Thanks for the pics. I have never seen a disc like you posted with individual bearings. It is interesting and I will see if I hear anything about it at our grape conference in a few weeks.
The Chysholms are nice machines are were built about an hour from me. There are still quite a few of them around here. I just know there is a very noticeable difference with what is left behind these machines. Both the Gregorie and Korvan can pick much cleaner and faster. I worked with all three last year and they are still fresh on my mind. Of course this is with Concords which may harvest different then other varieties. I was real impressed with the Gregorie units though. There are 3 of them owned by friends of mine (two self propelled, one pull type). There are 4 Korvans also (2 self propelled, two pull type). There are a couple Pik-Rytes and about 6 Chysholms and a couple pull behind Meccas. There is even a Chysholm clone about 15 miles away that came from down under if I recall. All these harvesters are owned by friends of mine within a 5 mile radius (except the clone). It is nice though as I get to see all of them work and talk to the guys about them to know of any problems they are experiencing.
Concords are great for eating but they are used by Welches and other processors to make grape juice, jams and jelly that you buy at the super market. Niagara is the other variety we grow which is what they use for the white grape juice in stores.
Is it just an illusion or is that Fendt a full size tractor?
Yes it is a full size (305LSA), as is my Deutz, both are about 6' wide and work fine in 10' rows but it can be difficult to get to the rear of the tractor in the row.
It seems Pik-Rite is still in business but not in Grape Harvesters?
Is the Chisholm Ryder clone a Nairn from New Zealand?
I take it there is nothing at all left of Chisholm Ryder?
I assume there are are grape growers in Australia who supply fruit to processors for juice and jams although I wouldn't be sure - too much of Australia's processed foods are imported.
Some more photos I took late yesterday, harvest has been keeping me busy, finally sold the remaining 34 tonnes of Chardonnay at $120 per tonne and have just started on the reds.
Blade Plough, the hydraulic widening runs on UHMWPE slides and was added by me last summer. Previously manually clamped to just the rear 4 x 4" RHS and regularly broke the clamping bolts.
Greentech two row sprayer, made in Adelaide, South Australia uses a 60KVA three phase alternator running 10 x 2.2kW fan motors. I've made the front bearing and seal of each motor greasable or they'll get spray inside in about 40 - 50 hrs of use.
Pellenc Pre-Pruner, my brother added the rotating drums below the cutters last year in an attempt to throw the prunings out from under the row. Not entirely successful, needs more work.
Monroe Hydraulic post auger and knocker, the auger motor swings in under the dolly for when a pilot hole is required, I have about 4 auger sizes to fit, usually choose one a bit smaller than the post so the post will be driven in and be tight. Only require a pilot hole for 5" + posts or in very heavy soil.
Howard Rotary Hoe
Roller for towing behind hoe to compact the soil to help prevent spring frosts. I widened the roller to 80" a few years ago and made a new, stronger frame to accept the strain of an also added hydraulic cylinder and raising wheels.
, it's American know-how at its finest! However I have fitted it with a Nairn head (copy of Mecca) and their mini-bows and I don't believe it gives too much away to Gregoire or Korvan. Or Pellenc. Or Braud (New Holland).
