Product type · Orchard and post-harvest export equipment
Frost-protection wind machines
What is a frost-protection wind machines?
Wind machines are tower fans that pull warmer air from a temperature inversion down into the orchard during radiation frost. They protect several hectares each with less fuel than heaters, but do not work in windy advective freezes without an inversion.
Documented specification examples
Examples from commercial datasheets and independent sources reviewed by SeedMatch on 26 October 2026 (source records held on file). They are not universal ranges, guarantees or offers; confirm every value in the supplier's quotation.
| Area per machine (typical) | about 8–10 acres (3–4 ha) |
|---|---|
| Fan and tower (typical) | about 15 ft (4.6 m) fan on a tower of at least 30 ft (9 m) |
Typical applications: Cherries, apples, citrus, grapes, avocados in frost-prone sites.
Indicative price: not published — no current, comparable sourced price was found. Prices come only from reviewed quotations.
Evidenced sourcing countries: Not established in this research round (not a market ranking).
Advantages
- Covers several hectares per unit
- Less fuel than orchard heaters
- Automatic start options
Limitations and risks
- Ineffective without an inversion
- Noise may need permits
- Gearbox and blades need servicing
Maintenance
- Service gearbox and engine
- Test automatic start
- Inspect blades and tower
Sustainability and compliance
Lower fuel than heaters; electric drives exist in some markets.
Noise and planning permissions may apply.
Questions to ask in your RFQ
- Has the site's inversion strength been measured?
- What area does one machine protect here?
- What noise limits apply?
Components it depends on and projects that use it
Used in project kits: Export sweet cherry orchard
Compare with related types
| Type | Maturity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Frost-protection wind machines | Mature | Cherries, apples, citrus, grapes, avocados in frost-prone sites. |
| Air-blast and tower orchard sprayers | Mature | Cherries, apples, pears, citrus, avocados. |
| Rain covers, hail nets and orchard netting | Mature | Sweet cherries, blueberries, table grapes, apples. |
| Orchard platforms | Mature | High-density apples, pears, cherries. |
| Hydrocoolers and forced-air coolers | Mature | Cherries, berries, stone fruit, vegetables. |
| Optical sorting and grading lines | Established | Cherries, blueberries, citrus, avocados. |
| NIR dry-matter grading for avocados | Established | Hass and green-skin avocados for export. |
| Controlled atmosphere and modified-atmosphere packaging | Mature | Sea-freight cherries, blueberries and avocados. |
Questions buyers ask
Wind machines are tower fans that pull warmer air from a temperature inversion down into the orchard during radiation frost. They protect several hectares each with less fuel than heaters, but do not work in windy advective freezes without an inversion.
Service gearbox and engine. Test automatic start. Inspect blades and tower.
Ineffective without an inversion. Noise may need permits. Gearbox and blades need servicing.
Noise and planning permissions may apply.
Add it to your shortlist with quantities and notes, then generate an RFQ. Our team reviews every request and coordinates suppliers; buyers and suppliers are not put in direct contact. Projects are qualified from USD 250,000.
Independent and official sources
Request frost-protection wind machines through SeedMatch
Requests go through SeedMatch Group. Our team reviews each request and coordinates supplier contact; buyers and suppliers are not put in direct contact. The buyer service is free, and projects are qualified from USD 250,000.
SeedMatch does not manufacture, sell or certify equipment and has no contracts implied with any manufacturer. Suppliers remain responsible for product compliance and export requirements.
Availability and the ability to trade depend on the law of each origin, destination and transit country and on the relevant permits and approvals. SeedMatch Group is not a manufacturer, importer, exporter, seller or regulatory approver; requests are reviewed by our team before any commercial introduction. Each participant is responsible for the requirements of its own role under applicable law: suppliers for their products in the origin and destination countries, buyers for their own import permissions and due diligence. We do not guarantee any supplier's compliance. Participant responsibilities · Regulation & restricted items