Product information
Classic Caterpillar Tunnel
Product options
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 you order!
All kits include 6 mil 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.
New Length Options
25-ft Tunnels are Back!
Perfect for backyard growers, urban farmers, and market gardeners who are looking for a space efficient propagation house or smaller growing space, the new 25-ft Caterpillar Tunnel is everything you love about easy to build caterpillar tunnels all in a new convenient size!
All 25-ft tunnels now come with 55-ft of greenhouse plastic (up from 32-ft) so you have plenty of extra plastic for the standard cone-shaped ends, or to use in alternate end wall coverings.
All-season growing
Year-Round Crop Protection
Caterpillar Tunnels are often viewed primarily as a season 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 optional Zipper Door End Wall)
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 than DIY
Comes with all parts needed!
FREE SHIPPING on all tunnels! (to continental USA)
New Tunnel Options!
Wider, Stronger Tunnels Now Available!
Max out your farm with the thickest gauge steel Caterpillar Tunnel on the market! We now offer a 16-ft wide tunnel (up from 14 ft) 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. Plus, being 2 feet wider, you’ll have 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 a Classic Tunnel. This new tunnel also includes a solid purlin and wind bracing to add even more rigidity to your structure.
For extreme winter growing, upgrade to the Gothic Pro, which includes a Solid Purlin, Wind Bracing, Crossbars, and 16-inch Lift Kit for added strength and height.
Classic Tunnels
…And Southern Growers!
The Classic tunnel is our most cost-effective greenhouse. The Classic tunnels feature a rounded, quonset design that is wind resistant and is also our fastest greenhouse to build with just a 2 – 3 hour assembly time.
Our Classic Pro includes a 16-inch Lift Kit for added height, plus Wind Bracing and a Solid Center Purlin for added strength and rigidity, as well as greater peace of mind.
Caterpillar Tunnel Options
Classic vs Gothic
The Classic tunnel (LEFT) is cost-effective and portable. It’s a great starter tunnel and is excellent for those who frequently move it around their farm. The Gothic tunnel (RIGHT) is an excellent choice for those living in northern climates where snow is a frequent threat.
A Tunnel for Every Farm.
Which Caterpillar Tunnel is right for you?
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 thank you.
*Free shipping to continental USA. Discounted shipping to Canada.
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 summer heat.
Assembly & Mobility
Easy up. Easy down.
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 the season.
FAQs
Check out our knowledge base of support articles below.
Tech Specs
Classic
7 feet 8 inches (2.3m)
9 feet with Lift Kit
Classic Pro
9 feet (2.7m)
Lift Kit included
Gothic
9 feet (2.7m)
10 feet 4 inches (3.2m) with Lift Kit
Gothic Pro
10 feet 4 inches (3.2m)
Lift Kit included
14-ft wide
14 feet wide
16-ft wide
16 feet wide
1 ⅜” outside diameter
14-ft wide
28 feet wide
6‑mil greenhouse plastic
4-year rating
16-ft wide
32 feet wide
6‑mil greenhouse plastic
4‑year rating
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Gothic
6 feet 9 inches (2.1m)
8 feet 1 inch (2.5m) with Lift Kit
Gothic Pro
8 feet 1 inch (2.5m)
Lift Kit included
Classic
1″ flat polypropylene strap
Classic Pro
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steel pipe
Gothic
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steel pipe
Gothic Pro
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steel pipe
Classic
2 – 3 hours
Classic Pro
4 – 8 hours
Gothic
3 – 4 hours
Gothic Pro
5 – 10 hours
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 to apply!
NRCS Documents and Guides
- 5 Steps to Assistance — How to get assistance from NRCS for farms, ranches, and forests.
- 16-ft Tunnel Specs Letter — A document with the specifications of our 16-ft tunnels.
- 14-ft Tunnel Specs Letter — A document with the specifications of our 14-ft tunnels.
The Caterpillar tunnels are shipped on a 4×8 wooden pallet via motor freight (an 18 wheel tractor trailer). Depending on the order, sometimes multiple tunnels can fit on one pallet.
