Pure performance...

Wind Machines

When one cold night can ruin an entire year’s hard work...

It’s best to play it safe.

Since 1967, we have engineered and built our wind machines / frost fans with precision technology. We take pride in the details, which is why growers from around the world trust the Orchard-Rite name. We design machinery to match your needs and are there to help throughout the process.

At Orchard-Rite, we are dedicated to serving you and your crops, by providing the tools and knowledge to stave off those frosty nights.

Protection from any location...

Special Optional Features

Photo of Remote Monitoring

Remote Monitoring

ORCell™ is the latest innovation in wind machine technology. It allows you to remotely monitor and control your wind machines / frost fans from anywhere in the world. As its name suggests, ORCell™ works by connecting wind machines to a cellular network and from there, the internet.

From the internet, the ORCell™ website provides live status updates so you’re always informed. Receive emails and text alerts while you’re on-the-go and adjust settings of all of your machines as needed. Provides convenience and peace of mind while saving you time and money.

ORCell™ is currently available in select markets. Contact your nearest authorized dealer for more information.

Photo of Auto-Start™

Auto-Start™

Designed in-house, Auto-Start™ technology provides automated protection against frost. Created with settable start and stop temperatures, you control the temperature at which the machine turns on and shuts down. Our Auto-Start™ accessory is accurate to +/- 0.5°F (0.3°C), providing you the peace of mind that your crops will continue to thrive. This accessory is an option for all new Orchard-Rite® wind machines / frost fans, and can be retrofitted to most other makes and models.

  • Start Temperature
  • Warm Up Duration
  • Cool Down Duration
  • Stop Temperature
  • Engine RPM
  • Wind Speed Shutdown

Standard Features

Dependable protection...

Gearboxes and FLEXOR® Steel Input Shaft

Built with durable ductile iron and designed with a FLEXOR® steel input shaft, which is considered to be superior to common alloy steel, our gearboxes come with multiple options to best suit the topography of any location. Extended warranty available.*

Built solid...

Solid Fiberglass Blade

Designed with the latest technology and precision-built for frost control. Strongly reinforced at stress points for added safety and reliability. No wind exclusion in the warranty. Extended warranty available.*

Consistent force...

Drivelines

Three drivelines create maximum torque and rotation transfer. Drivelines are 10’ x 4” with pillow block carrier bearings to allow unhindered movement and durability.

Corrosion resistant...

Tower

The heaviest tower in the industry with a 5/16” walled tube. A two-part paint system maximizes corrosion resistance. Hot-dipped galvanizing available for environments prone to corrosion.

Efficient power...

Engines

Certified to meet EPA emission standards. Powder coating provides resistance to scratches, chipping, and the elements.

Read about how diesel exhaust may affect your health.

Sustained support...

Base

Maximum stability is achieved with a 7yd3 concrete base. High strength, high performance anchor bolts with 3x the corrosion resistance of galvanized. Meets International Building Code (IBC) for wind and seismic loading.

*Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Orchard-Rite extended warranty agreement.

Engine Options

EPA Certified - Liquid/Vapor Propane, Natural Gas, & Gasoline

Oil Pressure, Water Temperature & Over-Rev Protection

EPA Certified Catalytic Converter Muffler

Electronic Controls

Fuel Efficient: 14 GPH (53 LPH) LPG

1 Year Warranty (Engine Only)

Shear Pin Coupler

  • Protects Drivetrain Components

Powder Coated Hood & Frame

  • Increased Protection from Outdoor Elements

TIER III Turbo-Charged Diesel

Oil Pressure, Water Temperature & Over-Rev Protection

Muffler System for Quiet Operation of Engine

Electronic Controls

Fuel Efficient: 5.9 GPH (22.3 LPH)

3 Year/1500 Hour Warranty (Engine Only)

Shear Pin Coupler

  • Protects Drivetrain Components

Powder Coated Hood & Frame

  • Increased Protection from Outdoor Elements

TIER III Turbo-Charged Diesel

Oil Pressure, Water Temperature & Over-Rev Protection

Electronic Controls

Fuel Efficient: 10 GPH (37.9 LPH)

3 Year/1500 Hour Warranty (Engine Only)

Shear Pin Coupler

  • Protects Drivetrain Components

Powder Coated Hood & Frame

  • Increased Protection from Outdoor Elements

What Makes Us Different?

From the drafting table to installation, Orchard-Rite® wind machines / frost fans are engineered and assembled with care and precision. We use the finest raw materials and skilled craftsmen to machine and assemble our products. Our all-fiberglass blades are constructed using a unique design and proprietary process, making them the safest and most effective blades on the market.

