Atmospheric Transformation

• Orchard-Rite has developed a number of wind machine innovations including Auto-Start™ technology, which automates wind-machine operation. Winter freezes and spring frosts threaten crops around the world. But thanks to Orchard-Rite, professional growers can harness the power of wind to combat less-than-ideal weather conditions. 
• Orchard-Rite wind machines are used to protect all types of stone-fruit trees, nut trees, grapes and various row crops. Most of the machines sold globally are stationary models powered by a Cat® C7.1 industrial engine, which boasts one of Caterpillar’s most modular engine designs to date; featuring an engine-mounted aftertreatment and meets U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions standards.
• The Orchard-Rite tri-blade stationary model is powered by a more compact Cat C4.4 industrial engine, which meets U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions standards. Redesigned with a mounted aftertreatment and now delivering 15% more power, the C4.4 is the ultimate solution for downsizing equipment. This engine also helps end-users save big by reducing lifecycle costs, thanks to efficient fuel and DEF consumption.
• Orchard-Rite appreciates the engine configurations, quality and ease of maintenance – and Caterpillar’s global presence. Also, with Caterpillar comes name recognition, and that is a big selling point for Orchard-Rite customers.
• Having Cat engines means you get to be a part of the Cat dealer network, which is all about service. With Cat dealers being global, the network of dealers works well together supporting the product for the customer.

Check the specs

CONTACT ORCHARD-RITE

CONTACT YOUR CAT DEALER

• The Cat®  C4.4 Industrial Diesel Engine is offered in ratings up to 200 hp (150 kW) and peak torque 825 Nm (609 lb-ft) which meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V emission standards.
• A modular and compact core on the Cat C4.4 makes installing the engine on any number of machine applications a relative breeze.  And when downsizing from five-liter platforms, OEMs can see a 20% reduction in length, 5% reduction in height and 40% reduction in weight of the engine, significantly reducing installation costs.
• With a 15% increase in power density and 10% increase in torque when compared to its predecessor engine, the compact design of the Cat C4.4 reduces heat loss for more efficient engine output, helping operators conquer even the toughest tasks with relative ease.
• When compared to similar 6-cylinder platforms, the C4.4 saves more than 18% in fluid consumption and is specially balanced to be its most effective, every day.
• Built-in clean emissions modules keep the Cat C4.4 performing at its peak while also keeping the air around the work site cleaner.

CUSTOMER:

Orchard-Rite

PRODUCT:

Wind machines

LOCATION:

Union Gap, Washington

SCOPE OF ENGINE USE:

Cat® C7.1 and C4.4 U.S. EPA Tier 3 Industrial Engines

CAT DEALER:

N C Power Systems

THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND

Winter freezes and spring frosts threaten crops around the world. But thanks to some creative thinking by experts at Orchard-Rite, professional growers can harness the power of wind to combat less-than-ideal weather conditions.

As a leader in the orchard equipment industry, Orchard-Rite was one of the first companies to engineer and manufacture wind machines, starting more than five decades ago in the mid ‘60’s. These wind machines are placed strategically in orchards and fields to maintain warm air temperatures by working with nature to pull warmer air down from the atmosphere and closer to crops. Just like your ceiling fan when you set it to “winter mode.” And while the concept is simple, the effects are profound. That’s because Orchard-Rite knows that the right equipment can make the difference between a profitable yield or a painful loss.

With an ongoing focus on advancements, Orchard-Rite has developed a number of wind-machine innovations including Auto-Start™ technology, which automates wind-machine operation. The manufacturer also produces several types of wind machines: two-blade stationary models for continuous operation, a portable wind machine for crop protection on the go, an inconspicuous laydown model that sits low to the ground, and a low-noise tri-blade model for areas requiring quieter operation.

AIR POWER PERFECTED

Orchard-Rite wind machines are used to protect all types of stone-fruit trees, nut trees, wine grapes, table grapes and various row crops. Most of the machines sold globally are stationary models powered by a Cat® C7.1 industrial engine.

The C7.1 boasts one of Caterpillar’s most modular engines designs to date, features an engine-mounted aftertreatment and meets U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions standards.

The Orchard-Rite tri-blade stationary model is powered by a more compact Cat C4.4 industrial engine, which meets U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions standards. Redesigned with a mounted aftertreatment and now delivering 15% more power, the C4.4 is the ultimate solution for downsizing equipment. This engine also helps end-users save big by reducing lifecycle costs, thanks to efficient fuel and DEF consumption.

For the ultimate in automation, the Cat engines in Orchard-Rite wind machines can be paired with ORCell® monitoring technology. This allows growers to monitor and control wind machines remotely and react quickly without having to be physically in the field.

EASY, BREEZY DEALER SUPPORT

Over the years, their Cat dealer, N C Power Systems, has provided expertise, specialty programming and onsite support to Orchard-Rite to make each engineering process go smoothly.

N C Power Systems also has helped the company’s design engineers access the massive wealth of technical engine information available from Caterpillar. These experts have worked closely with Orchard-Rite, configuring ways to fit Cat engines in the company’s wind-machine designs.

Tim Price, Orchard-Rite Division Manager, says his company appreciates the engine configurations, quality and ease of maintenance – and Caterpillar’s global presence.    

 “Caterpillar has name recognition and brings a lot to the table. But at the end of the day, it’s all about service. Cat dealers are everywhere, they work really well together and they’re all customer focused. You know they are going to be there tomorrow to support the product for your customer.”

“CATERPILLAR HAS NAME RECOGNITION AND BRINGS A LOT TO THE TABLE.  BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SERVICE.”