Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Before you start on vineyard construction, you'll need to make sure you have the cor-
rect tools. Chances are you have many of the common home and garden tools shown in the
illustrations. However, there are some special tools that you may need to purchase or rent.
→ Post-hole digger: End posts need to be at least 2 feet deep, and if the rows are
longer than 200 feet, they should go down 3 feet in depth. You can also rent a power
soil auger or hire a someone with a Bobcat auger to do the job of digging holes for
your posts.
→ Metal post driver: A sturdy metal tube with handles that allows you to pound the
posts into the ground. These work well and are safer than using a sledgehammer.
→ Fencing tool: You can find this tool at hardware stores where fencing is sold. It is
a combination of a small hammer, wire cutters, and pliers built into one tool. You
will need it to pull the wire, twist it, and cut it.
→ Wire cutters: Strong wire cutters that can cut up to 10 gauge wire will come in very
handy. You'll find them at hardware stores or from a vineyard supplier.
→ Grippler tool, Gripples: This specialized tool secures and tensions the wires in the
trellis system. Stiff high-tensile steel wire is used for vineyard trellises, and this
tool is used to fasten and adjust the proprietary Gripple joiners and tensioners. The
Gripples can be adjusted and re-tensioned year after year. If you buy a large box of
Gripples, the tool is often included.
Construction Tools and Equipment
Supplies
