Braud Series VL Grape Harvesters

Technological innovations from the specialist

A great team of specialists with 30 years experience have developed and manufactured more than 10,400 grape harvesters that operate all over the world.

They carry the spirit of New Holland, the brand which continues to confirm its leadership in mechanised harvesting systems.

The introduction of a range of high capacity grape harvesters for medium to wide vines profits from the Braud technology acquired over the years. The product features that ensure excellent picking and remarkable cleaning quality associated with a multifunctional tractor base meet today's wine growers' needs for the best quality.

Efficient picking and full respect of the vine

The quality of the new and patented F.D.C. shaking system, a major component of the Braud technology, ensures extremely efficient grape picking with maximum respect for the vine and the harvest.

The new patented shaker fixation offers maximum suppleness and flexibility to the shaker system. Adaption of the number of active shakers and their position, according to the height of the grapes on the vines, is made quick and easy. This allows all users to work with ideal shaker settings in any vineyard at maximum performance.

Quick shaking rod engagement

To optimise the picking quality and the respect of the vegetation, it is necessary to use the minimum number of shaking rods, varying from one vineyard to another.

To achieve these goals, a new patented system was developed. It makes it possible to very quickly activate the parked shaking rods when necessary. The same system makes it possible to also quickly adjust their vertical position . An optional shaker slow down kit is also available to protect fragile posts.

Fast adjustment of the horizontal spacing of the shakers

The various conditions of harvest, thickness of the vegetation and type of vine, require the adaptation of the horizontal distance between the shakers. On his monitor the operator controls the shaking rod spacing.

Because of this integrated and easy to use feature, the adjustment is done so quickly that the respect for the vines is ensured in any vineyard.

New baskets

The models of Series VL are equipped with redesigned baskets. This new design improves the sealing. A new connection between the baskets preserves rivetings. The capacity of the baskets was increased by 50% to optimise productivity.

An impeccably clean harvest

To obtain a product of high quality, it is necessary to deliver a clean harvest to the winery.

The highly efficient cleaning fans on New Holland grape harvesters eliminate the leaves before the grapes are transferred to the hoppers. For maximum cleaning efficiency, an optional patented destemmer - separator is fitted on top of each hopper.

This system makes it possible to destem and eliminate any foreign body that might be in the harvest. The result: an extremely clean product at the winery.

All-year round usage

The tractor base of the new grape harvesters has been designed to be used throughout the year, from pre-pruning to the harvest.

To achieve this goal, a new patented system for a quick picking head uncoupling has been developed. This very simple system makes it possible for the operator to remove the picking head with no key or assistance in less than 15 minutes.

The tractor base can be fitted in less than 10 minutes with the new spraying equipment developed in collaboration with Berthoud. For the front attachments a new arm has been developed. Controlled from the multifunction lever the arm is adjustable height and length.

A new hydrostatic transmission

The new VL models have a new hydrostatic transmission. For better traction capacity, the torque of the front and rear motors has been increased. Moreover, the new hydrostatic circuit pump has an electrical control that makes it possible to program the travel speed from the cab.

This new device maintains speed selected constant, across all terrain. An optional precision cruise control, with radar is available (VL610 only).

Extended comfort and control

The new cab of the VL is designed for maximum comfort. A comfortable operator concentrates on the job in hand and performs better over a longer period of time.

The cabin is perfectly sealed and pressurised and equipped with air-conditioning and heating. Highly visible instrumentation and ideally located controls provide the latest in operator convenience.

A new multifunction handle

An ergonomic electrical lever fitted on the armrest makes it possible to start and regulate all the functions of the picking head. It also controls the height and levelling.

All the multifunction attachments are controlled from the same lever choosing one of the eight pre-set programs.

A full range of multi-function attachments

including sprayers, trimmers, debudders and de-leafers. Pictured, Berthoud sprayer on VL harvester.