How the Shepherd Head Works
The Shepherd Head gets its name from the classic crook shape — a smooth, curved steel hook that applies directional force against a load. That curve is what makes it effective for both pushing and pulling. A worker can use the inside of the curve to pull a load toward them, or the flat outer face to push it away — giving full two-directional control without direct hand contact.
Unlike heads designed to engage rigging hardware, the Shepherd Head is built for direct contact with the load itself. It's the right choice when you need to control a suspended load's movement, not the rigging attached to it.
Where It Gets Used
The Shepherd Head is a natural fit across a wide range of industrial environments. Common applications include:
Steel mills and metal fabrication — Controlling plate, structural members, coiled material, and rebar during crane lifts where load rotation or drift is a constant factor.
Heavy equipment manufacturing and repair — Positioning large assemblies and components during overhead handling where hands-on contact would put workers at risk.
Precast concrete manufacturing — Guiding heavy panels and structural elements into position during placement, where precise control and safe standoff distance are both critical.
Warehouses and general manufacturing — Everyday load control on the floor, staging areas, and production lines where suspended loads need to be directed without grabbing.
Shipyards and industrial construction — Jobs where loads are being placed in tight or elevated locations and direct contact isn't safe or practical.
Available Configurations
Amick builds the Shepherd Head tool in two construction types:
Wood Guidance Tools — The standard configuration. A solid wood pole with a steel Shepherd Staff hook, available in 18-inch, 2-foot, 4-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot lengths. Lightweight and practical for everyday load handling.
Aluminum Removable Head Tools — A lightweight aluminum pole with bicycle grip handle and removable Shepherd Staff head, available in 2-foot and 8-foot lengths. The removable head allows crews to swap configurations between jobs without needing multiple tool bodies.
Choosing the Right Length
Length comes down to clearance and standoff distance. Shorter tools — 18-inch and 2-foot — offer more precise control in confined spaces. Longer tools — 6-foot and 8-foot — are the right choice when the load is elevated or when additional distance between the worker and the load is needed.
The Starting Point for Any No-Touch Toolkit
If there's a single head type that covers the broadest range of everyday load handling scenarios, it's the Shepherd. Whether you're outfitting a new crew or filling a gap in an existing toolkit, it's the right place to start.
To find the right configuration for your operation, contact Amick at 412-429-1212 or visit the link below.