How the electric combo tools F3020 + AT1000 Can Cut Your Labor Time in Half in the vineyard

Managing labor is one of the biggest challenges facing American farmers today — especially in vineyards and orchards where skilled seasonal workers are harder to find and more expensive to retain. If you’ve been relying on manual tying and pneumatic or hand pruners, there’s a smarter path forward.

With the INFACO F3020 electric pruning shear and the AT1000 automatic tying tool, growers are not just replacing outdated tools — they’re transforming how work gets done. These labor-saving farm tools are built to reduce pruning time, improve ergonomics, and deliver a clear return on investment for vineyard and orchard operations of all sizes.

Case Study from Vineyards: Real-World Labor Savings

Let’s look at a California vineyard manager operating 45 acres with a combination of mature vines and replant blocks.

Before INFACO:

• Pruning time: 12–15 cuts per minute with manual shears

• Tying: 1,000+ ties per worker/day by hand

• Crew size: 10 seasonal workers for 3–4 weeks

• Average pruning cycle per block: 18–20 days
  
  

After INFACO F3020 + AT1000 combo:

• Pruning speed: 25–30 cuts/minute with the F3020

• Tying speed: 3,000+ ties/day with the AT1000

• Crew size: 6–7 workers

• Block cycle time: 9–10 days
  
  

The result? Labor time cut nearly in half, with no sacrifice in quality. And workers experience less fatigue, allowing more consistent work across longer days.

Tool Synergy: Cut + Tie Without Breaking Momentum

The genius of the F3020 and AT1000 combo lies in how seamlessly they integrate into vineyard workflows.

F3020 Electric Pruning Shear

• High-performance cutting up to 40mm (Maxi head)

• Battery-powered design

• Adjustable blade openings for faster tempo on fine cuts

• Ergonomic handle to minimize strain

• Modular system = also supports fencing & hoof trimming
  
  

AT1000 Automatic Tying Tool

• Fully automatic tie cycle (0.4 to 0.7 seconds)

• Compatible with biodegradable wire rolls

• Adjustable tension settings for different crops or trellising

• Light, compact, and compatible with the same power base as the F3020
  
  

One power system. One training. One battery charger.

Together, these tools create a cut + tie loop that eliminates dead time, walking back to tool stations, and manual repetition. You’ll finish rows faster — and your team will notice the difference.

Breaking Down ROI in Real Terms

Switching to electric tools is an investment — but one that pays off fast if you know your numbers.

Scenario: 25-acre vineyard with mixed age vines

Labor Cost Impact:

• Estimated $8,000 to $10,000 savings per season on wages

• ROI on equipment: within 1.5 seasons
  
  

This doesn’t factor in secondary savings like:

• Fewer worker injuries

• Lower training time (simplified tool design)

• Greater scheduling flexibility (rain-safe tools, less fatigue)
  
  

 

A Better Experience for Farm Crews

It’s not just about output — it’s about comfort, safety, and satisfaction.

Ergonomics:

• Tools weigh less than 2 lbs each

• Designed for balanced handling

• Reduce wrist tension by 50% (confirmed in INFACO field studies)
  
  

Worker Retention:

• Less fatigue = better morale

• More consistent productivity

• Easier to attract workers with high-end, easy-to-use gear
  
  

In short, giving your team smarter tools makes everyone's job better — and makes it easier to build a loyal seasonal crew year after year.

Common Questions: F3020 + AT1000 in Practice

Q: Can both tools run on the same battery?
Yes. The AT100036 plugs into the same harness and battery as the F3020. No need for separate charging stations. The AT1000 has its own integrated battery. 

Q: Can I tie all vine types with the AT1000?
Absolutely. Adjustable tension and tie speed make it effective on new growth, canes, and cordons.

Q: How durable is the wire for the AT1000?
The tying wire used with the AT1000 is engineered for both strength and sustainability. It features a steel core wrapped in a biodegradable paper coating. This design ensures strong, reliable holds during the growing season while allowing for natural decomposition over time, which is especially valuable for vineyard and orchard ecosystems.

You can choose from four different wire types, each adapted to a specific tying need or regional climate condition (e.g., wind exposure, humidity). The wire's durability typically ranges from 8 to 12 months, depending on local environmental factors and the specific type of tie used.

Q: How long do the batteries last?
The 36V battery runs up to 10 hours on a full charge — enough for a full pruning + tying shift.

Q: Is maintenance complicated?
Not at all. Both tools require only basic cleaning and seasonal revision — handled easily by authorized dealers.

Why the Combo Makes the Most Sense in 2025 and Beyond

The U.S. ag industry faces:

• Labor shortages

• Rising wage pressures

• More competition from automation
  
  

But automation doesn’t have to mean robotics. Sometimes it’s about replacing old, slow, repetitive systems with high-efficiency, crew-friendly tools like the F3020 and AT1000.

Key advantages:

• Lower labor-to-acre ratios

• Faster ROI

• Safer and more consistent operation

• Scalable for orchards, vineyards, or mixed farms
  
  

 

 

Ready to Cut Labor Time in Half?

The INFACO F3020 and AT1000 combo is the fastest way to modernize your fieldwork without needing to overhaul your entire operation. With a single power base and unmatched tool synergy, you’ll unlock serious labor savings — and simplify every pruning season from here on out.

Request a demo with an INFACO USA expert today.