You will receive a pro 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.
Prior to moving or unloading, please take pictures of the order. This is in case items are missing or damaged we have a way 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 a forklift to unload. A forklift 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 130 pounds. 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.
There is no official wind rating on our tunnels. The caterpillar tunnel is designed to be a moveable structure. Therefore, it is inherently not made to withstand high winds.
A tunnels ability to withstand wind is based on at least 6 factors:
- Soil type
- Water Saturation
- Bracing
- Anchoring Selection
- Wind Direction
- Customer Installation
Soft soils have less grip on the anchoring materials, while more compact soils hold better.
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 a nylon 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 a rock solid foundation. Earth Anchors are an expensive ground screw option that holds like concrete but is easily removed and reused.
Tunnels have also been reported as having problems with the plastic being blown to one side from broadside winds. Spring wire is a solution 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 moderate gusts.
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.
Product Reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 79%
4 star reviews
- 17%
3 star reviews
- 4%
2 star reviews
- 0%
1 star reviews
- 0%
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Write a reviewRecent reviews
Can’t beat ‘em
5 out of 5 stars
I run a nonprofit and we have a couple of urban farms in the windy, hot, cold, and rough weather of the Texas panhandle. We’ve been ordering these tunnels (50’ & 100’) as we’ve expanded over the past 5 years. They have held up incredible well and we have been more than satisfied with the quality, ease, and durability. They give us a year round growing season and have increased our yield significantly. They keep improving the system without making it more complicated to put up. It’s an easy 2 person job. Shipping is quick and we are big fans of this company!
Great tunnel but order uncalrity
4 out of 5 stars
The Cat pill. Is great and super awesome material but we were upset with the lack of clarity there was when we ordered the tunnel. We added the lift kit because it wasnt very clear to us if this came with it or not. We also got wiggle wire we did not want and we were not aware it came with it. We review the materials before purchasing and did not notice any of this items being included. All we wanted was to get the simplest for of this tunnel. Im aware this could have been an issue at our end not understanding what was included and thats why im giving it 4 stars bc its a great tunnel kit but we struggled with the clarity of what came along with it.
50-ft Classic Pro Tunnel, 16-f...
5 out of 5 stars
50-ft Classic Pro Tunnel, 16-ft Wide, 5-ft Bow Spacing
The Rebuild
5 out of 5 stars
We were hit with a sudden micro burst storm and suffered severe damage to our tunnels. Farmers friend was there in support, customer service, and expedited shipping to get us back on our feet fast. The Best!
Love our tunnels!
5 out of 5 stars
Always a pleasure to work with Farmer's Friend. We have several of their tunnels as well as other tools, and they are top notch. Look forward to seeing what they come up with next.
Great so far
5 out of 5 stars
I got a grant through the nrcs to get 3000 sq ft of tunnels. So I got a 16x100 and a 14x100. I only came out of pocket about $300 to build both. So I’d say that’s a win! I do have some issues with water coming in when the sides are rolled up. Any help with that would be appreciated!
Great Product
5 out of 5 stars
I have four tunnels from Farmers Friend. I am impressed with the simple yet sturdy design and ease of assemble and maintenance. Thank you Farmers Friend for such a great product.
Classic Pro Tunnels
4 out of 5 stars
We ordered 2 of the classic pro tunnels and they were very easy to put up until it came to the cross connectors. The cross connectors were all uneven, they weren't the same length which caused putting up the purlins to take longer than putting the hoops together and putting them up. Other than the cross connectors being poor quality and ill fitting, we love the tunnels and they are very user friendly.
Have not erected yet. Have bla...
5 out of 5 stars
Have not erected yet. Have black plastic over soil at present.
100 foot caterpillar tunnel
5 out of 5 stars
Can’t thank you enough for such a high quality product at a reasonable price. I’ve got a 50 footer and have produced an amazing amount of food, plants and flowers! Thanks again.