Tying machine
Tying machines are tools used to facilitate and improve the work of winegrowers.
Tying machines are portable mechanical devices used to bend vine shoots (astes or baguettes) in a controlled and uniform manner. Folding, which is carried out during the winter, helps to manage and orientate future vegetation to encourage better exposure to the sun and better aeration of the vines. There are different ways of folding the vines, either flat or in an arch, but in all cases the semi-mechanisation of this technique gives a much higher yield than manual folding.
Tying machines are portable mechanical devices used to bend vine shoots (astes or baguettes) in a controlled and uniform manner. Folding, which is carried out during the winter, helps to manage and orientate future vegetation to encourage better exposure to the sun and better aeration of the vines. There are different ways of folding the vines, either flat or in an arch, but in all cases the semi-mechanisation of this technique gives a much higher yield than manual folding.
What is a tying machine in viticulture?
A vine binder is a mechanical device used to bend vine branches in a controlled and uniform manner. This can include the management of vine shoots (the branches of the vine), particularly during winter pruning, or the management of vegetation to encourage better exposure to the sun and better aeration of the vines.
Types of tying machines
Manual
These models are often used for small plots or in situations where a heavy machine is not required. They are simple to use, but require more physical effort.
Automatic and electro-portable
These models are fitted with electric motors and can be used independently. They are faster and allow large areas of vines to be treated in a minimum amount of time. Generally, between 3,000 and 5,000 astes can be bent per day, depending on whether the pruning is single/mixed or double guyot.
Electric tying machine
Advantages of using folding machines in viticulture
- Increased efficiency : The use of folding machines enables vine management tasks to be carried out more quickly than with manual tools.
- Reduced costs: By reducing the time spent bending vine shoots, folding machines help to cut labour costs.
- Improved quality of work: Automated folding ensures uniform vine shoot placement, which can improve harvest quality.
- Adaptability: Many models can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each vineyard and different types of trellising.
- Painful work : using an electro-portable folding machine considerably reduces the pain involved in folding, given that this is a time-consuming and repetitive operation.
Conclusion
Vine tying machines are essential tools for optimising vine management. Not only do they improve the efficiency of folding work, they also ensure a better quality harvest while reducing the amount of labour required. With the evolution of technology, more and more winegrowers are adopting automatic folding machines to lighten their workload while improving productivity and the quality of their vines.
Electric tying machine