Managing all the ups and downs in terraced vineyards

Spraying in terraced or contoured vineyards is always a challenge.

Especially with an over-row sprayer as the booms and nozzles tend to vary wildly in their relation to the target canopy. Which can produce equally varying results in terms of accurate delivery of spray and of course, the ongoing issue of spray drift and off-target losses is further exacerbated.

FMR had been frequently asked about a robust solution to this option.

Especially for a simple but reliable system to allow the R-Series recycling sprayer to operate in terraced and/or contoured rows whilst maintaining the full recycling capability that makes these units so popular with vineyard owners, managers and machine operators.

FMR’s Chris Clifford says the company is now pleased to announce it can offer a fully hydraulic terracing boom solution as an option on the larger of the two R-Series models, the 2300lt and 3000lt tandem axle machines.

Clifford says two configurations are available, first with independent height adjustment on all four heads or second for vineyards with more gradual terracing an outer row only option.

He says both adjustment systems are manually adjustable via electro-hydraulic controls from the tractor cab and can easily be adjusted on-the-go to follow variations in terrain.

“Developed and tested last year, the first R-Series with this technology delivered and performed faultlessly throughout the season,” he says.

“Needless to say, this new technology has opened new markets for the FMR R-Series and multiple units with this option are being delivered to Australasia for the coming season.”

Read artricle in Grapegrower & Winemaker from September 2014