The Turbo PRT undervine weeder by Rinieri, also available in a double version, combines maximum precision in under-vine cleaning with an operating speed of up to 10 km/h.
The increasing restrictions on the use of synthetic herbicides, along with the resistance developed by certain weed species, have renewed interest in mechanical weeding for the under-rows of tall crops. These tools act physically, enabling the removal of grasses and broadleaf weeds—even in the presence of resistant populations.
An integrated approach to weed management in orchards and vineyards requires equipment capable of controlling spontaneous flora without damaging the crop or the soil. This must be achieved while maintaining speeds that ensure timely completion of work, minimizing both time and costs.
The Turbo series by Rinieri, a line of mechanical weeders designed for under-row cleaning, addresses these needs. Among them, the PRT rotary tiller model with a double vertical rotor stands out. Available in single or double versions, it is rear-mounted on the tractor. The single PRTs come in three versions: Narrow 120, Wide 170, and Wide 200. The Narrow 120 is ideal for narrow inter-rows, with working widths ranging from 180 to 340 centimeters. The Wide 170 covers 240 to 450 centimeters, while the Wide 200 is suited for wider inter-rows from 300 to 600 centimeters.
The Twin versions, designed to operate on two rows simultaneously, are available in four configurations: Narrow 60 and 100, and Wide 120 and 170. The latter can weed rows spaced up to 450 centimeters apart in a single pass. In terms of weight, the single Turbo PRTs offer an excellent weight-to-efficiency ratio, starting at 510 kilograms for the Narrow 120 and remaining under 540 kilograms for the larger models. The Twin versions are heavier, ranging from 740 to 810 kilograms.
Despite the variations, all Turbo PRT models share several key features: a telescopic bar, adjustable front and support wheels, a front rotor with a speed modulator equipped with a cutting disc and soil-moving flap, a rear rotor with knives, a hydraulic unit with an oil cooling radiator, and an adjustable sensor to ensure maximum safety for the base of the plants.
Precision and operational safety are further enhanced by the patented Easy Ride automatic guidance system. This system continuously measures the distance from the row and automatically adjusts the position of the weeding unit via a lateral movement jack. Thanks to Easy Ride, the operator benefits from optimal automatic correction at speeds of up to 10 km/h, maintaining the correct distance from the rows and increasing hourly productivity by 15–20% compared to equivalent models without this feature.
Rounding out the Turbo PRT series is the availability of seven interchangeable tools, allowing the machine to adapt to the specific needs of different agricultural operations.
