Instructions for use
Our products are developed especially for use in viticulture and horticulture. Unsuitable install sites may include marshy grounds, locations with constant wetness, land directly under power lines, proximity to the sea with a high saltwater concentration or close to an industrial site with high levels of chemical emissions. If the post is in contact with corrosive soils, chemicals or other such substances this will reduce the life span of the zinc coating.
For high crop load applications or if rows are not straight, we recommend using the P5L or P5E as row posts, depending on the application.
If stainless steel components are used with galvanized products, corrosion may result, particularly when a stainless steel component has an earth connection. With a heavy load, stainless steel wires cut deeper into the posts. The use of stainless steel for the top wire is not recommended.
Regardless of the post model, we recommend the distance between posts to be no more than 16 feet apart. The further apart the posts are placed, the more the trellis will move with strong winds, resulting in increased stress on the post. At extremely windy sites, the distance between posts should be reduced.
The installation depth values indicated in the product table are for guidance only. Steel posts must be set a bit deeper than wooden posts.
The proper post handling
It is important to follow our instructions regarding the storage and installation of galvanized posts. Although it may appear more labor intensive, the durability of the posts and trellis is worth the effort. These rules also apply to other galvanized materials.
Storage and preparation
The best time to install our brand new galvanized posts is between March and September. In this period through natural weathering, the posts can form a protective patina layer. In other periods of the year, the posts can be manually weathered as described below.
Natural weathering
If possible, the posts should be stored out in the open. Store the posts horizontally, by laying them down on wooden planks so that the air can circulate below. If the posts are to be stored for a long period of time, the end of the post with the hooks should be raised a little higher. This slight inclination allows the rain water to run off. When storing the posts in the open, pay attention to the dominant wind direction. The wind should be able to blow over the posts in order to dry those in the middle as well.
Before they have formed their protective patina layer, the posts must not come into contact with fertilizers or other chemicals. Also, they are not to be installed during extended periods of wet weather.
Manual weathering
If you need to prepare the posts with manual weathering, the part of the post that goes into the ground should get wet and then dry out completely, repeatedly. This process can be accelerated by moistening the base of the posts. The best way to do it is to use a high-pressure washer (without accessories) because the fine water fog falls evenly on unreachable parts of the bundle. As the zinc surface alternately comes in contact with air and water, the protective patina layer forms on the posts.
Installing the posts
Before installing the posts consider your soil conditions and equipment choices. If the soil is rocky, it is advisable to pre-drill holes. When installing our posts, we recommend using our accessories such as the impact protector, hand post pounder and water lance.
Steel posts should be installed approximately 8 inches deeper than wooden, concrete or plastic posts. If the soil is extremely rocky you can install them approximately 4 inches deeper than wooden posts. Recommended install depths are given in the depth table. If the recommended install depth cannot, be achieved, use a larger post or put a big stone in front of the post for stability. The opening of the intermediate post must face towards the slope.
If post holes have already been made, they should be filled in with dirt and then wetted using a water lance, so the wet soil can compact, stabilizing the post. If the posts are not stable, high winds could pull the posts out of alignment. Ensure that the soil is hilled up at the base of the post.
Steel end posts
A stable and robust end post is the foundation for a maintenance-free trellis system. It’s important to choose the right size end posts to carry the load of the trellis. We recommend that our end posts should be secured with anchors using a base plate or concrete.
As a basic rule, end posts should be installed approx. 4 to 8 inches lower than intermediate posts. This is to avoid over-row machine touching the wires when entering the row.
Base plates for P5E and P7E end posts
The base plate prevents the end post from sinking into the ground, as well as keeping it firm and secure once installed. Otherwise, the post will slowly sink into the ground, making it necessary to re-tension the wires every year. Locking pins are not included but are available at hardware stores.
Using concrete to prevent end posts from sinking
If you choose concrete to secure your end posts, dig a hole 8x10 inches around it, and fill it with concrete. In addition, a locking pin can also be used.
Anchor wires
Using the P5E, guide the wires through the upper hooks, then wrap them around the post twice. The dimensions of the anchor and the anchor tie back must be appropriate to the soil conditions.
Plastic wire
If plastic or synthetic wires are used, we have various solutions for protecting them.
- Large plastic wire protector for catch wires
- Small plastic wire protector for fixed wires.
- REMA plastic hooks for all types of plastic wires. The plastic hook can also be used as a replacement hook and can prevent wires from pulling out on undulating terrain.
Please note
our posts and anchoring systems are designed to be installed per our recommendations. It is the responsibility of growers/vineyard managers to follow our recommendations to ensure optimal performance of our equipment.