FRESH–MARKET QUALITY TREE FRUIT HARVESTER PART II: APPLES

ABSTRACT. A two–sided mechanical harvester was developed to remove apples grown on narrow–inclined trellises. Units were essentially mirror images. On each unit the harvester operator used joysticks to position and engage a rapid displacement actuator (RDA) on main scaffolds to effect fruit removal. Catching conveyors were designed to intercept falling fruit without damage and elevate the fruit to a collecting conveyor. Cushioned catcher pans on each unit were used to seal around the trunk and connect the two units. Fruit removal was 95 % or better, and 86 to 95 % of all the fruit on the trees were recovered. Tests on eight cultivars of apples yielded 59 to 84 % Extra Fancy packout. Cuts and punctures were the biggest factor preventing the harvester from harvesting a higher level of fresh–market quality fruit. Stempulls with this harvesting technique ranged from 20 to 57%, depending on cultivar, and may create a decay problem. Cultivar growth habit varied greatly in their adaptability to this harvesting concept