Consistent stability for every region...

Stationary Models

All Stationary Models
Tower
  • 5/16” x 20”/7.9mm x .51m
  • Height to Fan-Shaft 35’ (10.7m)
  • Two Part Paint System
  • Silver Paint
Base
  • Concrete Volume 7yd3 (5.35m3)
  • Meets International Building Code
Blade
  • Solid Composite Fiberglass
  • High Efficiency Design
  • No Wind Exclusion
  • Pitch - 8 degrees
  • Extended Warranty Available*
Gearboxes
  • Ductile Iron - 65,00 PSI (448MPA)
  • FLEXOR® Steel Input Shaft
  • Lubrication - Oil Bath
  • Extended Warranty Available*
Gear Oil Capacity
  • Top Gearbox 3 Gal/11.4 L
  • Lower Gearbox 1.4 Gal/5.2L
Drive-Line
  • Three Sections
  • 10’ x 4” (3.05m x 10c)
*Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Orchard-Rite extended warranty agreement.

Compare Stationary Models

2600 Model 2430 Model 1500 Model 1400 Model

Tower

  • Silver Paint

Tower

  • Silver Paint

Tower

  • Silver Paint

Tower

  • Silver Paint

Blade

  • Two Blades
  • Length 19’ 10”/6.05m

Blade

  • Three Blades
  • Length 19’ 10”/6.05m
  • Up to 10dB quieter than our two-blade machines

Blade

  • Two Blades
  • Length 18’ 10” (5.48m)

Blade

  • Two Blades
  • Length 18’ 10” (5.48m)

Gear Oil Capacity

  • Lower Gearbox 1.4Gal/5.2L

Gear Oil Capacity

  • Lower Gearbox 1.4Gal/5.2L

Gear Oil Capacity

  • Lower Gearbox 1.4Gal/5.2L

Gear Oil Capacity

  • Lower Gearbox 1.4Gal/5.2L
2600 Model

Tower

  • Silver Paint

Blade

  • Two Blades
  • Length 19’ 10”/6.05m

Gear Oil Capacity

  • Lower Gearbox 1.4Gal/5.2L
2430 Model

Tower

  • Silver Paint

Blade

  • Three Blades
  • Length 19’ 10”/6.05m
  • Up to 10dB quieter than our two-blade machines

Gear Oil Capacity

  • Lower Gearbox 1.4Gal/5.2L
1500 Model

Tower

  • Silver Paint

Blade

  • Two Blades
  • Length 18’ 10” (5.48m)

Gear Oil Capacity

  • Lower Gearbox 1.4Gal/5.2L
1400 Model

Tower

  • Silver Paint

Blade

  • Two Blades
  • Length 18’ 10” (5.48m)

Gear Oil Capacity

  • Lower Gearbox 1.4Gal/5.2L

Dependability on the go...

Portable Models

The Orchard-Rite® Portable Wind Machine / Frost Fan is ideal for mobile drying and frost protection. Do you have multiple crops, leased land, or crops that need protection in multiple seasons? Do you have an estate vineyard and need to keep your view free of machinery? Or, do you need to dry your crop to accelerate harvest or prevent disease? If you said yes to any of these questions, then this is the machine for you. Whether you need long or short-term protection, the Orchard-Rite® Portable Wind Machine is your solution.

Features:

  • Fits down a 7’.5" (2.28 m) row
  • Protects a variety of crops during multiple seasons
  • Easily adjusts the protection patterns to focus on trouble spots
  • Assists with drying crops on early harvest mornings
  • Available with propane or diesel fuel packages

Customize for your best harvest...

