After wrapping up another successful academic year and as the school holidays roll around once more, my wife and I thought it was time for a family treat, and lunch at our local winery seemed like the perfect plan, writes Chris George of Vitifruit Equipment. A few hours before we arrived the vineyard’s trimmer had been hard at work, it would have been nice for my wife and kids to see this machine in action, so as we wondered around the vines I explained the process and they could see the results first hand.
Spending so much time in vineyards can sometimes make the scale of our work feel routine, however as I explained it was particularly pleasant to see the looks of astonishment as they realised the magnitude of just the trimming, not to mention everything else.
Provitis have been a trusted name in vineyard machinery for nearly two decades, recognising that each vineyard has its unique needs. Provitis understand that performing efficient summer trimming leads to easier and more cost-effective winter pruning and cane pulling, contributing to overall savings. They offer a range of trimmers that suit various budgets, starting with the ‘one half row’ model and progressing to the ‘one complete row’ model. Both these machines utilize the standard Provitis mast system, which is compatible with most of the Provitis equipment.
For those in need of more heft, there are larger models available, including the ‘two half rows’ and ‘two complete rows’. Both larger machines have independent fixing systems and do not need the Provitis mast system. Despite the price differences, all the Provitis Trimmers are essentially the same, you just have more vertical cutting heads. When specifying a machine, you can opt for three, four, or five vertical blades, allowing a vertical cutting heights ranging from 109cm to 189cm.
Boasting numerous features for heightened efficiency and user-friendliness, the trimmers are equipped with 430 mm cutting blades made of hardened steel, ensuring durability and precision. These blades are angled at a 5° incline towards the vegetation, preventing repetitive cuts and minimizing backwards projection.
Powered by conventional tractor hydraulic connections, these trimmers employ maintenance-free flat transmission belts, driving the robust 43cm blades at an impressive 2000 rpm – equating to 33 revolutions per second! Crafted from durable stainless steel and aluminium, they are designed to withstand the elements and resist rust.
Trimmers are available to hire at Vitifruit Equipment, though availability is limited, so early reservations are recommended.
Explore Provitis’s full range by downloading their catalogue from their website at www.provitis.fr
