Caterpillar Tunnel Assembly Video
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024
- UPDATED VIDEO HERE: • How to build a Caterpi...
(For new Gothic and Quonset tunnels)
This is an instructional video for setting up our 14' X 100' caterpillar tunnels. Check them out on our website here: www.farmersfri...
That is an exceptional design, pure simplicity. Very good product !
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I stupidly lost my login password. I love any help you can offer me!
@Chase Ray Instablaster :)
@Thatcher Sage thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process atm.
I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
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@Chase Ray no problem :D
Great system !
- A little dab of grease inside the female pipe joints will make future assemble/disassemble jobs easier and extend their life. Humidity will cause corrosion/rust in the scratches that happen during pipes sliding together.
(Works for trampolines too)
We’re putting these up today on the farm in kortright NY ! Will post video of steps and ease of install as we complete it!
thanks guys for shipping ours to Canada .... we love the ease of setup .... just 1 suggestion for future innovational upgrades ... the side hook that hold up the plastic ripped our plastic in several places when the plastic got wedged into them .... we don't use these any more and hope you come up with a new way to ventilate these tunnels without the use of these fasteners
Hi Eliza, thanks so much for the feedback! We are constantly improving our products. We'll definitely take this into consideration.
I have an idea on ventilation for this, use a one side lift
Interesting design and no need to worry about end walls or doors and such.
Great kit from what I've seen so far, as I'm planning to buy one this summer. I'd love to see an updated video where you build a tunnel using the new ground post kit (to add height) and the center purlin to make a more permanent structure. I'm stoked you now offer those accessories, it's exactly what I am looking for! I'll probably order the 100' kit, but space the hoops ~3.5' apart to cover a 70' bed. I also live in a high wind and snow area (zone 6), so I'm hoping the combination of close hoop spacing, 3 purlins (center and off to the sides), and the wind bracing kit will allow me to keep it going all year round. Also great that I can use the wiggle wire you offer to create standard end walls, as the bunched up plastic would take up more space than I have to offer.
One accessory you could consider in the future would be a roll up side kit, which would probably comprise mostly of additional pipe and wiggle wire tracks. That would personally make my ideal setup complete :) And hey, if you need a test garden for a prototype, I'm available!
Joe, sounds like you have a plan! The only thing I would mention is that if the purlins are offset from center at the top of the tunnel, this can create a snow or water pocket. This can spell disaster for your tunnel and crops.
We have discussed the roll up sides, but currently are not pursuing this idea.
Would love some pics of what your doing, or maybe even a video!
Ordering two one hundred footers. Will film and share once they arrive.
Awesome! Send the films our way once you finish them, we'd love to see them!
Beautiful farm.......great price point for the tunnel as well.
Very nice guys! I was lucky enough to have the "Jolly Green Giant" stop by. Hes great at twisting BIG bread twist ties for the ends. Shalom!!
this is totally awesome!! Thank you!
Okay, question for you. Will snow collapse the top, and if so what preventative measures may be taken?
So my tunnel came with a channel system. I placed 3 channels on each end. One end has the single zipper door and the door plastic has already torn at the bottom where the channel end is. The same seems to be happening on the other end that is tied down to a t-post like this video shows. Why are there not plastic pieces that can be put onto the ends of the channels? They are sharp and dig into the plastic.
Have you tested pulling all the extra plastic to one end, and then building a permanent end wall with a door and screen door? Perhaps a wood end wall would give one anchor points for automatic vents, timers, fans, water, electrical, etc. Can you think of any potential pitfalls in trying something like this?
Can I install an end wall on my caterpillar tunnel?
If you would like to turn your caterpillar tunnel into a more traditional, (semi) permanent structure, all you need to do is add corner wind bracing, a solid center purlin, and wiggle wire on the end bows.
Then, you need to come up with a design for the end walls that will fit your needs and desires. Because there are so many different designs out there, at this point, Farmer’s Friend LLC is just letting you custom-design your own end walls to fit your specific situation.
