Everything Grows Better in a Tunnel
The Farmers Friend Caterpillar Tunnel kit brings the benefits of greenhouse production to your farm in an easy-to-assemble and affordable package. No bending hoops or shopping for random parts. Quick to build and move. All while providing excellent airflow for proper ventilation and protection from rain and light snow. What’s more, all Tunnels now include FREE SHIPPING, regardless of how many youorder!
All kits include 6mil greenhouse plastic.
Installation
FREE Installation Quote
We now offer installation services in Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, and Northern Alabama. Our team will ensure a quick and efficient installation, allowing you to maximize your growing season.
Quick assembly
As low as $2.02/sq. ft.
NRCS Grant Eligible
FREE SHIPPING on all tunnels!
New Length Options
25-ft Tunnels are Back!
Perfect for backyard growers, urban farmers, and market gardeners who are looking for a space efficientpropagation house or smaller growing space, the new 25-ft Caterpillar Tunnel iseverything you love about easy to buildcaterpillar tunnels all in a newconvenientsize!
All 25-ft tunnels now come with 55-ft of greenhouse plastic (up from 32-ft) so you haveplenty of extra plastic for the standardcone-shaped ends, or to use in alternate end wall coverings.
All-season growing
Year-Round Crop Protection
Caterpillar Tunnels are often viewed primarily as aseason extension tool, but that’s really only half of the story. Covered growing space provides year-round protection for your plants from things like rain, pests, frost, heat (when using shade cloth), wind, and even from dirt being splashed onto your plants in heavy downpours. (Image shown with optionalZipper Door End Wall
Rain Protection
Pest Reduction
Frost Protection
Heat Protection
Wind Protection
Cleaner Crops
Why choose Farmers Friend Caterpillar Tunnels?
Year-round crop protection
Irrigate on YOUR schedule
Quick and easy assembly
Step-by-step instructions with pictures + video
NRCS grant eligible
Cheaper thanDIY
Comes with all parts needed!
FREE SHIPPING on all tunnels! (to continentalUSA)
5 out of 5 stars
New Tunnel Options!
Wider, Stronger Tunnels Now Available!
Max out your farm with the thickest gauge steel Caterpillar Tunnel on the market! Now both our 14-ft wide and 16-ft wide Gothic tunnels are made with 40% thicker, 14-gauge steel bows(up from 17 gauge).
With steel strength typically found only in commercial high tunnels, these 14-gauge tunnels are designed to give you greater peace of mind on stormy nights. The 2 feet wider tunnels provide plenty of room for 18-inch pathways to more easily transport harvest bins/totes, or if desired, shrink your pathways to 10 inches and fit five 30-inch growing beds.
Gothic Tunnels
The Perfect Tunnel for Northern Growers!
Perfect for northern climates with frequent snowfall, the Gothic (pictured) will allow you to grow longer into the winter than aClassic Tunnel. This new tunnel also includes asolid purlin and wind bracing to add even more rigidity to your structure.
For extreme winter growing, upgrade to the Gothic Pro, which includes aSolid Purlin, Wind Bracing, Cross Bars and 16-inch Lift Kit for added strength andheight.
5 out of 5 stars
Classic Tunnels
…And Southern Growers!
The Classic Caterpillar Tunnel is our most cost-effective greenhouse. The Classic tunnels feature arounded, quonset design that is wind resistant and is also our fastest greenhouse to build with just a2 – 3hour assemblytime.
Our Classic Pro Caterpillar Tunnel includes a16-inch Lift Kit for added height, plus Wind Bracing and aSolid Center Purlin for added strength and rigidity, as well as greater peace ofmind.
Caterpillar Tunnel Options
Classic vs Gothic
The Classic tunnel (LEFT) is cost-effective and portable. It’s agreat starter tunnel and is excellent for those who frequently move it around their farm or where wind is a greater problem than snow. The Gothic tunnel (RIGHT) is an excellent choice for those living in northern climates where snow is afrequentthreat.
A Tunnel for Every Farm
Which Caterpillar Tunnel is right for you?
Classic / 2-3 hr assembly
Classic Pro / 4-8 hr assembly
Gothic / 3-4 hr assembly
Gothic Pro / 5-10 hr assembly
Profitability
High profitability. Low cost. Free delivery.*
The Farmers Friend Caterpillar Tunnel Kit is one of the most cost-effective options on the market — even when compared to DIY kits. Plus get FREE shipping right to your door on all tunnels of any kit size — regardless of how many you order! Your plants will thankyou.
*Free shipping to contiguous USA. Discounted shipping toCanada.
Versatility
Changing with the seasons.
Our Caterpillar Tunnels work great for starting crops earlier in the spring, and keeping them going longer in the fall. In the heat of summer you can easily push the plastic all over to one side, or take it off completely, and replace it with shade cloth to protect your crops from the summerheat.
Plastic in early spring and late fall
Shade cloth in summer
Assembly &Mobility
Easy up. Easydown.
With our in-depth installation video and included step-by-step instruction guide, this will be the easiest tunnel you’ve ever built. Two people can fully assemble our 14′ × 100′ Classic Tunnel in as few as two hours. Our Caterpillar Tunnel kits are fast and easy to move around your farm as production needs change throughout theseason.
