’re upgrading your kill floor or building a new facility, Jarvis Canada offers the splitting equipment to take your operation to the next level.


From high-horsepower bandsaws that roar through beef backbones to lightweight Wellsaws that make detailed work feel effortless — every Jarvis tool is built for performance, durability, and safety.


It’s time to split smarter. Contact Jarvis Canada today to talk about the best saw configuration for your plant — and see how much more efficient your line can be!


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About Jarvis Canada


Jarvis Canada Ltd


4650 112th Ave. S.E.

Calgary, Alberta, T2C 2K2

Phone: (403) 236-5350


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