To help with this, you may want to look at the following links for ideas and plans:
www.noble.org/globalassets/docs/ag/pubs/horticulture/nf-ho-11-01.pdf - detailed instructions on building two large doors in the endwall.
web.extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw/downloads/54183.pdf - a very detailed hoophouse construction guide - with a lot of different options for end walls.
on-the-cheap.com/?s=end+walls+for+caterpillar+tunnels - one farmer’s solution to end walls on our very own caterpillar tunnels.
www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/tools-supplies/quickhoops-scissor-doors-installation-guide.html - detailed instructions on building scissor door end walls - following Eliot Coleman’s minimalistic design.
demandware.edgesuite.net/bbbw_prd/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-JSSSharedLibrary/default/dw7a4fb85a/assets/information/9018-qh-high-tunnel-bender-instruction-manual.pdf - design for a standard-size door in the end wall.
End walls can be constructed with either wooden studs or metal tubing.
NOTE: Although most of the above links show wooden end walls, Farmer’s Friend, LLC recommends using all-metal construction for end wall design. Metal end walls will be more expensive initially, but they will outlast wooden end walls (unless you use treated wood, but who wants those chemicals in your soil?). Do it right the first time and you shouldn’t need to do it again!
Additionally, here are two videos of customers who have put endwalls on our Caterpillar tunnels. Feel free to do a web search and find other ideas if you do not think these will work for your context.
Rain Drop Farms
Bare Mountain Farms
love this channel
Thanks!
I'm planning on doing morels ..with this technology
That would be SWEET! I just ate my first morel last week and am hooked! :D
Hi to framers friends team.
I'm from India I'm a big fan of your caterpillar tunnel and i want one of it but it will be high when we compare to dollers to rupees. So can you send me a how to make a classic caterpillar tunnel. Measurements of two side pieces and centre bow. And the radius of the steel pipe to build one for me. At present I'm in last year and last sem of my graduation. After graduation i want to be Farming so please share this will help me a lot.
Просто , эффективно и недорого !
Brilliant
don't you have to tie a not in the first webbing and hoop and the last so the hoop can't move as much
Love it!!! Thank you!!!
Great video! 💪👏👏👏
Glad you liked it!!
Very interesting video. It is very easy to understand. I am planning to move to Tennessee very soon. how these tunnel do in the Franklin, Tennessee whether?. If you have any about. Thank you.
Sorry for the late response here, but if you end up moving to Franklin, TN, our business is just 45 minutes down the road from you! You could save on shipping costs by coming to pick up the tunnels yourself. :) These tunnels do great in the weather here!
Very nice sir
what do yall recommend for replacement rope? gauge and material?
Awesome design
Thanks my friend
Hi. I first saw this on Curtis Stone's video and have been interested ever since. Does the package include the plastic or would I have to but it separately? Seems like a good thing to know since I'm trying to make a business plan for next spring. Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!
Hi Kelly, apologies for the late response here! Our caterpillar tunnel kits come with everything you need to assemble it, including the plastic, and even down the to the TEK screws. The only thing you will need to provide are 2-4 t-posts for anchoring the ends.
I have an area that is 100 by 40 feet. Can I do a single caterpillar tunnel on this size plot?
Good design 😍
It looks interesting.
If you liked this video, be sure to check out our 2020 version of how to build a caterpillar tunnel here: th-cam.com/video/lAIHSw5iSUI/w-d-xo.html
Thanks this is a Great Product!!
Thanks! We appreciate the feedback!
Are they sold in the UK? (Apologies if the question is asked below...I haven't looked thru the comments)
They are not unfortunately, but Richard Perkins from Ridgedale Permaculture sells them in Europe, so you should check there. Here's a link to his page where he sells them: makingsmallfarmswork.shop/products/20-50m-caterpillar-tunnels
What is the life expectancy of the plastic? And the price?
It comes with 4 year warranty, but I've seen it frequently last longer than that. You can find all our tunnel pricing here: www.farmersfriend.com/caterpillar-tunnel/buy
can you set this up even if the ground isn't totally level? also, can the bed be 14' x 40'....like can you just set it up where there is less rings? lastly, does the t post have to be 12' away from the rings on the end?
Hi Roderick,
1. Yes-our tunnels generally work well even when not on totally level ground. Shouldn't be a problem for you.
2. Regarding the shorter length-Sure, there's no reason that you can't just skip the last two bows and make it 40' instead of 50'. You'll have a little extra plastic on the end, but that's really the only con.
