Page 65 - Grapevine JanFeb 2021_REV

Around The Vineyard

vineyards, now is an exciting time for professionals service capability are equally important. After all,
who work with large vineyard equipment. Simple missing a few hours of harvest can be extremely
equipment can help a vineyard minimize downtime, costly. That’s why all Kubota dealers are staffed
but it’s still important to regularly clean and main- by competent, highly trained technicians who are
tain it to keep things running at all times. When linked to our state-of-the-art online service cen-
possible, vineyards should purchase large and cost- ter with all the technical information they need to
ly machinery from companies that it can truly rely keep you running.”
on for quality products, warranties and access to
parts for future repairs. New Holland’s Cordero said vineyards interested
in buying new large equipment should plan and
plan again, not just for the financial aspect of the
purchase but also for the vineyard’s infrastructure,
service support and machine transport. He said
the things to plan for include sizing the proper har-
vester model to fit the rows, where the grapes are
collected and where or how grapes are transported
to the winery.

“If you will be moving the harvester between
blocks, counties or AVA’s, consider how you will
transport it and who is capable of hauling,” Cordero
said.

More than ever, during these pandemic times, it
is crucial to plan for large equipment purchases to
ensure that the necessary machinery is available
when you need it.

“Order from your supplier months before the
equipment is needed,” Giersbach from Gearmore
said.

John Deere’s Christensen said that just as each He also advised vineyards to make sure the imple-
brand of fine wine is different and has distinct qual- ments they purchase will end up reducing their
ities, each vineyard’s needs and requirements are labor costs.
also unique.
“Purchase high-quality equipment, which usually
“This is where a local John Deere dealer can play costs more than similar products but will normally
a key role as a trusted advisor to help select what last longer and perform better with less down-
products will work best for the job at hand while time,” Giersbach said.
providing ongoing support throughout the life of
the machine.”

Walker of Kubota advises vineyards seeking new
equipment to “make sure you speak to your local
Kubota dealer, explore all available options and
look at the overall package. While negotiating a
new machinery purchase, the focus is heavily on
the price and features, but the dealer backup and

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