NB Machinery Snake Plus Knife

The NB Machinery Interstock cultivator is a mechanical alternative to herbicide for undervine weed control. It works the soil directly beneath the vine row without chemical input. It mounts on a single or double-sided carrier, such as the Xtrem. Therefore, it can run alongside other undervine and mid-row tools on the same base machine.

It works at a depth of 5–10cm and a travel speed of 5–10 km/h. This is shallow enough to disturb weeds and surface soil without damaging vine roots. There is also enough range in speed to balance thorough cultivation against ground covered per hour. This depends on soil conditions and how clean you need the row.

The Snake Plus Knife attachment is what enhances performance across a range of soil types. The spring-loaded ‘snake’ arm follows the contour of the row and swings out of the way around vine trunks and posts. Then, it returns to working position automatically, while the knife share does the actual work of cutting through weeds and loosening compacted soil. Together, they let the Interstock cultivate right up to the vine. This means the operator does not need to slow down or steer around every obstacle by hand.

For vineyards looking to cut back on herbicide use, or add a mechanical option into their undervine program, the Interstock cultivator offers a straightforward way to keep the vine row clean and weed-free.