Instructions for use
Use according to regulations
Our products are developed and designed for the trellis systems used in viticulture and should be used appropriately. It is assumed that the posts are used with ground type and conditions that are suitable for wine-growing. Unsuitable install sites are marshy grounds, locations with constant wetness, land directly under power lines, close proximity to the sea with a high saltwater concentration or close to an industrial site with high levels of chemical emissions. Coming into contact with aggressive substances reduces the life span of the zinc coating.
For high load applications, such as the cordon-free vine training technique or if vineyard rows are not straight, we recommend using the P5L or P5E as intermediate posts, depending on the application.
If stainless steel components are used for the trellis system, contact with the galvanised products may cause corrosion, particulary when a stainless steel component has an earth connection. With a heavy load, stainless steel wires cut deeper into the steel. The use of stainless steel for the top wire is not recommended.
Regardless of the post type, we recommend the distance between posts to be no more than 5 metres apart. The further apart the posts are placed, the more the trellis system will move with strong winds, resulting in increased stress on the post. In extremely windy regions, the distance between posts should be reduced.
The installation depth values indicated in the depth table are for guidance only. Steel posts must be set a bit deeper than wooden posts.
Pay attention to the following instructions for the storage and installation of the posts.
The proper handling
Adhere to our instructions regarding the storage and installation of galvanised posts. Although it may appear more labour intensive, the durability of the posts and trellis is worth the effort. These rules also apply to other galvanised materials.
Storage and preparation
The best time to install our shiny, brand new galvanised posts is between the end of march and the middle of September. In this period, the posts are able to form a protective patina layer. In other periods of the year, the posts must first be “finished grey” before installation.
If possible, the posts should be stored out in the open. Through weathering, the posts can form their protective patina layer. Store the posts horizontalling, by laying them down on wood trusses so that the air can circulate below. If the posts are to be stored for a longer period of time, the end of the post with the hooks should be raised a little higher. The resulting light 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 free to blow through the lying posts in order to dry them in the middle of the pile as well.
The posts should never be stored close to fertilisers or exposed to a wind that carries them. Before they have formed their protective patina layer, the posts must not come into contact with fertilisers or other chemicals. Also, they are not to be installed when the weather is continuously wet (winter wetness).
Grey finish
Ideally 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 inclined pile of posts. The best way to do it is to use a high pressure cleaner (without accessories) because the fine water fog falls evenly on unreachable parts of the pile. As the zinc surface alternately comes into contact with the air and the water, the protective patina layer forms on the posts.
Installing the posts
Generally, the posts are simply pushed into the ground through vibration or hydraulically. If the soil has rocks in it, it is advisable to make a pre-hole in the ground. To install single posts, notably repair work, we recommend that you use our accessoiries: the hand pile driver or the impact protector.
Steel posts should be installed into the ground 20 cm deeper than wooden, concrete or plastic posts. If the soil is extremely stony you can install them approximately 10cm deeper than wooden posts. Recommended install depths are given in the installation depth table. If the recommended install depth cannot, or have not been respected, you should use a larger profile 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 been made in advance, the cavities should be filled in with mud by using a water lance. Otherwise, the rain water could trickle through and the soil would become sodden. If this happens, the dominant wind strength would be enough to incline the posts. Avoid having stagnant water around the posts for long periods of time. Ensure that the soil is heaped up to the base of the post.
Steel vineyard end posts
A stable and robust end post is the basis for a maintenance-free trellis system.
A base plate prevents end posts from sinking into the ground
Wine-growers who do not want to use concrete posts in their vineyards can use the base plate offered by Profil Alsace SAS. This plate prevents the post from sinking into the ground, as well as keeping it firm and secure once installed. Otherwise, the post will slowly sink in the ground and it will therefore becomes necessary to re tension the wires every year. The locking pin (a round metal bar ø 8 mm, length 20 cm) is not included with the base plate.
Concrete to prevent end posts from sinking into the ground
When end posts are concreted into the ground, a concrete block (approx. 2 shovels of concrete) is stamped into the ground at a depth of around 20-25 cm. A locking pin (ø 8 mm, length 20 cm) can also be used. Guide the anchoring wires through the upper hooks on the post and then go around the end post twice. Then, twist the wires to tension the anchor wires. Doing this prevents the end post from twisting.
Diagonal bracing for more turning space
If the end post has an inside brace, the turning area for the tractor is 50cm larger. Both the end post and the brace must be secured by means of a concrete block or a concrete slab. The outward inclination of the post depends on the soil. You should consider the sedimentation of the soil during the first few years. After several years, the end post should still have an outward inclination of 5 - 10°. This can be achieved by installing the end posts with a slightly greater outward inclination.
Tension chains can be attached directly to the hooks on the posts. In order to do this, the hooks must be bent to the side as shown in the picture. If the vine rows are longer and the wire tension is greater, you can use our wire clamps. As a basic rule, end posts should be installed approx. 10 to 20 cm lower than intermediate posts. This is to avoid over-row machine touching the wires when entering the row.
Notice: it is not only the manufacturers of the posts and anchoring systems who are responsible for the quality and stability of the end posts, but the main responsibility is that of the wine-growers themselves!
Please note:
The dimensions of the anchor and the anchor tie back must be appropriate to the soil conditions. The end post should be secured from sinking (using a base plate, concrete slab or concrete).
The wire spreader is closed: an additional hook allows the user to rapidly close the wire spreader, on opposite sides (using hooks) of the posts to secure the wire.
The wire spreader is open: vine shoots can grow up through the open fruiting wires without entwining around the post and breaking in the wind.
Notice:
Install the wire spreaders in the post hooks to secure them in place. Then, close the hooks. When ordering, please pay attention to the post type and the length of the wire spreader (standard length is 20 cm).
If plastic or synthetic wires are used, we have various solutions for protecting this type of wire:
- Large plastic wire protector (for fruiting wires)
- REMA plastic hooks (for all types of plastic fruiting wires)
- Small plastic wire protector (for fixed wires)