Options & Accessories

Engine Pest Guard
  • Additional protection from wildlife damage
Centrifugal Clutch
  • Improves longevity of the gearboxes and driveline
  • Beneficial during long periods when machine is not in use
Contour & Tilt Heads
  • Improves wind machine coverage on slopes, knolls, ridges, or plateaus
  • Can be custom designed to fit the needs of an area
  • Allows one machine to cover areas that could normally require two standard machines
Laydown Tower
  • Laydown height: 7’ 10” (2.38m)
  • Excellent option for maintaining scenic beauty
  • Works well with pivot irrigation
  • Improves safety for helicopters and airplanes
Driveline Holder
  • Allows engine & gearbox to be removed
  • An excellent option for theft prevention
  • Also reduces risk of pests damaging the engine
Electric Oscillator
  • Allows for a custom sweep area up to 180 degrees
  • Ideal for narrow fields & canyons
  • Prevents wasted coverage of unimportant areas
Vortex™ Anemometer
  • Monitors wind speeds & will shut down machines when speeds are too high
  • Helps prevent wind damage
  • Lowers risk of costly repairs
Dogleg Tower
  • Enhanced coverage of steep slopes
  • Ideal for slopes greater than 6 degrees
  • Combined with the Tilt Head, can cover slopes up to 10 degrees
Lower Gearbox Frame
  • Supports the lower gearbox & driveline while engine is removed
  • Allows engine to be used for other purposes such as irrigation pump
  • Uses a small driveline designed for easy detachment
Stainless Steel Hood
  • Superior corrosion protection
Solar Panel
  • Keeps the engine battery properly charged
  • Ensures the battery is ready to go after long periods of disuse
  • Lowers risk of downtime during frost emergencies

Orchard-Rite®, independently tested and verified key areas of importance in frost fan durability and efficiency.

Test results concluded that the Orchard-Rite 2430 frost fan had the best dB noise level, best airflow, best thrust and the best wind momentum when compared to four and five blade frost fans!

Our Data is Independently Tested & Verified By:

Do You Want the Best?

Orchard-Rite®, independently tested and verified key areas of importance in frost fan durability and efficiency.

Test results concluded that the Orchard-Rite 2600 frost fan had best airflow, best thrust and the best wind momentum when compared to four and five blade frost fans!

Our Data is Independently Tested & Verified By:

Do You Want the Best?

Wind Machine Science and Education

When you use Orchard-Rite equipment, you not only get top-quality performance wind machines / frost fans, but you also get over 55 years of experience. Whether it’s learning about how different weather conditions affect your crops to discovering what crops can be protected by Orchard-Rite® wind machines, we want to be your one-stop for all of your product and knowledge needs.

The Science Behind Wind Machines / Frost Fans

Wind machines / frost fans work with nature to pull the warmer air down into the orchard or growing field to raise temperatures and save crops.

There are two types of freezing weather that can affect crops, advective and radiational. Advective freezing typically occurs in colder, winter months. Radiant frost most frequently occurs in the spring and fall when crops are the most vulnerable.

Advective freezing occurs when cold air is pushed into a region by winds, replacing the warm air that was present.

Radiant frost happens when the sun heats the air and ground around the crops during the day, but cooler temperatures move in at night. When the air cools at night, the heat from the ground radiates and rises, causing a rapid drop in temperatures near the surface. This drop in temperature causes frost to accumulate on plant surfaces, pulling moisture from the plants, leading to dehydration which can cause crop damage.

The warmer air that rose above the ground during the night doesn’t just escape into the atmosphere, it is often trapped in a layer above the crops forming what’s known as an inversion layer.

Orchard-Rite wind machines / frost fans rotate 360º as they pull the warmer air from the inversion layer into the crop zone, mixing it with the cooler air below. Wind machines are most effective when the inversion layer is 15 to 75 feet above the crop zone.

Wind machines / frost fans have proven to be an effective and cost-efficient means of protecting crops of all kinds against the damaging effects of radiant spring frost and advective winter freezes.

Work with Mother Nature using wind machines / frost fans to protect your operation by calling on the experienced professionals at Orchard-Rite.


Frequently Asked Questions

Advantage in numbers

  • Wind machines / frost fans are an effective tool for protecting a wide variety of crops from the damaging effects of frost in locations around the world. Other systems such as overhead sprinklers, heaters, or air drains provide some degree of protection but cannot be effectively and efficiently deployed in the vast numbers wind machines can.

Protect crops by raising temperatures

  • During radiation cooling nights, wind machines / frost fans pull down warmer air and ventilate the growing area to prevent the pooling of cold air. Most importantly, they provide air movement across the plant surfaces which prevents them from supercooling. On still, clear nights fans prevent the buds from supercooling up to 4° F (2.2° C) colder than ambient temperature. Even on weak inversion nights, Orchard-Rite machines substantially reduce the chance of supercooling.

Forms natural frost protection without affecting crop growth

  • Wind machines / frost fans duplicate nature’s natural protection – the wind. Crop damage occurs when the wind stops not only because the temperature drops dramatically, but also because the bud will become 4° (2.2° C) colder than the air temperature. By generating air flow, wind machines prevent this from happening.

Easy to manage

  • Wind machines / frost fans are available when needed and can be programed to start and stop as conditions change. They do not affect your growing conditions and can be moved to new blocks when replanting takes place.

