Development of a towed multi-function row straddling machine for the cultivation of goblet vineyards

To guarantee the mechanisation of a goblet vineyard, a handmade pre-prototype of a multifunctionrow straddle machine towed by a common vineyard tractor was built. Trials carriedout in vineyards gave encouraging results (Schillaci et al., 2008, 2009, 2010). Currently a projectis under way for the improvement of the pre-prototype as an innovative machine (ENAMA,2009) with collaboration between the constructing company FA.MA (MN), the DIA in Cataniaand the CRA-ING in Treviglio (BG). The pre-prototype has been redesigned to increase thenumber of tools applicable to the frame and the quality of operations carried out, respectingboth the safety of the workers and quality of the product. The final aim is to guaranteemechanisation of goblet at a contained cost. The frame has been redesigned to optimise size,weight, sections and attachment devices for the accessory equipment which it will carry and/oractivate. The newly adopted technical solutions were chosen taking into account the form of thegoblet vines (expanded foliage, short trunk, vegetation near the soil), the availability of reliablebut simple tools, stability, safety and flexibility of their use. The modifications were identifiedalso by means of field trials carried out with the first version of the pre-prototype. After theredesigning phase, trials were carried out to study the performance of the mechanisms. Themulti-function frame works on both sides of the row, so with only one passage the machine isable to complete the operation on the row. The modifications made to the original prototypeallowed for a reduction in the attachment and detachment times of the tools to the frame.Furthermore, they increased the number of applicable tools as vine shoot tipping, leaf stripperand a sprayer equipped with a liquid recovery system thereby significantly reducing the amountof the product lost in the air or on the ground. Finally, to guarantee better performance in thefield, it is now possible to regulate the working position of the tools and their height from theground. Further results are expected when the work will be completed.