Machinery for Winery Start-ups from Kubota

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M8540 Narrow

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Vineyard Tracctor

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M7040

Starting a winery is the fulfillment of a big dream. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also a very busy time filled with questions that require input from experts.

Each winery is unique and the mix of equipment and machinery will therefore be unique to the operation. This is no place for guesswork or hunches from family and friends. It’s the time for a sit-down discussion (or discussions) about winery plans, intentions, dreams and needs with an expert in machinery in the region.

Rob Zandee, owner of Gerard’s Equipment of Oliver, B.C. provided some insight on where to start the discussion.

“There’s all sorts of options,” Zandee said. “You’ve got to match your equipment to the size of the place. There’s a large range of budgets out there too. It all depends on the lot and what the person is doing.”

Stan Sagal, general manager of the Vernon and Kelowna Avenue Machinery locations had a similar point of view stating that understanding the land and the goals is the first step.

“There’s a lot to consider,” Sagal noted. “It usually needs to start with the tractor.”

Both Kubota experts agreed that a tractor and an RTV (Rugged Terrain Vehicle) are essential.

“Some people say they’re going to do it all with a quad, and I say, ‘no you’re not’,” Zandee noted.

“One can’t replace the other,” said Sagal of tractors and RTVs. “The quad is good for hauling some things, moving people and that kind of thing, but you need both.”

Where RTVs are important for the ability to move people and supplies around quickly, they simply can’t do the heavy lifting (both literally and figuratively) that is required on a winery.

The RTV, like the Kubota RTVX900, is a quicker, more agile vehicle to put on your need-to-have list, but first on that list should be a narrow tractor from Kubota’s Specialty Narrow line, and one with a cab is certainly worth considering.

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RTV900xt_02

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RTV900xt_01

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rtv900xt_03

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rtv900xt_04

“It’s nice to have a cabbed tractor in inclement weather,” commented Zandee. “A cab usually adds about $10,000 [to the price], give or take.”

Including a cabbed tractor such as the M7040DTNHC on the equipment list may deliver more horsepower simply because cabs come on higher-end models. Sagal noted, it’s an important decision because cabs add to the comfort of operation during all kinds of weather and activity like pruning and spraying and those activities may demand the increased horsepower.

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M40 Series

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M40 Series_02

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M40 Series_03

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M40 Series_07

“It’s a lot nicer ride,” said Zandee of a cabbed tractor. “Especially when the hot sun is beating down on you.”

Horsepower requirements are driven by a variety of factors. A significantly sloped terrain will need more horsepower than a smooth, gradual slope. This isn’t the only horsepower driver though, the attachments needed will also determine horsepower.

Sprayer, mower and spreader attachments require varying amounts of horsepower. Add a hilly terrain and that horsepower requirement goes up. Sprayers and flail mowers are the biggest horsepower using attachments according to Zandee. He also mentioned that some vineyards purchase a tiller, but most in his region rent one or hire a company to do any tilling required.

Bin loaders, like a forklift, are also a requirement in terms of tractor attachments in order to move bins of grapes or other fruits.

“There’s no simple answer,” said Zandee. “But I try to put a lot of options out there to give customers the best ability to do things.”

The tractor is first on the list of items to buy, but attachments don’t all have to be purchased right away. Sagal pointed to a sprayer like the DSM series from Kubota’s disc sprayer line as a priority and noted that other requirements could be listed in an a la carte fashion to purchase in order of need as the vineyard progresses. The RTV is third on the list, after the most necessary, first season tractor attachments.

Ultimately, there are no check boxes and columns to refer to when making equipment selections for a new vineyard operation. It comes down to understanding the land, future plans and usage to discuss needs with an equipment expert and identify the right tools for the budget. Turn to Kubota’s experts for advice on tractor and RTV needs.

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