No. Wind machines / frost fans have the opposite effect by keeping plant surfaces warmer under still, calm conditions. On cold, calm nights, the plant surfaces radiate their heat and actually become colder than surrounding air temperature. Wind machines / frost fans warm those surfaces by moving air across them every five minutes.

We recommend starting the wind machines / frost fans 4° F (2.2° C) above the critical temperature for the crop being protected.

Critical temperature is the temperature expected to inflict at least 10% mortality in the buds, fruits, canes, or woods, depending on the crop. In tree fruit crops such as apples, pears, peaches or apricots, specific tables have been created after testing that identify the expected 10% kill temperatures. Where bud charts do not apply, in some areas, the industry provides freezer testing of wood to determine critical temperature.

Supplemental heat is used on nights when the forecasted low is more than 4° F (2.2° C) below the critical temperature. The use of supplemental heat can be expected on nights when the sky clears early, the wind dies early and there is a dew point that is 5°+ (2.75°+ C) below the critical temperature. The wind machine / frost fan will circulate the heat through the block and between machines to prevent the heat from dissipating into the air above the crop.

Supplemental heat is most needed on the side of the block where cold air is infiltrating the protection zone, these areas include behind ditch banks, road beds, and in low areas. Heat in this area will be carried into the block by the drift and will help the wind machine / frost fan keep the temperature above critical on the edge. Without the supplemental heat, the temperature on the drift edge will decrease during the night and damage will occur as the machine struggles to keep the temperature above critical. Supplemental heat can be placed in lines between the wind machines / frost fans so the heat can be circulated back and forth to help improve conditions in the entire block.

Many forms of supplemental heat are used, but the most common are under-tree sprinklers, diesel or propane heaters and wood- or coal-fired heaters.

  • Under-tree sprinklers - Growers utilize under-tree sprinklers to run large blocks (5+ acres) of water at 40 plus or minus gallons/minute/acre. The heat and humidity generated give an additional 2° (1.1° C) of temperature lift (2 hectares and 375 liters/minute/hectare)
  • Heaters - Metal pots heated by diesel, propane, wood, coal, hay, etc. can help the wind machines with an additional 2-4° (1.1-2.2° C) of lift depending on the strength of the system.
  • Yes – If the temperature rises 4° F (2.2° C) above critical due to the arrival of clouds or the wind increases to a steady 10+ MPH (16+ KPH). At that point, the wind is providing the same protection that the wind machine provides.
  • No – If the conditions are clear and there is variable wind, you should continue to run the wind machines even if you are seeing temperatures well below the critical temperature. Because the machines are preventing supercooling, you are still benefiting the crop with the wind machine / frost fan running.

Orchard-Rite Innovations

ORCell™ Remote Monitoring

Orchard-Rite® wind machines / frost fans can be equipped with ORCell™ (cellular) monitoring technology. This allows you to monitor wind machines / frost fans remotely and react quickly without having to physically be in the field. Save time AND reduce labor costs with ORCell!

Learn more about ORCell™

AutoStart

Designed in-house, Auto-Start™ technology provides automated protection against frost. Created with settable start and stop temperatures, you control the temperature at which the machine turns on and shuts down. Our Auto-Start™ accessory is accurate to +/- 0.5°F (0.3°C), providing you the peace-of-mind that your crops will continue to thrive. This accessory is an option for all new Orchard-Rite® wind machines / frost fans and can be retrofitted to most other makes and models.

Contour head

Improves wind machine / frost fan coverage on slopes, knolls, ridges or plateaus. The Contour Head can be custom designed to fit the needs of any terrain. Allows one machine to cover an area that normally requires two standard machines.

Solid Fiberglass blade

Designed with the latest technology and precision-built for frost control. Strongly reinforced at stress points for added safety and reliability. No wind exclusion in the warranty.

Oscillating head

Allows for a custom sweep area up to 180 degrees. Ideal for narrow fields & canyons. Prevents wasted coverage of unimportant areas.

Noise Reduction

The model 2430, 3-blade wind machine / frost fan was designed specifically to provide the highest degree of noise reduction found in the industry and ensure maximum frost protection. We designed a machine that only produces 49dB at 300m and more airflow than any other multi-blade* wind machine / frost fan on the market. In addition, using our 3-blade wind machine / frost fan in lieu of water to protect crops, saves precious water resources where drought is common and water protection is not cost effective.

*Multi-blade refers to wind machines / frost fans with three or more blades.