TBX News

Types of Frost Protection: Which Method Is Right for Your Crop?

Aroha Kareroa — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:44:59 GMT

Types of Frost Protection: Comparing the Options for Orchards and Vineyards

Why Frost Protection Is Critical for Kiwifruit Orchards

Aroha Kareroa — Tue, 12 May 2026 01:27:56 GMT

Kiwifruit has become one of New Zealand’s most important horticultural exports, with orchards across regions such as Bay of Plenty, Northland and Gisborne producing fruit that is shipped to markets around the world. While the crop is highly productive under the right growing conditions, it is also particularly sensitive to environmental factors during certain stages of development.

How Wind Machines Protect Orchards and Vineyards From Frost

Aroha Kareroa — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:15:00 GMT

For growers across New Zealand and Australia, frost is one of the few risks that can develop quietly during the night and leave lasting consequences by morning.

Frost Risk is Changing - And Growers Are Adapting

Aroha Kareroa — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:03:16 GMT

For many orchardists and vineyard managers, frost has always been one of those risks that sits quietly in the background of every season. It is rarely discussed during the warmer months, but when temperatures begin to drop, it quickly becomes the one factor capable of undoing weeks or even months of careful work.

Introducing the TBX Sentry 1000: A New Era in Frost Protection

Aroha Kareroa — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 01:15:44 GMT

Introducing the TBX Sentry 1000: A New Era in Frost Protection, Revealed at Fieldays

A New Standard in Frost Protection for New Zealand Growers

When it comes to frost protection in New Zealand, every grower knows that a few cold nights can cost an entire season’s work. That’s why TBX is proud to introduce the Sentry 1000, our latest innovation in frost fan technology - officially launched at Fieldays 2025.

Introducing TBX: A New Chapter in Frost Protection

yorke.smith@hydralada.co.nz (Yorke) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:35:19 GMT

Over the past few months, you may have noticed a shift in our branding. We are excited to officially introduce TBX, the new name representing our evolution in frost protection solutions.

This rebranding marks an exciting expansion of our product range. While our iconic towable frost fans, the 250H and 650H, remain part of the TowandBlow family, we’ve taken a bold step forward with the launch of a new permanent fan range: Sentry.

The Sentry range of permanent fans demonstrates our commitment to innovation for those seeking a non-towable frost protection solution. Meanwhile, the TowandBlow name continues for our towable models, now branded as ‘TBX TowandBlow’.

We are proud to embrace this change, as it allows us to cater to diverse needs in frost management while staying true to the quality and reliability you’ve come to expect.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and grow!

Portable Frost Machine in Action

bradley.smith@hydralada.co.nz (Brad Smith) — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 22:30:14 GMT

Frost damage can devastate crops—but now, there’s a portable solution!

Ground Crop Frost Protection | Blueberries

bradley.smith@hydralada.co.nz (Brad Smith) — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 01:52:51 GMT

GROUND CROPS | BLUEBERRY CROPS - An efficient and affordable wind machine for blueberry crop frost protection. Developed by New Zealand experts for the world market, the Tow And Blow Machine introduces new technology to solve the inefficiencies and problems associated with traditional wind machines used for frost protection.

The unique design of this fan and shroud provides protection for all crops grown on flat ground, in valleys, or on hills. The ability to angle the fan impeller and oscillate the fan head for these applications allows exceptional versatility, setting the machine apart from traditional fans.

Portability is second to none! Easily transported behind a vehicle the machine can be relocated quickly, with retractable stabiliser legs which are lowered to a secure and level position before elevating the fan to fight the frost.
Check out the price! Affordable frost protection can you be your assurance today. www.towandblow.com

Have the assurance... Protect your crop!

bradley.smith@hydralada.co.nz (Brad Smith) — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 01:14:14 GMT

Developed by New Zealand experts for the world market, the Tow And Blow Machine introduces new technology to solve the inefficiencies and problems associated with traditional wind machines used for frost protection.

The unique design of this fan and shroud provides protection for all crops grown on flat ground, in valleys, or on hills. The ability to angle the fan impeller and oscillate the fan head for these applications allows exceptional versatility, setting the machine apart from traditional fans.

Portability is second to none! Easily transported behind a vehicle the machine can be relocated quickly, with retractable stabiliser legs which are lowered to a secure and level position before elevating the fan to fight the frost.
Check out the price! Affordable frost protection can you be your assurance today. www.towandblow.com

John Galloway - Tow and Blow Testimonial

bradley.smith@hydralada.co.nz (Brad Smith) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 01:19:12 GMT

John Galloway grows kiwifruit and avocados at Athenree near the Waihi Beach coastline. Its a lovely spot to grow fruit! However, John does get some spring frosts here from time to time, not many, but enough for him to look at some form of frost protection. Johns choice was the Tow and Blow fan due to its mobility and also its quiet operation! The machine is situated not far from our house and other neighbours so the quieter the better!

There is the option to have a smartphone connection which John hasn't bothered with but its optional for those that want to be able to monitor the machine remotely. The set-up is very simple with a touchpad screen computer.
The engine is so easy to service, simply lower the fan to the ground and work on it from there, and of course in the off season we put it away in a shed for storage which keeps it in excellent condition. I would certainly recommend the Tow and Blow option, it is a very effective and cost efficient way to protect your kiwifruit!