Thermal leaf remover
Thermal leaf removers in viticulture use hot air to remove the leaves, causing rapid drying by thermal shock. Thanks to an incandescent radiant, they guarantee effective leaf destruction without damaging the grapes. Leaf fall occurs two to three weeks after treatment, so proper planning is essential. These devices offer a safe and precise alternative for vineyard maintenance.
Power supply
The thermal defoliator works by means of a radiant heater fuelled by bottled gas. Once the radiator is red-hot, the tool is passed close to the foliage, causing it to wilt and dry out due to thermal shock , after which the leaves fall three to four weeks later.Attachment
The thermal leaf remover is generally attached to the front or rear of a tractor, depending on the model of equipment and the operator's preference. The attachment system is robust and secure, providing a stable connection between the leaf remover and the tractor. Some models can also be mounted on self-propelled carriers for greater flexibility and mobility in the vineyard.
Thermal leaf remover - Souslikoff
Thermal leaf remover - Souslikoff
Setting
The settings of the thermal leaf remover are crucial to ensure optimum efficiency and avoid damaging the vines:Air temperature
Raising the temperature to around 70°C destroys the leaves by thermal shock, shattering the cells and causing rapid drying. The temperature can be adjusted according to the thickness and density of the foliage.Distance from Vines
The distance between the nozzles and the foliage can be adjusted to avoid any risk of burning the grapes. The leaf-stripping head is topped by a sensor whose distance from the radiant is adjustable, guaranteeing maximum safety.Advantages and precautions
Thermal leaf removers are highly valued for their efficiency and ability to remove leaves without mechanical contact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to bunches. They are particularly useful during periods when the leaves are thick and difficult to remove by other means. By using hot air, they ensure rapid and uniform leaf removal, improving the quality of the harvest.
However, as leaf fall is not instantaneous, this technique requires some forethought depending on the desired technical itinerary. It is crucial to plan the use of the thermal leaf remover, taking into account the two to three weeks before complete leaf fall.To sum up, a thermal leaf remover is an essential viticultural tool, combining power, precision and safety thanks to a well-designed and easily adjustable hot air production system.
However, as leaf fall is not instantaneous, this technique requires some forethought depending on the desired technical itinerary. It is crucial to plan the use of the thermal leaf remover, taking into account the two to three weeks before complete leaf fall.To sum up, a thermal leaf remover is an essential viticultural tool, combining power, precision and safety thanks to a well-designed and easily adjustable hot air production system.
Vine after thermal leaf remover treatment
