Orchard-Rite

What Orchard-Rite does

Orchard-Rite Ltd., Inc. is a privately held, family-owned agricultural equipment manufacturer founded in 1967 in Yakima, Washington, where it operates a 104,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on a 20-acre site. The company produces two core product lines: (1) wind machines / frost fans (Stationary models 2600, 2430, 1500, 1400 plus Portable and Laydown variants) that mix warmer inversion-layer air into the crop zone to protect fruit, nut, and vine crops from frost damage, with engines available in propane, diesel, gasoline, and natural gas configurations; and (2) self-propelled tree shakers (Bullet, Monoboom, Two-Piece Shaker and Receiver) used to mechanically harvest almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, and cherries. Hardware differentiation rests on in-house developed and trademarked systems including AccuShake (variable shake profile), HydraShake (hydrostatic shake power), WetHead (water-silicone lubrication), FLEXOR steel gearboxes, solid composite fiberglass blades, AutoStart temperature automation, and ORCell cellular remote monitoring — performance claims independently certified by SSA Solutions and DARcorporation.

Name

Orchard-Rite

Legal name

Orchard-Rite Ltd., Inc.

Website

https://orchard-rite.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Orchard-Rite is a privately held manufacturer of wind machines / frost fans and tree shakers for commercial fruit, nut, and vine growers, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Yakima, Washington, distributing globally through a network of factory-trained dealers and regional subsidiaries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Equipment

NAICS

Lawn and Garden Tractor and Home Lawn and Garden Equipment Manufacturing (333112)

SIC

Farm Machinery & Equipment (3523), Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564)

akta.pro primary industry

Vineyard Frost, Heat & Climate Risk Mitigation (Frost Fans, Netting, Shade, Smoke) (AFAGAJAM)

Keywords

• Frost protection wind machines
• Tree shaker harvesters
• Agricultural frost fans
• Nut harvesting equipment
• Orchard crop protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Union

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Wind Machines / Frost Fans: Stationary and portable wind machines for frost protection sold directly to growers through a global distributor network. Models include 2600, 2430, 1500, and 1400 stationary machines, plus portable and laydown variants. Engines available in propane, diesel, gasoline, and natural gas configurations.
2. Tree Shakers: Self-propelled tree shaker machines (Bullet, Monoboom, Two-Piece) and companion Two-Piece Receiver for nut and fruit harvesting. Sold with crop-specific shaker heads (108 Almond/Walnut, 702 Walnut/Pecan, 220 Head) through distributors.
3. Parts & Service: Replacement parts, preventive maintenance services, and annual service programs offered through factory-trained dealers and service professionals worldwide. Regional service providers like Cascade Wind Machine (owned by Orchard-Rite) and Superior Wind Machine provide maintenance.
4. ORCell Remote Monitoring System: Cellular remote monitoring communications system for wind machines. Provides real-time status monitoring, remote control, fuel tracking, and alert notifications via cellular network. Currently available in select markets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Orchard-Rite designs, manufactures, and distributes wind machines (frost fans) and self-propelled tree shakers for commercial orchards and vineyards. Its wind machines protect tree and vine crops from frost damage by mixing warm inversion-layer air into the crop zone, while its tree shakers mechanically harvest tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans) and fruit (cherries). The company sells exclusively through a global network of factory-trained dealers and wholly-owned regional subsidiaries, and offers the ORCell cellular remote monitoring system as a subscription add-on.

Product overview

Orchard-Rite is an agricultural equipment manufacturer offering two core product lines: wind machines/frost fans for crop protection and tree shakers for harvesting. The wind machine portfolio includes Stationary, Tri-Blade (M2430), Portable, and Laydown models, alongside proprietary accessories like AutoStart automation, ORCell remote monitoring, Contour/Tilt Heads, and Dogleg Towers. The tree shaker line comprises the Bullet (down-the-row), Monoboom (scaffold/trunk shake), Two-Piece Shaker, and Two-Piece Receiver, all featuring proprietary technologies including HydraShake, AccuShake, and WetHead systems. The ORCell system connects to wind machines via cellular networks for remote monitoring and control through a proprietary web platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ORCell: Cellular remote monitoring communications system that allows growers to remotely monitor air temperature, engine speed, battery voltage, and engine status of wind machines from anywhere in the world.
• AutoStart
• AccuShake
• WetHead
• HydraShake

