Rinieri’s “Florix” flower thinners reduce labor costs without the use of chemical thinners—a third way that becomes even more valuable for growers of pome or stone fruits, especially those with particularly heavy flowering
To obtain fruit of optimal size, it is essential to maintain the right balance between vegetative growth and fruit production. For this reason, early fruit thinning becomes a necessary practice, carried out either through the use of chemical thinners or manually. The first option increases production costs and the environmental footprint of the crop, while the second significantly raises labor expenses, as hand-thinning one hectare requires between 160 and 200 working hours. These factors explain the growing interest in mechanical thinning—an operation performed during flowering.
This is precisely the goal of Rinieri’s three “Florix” models, blossom-thinning machines featuring a new patented system that delivers maximum uniformity of action combined with the delicate touch required to protect the plants.
The available models differ in the number of thinning units—“8,” “10,” and “12”—with overall heights of 200, 250, and 300 centimeters. Featuring independent arms equipped with springs that allow them to adapt easily to different canopy shapes, they offer a generous hydraulic lift of 90 centimeters and a hydraulically controlled lateral shift of 50 centimeters. Further optimizing operational efficiency, the working-column frame can also be pivoted up to 15 degrees in both directions.
Additionally, the upper and lower sections of the machine are controlled by two separate circuits, managed via terminal or joystick, allowing different rotational speeds for the working organs. This enables precise adjustment of thinning intensity according to the vegetation being treated. The actual action is carried out by rotors equipped with four flails made of flexible, durable polymer materials that accurately remove excess flowers.
Designed for tractors with power outputs between 70 and 100 horsepower, the “Florix” blossom thinners are also available in a “Plus” version which, compared to the standard configuration, features an articulated frame with a central joint allowing the upper section to tilt toward the top of the plants. This ensures maximum adaptability to different orchard geometries.
Titolo: Rinieri “Florix” Series flower thinners: forward-thinking equipment
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