Before Using a Tree Shaker – Factors to consider

While there are many benefits from harvesting with a tree shaker there are also many issues to consider before choosing to go down this path. We have outlined the major issues below. We will be happy to discuss these with you and help plan a course of action that justifies a decision to proceed.

Please note that we don’t provide manual or hand harvesting services but we may be able to help point you in the direction to source these.

Location

The first consideration is usually your location. Float costs can be significant and need to be factored into the economics of proceeding. To the extent possible we try to coordinate harvesting in ways that minimise travel time from grove to grove. In some outlying areas access to the grove may be an issue. We will need clear access to and from the grove, access to water for cleaning and a safe space to unload and re-load harvester.

Number of trees

Set up and close down takes at least one to two hours at each location. Accordingly, larger groves can have a cost advantage but that should not necessarily rule out mechanical harvesting in smaller groves.

Fruit Ripeness

With fully ripe fruit we would expect to remove around 85-90% provided the trees are properly prepared. When fruit is not fully ripe recovery will be lower and that may be a trade off taken in order to produce more robust oils.

Grove layout

Our shaker ideally requires tree spacing of at least five metres by five metres. When trees are too closely laid out it can become very difficult or impossible to position the shaker properly. NB The shaker is NOT an alternative for over the row harvesting normally used in high density groves.

Tree Shape and size

The operation of the shaker is based on catching fruit in a large catching frame (umbrella) positioned around and under the tree. Ideally, the tree width should be no more than about 5 metres and the height no more than 3-4 metres. If the dimensions exceed this then there is the risk that some fruit will not be caught by the umbrella.

A further potential issue with tree shape can be the clearance below the lowest branches, Positioning the umbrella requires a single main trunk with clearance of about one metre above the ground. Any less than this may require some pruning to be undertaken before the harvest.

Grove Conditions

The shaker has to be able to move safely and efficiently around the grove. Long vegetation between the trees or muddy conditions will hamper efficiency and, at worst, may prevent operation. The presence of pests or diseases could prevent the harvest from proceeding.

NB We will discuss bio-security arrangements and requirements with you prior to proceeding

Transport of Fruit

It is very important to ensure that arrangements are in place to load and transport the fruit to the processing facility. We will discuss logistics and your responsibilities when planning the harvest with you.

Processing Arrangements

It is also critical to ensure arrangements are confirmed with the oil processing facility and that there is effective communication and coordination with them. The processor will need to know approximate quantities, estimated delivery times and any special unloading requirements, and expect to be kept informed during the day.

Contingency Planning

We all know only too well that the best laid plans can go awry, with weather too often the cause of this.

Effective communication among all parties is critical for managing this along with a Plan B (and Plan C)!

As you can see there is a lot to consider so let’s discuss before making any commitments.