The Multiclean from Clemens has long been the benchmark for weed control without soil disturbance, tackling all weed types effectively without damaging the vines. Its hydraulically driven spindle with easily changeable cord sections means a low power requirement from the tractor, and it can be mounted on a range of Clemens tool carriers.
The simplest mounting is on one of the SB tool carriers – these come in single sided or double sided guises, with different widths to suit the range of row widths required. All machines have hydraulic width adjustment to cater for less-than-laser-straight rows.
An increasingly popular home for Multiclean heads is on the BV Mulcher – this heavy-duty rotary mulcher features hydraulic width adjustment and can mount either Multicleans or Finger rollers for undervine cultivation and grass control in one pass.
The Vineyard & Winery Show provided the opportunity for a close look at the Clemens Twin Peaks tool carrier – this is the ultimate tool carrier for the Multiclean, allowing four heads to work two rows at once; perfect for intensive vineyards looking to shorten time spent on the ground early in the season, as well as for owners who are conscious of ground compaction. Other compatible implements include double U trimmers and leaf removers.
The Twin Peaks is front mounted, either using the tractors existing front linkage, or to decrease overall length, using a compact console to replace the front lift arms. Visibility is excellent due to each mast being mounted either side of the central console, rather than in the centre like a single lift mast tool carrier. Hitching and unhitching is made easy by the purpose-built stand.
The Twin Peaks can be controlled either by ISOBUS fed from the tractor or using the innovative C-Control Smarti joystick- this allows width, tunnel width, height and angle adjustments and hydraulic flow control from a single handgrip.
The Smarti joystick works via Wi-Fi to connect to a smartphone app, where different user settings, machines and button layouts can be selected based on the task at hand. Hydraulic flows and actuation speeds can also be set here, to save adjusting flows separately on the tractor – hydraulic flow can be controlled to each side independently, enabling machines to be shut off at the ends of unequal rows. For work on rough ground, the handgrip is equipped with three thumb joysticks. This means you can trim or defoliate at speed, without fear of accidentally making an adjustment due to a bump or rut.
