From technology success to ‘rocking’ agricultural machinery
30th July 2021
Smartsheet software co-founder, Brent Frei’s newest adventure is taking place on his family farm – developing the new TerraClear Rock Picker.
Credit: TerraClear.
The journey of the TerraClear Rock Picker started a little over four years ago when Brent holidayed back at the family farm in central Idaho, USA. He enjoyed helping his father, Ron, and the quality time spent with family.
After spending several days working the fields, collecting thousands of rocks by hand, he was exhausted and frustrated – there must be a better way to do this task?
When speaking with The Seattle Times last month, he said: “Picking rocks, in some ways, could not be more boring. It is the worst job on the farm.”
Owner, Brent Frei. Credit TerraClear.
Brent harnessed his frustration into productivity and creatively looked for a solution to his problem – just as he has for many of his other successful businesses. Smartsheet dynamic workspace no-code software is one used by many businesses for project management and marketing.
After months of research, including potential lasers, grinders and pulverisers, the TerraClear (Rock Picker) company was born. Of which, Brent is a co-founder.
In May this year, TerraClear announced it had raised $25 million in finance led by Seattle-based Madrona Venture Group. TerraClear has raised $38 million to date. Brent, who is CEO, said the company will use the latest financing to continue improving the design of its product and expand its complementary product range.
The TerraClear Rock Picker is described as a versatile implement that enables highly efficient precision picking with minimal soil disruption. It is capable of operating in a wide range of field conditions.
TerraClear Rock Picker specifications:
Working width: 3′ picking swath
Picking capacity: Up to 400 rocks per hour
Picking ground speed range: Up to 3mph
Rock size: 6–24”
Max degree of bury: 6” below ground level
Picker weight: 1,500lb
Max capacity: >1,500lb of rock (depends on skid steer rating)
Hydraulics: 18+ gpm/2900 psi
Operating capacity: 50 per cent tipping load rating > 2800lbs
Cab: Closed cab
Mounting: Standard compact track loader backing plate
Manufactured: United States.
Currently, TerraClear’s portfolio includes the TerraClear Rock Picker, Rock Mapping Service and Rock Picking service. Coming soon is the new AutoPick.
Brent said it’s better “if you can start with low-cost software that can get more complex” than to “take very complex software and commercialise it for the masses”.
Managing director at Madrona Venture Group and a TerraClear board member Matt McIlwain said: “The firm invested in TerraClear because it was using software, machine learning and automation to solve physical problems in agriculture and farming. It might have not been possible five, 10 years ago… We weren’t far enough along.”
At present TerraClear does not have a set date to make its products available to the UK market, but it has had many UK and European enquiries, so watch this space…
For more information, and to watch TerraClear’s Rock Picker in action take a look at the Terraclear website.
Contact also via email at info@terraclear.com
