If you’ve ever wished you could clone yourself to get more orchard or vineyard management jobs ticked off in less time, we’ve rounded up some essential machines which can help you multi-task for ultimate efficiency this summer.
While time is one of the driving motivators, combining operations in the orchard or vineyard is not just about efficiency.
By running two machines in a single pass, growers can save on fuel usage, reduce the hours their tractor works in a season (meaning fewer servicing and maintenance costs), and limit compaction in the alleyways.
For some growers, there is also the potential benefit of not investing in another tractor or finding, training and paying another operator.
When carrying out two jobs in one pass, mowing is the most straightforward operation to double up with.
Growers still using chemical weed control methods can opt for the Fischer GL4, which can be fitted with covered herbicide arms for combined mowing and spraying under the trunks.
The Fischer GL4 is a hydraulically width-adjustable compact blade mower that can be used in any row width. It has two arms that swing horizontally to get right to the base of the tree or vine with sensors and a retraction ram to allow for accurate mowing. A 50, 120 or 200-litre spray tank can be mounted above the mower and connected to the herbicide arms positioned on the swing-wing arms allowing growers to get the best weed protection results.
Growers focused on mechanical weed control methods can opt for the Braun Alpha instead, another variable-width mower that can also be used for mulching vine and fruit tree pruning.
During the spring and summer, growers can mount two Braun Vine Stem Cleaner biobrushes onto the Alpha mower. These will effectively remove watershoots from the trunk of the vine and control weeds in the under-vine area while the mower is cutting the grass in the row.
While the strimmer-like heads do not interfere with the soil structure, some growers prefer to move the earth to create an inhospitable environment for any weeds looking to establish themselves. The Braun Rollhacke finger weeder is a timeless favourite and the weapon of choice for vineyard managers across the entire UK, having proven adaptable to different soil types.
As the Rollhacke is ground-driven, it can be operated at any forward speeds from 4 to 10 km/h, so it will happily work while other speed-dependent operations are being carried out.
It is therefore possible to combine this mechanical weeder with any trailed or rear-mounted sprayer using the mid-mounted frame for vineyards or the front-mounted frame for orchards.
Taking this one step further, growers could also add a mower into the mix thank to the options available from Perfect van Wamel.
Both the T and RN 180 rear-mounted mowers can be fitted with a disconnectable spray-mow gearbox. This additional through-drive gearbox enables a sprayer to be mounted on a frame on the back of the mower and connected to an additional PTO.
Those opting for the Perfect RN 180 mower can also upgrade to the 2-gear option, which contra rotates the blades for a better cut. It also mulches the grass, and additional side chutes can be fitted to the mower to distribute the organic matter under the base of the vines or trees.
For this set-up, growers will need a trailed sprayer, such as the OCLL QWector 3. These orchard sprayers can be fitted with a 1,100-litre, 1,600-litre or 2,100-litre polyethylene tank and are ideal for spraying in orchards up to 4-metres high.
The QWector 3 also benefits from a 1,750mm anti-drift tower with an air-intake fan positioned in front of the tower to prevent debris or spray from being drawn in while the sprayer operates.
Those with rear-mounted sprayers, such as the OCLL NPA, can still mow and spray simultaneously, thanks to the front-mounted version of the Perfect TK.
This has an adjustable linkage frame allowing growers to position the mower incredibly close to the front of the tractor. It also benefits from a universal gearbox that will accept either PTO rotation and, like the RN 180, comes with contra-rotating blades to mulch and the option to distribute organic matter around the trunks.
For more information, chat to the sales team today on 01580 712200.