Products and services

• Bullet Tree Shaker A highly efficient, compact self-propelled tree shaker designed for down-the-row driving from tree to tree with reduced ground compaction and no backing required. Equipped with the 108 Almond and Walnut head for almonds, walnuts, and high-density pecan harvesting. For commercial nut and fruit harvesting operations.
• Monoboom Tree Shaker Industry-standard tree shaker with a long boom reach for both scaffold and trunk shaking, compatible with the Side Shooter accessory for down-the-row harvesting. Features AccuShake technology and two crop-specific heads (108 Almond/Walnut Head and 702 Walnut/Pecan Head). For commercial nut and fruit harvesting operations.
• Two-Piece Shaker Versatile tree shaker with a unique canvas tensioning system and a deck 1,500 pounds lighter than other two-piece shakers. Equipped with HydraShake for powerful shaking, AccuShake for customizable profiles, and WetHead cooling system. Uses the 220 Head for crop-specific shaking. For commercial nut harvesting operations.
• Two-Piece Receiver Harvesting receiver that pairs with the Two-Piece Shaker to maximize crop yield and profits while reducing time and labor. Features fully adjustable cab seat, multiple bin options, and high-strength lightweight frame. For commercial harvesting operations.
• Stationary Wind Machine Fixed-position frost protection wind machine providing continuous crop protection. Features solid composite fiberglass blades, ductile iron gearboxes with FLEXOR steel input shaft, and 5/16-inch walled tower. Available in multiple models including 2600, 2430, 1500, and 1400 with propane, diesel, gasoline, and natural gas engine options. For commercial orchards, vineyards, and farms requiring continuous frost protection.
• Tri-Blade Stationary Wind Machine (Model 2430) Noise-reducing stationary wind machine with three-blade design. The M2430 model produces only 49 dB at 300 meters and 55 dB at 150 meters, meeting Australian and New Zealand noise standards. Offers best airflow, thrust, and wind momentum among multi-blade frost fans. For noise-regulated sites, scenic areas, and residential-adjacent orchards.
• Portable Wind Machine Mobile frost protection unit ideal for leased land, estate vineyards, or farms with multiple crops. Provides both frost protection and crop-drying capabilities. Features propane or diesel fuel packages and fits down a 7'5 inch row. For growers needing flexibility across multiple sites or crops.
• Laydown Wind Machine Wind machine with a laydown tower design for undisturbed views and improved safety, with a laydown height of 7 feet 10 inches. Excellent for scenic areas and compatible with pivot irrigation. For sites requiring low visual profile and pivot-irrigation compatibility.
• ORCell Remote Monitoring System Cellular-based remote monitoring and control system for Orchard-Rite wind machines. Allows growers to monitor, start/stop, and adjust frost protection settings from anywhere via desktop, laptop, tablet, or cell phone. Features real-time notifications, temperature monitoring, engine status tracking, and fuel tank monitoring. Available as a subscription in select markets. For commercial growers managing multiple wind machines across dispersed sites.
• AutoStart Automated Frost Protection System Automated frost protection accessory with settable start and stop temperatures, accurate to +/- 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Available for all new Orchard-Rite wind machines and retrofittable to most other makes and models. Controls engine RPM, wind speed shutdown, and warm-up/cool-down durations. For growers seeking to eliminate manual overnight frost monitoring.

