ISHS Acta Horticulturae 791: V International Symposium on Olive Growing
EVALUATION OF NEW OLIVE MECHANICAL HARVESTING TECHNOLOGIES IN AUSTRALIA |
| Author: | L.M. Ravetti |
| Keywords: | harvest, Olea europaea, mechanization, shaker, straddle harvester |
| Abstract:
The new Australian olive industry has been expanding at a steady pace during the past five years and relies almost entirely on the total mechanization of the grove management for its competitiveness. Modern straddle harvesters have been developed for olive picking during the past five years but continue to be evaluated under Australian conditions. Five different harvesters have been evaluated, including a side-by-side shaker (Haslett Harvesting), a grape harvester (New Holland/Braud), a modified coffee harvester (Haslett Harvesting) and two specifically developed machines operating with beating systems (Gregoire 133V) or rotating heads with flexible fingers (Colossus). The parameters that have been evaluated are speed of operation, efficiency of fruit removal, canopy damage, trunk damage and cost of operation. Grape harvesters have proven to be excellent options for first and second crops, Gregoire 133V and modified coffee harvesters were reasonably good and cost effective options for second and third crop. Large over-the-row harvesters like Colossus and side-by-side shakers are competitive alternatives for harvesting full canopy size trees with both advantages and disadvantages. | |
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