Key Points for Using a Grape Vine Burying Machine and a Guide to Inspecting Used Machines

In northern grape-growing regions, winter cold protection is an unavoidable task. Grape vines are not resistant to severe cold, so before winter arrives they must be covered with soil. In the past, this relied entirely on manual digging, carrying, and burying of soil, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive. The grape vine burying machine is field management machinery created to solve this pain point. It is mounted behind a tractor and, while moving forward, takes soil from between the rows, then uses a soil-throwing component to evenly fling the soil onto the grape vines. In one pass, it can complete the soil mounding operation, with efficiency far higher than manual labor. Models such as the Woye 3MT200-2 are relatively common in grape-growing regions, and are especially suitable for orchards planted in large contiguous blocks.

Several key points for using a vine burying machine

First, before operation, adjust the machine according to the grape row spacing and vine training form so that the soil-taking position falls exactly between the rows, avoiding being too close to the main trunk and damaging the root system. Second, soil moisture must be suitable. Soil that is too wet sticks to the blades and cannot be thrown far, while soil that is too dry forms large clods and does not cover tightly. Generally, operating a few days after rain or irrigation gives better results. Third, the soil burial thickness must meet local cold-protection requirements, the coverage must be even, and the edges must be compacted, leaving no places where wind can pass through. The furrow left after taking soil must also be leveled so it does not affect vine uncovering operations the following spring. Fourth, during operation, constantly observe the running condition of the transmission parts and soil-throwing blades. If abnormal noise is heard, stop the machine immediately for inspection. Before clearing tangled grass or blocked soil, be sure to shut off the engine first. Safety comes first.

What should you look at when buying a used vine burying machine?

A vine burying machine is seasonal operation machinery and is not used for many days in a year. Many people resell idle machines, and the price is considerably cheaper than a new machine, but inspection must be especially careful. First, look at the key working parts: check whether the soil-throwing blades and blade shaft are severely worn. Do not buy one with deformation or cracks under any circumstances. Second, look at the transmission system: check whether belts, chains, and the gearbox are loose, leaking oil, or rotating smoothly. Third, look at the frame and connecting parts: check for cracks or traces of repair welding, and whether the hitch frame is deformed. Fourth, conduct an on-site test run. Mount it on a tractor and run a pass to see whether soil throwing is even and whether the machine body shakes violently.

In addition, verify the source of the machine and ask for a purchase invoice or relevant paperwork to confirm it comes from a legitimate source. If the original owner received an agricultural machinery purchase subsidy, the transfer must be handled according to the regulations of the local agricultural machinery competent department. Requirements vary by locality, so the locally announced rules shall prevail. Finally, a reminder: when buying used machinery, also consider its compatibility with your tractor's power, as well as local parts supply and after-sales conditions. For off-brand machines whose parts are hard to buy, even if they are cheaper, be cautious. Otherwise, a breakdown during peak season could cost you the optimal time for burying the vines.