Machinery

When Essex-based machinery dealer, RC Boreham & Co took on the Deutz-Fahr tractor franchise in 2010, the brand’s agricultural tractors were the priority. However, growing demand for the manufacturer’s specialist narrow tractor line-up has resulted in the dealer investing to meet the needs of the viticulture and fruit industries. David Williams reports.

Fruit and vineyard machinery specialist Kirkland took its Road Show across the UK this summer, which proved a big success. Fruit & Vine reported from the event held at Boxford Farms in Suffolk.

Bill Medel of E&B Medel Orchards recently purchased a Major Cyclone mower to maintain the grass between rows of apple trees – he gave Fruit & Vine his opinion.

An Essex-based engineer took on his first machinery franchise after working on a 30-year-old mower and being impressed by its longevity and build quality. Now a carefully selected range of specialist machinery brands is offered by the independent dealer – all backed by industry knowledge and personal service. David Williams reports.

New and existing customers enjoyed an opportunity to see the latest fruit and vineyard machinery working at events organised by Ernest Doe & Sons in Essex and Surrey in early July. Machinery editor David Williams was there.

Fendt will officially launch its battery-powered e107 v Vario tractor at the German Agritechnica show this November. Fruit & Vine machinery editor David Williams enjoyed an early test drive.

Fieldwork Robotics, the company behind the world’s first raspberry picking robot, has secured £1.5 million in funding from investment firm Elbow Beach Capital (EBC) last month to enhance its technology and expand its reach.

UTVs are a popular solution for fruit growers to get around, but until recently there have been very few alternatives to traditional diesel-powered machines. Electric Wheels says it is bridging that gap with a range of all-terrain, performance driven 4×4 all-electric UTVs available to hire and buy.

With commercial vineyards increasingly turning to automation solutions to cut labour costs, the innovative Vitipulse Combi offers growers increased flexibility and efficiency when it comes to canopy management by combining two defoliation technologies.

Kubota has introduced new M5-002N-series narrow tractors with updated features which are certain to increase appeal for specialist fruit growing and vineyard applications. F&V machinery editor, David Williams, enjoyed an exclusive test-drive of the first of the new models to come to the UK.

RootWave has launched its first tractor-powered electrical weeding machine for orchards, vineyards and fruit. The machine kills weeds using electricity to give better weed control at a lower cost than chemical herbicides whilst protecting health and helping nature restore its soils, water and biodiversity.

Much time and effort is spent by fruit producers and winemakers getting the growing, harvesting and pressing of grapes correct, along with the fermentation, processing and final filtration of the wine. Bottling however, requires just as much thought and consideration.