Tunneltec - designed for growers, engineered to last.

Why choose TunnelTec for your multibay tunnels?

TunnelTec is formidable combination of marketing expertise, grower experience, engineering knowledge and a very competivive production cost.

Growers asked for stronger hoops.
Our hoop steel for 6.5 metre tunnels is 38mm OD and for 7.5 to 8 metre tunnels it is 43mm OD - both are based on 1.65mm wall thickness. In our opinion this increase in size gives a significant improvement in the strength to mass ration (which means that the increase in weight is less than the extra strength gained.) Should a grower not wish to have this higher grade, then we can of course simply match the standard grade tha our competitors use - for which we offer a discount.

Growers asked for better auger flight
After one of two seasons growers have found that a number of their auger flights have started to distort and rust - showing signs of metal fatigue. We believe that this is one of the most critical components of the tunnel leg so the first improvement was made to increase the flight to 3mm in thickness - a 20% increase. We also increased the welding around the flight. Our next improvement was to created the "true screw) auger. This has been designed to actually screw into the ground, compared to a boring action as before. It is ideal for hard and stony conditions - but will work quickly and efficiently in any soil environment.

Growers were concerned about the quality of galvanising
Growers have shown major concern about the increasing deterioration of their steel components. The combination of the British climated and the process of moving tunnels, places considerable demands on "Spanish Style" tunnels. We decided to opt for hot dipped galvanising post manufacturing. This not only totally galvanises every weld oint, but internally as well - this even includes the end of the tubing. The thickness is nearly double that of standard steel, which means it could potentially last up to three times longer before showing signs of rust.]

Growers asked for innovative solutions that they can actually use.
We have made a policy decision to make sure that innovations are based on actual need - not simply for the sake of changing things.

Our ridge pole system - called Atlas Link - converts a standard tunnel into a ridge structure. By using a hook, clamping system the hoop and ridge pole are braised vertically and horizontally. The ridge pole sleeves into itself - like a tent pole - and is locked using a clip pin. They key was to strengthen the whole tunnel and maintain mobility at the same time.

This Winter we will be launching a new roping system based on the cleat idea that locks the rope into a quick release clip. This will remove the need for knots and half hitches - increasing speed of installation, maintenance and dismantling.

In 2003 we will be launching a new concept in multibay tunnels - code name M1 - when the grower will be able to adjust the air volume depending on the time of the year and the plants growing conditions. It is also a tunnel that does not need planning permission.

Just a few of the ideas that we have available today and developments that we are working on for the future...watch this space.

Autumn 2002

Crop PRO-TECH Ltd the UK leading supplier of Spanish Tunnels, Polytunnels, Greenhouses, Bed formers, Poly-layers, Poly winder, Horticultural Machinery, Table Tops, Growing Systems, Agricultural nettings, Agricultural Polythene.