Setup

How to Set Up Your Patented Rotary Hoe in Vineyards

Mounting the Machine to the Tractor

The machine must be attached to the tractor using the three-point hitch system with the provided pins. The lower arms of the three-point linkage should not be fully fixed, as the machine requires a small amount of movement. The top adjustable arm of the three-point hitch should be set to ensure that the machine during work is level both lengthwise and crosswise.

Horizontal Adjustment of the Side Rotary Hoes

The horizontal adjustment of the side rotary hoes should ensure that the spring support bracket is perpendicular to the direction of travel. To achieve this, use the middle hole(s) on the horizontal plate located behind the spring support.
The total working width of the machine must match the row width (the hoe should touch the vine), but it must not exceed it.
The total working width of the machine can be narrower, and it is advisable to set it this way, for example, during the first cultivation when the ridge needs to be broken down. In this case, it is recommended to adjust the total working width of the machine to be 2x100mm narrower than the vineyard row distance/spacing.

The working width can be adjusted manually or via the hydraulics.

Hydraulic width adjustment allows to extend the rotary hoe with 200mm on both sides (total hydraulic adjustment: 400mm).
Extra manual width adjustment allows to extend the rotary hoe with an additional 2x80mm (2 positions on each side manually adjustable). We can custom-manufacture any machine with a wider additional manual adjustment if requested.

Vertical Adjustment of the Side Rotary Hoe

Regarding the vertical flat bar holding the side rotary hoe:

The use of the lower holes (flatter setting) should be prioritized based on soil firmness whenever possible. This setting ensures better lateral movement of the rotary hoe head, thereby helping to avoid the root zone. However, it is also important that the rotary hoe penetrates the soil properly, which can only be achieved by operating the rotary hoe head at a slightly steeper angle.
The middle holes (normal setting) are recommended for general use. In this position, the rotary hoe head penetrates the soil effectively, while maintaining adequate lateral movement, ensuring efficient avoidance of the root zone.
The upper holes (extremely steep setting) should only be used when the goal is to break down the uncultivated ridge between vineyard rows. In this case, the machine width should be adjusted to be 2x100 mm narrower than the row spacing (see: "Horizontal Adjustment of the Side Rotary Hoes").

WARNING: If the angle of the rotary hoe head is too flat, it may not rotate properly in proportion to the forward speed. This is undesirable, and in such cases, the steepness of the rotary hoe should be increased. However, an excessively steep setting is less effective in avoiding the root zone, so extreme tilt angles should be avoided.

Towing Speed

On compacted soil, a higher working speed can be achieved, up to 10-12 km/h.
On sandy or loose soil, a recommended speed of 6-8 km/h should be maintained.

Trial Run

We recommend conducting an initial trial run before starting serious work.
Attention: The rotary hoe heads must operate proportionally to the forward speed without "slipping." Perform the trial by lowering the rotary hoe heads into the soil approximately 50-60 cm before the row. Ensure the adjustment angle is sufficient (see: "Vertical Adjustment of the Side Rotary Hoe" above) and that the rotary hoe heads penetrate the soil to a depth of about 100mm. This ensures the rotary hoe heads will effectively roll off the root zone.
Safety: If the distance between the rotary hoe blades is insufficient to clear the root zone or if the hoe encounters a pole, the side rotary hoe will deflect against the horizontal spring. Once the obstacle is cleared, it will return to its row cultivation position. This deflection movement has a maximum range of 200 mm per side rotary hoe.