WINTER pruning is well under way at vineyards throughout the King and Alpine valleys.

Both mechanical and hand pruning is used at the majority of vineyards, with many bringing in contractors to undertake the mechanical side of things.

That is where vineyard maintenance contractor Michael Marasco comes in.

Mr Marasco uses a Pellenc Visio pruning attachment on his tractor, something he says significantly cuts down the time involved in pruning.

"This machine uses visionic technology, which is the first farming machine equipped with a vision system," he said.

"I’ve been using this machine for four years and growers have come to realise the potential cost-saving over previous models.

"The machine uses sensors to detect the posts and opens and closes (around the post) by itself.

"It tracks the cordon and significantly reduces fatigue."

Mr Marasco said the pre-pruner reduced costs of pruning by as much as 70 per cent and made it easier for hand pruners to finish the job.