The "Frostbuster" range
With the FrostBuster F252 and F501 models, AgroFrost offers mobile, economical and proven frost protection
adopted by growers worldwide for more than 15 years.
The FrostBuster — Mobile protection, maximum efficiency
Frostbuster range
The essential benchmark for protecting your orchards and vineyards.
The FrostBuster is today the most widespread mobile frost protection solution in the world, for one simple reason: no other system protects as many hectares for a comparable investment. This economic superiority rests on a fundamental technology — phase transition — which multiplies the efficiency of every kilojoule consumed, where other systems simply raise the ambient temperature.
Driven by the farm tractor's power take-off, the FrostBuster requires no permanent infrastructure and no specific authorisation. It adapts to the geography of each plot, protects 4 to 7 hectares depending on the model, and can be used against radiation frost as well as black frost — a rare versatility in its category. Many growers also use it outside the frost season to improve fruit set during periods of low-temperature flowering.
The phase-transition principle — how does it work?
Unlike conventional systems that aim to warm the atmosphere above critical thresholds — an energy-hungry approach — the FrostBuster acts on frost formation itself. By passing regularly between the rows (every 7 to 10 minutes), it creates a precise thermal cycle: part of the frost evaporates through sublimation, releasing energy directly into the flowers and leaves; the remaining frost, as it re-forms, again releases condensation energy. This process maintains a positive energy balance in the plant with minimal external input. The result: effective protection with gas consumption two to five times lower than comparable systems.
Frostbusters F501
The F501 is the third generation of the FrostBuster — the fruit of fifteen years of field feedback and continuous improvement. It is the most powerful version of the range, combining extended autonomy, enhanced safety and precise temperature control.. See the most important improvements compared to the previous generation
- New pulse burner with controller and ionisation sensor — the safest system in its category for agricultural use
- Capacity of 8 or 10 gas bottles — autonomy up to 10 hours of continuous operation
- Automatic burner start-up slaved to fan speed — automatic shut-off when speed drops
- Gearbox with freewheel clutch
- Temperature control from the tractor cab (option)
- Optional 340 kg gas tank available
- DIMENSIONS: 430 x 145 x 165 cm
- WEIGHT: 1480 kg
- CONSUMPTION: 30 to 35 kg/hour
- AUTONOMY: Up to 10 h depending on capacity and operating mode
- CONTROL: Temperature in tractor cab
- GAS SUPPLY: 10 transportable bottles OR F501 Tank cistern (340 kg)
- USE: Open field, under greenhouses and plastic tunnels
Protection
5 to 7 ha
POWER TAKE-OFF
MINIMUM 65 CV
Frostbusters F252
More compact and lighter, the F252 is designed for farms with a low-power tractor. Its vertically mounted fan lowers the centre of gravity and increases the tractor's lift. Its two-speed gearbox makes it possible to match consumption to frost intensity.
- DIMENSIONS: 171 x 172 x 119 cm
- WEIGHT: 350 kg
- CONSUMPTION: 30 kg/hour
- AUTONOMY: Up to 6 h depending on capacity and operating mode
- GAS SUPPLY: 6 transportable bottles in the holders
Protection
4 to 6 ha
POWER TAKE-OFF
MINIMUM 55 CV
Everything about how it works
FAQ – Frostbuster
Frequently asked questions about the Frostbuster
The FrostBuster is a three-point mounted or trailed machine, driven by the tractor's power take-off. The fan draws in ambient air, which a gas burner raises to 80–85 °C before blowing it between the trees through two side outlets (left and right). The airflow reaches 40 to 45 metres on each side of the machine, allowing it to cover lanes spaced 60 to 90 metres apart. The travel circuit is calculated for each plot configuration to guarantee a return every 7 to 10 minutes — an essential condition for the system's effectiveness.
The total protected area depends on the shape and dimensions of the plot, with a maximum of 4 to 7 hectares depending on the model.
The FrostBuster is suitable for almost all agricultural crops exposed to frost:
- Orchards (apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, citrus) — vineyards — market-garden crops
- Greenhouses, plastic tunnels (strawberries, raspberries, flowers, vegetables)
- Improving fruit set at low temperature during flowering
- Heating plastic tunnels to bring forward the first harvest or extend the end of season
- Cost per protected hectare among the lowest on the market — no comparable system at equal investment
- Mobile solution: usable on every plot, no fixed installation
- Low propane gas consumption — control of operating costs
- Works without water — suited to areas without irrigation and to crops sensitive to water-borne diseases
- Effective against radiation frost as well as black or advective frost
- Improves fruit set — an agronomic benefit beyond protection alone
- No authorisation required (construction, environment)
- Quick start-up and shut-down — optimal responsiveness as temperatures change
- Usable under greenhouses and plastic tunnels
- Simple maintenance — low servicing costs