Shade Cover Kits | Caterpillar Tunnels

Purchasing Notes

• We recommend selecting enough length in metres to cover your tunnels length, if required you can add more to drape over your tunnels ends.
• Tapered end tunnels. If your Caterpillar tunnel uses the tapered end design please add an additional minimum of 4.5m per end (9m total).
• For adequate shade cover, full side cover (to the ground level) is not required. Consider the angle of the sun with regards to your tunnel’s position.
• The shade cover kits are designed to sit above ground level.

Easy Installation

Placing shade cloth over tunnel

• Open shade cloth along side of tunnel
• If required, tie the rope to the two corners closest to the tunnel
• Pull the shade cloth over the tunnel using the ropes.
• Ensure cloth is equally positioned on each side and end or as you want it.

Securing shade cloth

Use the shade cover clips and 5mm braided cord to secure the Shade Cloth.

Attaching clips

• Postion one clip*
• ensure all of the small rods on the clip are positioned to go through the shade cloth, do not double over the shade cloth material.
• push the central knob on the clip through the shade cloth, ensuring no stiching is covering the knob
• close the clip, all rods and receiving holes should be going through the shade cloth.

*Taper ended tunnels –

• tie off the braided cord to the end anchor plate carabiner link and then slot through every carabiner, don’t tie the other end yet.
• position clips onto the shade cloth mid way between the hoops, lift the rope into the clip before closing.
• continue this process to the end clip.
• repeat on other side of tunnel.
• now pull slack through each clip to desired tightness and tie off on the end carabiner.

*Flat ended tunnels –

• tie off the braided cord to the end anchor plate carabiner link.
• position first clips onto the shade cloth directly above the carabiner at the hoop position, lift the rope into the clip before closing.
• bring the braided cord back down and through the same carabiner, now move it across to the next carabiner.
• continue this process to the end clip.
• repeat on other side of tunnel.
• now pull slack through each clip to desired tightness and tie off on the end carabiner.

Active Vista Shade Cloth is manufactured with uv stabilised monofilament (round) thread and offers superior longevity, durability, and performance compared to flat (tape/laminated) thread types. Designed for commercial horticultural application.

For larger commercial quantities or further information please contact us , call James on 0427 995 867 or email james@activevista.com.au

Key features

Superior Durability and Longevity

• Longer Lifespan: Round thread shade cloth often lasts more than 5 years under harsh weather conditions, used as a temporary shade cover it can last wellover a decade, while flat-fiber options typically last 3-5 years.
• Reduced Damage: The round monofilament fibre makes the fabric resistant to soil and debris buildup, and it is tear resistant with sharp objects making it perfect to use as a row or floating cover
• Fray Resistance: Unlike many flat tapes that can unravel, Active Vista’s round-thread fabric doesn’t fray and is tear resistant. Perfect for cutting to size or using with metal pins.

Improved Weather Resistance

• Wind Resistance: Our round-thread shade cloth is designed to handle high-stress, high-wind environments, featuring high-tensile strength to prevent tearing.
• Water and Air: The round fiber structure allows for better water and air movement, perfect for use with overhead irrigation
• Dimensional Stability: Round monofilament shade cloth maintains shape better and does not stretch or sag as much as flat filament types over time.

Better Airflow and Light Management

• Reduced Heat Load: While creating 30% shade, round-threaded shade cloth allows better air circulation, preventing heat from becoming trapped underneath.
• Optimal Light Filtration: Round thread provides consistent light filtration and higher UV-R protection (by up to 95–99% in this premium product).