Quantifiable outcome

• Wind machines can raise crop temperatures 3-12 degrees F depending on inversion strength and site conditions
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pacific Distributing, Inc. (PDI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized PDI distributor locations in Chico, Hughson, Selma, Shafter, and Woodlake, California. PDI handles sales, service, and parts for Orchard-Rite tree shakers and wind machines in California. PDI has donated tree shakers to Chico State University Farm School. Multiple testimonials cite PDI as a trusted dealer.
• Cascade Wind Machine (CWM)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFactory-owned service provider handling wind machine sales, service, and parts in the Pacific Northwest. Locations in Yakima and Wenatchee, Washington. Provides preventive maintenance and machine relocation services for growers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Owned by Orchard-Rite.
• Superior Wind MachinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor covering Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Provides sales, service, and parts for Orchard-Rite wind machines in the Eastern US and Midwest.
• Orchard-Rite Pty Ltd (Australia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCompany-owned subsidiary handling sales, service, and parts in Australia. Locations in Griffith, NSW and Mildura, VIC. Ben Daking (with 25+ years of frost mitigation experience) joined the team in July 2023 to support Australian and New Zealand operations.
• FruitFed Supplies (New Zealand)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in New Zealand with multiple locations in Cromwell, Richmond, Blenheim, and Hastings covering Central Otago and Marlborough wine regions. Provides sales, service, and parts for Orchard-Rite wind machines in New Zealand.
• Swan Hill Kubota (Australia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian dealer referenced by multiple growers (Mazzarella Farms, G & S Mase Ltd.) as the source of Orchard-Rite Frost Fan purchases, providing parts and service support.
• PrairieCoast Equipment (Canada)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in British Columbia, Canada with locations in Kamloops and Kelowna. Provides sales, service, and parts for Orchard-Rite wind machines.
• Orchard-Rite de Mexico S de RL de CVcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCompany-owned subsidiary covering Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Leon, Nuevo Leon, Sonora, Baja California Norte, Tamaulipas and other Mexican states.
• SSA SolutionscoreTechnology or IntegrationIndependent testing partner that verified Orchard-Rite frost fan performance data including thrust, wind momentum, and airflow through certified testing.
• DARcorporationcoreTechnology or IntegrationIndependent engineering testing firm that verified and certified Orchard-Rite frost fan performance data (noise levels, airflow, thrust, wind momentum).
• Chico State University Farm SchoolminorOthersPDI Chico donated one Orchard-Rite tree shaker to Chico State University Farm School, valued at approximately $30,000 annually in savings for the university. Provides students with early access to industry equipment.
• AG Group (Spain)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Spain covering sales, service, and parts for Orchard-Rite products. Multiple contact personnel for sales, service, and parts.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• FrostBoss (Frost Products Limited): New Zealand-based manufacturer of frost fans for orchards and vineyards, the most direct global head-to-head competitor to Orchard-Rite's wind machine line. Sells comparable multi-blade stationary frost fans with auto-start and remote monitoring features.
• Flory Industries: California-based manufacturer of nut harvesting and orchard equipment including tree shakers, sweepers, and conditioners. Directly competes with Orchard-Rite's Bullet, Monoboom, and Two-Piece shaker lines in the California almond and walnut markets.
• Weiss McNair: Long-established manufacturer of tree shakers, nut sweepers, and conditioners for almond, walnut, and pistachio growers. Closest direct competitor to Orchard-Rite's tree shaker portfolio, especially within California nut acreage.
• Orchard Machinery Corporation (OMC): Manufacturer of tree shakers and orchard equipment focused on nut and fruit harvesting. Competes with Orchard-Rite in mechanical harvesting, particularly for almonds, walnuts, and prunes.
• Jackrabbit: California-based manufacturer of tree shakers, conditioners, and nut-handling equipment. Direct competitor in the tree-shaker category serving almond and walnut growers across the western US.
• Agrofrost: European manufacturer of frost protection equipment including wind machines, burners, and anti-frost candles. Competes with Orchard-Rite in Mediterranean orchard and vineyard markets, particularly Spain, France, and Italy.
• Amarillo Wind Machine: Italian-influenced manufacturer of orchard wind machines for frost protection. Direct competitor to Orchard-Rite in European and select international markets, with comparable stationary frost fan offerings.
• Tow and Blow: New Zealand manufacturer of mobile/towable frost fans targeting smaller orchards and vineyards. Competes with Orchard-Rite's Portable wind machine line and addresses similar frost protection use cases with a different deployment model.

Broad incumbents

• John Deere: Global broad-line agricultural equipment manufacturer with a deep specialty-crop and orchard tractor portfolio. Does not directly compete in wind machines or tree shakers, but is the dominant incumbent in adjacent specialty crop equipment categories and a key account for many shared growers.
• Kubota: Broad-line agricultural and compact equipment manufacturer with growing specialty crop and orchard presence. Competes indirectly through dealer networks that also sell into Orchard-Rite's customer base, and through tractors paired with third-party shaker implements.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/orchardrite1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/orchard-rite-limited-inc.

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Orchard-Rite