ITM Agbeam is now established as the premium support structure for the Kiwifruit Industry in New Zealand.

Those in this industry, who demand quality product, quality service and long-term benefit, hold it in high regard in terms of addressing cost efficiencies, increased production and busy seasonal turnarounds. They enjoy working directly with a manufacturer who proactively remains customer focused and willing to assist with new initiatives and industry developments.

One such example is the current trend for a ‘high wire’ support system for both strip male and may-pole configurations.

ITM Agbeam Offers
Available Lengths
Production Timetable
Recommended Load Carrying Capacity
Costings
Contractors
Recommended Storage Methods

ITM Agbeam Offers

• Purpose made lightweight hollow section Galvanised beam to support Kiwifruit, Persimmon and other load bearing horticultural structures.
• Consistent specifications on product quality; no knots, warping or brittleness. A clean smooth surface preventing insect or fungus accumulation. Much stronger and lighter than wood.
• Simple joining methods using slip on galvanised sleeve.
• Significant (60%) saving on time and labour over conventional timber pergola.

ITM Agbeam is now manufactured using either a 1.15mm or 1.55mm Pre Galvanised base material sourced from New Zealand Steel. It is then shaped into a hollow section with outside dimensions of 63mm x 37.6mm. The finished product has Tensile Yield strength of 350MPA minimum, and a total Zinc Coat weight of 450 grams per square metre shared over both external and internal surfaces.

ITM Joiner is also now made in two wall thicknesses 1.85mm and 1.55mm with the same performance specifications. Both sizes are designed to simply slide over the Agbeam as a connecting sleeve.

ITM Agbeam is normally milled in 5 to 10 metre lengths within a 50mm tolerance. These are packed in bundles of 50 lengths and filleted with plastic webbing. Shorter lengths and smaller quantities are available on request but may incur additional surcharges.

ITM Joiners are normally Precision-cut to 400mm lengths and delivered in palletised bundles. Alternate lengths are also available to meet specific requirements, especially where additional load capacity is required.

Production Timetable

In order to meet seasonal requirements, monthly Mill Production is scheduled February through September inclusive, with bi-monthly runs thereafter as needed.

Deliveries will normally occur during the last week of each month.

Wherever possible deliveries will be made direct to site, however access limitations and off loading requirements may incur additional costs by arrangement.

Recommended Load Carrying Capacity

Technical spanning and loading specifications are available for both thicknesses of Agbeam but is very reliant upon the erection methods used.

However there are many examples where standard (1.15mm) Agbeam has proven capable of carrying a combined weight including fruit, plant and water retention of 7.6kg per square metre over a 25 square metre bay. Heavier gauge (1.55mm) Agbeam obviously increases this capacity but is normally used to address larger bay sizes.

Other proven methods of increasing capacity include the use of:

• Diagonal Agbeam braces.
• Standard length Joiners placed directly on each post.
• Longer lengths of Joiner placed on each post.
• A comprehensive range of galvanised fixing brackets now developed to ensure adequate mounting on to existing posts, T Bars etc. This includes several bracket options designed to raise the height of canopy cover.
• Plastic or nylon wire retaining clips to prevent Galv rub and retain even wire spacing across the canopy.

Although beyond our control, we suggest the following as suitable for the Zespri Gold variety under normal conditions using standard Agbeam, Joiner and standard fixing methods.

• Canopy area per bay approximately 25 square metres.
• No more than 1.5 metre unsupported overhang on ends.
• Agbeam placed on top of posts, separated with standard damp-proof course material and secured using either a 150mm Galvanised Flathead nail (with neoprene washer); a tensioned galvanised strap skew nailed into each side of the post; or one of several brackets specifically designed and available for this purpose.

As a very basic guideline using these suggested construction specifications, some 1717 metres of Agbeam are required per hectare along with 60 metres of Joiner material.

Costings

ITM Agbeam & Joiner is sold on a per metre basis either to the end user direct, their selected contractor, their horticulture or steel merchant.

Costs include a freight rebate that provides free Hiab delivery into Katikati, Tauranga, and Te Puke areas. This is based on full truckloads leaving our store. Alternative delivery requirements can easily be arranged with additional costs passed on to the customer.

From time to time and under specified conditions, ‘pack size rebates’ and/or ‘prompt payment discounts’ may be available. Please enquire directly or with your chosen supplier for details.

Contractors

ITM have developed close working relationships with a number of professional contractors and willingly recommend those who now specialise in the use of ITM Agbeam and associated products.

Recommended Storage Methods

Bundles of Agbeam are delivered already filleted with plastic webbing and coated in protective oil. This is adequate for short-term storage.

For longer-term storage, it is recommended that the bundles be broken open and re-filleted with wider packing to assist airflow and the normal oxidisation process of Galvanised material to occur. In all cases suitable rain cover with adequate ventilation would be beneficial. Long-term storage of Joiner units should be treated in the same way as above.