Abstract: A carcass alignment system for holding and positioning a carcass for splitting by an automated saw while the carcass is suspended and continuously moving along a carcass rail includes back rollers for contacting the back and upper sides of the carcass, guide rollers for contacting the backbone on the inner side of the carcass and guide sleds that slide along the sides of the backbone and preposition the backbone for the guide rollers. Two back rollers are specially shaped to match the expected shape of the carcass and provide primary positioning for the back of the carcass. Two other back rollers provide additional support for the back of the carcass and also contact the upper sides of the carcass.

Abstract: A tool for removing leaf lard from a carcass includes a head for mechanically engaging the lard, a reversible driver for rotating the head in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, a trigger connected to operate the reversible driver and begin rotation of the head in the forward direction to wind lard onto the head, and a controller connected to the trigger, the controller automatically reversing the driver and rotating the head in the reverse direction to unwind lard from the head after the trigger is released. The head preferably includes multiple hooks arranged to engage the lard and positioned on the head to an avoid damage to adjacent meat.