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Top-unloading action from a bottom unloading claw. The Flo-Star MAX's unique hooded outlet sump causes an emptying action similar to what is found with top-unloading claws.

A top unloading claw tends to keep the milk from pooling in the claw body. The bottom-unload claw distributes weight more evenly throughout the teat cups. The outlet hose on top-unload claws can cause uneven teat cup weight distribution, a primary cause of liner slips and squawks. Bottom unload claws provide a more stable and even teat cup weight distribution.

The X-crossed inlets cause milk to flow down the walls of the claw and into the sloped bottom half, which directs the milk to the out-let area. The hooded outlet results in little pooling of milk in the claw, which is common with barrel type claws. Pooling of milk can lead to greater chances of back jetting. The X-crossed inlets, sloped bottom and center divider provide excellent back jetting protection*. The X-crossed inlets with their front-to-back direction vs. traditional angled inlets, which point to each other, provides a very narrow profile for the claw and shells. A narrow profile under the cow greatly reduces kick off potential. The unique BouMatic pulsation air fork keeps the pulsation air hoses inboard of the shells to further reduce the under cow profile. Flo-Star MAX will give you Maximum performance in any type of parlor.

Maximum Capacity –
Stable Vacuum

The Flo-Star MAX has an internal holding capacity of over 340 ml (11.5 oz), which makes it one of the larger internal capacity claws on the market. Another feature of the MAX is it's full flow inlet nipples; many claws on the market have an upturn on the end of the inlet nipple. This upturn reduces the milk flow path when the shell is in the milking position. The Flo-Star MAX doesn't have the upturn, resulting in higher individual inlet capacity. The Flo-Star MAX is a parlor claw and the individual shut off characteristic is not required.

Maximum Durability –
Stronger than Steel

The Flo-Star MAX is constructed with the latest dairy approved engineered resins. The Flo-Star MAX has proven stronger than the original BouMatic Stainless Steel Visi-Claw (Barrel Claw). In an intense crush test the Flo-Star MAX withstood over 7200 lbs. of force before collapsing. The Original BouMatic Stainless Steel Visi-Claw collapsed at less than 4800 lbs. of force. Inlets are vulnerable areas on claws. The unique X-crossed inlets of the Flo-Star MAX cause each of the two crossed inlets to buttress each other thereby creating stronger inlets. The buttressing reduces the exposed nipple length, which reduces any levering effect a cow’s hoof may have if stepped on.

Today's parlors require stronger than steel performance for day in day out use. BouMatic offers a full two-year warranty against breakage for the Flo-Star MAX.

Maximum Weight Reduction –
Get the Weight off your Cows

The Flo-Star MAX claw is the lightest claw on the market at12.5 oz (350 gm), half the weight of most barrel claws. A light claw leaves a higher percentage of total weight in the shell and liner. This moves the weight closer to the teat where it is needed. Milkability is improved when the teat cup assembly is the major weight on each teat. The weight advantage of the Flo-Star MAX is maximized by it’s narrow profile and X-crossed inlets, allowing the shell to take a vertical position on the teat.

Maximum Milkability –
Liner Squawk Reduction

The X-crossed inlets, light-weight and narrow profile of the Flo-Star MAX all contribute to improved milkability, even, complete milkouts and reduced liner squawks. Reducing liner squawks also reduces the number of unit kick offs. Less readjustment in the parlor means faster cow through-put. The new Flo-Star MAX allows milkers to concentrate on consistent udder preparation, unit adjustment and applying a post-milking teat dip.

Maximum Comfort–
Milker and Cow Fit Extraordinaire

One of the most admired qualities of the new Flo-Star MAX is its “cow fit”. The Flo-Star MAX's unique design allows it to fit your high and low producers - wide udders, narrow udders, short or long udders are easily milked with the Flo-Star MAX. Milkers appreciate the lower bowl design, which allows the unit to sit comfortably in their hand. The low overall weight of the entire claw assembly reduces fatigue during long milking shifts.

* Although no claw can prevent backjetting completely, the unique flow characteristics of the Flo-Star MAX greatly reduces the potential for intra-unit transfer of mastitis causing organisms.

US Patent 6,981,468