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Kiwi Post Driver
The Kiwi Post Driver was developed to serve high volume users, such as fencing contractors, municipalities, do-it-yourself ranchers and farmers, or anyone who wants the finest piece of
equipment capable of handling the most difficult jobs.

Kiwi Fence School
Every farmer knows the value of a good fence. High Tensile Fences are less expensive, more durable and more effective for containing and protecting livestock. Now you can learn to build one of the best fence systems available from the people who introduced High Tensile Fence to the United States.
 
 
 
 
 
Trellis
Kiwi's High Tensile Wire, Hardware and Posts are strong and long lasting but the best feature of the Kiwi System may be its versatility. The same wire, posts, hardware and general construction techniques that are used for livestock containment and depredator/predator exclusion are incorporated in the construction of trellises for vineyards and orchards. There are some modifications and additions. The most conspicuous are the addition of cross members for various trellis styles and the addition of 120,000PSI Class 3 wire as movable catch wires to some vineyard designs. Some terminology changes and additions are noticeable. End posts are called tie back posts and overhead canopies or grids may be used in certain styles.

There are many styles of trellises. Through research conducted around the world at University orchards and vineyards and field trials by innovative growers, trellis designs have been adopted for supporting a wide variety of fruit and nut plantings as well as retrofitting mature bushes, vines and trees. Based on recommended plant spacing and harvest weight, post spacing varies but generally fall between 20 and 40 feet. Post height is determined by plant growth properties and harvesting method. Wire spacing is based on variety and training requirements. Row width is based on tending and harvesting method and to some degree pollination. Orientation is generally north/south to obtain optimum sunlight.

The most important consideration to keep in mind when building trellises is the weight of the mature plant at harvest time. The plants are supported by the wires, which are in turn supported, where applicable, by cross members followed by the posts and ultimately the bracing. In general, to support this weight, use tie back posts for row lengths under 600 feet. For rows 600 to 2000 feet, use a traditional single brace as described in our 'How-To' section. Row length selection is a product of field dimensions and harvest/tending methods. Retrofitting an established site is possible but more difficult. It is much easier and less expensive to properly prepare a site before planting. This is accomplished by laying out the site and then smoothing/leveling any rough areas, removing debris, rocks and unwanted growth. This will make it easier to install the trellises and reduce problems associated with harvesting.

If you need help with selection of your trellis style please contact the experts at Kiwi. We have years of experience in layout and material estimation. We can give you advice on which trellis design is recommended for the type of planting you will be doing as well as installation techniques. A step-by-step guide to building vineyard trellises is available at Kencove Farm Fence.