5 out of 5 stars
FAQs
Have more questions about this product?
Check out our knowledge base of support articles below.
View all FAQs
Tech Specs
Assembly & Instruction Manual
Peak Height
Classic
7feet 8inches (2.3m)
9feet with LiftKit
Classic Pro
9feet (2.7m)
Lift Kit included
Gothic
9feet (2.7m)
10feet 4inches (3.2m) with LiftKit
Gothic Pro
10feet 4inches (3.2m)
Lift Kit included
Bow Gauge
Classic
17-gauge (14-ft wide)
14-gauge (16-ft wide)
Classic Pro
17-gauge (14-ft wide)
14-gauge (16-ft wide)
Gothic
14-gauge (14-ft & 16-ft wide)
Gothic Pro
14-gauge (14-ft & 16-ft wide)
Tunnel Width
14-ft wide
14feetwide
16-ft wide
16feetwide
Bow Diameter
1 ⅜” outside diameter
Plastic
14-ft wide
28feetwide
6‑mil greenhouse plastic
4‑year rating
16-ft wide
32feetwide
6‑mil greenhouse plastic
4‑year rating
Crossbar Height
-
-
Gothic
6feet 9inches (2.1m)
8feet 1inch (2.5m) with LiftKit
Gothic Pro
8feet 1inch (2.5m)
Lift Kit included
Purlin Type
Classic
1″ flat polypropylenestrap
Classic Pro
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steelpipe
Gothic
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steelpipe
Gothic Pro
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steelpipe
Assembly Times
Classic
2 – 3hours
Classic Pro
4 – 8hours
Gothic
3 – 4hours
Gothic Pro
5 – 10hours
NRCS specifications
Our tunnels meet the basic 325R National NRCS specifications. Ultimately, you should contact your local NRCS rep and provide our installation manual found at the top of this page and the spec sheet(s) attached to our knowledge base article, “Do your tunnels meet NRCS specifications?” for their review. Also, check out the NRCS guide below for step by step instructions on how toapply!
NRCS Documents andGuides
- 5 Steps to Assistance — How to get assistance from NRCS for farms, ranches, and forests.
- 16-ft Tunnel Specs Letter — Adocument with the specifications of our 16-ft tunnels.
- 14-ft Tunnel Specs Letter — Adocument with the specifications of our 14-ft tunnels.
Delivery
The Caterpillar tunnels are shipped on a4×8 wooden pallet via motor freight (an 18 wheel tractor trailer). Depending on the order, sometimes multiple tunnels can fit on onepallet.
You will receive apro number for tracking from Farmers Friend when your shipment is picked up from our facility. It is recommended that you contact the carrier prior to delivery to make arrangements for time and date. There is some flexibility in date and time of delivery, but customers in remote areas should accept delivery at the carriers convenience to avoid excessive delays or extra charges.
Unloading
Prior to moving or unloading, please take pictures of the order. This is in case items are missing or damaged we have away to verify contents and condition. We recommend conducting an inventory of the shipment with your included packing list as soon as possible after unloading.
As far as unloading, it is the customer’s responsibility. The carrier will not have aforklift to unload. Aforklift or tractor with forks is not required, as the shipment can be unloaded by hand with two people. Simply break the bands and remove the packaging. The individuals unloading should be capable of team-lifting 130pounds. Out of consideration for the carrier, we request you prepare to unload as quickly as possible.
Farmers Friend will not authorize the use of any liftgate services, and they are not included in any shipping charges, nor is it included with free shipping. If the local terminal or driver offers lift gate services, do not accept them for any reason as there will be an additional charge billed to you from Farmers Friend at $150.
Wind Rating
There is no official wind rating on our tunnels. The caterpillar tunnel is designed to be amoveable structure. Therefore, it is inherently not made to withstand highwinds.
A tunnels ability to withstand wind is based on at least 6factors:
- Soil type
- Water Saturation
- Bracing
- Anchoring Selection
- Wind Direction
- Customer Installation
Soft soils have less grip on the anchoring materials, while more compact soils holdbetter.
Related to soil type is ground saturation. How wet is the soil at the time of said wind event? Saturated soil will be more likely to let go of the anchors.
The standard caterpillar tunnel is stabilized by anylon purlin strap. Accessories that increase rigidity while maintaining the caterpillar attribute of moveable are: Solid Center Purlin, Wind Bracing, and Spring Wire.
Anchoring options that exist for caterpillar tunnels are rebar, cemented ground posts, and Earth Anchors. Rebar is the most economical industry standard effective in moderate winds. Cemented ground posts eliminates the Caterpillar Tunnel strength of temporary, but provides arock solid foundation. Earth Anchors are an expensive ground screw option that holds like concrete but is easily removed andreused.
Tunnels have also been reported as having problems with the plastic being blown to one side from broadside winds. Spring wire is asolution to aid in preventing this occurrence.
Customer installation is the final factor. Assuming all instructions are followed and installation is correct, the standard tunnel can withstand light winds and moderategusts.
With all that said, our standard tunnels have withstood winds up to 50+ miles per hour. In the cases where similar winds have damaged tunnels, the six factors must be analyzed.
The prudent grower would do well to evaluate these six factors in light of their budget, short and long-term farm plan, and specific growing context.