Machinery

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.

The Antonio Carraro TN5800 supplied by Kirkland is the third in The Summer Berry Company’s modified tractor fleet, used to spray strawberries on its 400-acre fruit farm near Colworth in West Sussex.

A new solution to deep level ground compaction in orchards and vineyards is available from a Suffolk-based machinery manufacturer. David Williams visited the team to find out more.

Fox Robotics, the makers of Hugo RT, an autonomous robot that supports fruit pickers by transporting produce and empty trays on farms, are welcoming investments from visionary farmers and individual investors to help fund the rollout of their new technology within the next six months.

Munckhof Fruit Tech Innovators has expanded its dealer network in the UK with a new dealer in the Southeast of the United Kingdom. From now on, Munckhof’ orchard sprayers, harvesters and box fillers can also be purchased through Seymour Engineers in Cranbrook (Kent).

Having previously worked in tractor and farm machinery sales, Ash Baldry will be bringing a wealth of experience to his appointment as sales representative at fruit and vine machinery specialists NP Seymour.

Wineries are more than just barns in which to make wine. Emma Rice, consultant winemaker with Vinescapes, looks at the many options, considerations and pitfalls to be aware of when setting up a winery.

The Hugo RTTM autonomous mobile robot, designed for soft fruit farms, can help growers tackle labour challenges by improving productivity, reducing waste, boosting profits and worker wellbeing, according to Fox Robotics.

This year’s Fruit Logistica will showcase an innovative mobile optical sorter that is proving popular with UK growers faced with labour shortages, according to its manufacturer Haith.

Corvus has introduced a new electric 4×4 which it says is capable of successfully tackling the toughest working days thanks to its off-road capabilities.

The addition of a Corvus heavy-duty, load carrying UTV to a large Kent vineyard’s machinery fleet proved so successful that within a short time two more were added, and further purchases are expected. David Williams saw the machines at work in November.

Defra is inviting growers, businesses and researchers to apply for a share of the £12.5 million funding, for projects focused on cutting-edge innovations to boost productivity, reduce labour demands and create more sustainable practices.