There are a number of strimmer types on the market with different levels of success when it comes to the finesse required to cut close to the vine stem without damaging it and also cutting at a constant height above ground and not leaving unsightly lumps and swift regrowth.
The more sophisticated tools like the Boisselet Filmatic and Mini Rotofil do a brilliant job but Vitifruit Equipment have developed a cheaper budget unit which has proven to be a good performer.
It can be used on smaller, lighter, lower powered tractors and either used as a stand alone tool or attached to a pre-existing flail or rotary mower. The strimmer head is driven by oil flow from the tractor with the retraction around the vine stem achieved by the yellow bar brushing against the stem which pushes the head away on a hinge mechanism while a tension spring pulls the head back around on the other side of the vine.
The cut width can be as wide as you want as the heavy duty cord comes in long lengths and you cut it to your preference but you have to adjust the position of the yellow bar forward or back to work in conjunction with the cord so that it cuts right up to the vine but not the vine. This facility also makes it useful for other jobs such as strimming along a fence line or under a hedge when the yellow bar could be removed for greater cut width.
If there is a ridge of soil heaped up under the vines such as produced by a Rollhack it is necessary to either strim above the ridge or level the ridge with a Boisselet Petalmatic before strimming.
A selection of tools is available from Vitifruit Equipment to try – preferably on hire – including the budget strimmer, Boisselet Filmatic, Mini Rotofil or Kit Vintage and also the Provitis over row weeder which also doubles up as a bud rubber.
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