FAQs > Trellising Solutions

As you may know a number of metal vineyard posts have been tried, over the years in New Zealand vineyards. Some are still available and serving their owners well, and a number, have fallen by the wayside, due to various reasons. But at last, there is an all-metal vineyard trellis post, that with it’s unique design and intrinsic strength, looks certain to be seen in vineyards all over our country, for many, many, years to come.

FAQs (frequently asked questions) regarding VEE-POST and RAMSHEAD include:

1. Will there be any corrosion at or around the unprotected areas of the post?
No – the manufacturers use a totally natural solution as a lubricant when making the posts. This lubricant, which we call LLP stays on the post during the entirety of its life. Accelerated salt spray cabinet tests show a 500% enhancement in longevity over a standard galvanized steel product.
   
2. Can VEE-POST and RAMSHEAD be installed using conventional methods?
Yes. New Zealanders are very innovative and winegrowers especially so. We have seen several designed for purpose hand rammers. These and conventional methods are all fine. R.C. Macdonald Ltd has a purpose made post driver for sale or hire.
   
3. How will VEE-POST and RAMSHEAD perform in particularly
stony ground?
They are metal posts, not dynamite! There will be some areas where they may not be ideal. We advocate pre-ripping or pilot holing, (see installation) where necessary, to ensure best performance. To assist in installation in particularly stony ground we will provide a sleeve to protect the top of the VEE-POST during driving. If in doubt, trial posts are available to test suitability.
   
4. How deep should your posts be ‘planted’?
A minimum of 600mm in the ground for a 2.4 metre post and 700mm for 2.7 metre post. We have some vineyard owners who exceed these recommendations for their own reasons/benefits.
   
5. What’s the price?
Prices are available on application. A lot depends on quantity and location. But be sure, we are competitive, (with any alternative), especially when the savings we know can be achieved, are taken into account.
   
6. What savings?
Take a sample block of just 1800 posts, in the Marlborough area, using only VEE-POSTS resulted in a saving, timber versus our post, for the owner of $2.25 per post. And that (saving) is compounding due to less (no) posts being replaced, following damage caused by vineyard equipment, or dry ground conditions.
   
7. Will your posts accommodate frost-fighting accessories?
Yes. For example a Dan flipper and/or a Dan Rotator with a bracket can be “housed” within the profile of both VEE-POST and RAMSHEAD Intermediates. (See MAC-ATTACH)
   
8. Do you have extensions for your posts, if we decide to change canopy height?
Yes. And our extensions are adaptable to other steel and timber, posts.
   
9. We have soft(ish) soil. Will your post suffer ‘sinkage’?
Perhaps, but we have anti-sink plates that can be attached to the VEE-POST and RAMSHEAD after the post is ‘planted’. This will stop any ‘sinkage’.
   
10. The adverse is ‘popping’ particularly in undulating ground. How do VEE-POSTS and RAMSHEADS perform in such ground?
The best. Why we say that is that we have witnessed other posts lifting from their original holes. This affects wire tension and wire security. For all the reasons mentioned previously, but primarily because the ‘tongue’ that secures the wire in the slot on our posts is off set, and in the profile of the post, we achieve the best possible wire and post security available today. We have recently developed the TOP NOTCH post that, with its top notch for running a top wire, prevents any possible popping.
   
11. We have tried steel posts previously and they don’t remain securely in position. I mean they have gaps at ground level and “wobble” a lot. Will yours perform similarly?
No. VEE-POST and RAMSHEAD are designed in such a way that soil/gravel entrapment within the post, below the ground, and the flexibility of the post, above the ground, ensures that maximum security is achieved. But please allow the posts time to ‘settle’. In the unlikely event that you do experience gaps at ground level, please let us know. We have a ‘quick fix’.
   
12. Other Steel Intermediate Manufacturers say their posts don’t need extra strength in the row and some others suggest we use a timber post to reinforce the row. I understand the concept of the RAMSHEAD as a substitute, but what would the ratio be at my vineyard between VEE-POST and RAMSHEAD?
There are vineyards in New Zealand where VEE-POSTS alone are performing more than adequately without a strong mid row intermediate, but much depends on the fruit being grown, wind shear, ground conditions, and length of rows. Such issues need to be considered before deciding what is appropriate for any particular vineyard. As a general rule of thumb we would promote a 4 to 1 ratio, which is 4 VEE-POSTS to 1 RAMSHEAD. But a ‘horses for courses’ attitude should be applied.
   
13. Wouldn’t our netting be damaged or torn by the sharp profile on the top of the posts when using such netting for bird protection?
We have purpose made UV treated caps (MAC-CAPS) available. These are easily and securely fitted to the post and will protect your netting. See accessories i.e.. MAC-CAP
   
14. What's your lead time?
We have stock available, subject to prior sale, in all the grape growing areas in New Zealand. It is advisable however, to ensure a timely delivery, that any requirement you may have is conveyed to us as soon as possible. This will ensure we are more able to meet your specific delivery requirements.