Power-Beyond Hydraulics

In recent years, the use of hydraulically driven attachments and implements has become more common in the vineyard. For the most part, this has been a good development and a cost-effective, commonsense expansion of the available uses of the tractor. The downside of this type of use is a lack of general knowledge about the physical requirements of the hydraulic motors which drive these implements, and the limitations, and/or extremes of hydraulic system pressure and flow available from a modern tractor.

Most frequently, tractor operators mount an attachment on the tractor, plug in the hoses, wire or bungie open the selective control valve, and let her rip. This practice causes heating of the hydraulic system, and failure of fittings, o-rings, pump seals, and various other components. When these things start to happen, the most likely conclusion of the operator is, "we don't have enough hydraulics." In reality, the need is for less, not more.

When contemplating the purchase of hydraulically driven equipment, you need to investigate the pressure and flow requirements of the new attachment you intend to use, and then compare those requirements to your tractor's power delivery. Frequently, it will be necessary to install a "power-beyond circuit" on the tractor system to allow you suitable control of the pressure and flow to your new attachment. Additionally, you may need to install a "zero pressure" return circuit to relieve backpressure on sensitive hydraulic components. While the cost of these modifications may total up to several hundred dollars to begin with, they could save you much more in the future.

Paying attention to the proper set up and installation of these units can save you a lot of grief and expense in the future. If you are making a tractor purchase decision, make sure that you have the whole story before you commit. If you are currently using the "bungie" method, contact Rainbow Ag's service department. We can help you do it right.

Also see Preventative Tips for Tractor Hydraulics (below).

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$0 DOWN $0 INTEREST $0 PAYMENTS   til 2003   on ALL models of Kawasaki products! - OR - pay $0 for 6 months with 18 months of low payments* Subject to qualified credit; some restrictions may apply. Offer ends April 30, 2002. For your personal safety, Kawasaki recommends that all ATV riders obtain proper training; use of Kawasaki ATVs are recommended for persons 16 years of age or older. See more offer details on our website. Come in to Rainbow or call: Jim Munson, Lake/Northern Mendocino (707) 468-6549 (pager) munsonjim@netscape.net Bob Mitrovich, Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino (707) 316-2108 (pager) BobMitro@aol.com Jerry Smith, Napa/Sonoma (707) 324-1940 (pager) jvsmithbow@aol.com

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Jim Mayfield Reports: Cutting Costs, New Technologies Recently, Rainbow Ag participated in the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium held in Sacramento. We have been attending this show for several years, and I believe that it is the best show for North Coast grape growers to attend, bar none. This year, the seminars and exhibitors were the best I have seen. I remember the first year of this show; the convention center had to curtain off a portion of the building because they could not fill it up. This year, they filled the floor and overflowed into several other levels. A sign of the growth of the industry, yes, but it is also a reflection on the importance of this event to the attendees and the vendors that serve it. The Symposium offers me a great opportunity to talk with a many growers in a short period of time. Everyone was concerned about the softening of grape prices and the message I heard was very clear. "What technology can we use to cut our costs without sacrificing quality? With dropping prices we must find ways to lower our cost of production." If you are going to maximize the profit potential of your vineyard, the Rainbow Ag staff is uniquely positioned to supply you with information on a number of technologies that address the above question. Avidor Mechanical Leaf Removal Systems - What do you pay per acre to open your canopies? Can you use this system to dramatically cut your costs? Gregoire Mechanical Grape Harvesters - Find out if mechanical harvesting makes sense for your operation. If you have not seen the current generation of harvesters operate, let us demonstrate how you can get better quality fruit to the winery while substantially reducing your costs. WeedSeeker Selective Spray System - Spray only the weeds and not bare ground, and save up to 80% on herbicide costs by reducing labor requirements. Use the WeedSeeker technology to selectively remove suckers from your vine. Hardie Low Volume Sprayers (Adobe Acrobat PDF - 188K) - The new affordable low-volume sprayer technology and the economical two row boom system make this the next generation of vineyard sprayer; a 300-gallon, single-row pull unit starts as low as $8,990. These are just a few of the many ways Rainbow can bring the kind of technology to your operations that will directly impact your bottom line. It is not possible to continue to farm the way you always did and expect better results. Take time out to attend these important trade shows. Investigate the newest technologies, and find out how you can use them in your operations. Worst case, you bring home a trade show bag filled with lots of cool free stuff. Our staff is critically aware that we must partner with you to make sure you are the lowest cost producer of the finest wine grapes on the north coast. Rainbow Ag has shown all of these technologies at the Unified Show in Sacramento. Contact any of our field reps and arrange to see them demonstrated at your vineyard. Jim Munson, Lake/Northern Mendocino (707) 468-6549 (pager), munsonjim@netscape.net Bob Mitrovich, Napa/Sonoma/Southern Mendocino (707) 316-2108 (pager), BobMitro@aol.com Jerry Smith, Napa/Sonoma (707) 324-1940 (pager), jvsmithbow@aol.com Jim Mayfield President Rainbow Agricultural Services

Preventative Tips for Tractor Hydraulics Hydraulics provide the muscle of your machinery, and regular maintenance is the key to high performance. Your two greatest foes: contamination and excessive heat. Dirt and contamination can score valves, seize pumps, and clog orifices. Overheating can cause the oil to break down, damage seals, deposit varnish on working parts and reduce the system's output. To insure high-powered performance: Use the correct fluid, at the proper levels. Keep it clean during everyday operation. Inspect regularly for leaks and other needed repairs. Learn to troubleshoot your hydraulic fluid Hydraulic Fluid Troubleshooting Whenever you check your equipment's hydraulic fluid, look for telltale signs of problems within the system: Air bubbles or foaming oil indicate there may be a leak in the system. Changes in oil level could mean there are leaks or cracks in external parts of the system. Milky oil often indicates water in the system or the fluid. Be sure to review your operator's manual for additional information specific to your equipment and for recommendations on the timing of routine hydraulic oil changes. Caution! Be very careful when working with your equipment's hydraulics; the system's fluid is under high pressure and it can erupt causing serious injury. Avoid this hazard by relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines; tighten all connections before reapplying pressure.