Strong, Robust, and Saves Hours of Work – David Gunson on Greentec Quadsaw
When David Gunson and his wife took on a 420-hectare sheep and beef farm in Waiotira New Zealand, they never imagined that one day they’d also be managing a thriving avocado orchard and investing in a Greentec Quadsaw for maintenance. But diversification has become a key part of their business.
“In 2013, we bought 28 hectares of volcanic land,” says David. “It had good contour and solid soil — but also gorse, blackberry and plenty of stones.” After years of development, they began planting avocados in 2019 and 2020. Today, the orchard covers seven canopy hectares, with more than 3,200 avocado trees and five kilometres of shelter protecting the crop.
The Challenge with Rising Maintenance Costs
As the orchard grew, so did the cost of maintenance. Contracting out tree and shelter trimming quickly added up, making it harder to manage expenses and timing. “Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a contractor, I decided to put that money into a machine to do it myself,” says David. “It would pay off over a few years — and I’d have complete control over when and how the work got done.”
Finding the Right Equipment
After researching several options, David found that Greentec Quadsaws offered the versatility and build quality he was looking for. “The Quadsaw seemed to be the most versatile,” he explains. “Combined with the Multi-Carrier and Barrier Mower, it’s a really adaptable setup. I can mount it on the tractor or on the digger when I need extra height for shelter trimming.”
This flexibility allows David to handle a range of orchard maintenance tasks efficiently — from trimming avocados when growth gets ahead, to mowing weeds under the trees using the Barrier Mower. “Our avocados are planted on mounds, and the Quadsaw does a nice, clean job cutting the shelter trees,” he adds.
Control and Independence
Since investing in the Quadsaw system, David has reduced his reliance on contractors and gained full control over his pruning schedule. “I’m very happy with the decision to purchase from DTE. It’s been a no-fuss process,” he says. “The equipment is versatile, robust, and gets the job done. I don’t have time to muck around.”
Recommended for Growers
For other horticulturalists and contractors looking to improve flexibility and manage costs, David has a clear recommendation: “I would recommend the Quadsaw to any large horticulturalist or contractor. It’s versatile, it’s strong, and it just works.”
