Abstract: For more than thirty-two years, extensive research studies involving various concepts of total vineyard mechanization have been carried out at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station under the direction of Justin R. Morris (22). Tommy Oldridge was one of the first growers in the region to commercially test, implement and improve upon the findings of these research studies. These studies at the University of Arkansas have involved the evaluation of trellising and training systems suitable for total vineyard mechanization, mechanical shoot positioning, mechanical pruning, mechanical thinning, mechanical harvesting, and the post-harvest handling and utilization of mechanically harvested grapes (2, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 35). The success of this approach to vineyard mechanization has been the fact that it has concentrated on minimizing or eliminating all limiting factors impacting the system while maintaining, or in some cases improving, fruit quality.

Abstract: A vine cane pruner has a frame with four hedgers mounted on the frame. First and third hedgers are mounted on opposite sides of the frame with cutting teeth extending forwardly. Gathering mechanisms mounted on the first and third hedgers engage vertical canes on opposite sides of the vine and draw the engaged vertical canes into the cutting teeth of the first and third hedgers. Second and fourth hedgers are mounted on opposite sides of the frame and rearwardly of the first and third hedgers with cutting teeth extending forwardly. Gathering mechanisms mounted on the second and fourth hedgers engage the horizontal canes on opposite sides of the vine and draw the engaged horizontal canes into the cutting teeth of the second and fourth hedgers. A telescoping mast connected between the frame and a transport vehicle supports the frame and permits it to be selectively raised and lowered.

Abstract: A pivoting counterforce brush for use with an underslung grapevine comber for cleaning and positioning shoots of a grapevine overhanging the guide wires of a divided canopy is mounted on the frame of the comber in a position to provide a counterforce against a primary brush of the comber which grooms above the roof portion of the canopy as the comber moves along a path of travel parallel to the guide wires. A spindle is mounted on the comber frame at a level below the roof portion of the canopy. The axis of the spindle is substantially transverse to the path of travel of the comber. A bracket is journalled on the spindle. A rotating brush is mounted on the trailing side of the bracket with the axis about which the brush rotates extending rearwardly from the bracket. A brush driver is mounted on the leading side of the bracket and is coupled to the rotating brush to drive the brush about its axis.