Page 62 - Grapevine JanFeb 2021_REV

Around The Vineyard

Not only does this product offer four-season ver- ed root growth.”
satility, but it can also interchange the picking head
with seasonal work tools available through New Kubota helps with this issue by providing the
Holland’s vineyard partners, Berthoud Sprayers and M5N-091 Power Krawler, a machine unique in the
Provitis Vineyard Pruning Tools. These tools inte- narrow tractor market due to its Kubota-designed-
grate into its chassis and control systems. and-built track system instead of a traditional
wheel.
“New Holland is your single-source provider of
vineyard mechanization for your vineyard opera- “By replacing the rear wheels with tracks, Kubota
tion, as our grape harvesters are complemented offers its customers a great, low ground pressure
by our complete lineup of vineyard and utility trac- alternative to fitting a wider tire, which can com-
tors,” Cordero said. promise overall vehicle width,” Walker said. “The
tracks fitted to the M5N-091 Power Krawler keep
Kubota product manager, Matt Walker, said that the narrow profile of the tractor down to just 54
the Kubota M5N range of tractors is specifically inches while increasing the soil and tire contact
designed to work in vineyards where a powerful yet area, allowing greater weight distribution, so it’s
compact package is required. The M5N range has great for treading lightly around those valuable
a proven track record for efficiency, reliability and roots. In addition, the tracks provide additional
operator comfort, making it a popular choice for traction and stability when working in hilly terrain,
both operators and owners. giving operators the confidence they need to get
the job done.”
Walker said that recently more attention has gone
to the effects of soil compaction on vineyard root- Promising Technologies
stock development and fruit production. for Vineyard Equipment

“Due to the nature of working in vineyards, heavy While many things have remained constant in
machinery is repeatedly passing over the same the operations of vineyards over the years, new
ground and extremely close to the vines time and technologies make it easier for vineyard workers
time again,” he said. “This inevitably leads to soil to do their jobs well. Updated software is helping
compaction, resulting in poor drainage and restrict- vineyards streamline processes and keep better
tabs on how grapes
are grown and har-
vested. Meanwhile,
computer-guided
machinery and
moisture sensors
offer greater accu-
racy than manual
methods and save
vineyards time
and money over
the long-term. Yet,
the most effective
solutions for a
vineyard’s evolving
equipment needs
are often the sim-
plest ones.

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