Development and testing of tree climbing and harvesting device for mango and coconut trees.
Kolhe K. P.
Author Affiliation: College of Agril. Engineering and Technology, Dapoli Dist: - Ratnagiri - 415 712 (M S), India.
Indian Coconut Journal 52 : 15-20
Abstract : This study describes the design procedures and testing of the tractor mounted hydraulic elevator (TMHE) which was developed for mechanical harvesting of mangoes and coconuts. The study was conducted in Maharashtra, India during 2006/2007. Biometric parameters of mango and coconut trees such as: maximum and minimum height; stem girth; number and weight of fruits harvested; and yield were considered for the development and testing of the TMHE. Results indicated that the THME is suitable for fruit harvesting, tree pruning and tree spraying operations. The THME is also suitable for harvesting mangoes and coconut orchards up to 15 m and pruning of trees up to 10 m height. Furthermore, the THME was found to be suitable for operation on plain fields as well as hilly terrain having up to 20.5% slope.