For years, UK raspberry growers have faced a persistent challenge that threatens both product quality and operational efficiency: the limitations of traditional plastic clips used to secure canes to support wires. After working closely with soft fruit producers across the country, we've identified a solution that's rapidly transforming raspberry operations nationwide.
The Hidden Risk in Your Raspberry Rows
Quality control managers at soft fruit operations know the scenario all too well. UV exposure gradually weakens plastic clips throughout the growing season, making them increasingly brittle as harvest approaches. When these weakened clips snap during the increased activity of harvest operations, plastic fragments can fall directly into fruit containers – creating a serious contamination risk.
What makes this situation particularly troubling is the nature of the contaminant itself. Plastic fragments in raspberries are notoriously difficult to detect through standard quality control processes.
This contamination challenge has pushed many quality-focused operations to assign additional labour to visual inspection lines – an expensive and still imperfect solution to a problem that could be eliminated at its source.
A Simple Switch with Profound Benefits
After extensive field testing with leading UK soft fruit producers, we've found that electric tying machines equipped with paper-coated metal wire offer a comprehensive solution to the plastic clip challenge.
These systems fundamentally transform the cane securing process while delivering four distinct advantages that address the most pressing concerns we hear from raspberry growers:
1. Metal Detectability Eliminates Quality Control Concerns
Perhaps the most significant advantage of switching to electric tying machines is the metal detectability of the ties themselves. Unlike plastic fragments that can easily evade detection systems, any metal tie fragments that might enter the harvested product stream can be immediately identified by standard metal detection equipment already present in most packing operations.
2. Ramp Up the Application Process
Beyond safety advantages, the speed improvements we've documented are substantial. Side-by-side time trials consistently demonstrate that workers using electric tying machines can secure canes at a much higher rate than with traditional plastic clips.
For operations facing seasonal labour challenges and tight planting windows, this efficiency gain often proves just as valuable as the contamination prevention benefits.
3. Perfect End-of-Season Breakdown
Perhaps the most elegant feature of the paper-coated metal ties is their carefully calibrated lifespan. Unlike plastic clips that remain indefinitely until manually removed, these ties follow a predictable degradation timeline aligned with raspberry production cycles.
The ties maintain full integrity throughout the growing season and harvest period, then naturally begin breaking down approximately eight months after application. This engineered decomposition conveniently coincides with post-harvest strip-down operations, eliminating the labour-intensive task of manually removing thousands of securing devices during field clearing.
Two Models to Meet Diverse Operational Needs
Based on feedback from growers with varying operational scales and requirements, we now offer two distinct electric tying solutions:
Bellota 9803 (£599) - Our entry-level model delivers substantial efficiency improvements at an accessible price point. Though slightly heavier due to carrying its wire on the gun itself, the Bellota has proven exceptionally reliable across diverse growing environments.
Infaco AT1000 (£935) - Our premium offering features a featherlight design and belt-clip wire feed system that redistributes weight away from the hand and wrist, maximising comfort during extended use. The AT1000 also offers industry-leading de-snagging capabilities, with operators able to clear and reset knotted wire within seconds.
Both models utilise the same high-quality paper-coated metal ties, delivering identical food safety and breakdown characteristics with different ergonomic experiences.
Surprising Cost Advantages
Many growers initially approach electric tying technology as a quality control solution, only to discover unexpected economic benefits that strengthen the investment case.
When we analyse the complete cost picture with clients, they're often surprised to learn that the metal ties actually cost less per unit than the plastic clips they currently use. When combined with the labour efficiency gains from faster application, reduced mid-season replacements, and eliminated end-of-season removal, the economic advantages become substantial.
Most operations report recovering their initial investment within a single growing season through combined savings on materials, labour efficiency, and reduced contamination risk.
Experience the Difference in Your Operation
While the advantages of electric tying machines are clear on paper, nothing compares to seeing them in action in your own operation. The Agricare team offers on-site demonstrations at raspberry farms throughout the UK, allowing you to evaluate both models in your specific growing environment before making an investment decision.
To arrange a demonstration or discuss which model might best suit your operation's needs, contact our soft fruit specialist team at sales@agricareuk.com or call 01304 842280
Agricare has been supporting UK fruit growers with innovative solutions for over 35 years. Our team works directly with producers to identify and address operational challenges with technology that enhances both efficiency and product quality.
