Tying is a critical step in orchard management, whether you’re securing young trees to stakes, training branches for fruit load, or keeping new growth in alignment with your trellising system. Done manually, this repetitive task is time-consuming, inconsistent, and labor-intensive.

The AT1000 tying machine from INFACO USA is changing the game. Paired with the F3020 electric pruning shears, this electric tying tool helps growers across the U.S. save hours each day during high-demand periods. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to optimize tying with the AT1000, configure the tool for different orchard needs, and train your team to use it effectively.

Why orchard tying efficiency matters

Labor costs keep rising

With fewer seasonal workers available and tighter margins, every saved hour in the field makes a difference. In some orchards, tying can represent up to 15% of total labor time during the off-season. Automating this task even partially can unlock major savings.

Tree health depends on proper tying

Incorrect or rushed tying leads to:

• Broken limbs from wind or fruit load

• Girdling that chokes growth

• Uneven canopy structure
  
  

The AT1000 helps mitigate these risks by delivering consistent tension and placement for every tie, no matter who’s using it.

Configuring the AT1000 for tree types

The AT1000 isn’t a one-size-fits-all device. It offers several adjustable settings and wire types to match your orchard’s needs.

Adjustable tie strength

You can configure:

• Tension level: soft for delicate stems, high for older wood

The strength of the knot is determined by the number of twists and should be adjusted based on various factors, including weather conditions, wood types, pruning technique

• Wraps per tie: with the AT1000, you can easily select your desired number of twists, ranging from 1 to 4, directly on the machine's display screen. Simply press the "settings" button to adjust and choose between 2 to 7 twists.

For young apple or cherry trees, go with a lighter tension to avoid crushing the bark. For almonds or peaches on heavy trellises, choose double turns with medium wire.

Wire size options

The AT1000 uses steel wire coated in biodegradable paper, available in four gauges:

How to use the AT1000 efficiently

1. Prepare your workflow

Group trees or rows that require tying. Pre-cut your stakes or position wires so you’re not walking back and forth. Set the tying tension in advance based on tree age.

2. Keep wire tension balanced

Too loose = wasted time. Too tight = risk of damaging limbs. The AT1000 offers quick adjustability, making it easy to switch tension based on tree type.

3. Keep your wire cartridges loaded

Each spool delivers up to 3,000 ties. Carry extras in a belt pouch and plan for quick reloads at logical breaks. Refill takes only 30 seconds once practiced. Simply re-insert the wire into the back of the machine, press the trigger, and you’re ready to go.

4. Regular maintenance

Clean the head of sap and dust daily. 

Orchard tying case study

📍 Yakima Valley, Washington
Operation: 50-acre apple orchard
Challenge: Tying young trees manually was slow and inconsistent
Adoption: 8 AT1000 units added to F3020 fleet
Training: 20 workers onboarded in one morning with on-site demo

Results:

• Tying time reduced by 45%

• Standardized tie quality across 90% of rows

• Wire usage dropped by 12% due to accurate wraps

• New hires trained in under 10 minutes using visual and field tutorials
  
  

Quick tying demo

🎥 Want to see the AT1000 in action? → Watch the orchard tying tutorial on YouTube

You’ll see how quick tie speed, ergonomic grip, and biodegradable wire come together to deliver massive labor savings.