Mechanical Harvesters For Fruit Production

By Growing Produce Staff|June 1, 2007

OXBO‘s innovative continuous travel canopy shake-and-catch harvesting system is leading the charge to mechanize citrus harvesting. This system gently harvests at the rate of eight seconds per tree. One pair of OXBO 3220 harvesters will harvest one million pounds of fruit per day and can replace as many as 120 laborers. The 3220 removes up to 95% of the fruit on the tree.

The canopy shaker features 12 sets of 6- to 7-foot long tines, driven in pairs, with an optional high-density tine system for smaller trees. The catcher/conveyor system features a rear discharge, with variable height adjustment. The trash removal device works along the full length of the catch conveyor. The trunk seal operates over the full length of the catch frame/conveyor.

Contact: www.oxbocrop.com

Barron-Collier Mechanical Harvesting‘s smaller trunk shaker and collection units utilize two self-propelled units. On one side of the tree, a trunk shaker and a fruit deflector are combined into a single unit. The receiving unit separates leaves and twigs and conveys fruit to a trailing cart. The cart holds between 80 to 100 boxes before off-loading to a field goat. This harvesting system removes 94% to 97% of the fruit and recovers between 88% and 95% of the available fruit.

The trunk shake-and-catch system is limited to trees with a trunk diameter of less than 10 inches.

Contact: Will Elliott at 239-658-6074

The Orchard-Rite Monoboom features a 1-inch steel plate that serves as base for the fully unitized chassis. The vehicle is powered by a Caterpillar 6.6L ACERT, 6-cylinder diesel engine. For down-the-row shaking, the side shooter can be installed on the Monoboom chassis. The side shooter eliminates backing up to the tree, saving fuel and putting less wear on the shaker.

The cabs are designed for operator comfort with air conditioning, a stereo system, and easily accessible gauges and controls. The roomy design provides excellent visibility, and a rubber engine mounting ensures an extra-quiet ride.

Contact: www.orchard-rite.com