3. INSTALLING SNAPMAXTM Place the SnapMaxTM over the vine.  The base of the guard should be buried a minimum of 5 to 7cm to seal it from pests and herbicide sprays and to secure it against strong winds. The guard must be place on the wire so that the triangle points towards the predominating wind. In the case of sloping vineyards, the triangle must point outwards. In the event the ground is too shallow, mound the soil around the base of the guard. Do not force the SnapMaxTM under the wire as excessive downward pressure may cause bowing. When installing SnapMaxTM in a vineyard that has not yet been trellised, position the guard by attaching a stake.

4. ATTACHING   SNAPMAXTM  TO THE WIRE SnapMaxTM must be placed so that the wire sits in the two small saddles at the top of the guard. Then, push the fastening tab with your thumb so that it folds FORWARD over the wire to ensure a secure hold onto the cordon wire - folding backwards will not do so.  Continue to push the tab all the way down and through the slot to securely lock the guard in place.

5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE

SnapMax^TM requires a minimum of maintenance whilst in use. We do, however, recommend that you check your vineyards after strong winds or heavy storms to ensure that the guards are sufficiently buried and secure.

WEED, PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

Herbicides can be safely sprayed during the growing season without affecting the vine. The routine spraying of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides will not affect the useful lifetime of the vine protectors. Highly concentrated and excessive applications may, however, prematurely age the plastic of which SnapMax^TM is made.
Chemicals that contain high amounts of sulphur and/or chlorine may also cause a premature ageing of the UV stabilised polypropylene from which SnapMax^TM is made. This is caused when these atoms are oxidised to sulphuric and hydrochloric acid, respectively, and in turn these leach the stabilisers, which are basic - they are HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilisers).
The following are safe to use with SnapMax^TM:
FUNGICIDES: Benomyl, Carbendazim, Copper hydroxide, Copper Sulphate, 8-hydroxyquinoline, Metalaxyl.
INSECTICIDES: Alphacypermethrin, Bacillus thuringensis, Carbaryl, Metaldehyde, Summer Spray Oil, Promecarb, Pyrethrum + piperonyl butoxide and Rotenone.
HERBICIDES: Amitrole + paraquat, Diquat, Diquat + paraquat, Fluazifop-butyl ester, Glufosinate ammonium, Glyphosate, Napropamide, Paraquat.
The following are not recommended as they may cause premature breakdown of SnapMax^TM:
FUNGICIDES and INSECTICIDES:
Calcium Polysulphide
Sulphur.


6) REMOVAL AND STORAGE

Once the vines no longer need to be protected against herbicides and pests, usually at the end of the growing season, you can remove the SnapMax^TM. We do not recommend removing SnapMax^TM during the growing season.
To remove SnapMax^TM, simply undo the fastening tab at the wire and 'unsnap' the front seam. The SnapMax^TM can be removed without untying the vine from the wire. The SnapMax^TM can be left on the vine if desired and has a minimum life expectancy of three years. This can be extended by turning the guard 'inside out' from season to season.

SnapMax^TM should be washed before storing so as to avoid the spread of disease. Chemicals, which contain high quantities of chlorine, can cause premature breakdown of the plastic and should be avoided. Between seasons, SnapMax^TM should be stored flat, away from sunlight.