Caterpillar Tunnel. a s s e m b l y a n d i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l. Watch the video! Scan the code or visit: fflc.

Transcription

1 Caterpillar Tunnel a s s e m b l y a n d i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l Watch the video! Scan the code or visit: fflc.us/tunnel/s

2 Tools needed: Assembling the Bows Tape measure (Preferably 100') Sledge hammer Drill with 3 8" driver This kit includes: Step ladder T-post driver 1. Start by finding a level surface to assemble the bows. 2. There are 3 sections to each bow the 2 side sections have one swegded end which inserts into the center section that is not swegded on either end. (see image) 3. Put one TEK screw in the side of the bow at each joint to keep the bow together. You should have 21 complete bows. A B C D E F 1 130' Roll of Greenhouse Plastic 42 Swedged Bows 21 CenterBows 42 Rebar Stakes ' Spool of Rope 1 Purlin Strap G H I J 21 Side Curtain Hooks 42 Carabiners 42 Anchor Plates 50 TEK Screws a b c Installing Anchor Stakes 1. Before you pound the rebar in the ground be sure to slide one anchor plate over each 2. Pound one stake in the ground every 5' for 100'. When you have the first side done K 2 Purlin Strap Clasps d stake. (see image) If you wait until after you have pounded the stake in, it is possible the measure 14' over on both ends for the second side and again pound a stake in the g f e top could have mushroomed out make it difficult to install. ground every 5' for 100'. Leave 16 18" above ground. 3. Now carry the assembled bows and put them over the the anchor stakes. h i j k 2 Well-designed, quality tools and equipment farmersfriendllc.com (931) support@farmersfriendllc.com 3

3 Attaching the Purlin Strap Applying the Plastic 1. The next step is putting the T-post anchors at each end of the tunnel. Pace out 10'-12' from each end and centered in the tunnel. Pound 2 posts in as close to each other as you can leaning away from the tunnel. 4. Snug the strap up, but before you tighten it much make sure all the bows are standing up straight and that the purlin strap is in a straight line down the center. 1. Unroll plastic down one side of the tunnel. Be sure to have about the same amount of extra on each end. 3. Once you have the plastic all the way on, put one person on either end and pull it tight lengthwise. Bunch the end of the plastic together and slide it down between the T-posts and then tie the posts together really tight. Cut a few feet of rope off the spool for doing this. You will have plenty extra rope. 2. Slide one purlin strap clasp over one of the T-posts at each end. 2. Now you are ready to pull the plastic over the tunnel. Make sure that the side of the plastic printed inside is facing down towards the inside. Do NOT do this on a windy day! 3. Take the purlin strap and insert it in the clasp at one end. Using your step ladder wrap the strap once around each bow (top center) and then through the clasp on the other end. 5. Now go ahead and pull the purlin strap tight from both ends. You want to get it as tight as you can. 4 Well-designed, quality tools and equipment farmersfriendllc.com (931) support@farmersfriendllc.com 5

4 1. Now you are ready to put the rope on to anchor the plastic. Position the roll of rope at the end of the tunnel in a way that you can easily pull the rope out. Start by tying a loop at the end of the rope. Attach the loop to the left (looking at the tunnel from the end) anchor plate clasp on the 1st bow. 2. Skip the 2nd bow and put the rope through the clasp on the 3rd bow. Next pull out a loop of rope between the 1st and 3rd bows that is long enough for you to throw over Securing the Plastic the tunnel. Throw it over the tunnel and attach it to the clasp on the 2nd bow. Before attaching the rope to the second bow make sure the rope is not twisted. 3. Now go back to the side you started on and do that process again. Skip the 4th bow and attach the rope to the 5th. Pull out enough rope between the 3rd and 5th that you can throw over the tunnel and attach to the 4th. Do this process all the way down the tunnel and then back. On the way back you will be attaching the rope to the bows that you skipped. When you get back to the end you started at, the rope will be anchored on the 1st bow on the opposite side that you started. 4. Before you anchor the end of the rope you need to tighten it. On the left side of the tunnel go to the 3rd bow. Pull down on the right rope and up on the left. Have your helper go to the 5th bow while you hold the rope tight. They will do the same process pull down on the right rope and up in the left. Once they have pulled the rope tight you can go past them and continue tightening the rope on every other bow. Do not pull the rope super tight. When you come back tightening the bows you skipped it will tighten the plastic more. 5. When you get to the far end you will turn around and go back to the end you started at. This time you will tighten the rope on the bows you skipped. The only difference is now you will be pulling down on the left side and up on the right to tighten. 6. Now to finish tightening you will go to the 1st bow on the right side. Pull the rope tight and tie a loop to clip on the carabiner. We recommend leaving the extra rope attached. If you cut it off it will make roping the the plastic down a second time very difficult if you move it. 7. The last step: attach the side curtain hooks Well-designed, quality tools and equipment farmersfriendllc.com (931) support@farmersfriendllc.com

5 762 Dry Prong Rd., Williamsport, TN (931)