3. At Bountiful Blessings Farm (our testing grounds) they put up a few tunnels with the t-posts approximately 6 feet from the end bows. Seemed to work fine for them. You might also want to check out the way Curtis Stone did his ends-his is probably the most space efficient way.
What was the total length of one pipe ?
How do these do in a heavy snow?
is this normally installed east to west?
Hi there i am from Germany and am interrested in your Tunnel System. Is there a way i could purchace one ?
how do you provide ventilation? Where do I buy your kit from?
Ventilation can come primarily from lifting up the side walls and/or from the end walls if you choose to leave them open instead of doing a cone end like these.
Thanks what is total length of the pipe and what breath of your tunnel and hight of tunnel
If you visit our Tech Specs page you'll find lots more details about the tunnels. farmersfriendllc.com/products/season-extension/caterpillar-tunnel/specs
it's very good job.i like it..
How do you keep the wind from blowing in at the bottom?
Great question. For the most part, insuring that the ropes are nice and snug eliminates most issues with wind. Occasionally after a strong wind storm the plastic may ride up the hoops on one side, so you may need to pull it down after a period of unusually strong wind. But in our testing this doesn't happen very often.
Also, the plastic is now twenty eight feet wide. This would allow for two extra feet on each side to sand bag them down if desired.
Stacy s mom s got it going on
Genius!!
Thanks! Be sure to check out our new updated tunnel video here: th-cam.com/video/lAIHSw5iSUI/w-d-xo.html
Wish there was a smaller one, say 30'.
How long did it take to set up the caterpillar tunnel?
It took us longer on this day because we were filming every step, but a caterpillar tunnel like this can easily be put up in just a few hours. Typically 3-4 for this specific tunnel (100ft Classic Caterpillar Tunnel)
Where can I get all set from?
Good video, except for the unnecessary background tinkle music.
Noted! You might the music selection in our updated Caterpillar Tunnel video better. :) th-cam.com/video/lAIHSw5iSUI/w-d-xo.html
What’s the cost and do you help with for installation or installing
Our prices start at $825 for a 14'x50' greenhouse, and $1450 for a 14'x100'. Plus you'll get free shipping if your order more two or more! We don't currently offer assistance with installation beyond our video tutorials and detailed manual, but we're always just a phone call away if you have any questions during your setup!
hi, could u tell me the measures of the pipes? long, width? etc
You'll find most of the details on our website. The bows are made of 3, 90" pre-bent galvanized pipes.
the best👍
Thanks, Wandy!
in average how much time to the ropes to cut the plastic? thank you in advance
The rope should not move so it wont cut the plastic, a more suitable question would be the life span of the plastic.
Since this is a new product we haven't had years of testing yet, but so far we have not seen any signs of wearing out at the rope contact points on the prototype tunnel on our farm, nor have heard any concerns from customers about this.
What speed of a wind is maintained by this design?
We don't have an official wind rating, but we've heard from many customers of our tunnels withstanding 50+mph winds (and more). There are a lot of factors to consider when dealing with wind, so we wrote a support article with even more details that you might find helpful... support.farmersfriendllc.com/kb/article/125-how-can-i-reduce-the-chance-of-wind-damage-to-my-caterpillar-tunnel/
best design
hi guys, just what I am looking for but, how long of a life does the plastic have due to the elements on average? 5yrs. 10yrs?
Thanks.
UV penetration decreases with each year. You're looking at 3-4 years of use. The plastic might be a in solid shape after that, but the amount of UV making it into your tunnel will have declined. Growing greens, you might still get some use out of it. For fruiting crops like tomatoes, you'd want to replace the plastic.
how long this plastic will last
Our plastic is 6 mil, 4 year plastic. So you can expect at least 4 years out of it.
Press number 4 to pull it tight :D
What is the benefits of this tunnel
Nice idia
1:35 is an absolute lie. I'm putting one together today, and I had to pound the hell out of every single swaged piece to get it to fully go in
that looks boring to instal, where's the fun???
The fun part is when you get to grow the healthiest plants you've ever seen inside of it!
Ya lost me at the rope skipping bows throw here throw there idk man
I know, it can be a challenging part of the install. We include a handy diagram in the manual that helps make it even clearer. Check out page 23 here: assets.farmersfriend.com/originals/pdfs/14-ft-Caterpillar-Tunnel-Manual-20210311.pdf
Plastik NEIN DANKE.!