Mechanical Harvesting of Almond with an Inertia Type Limb Shaker

An inertia type limb shaker were developed to mechanically harvest of tree fruits. The shaker, hydraulically powered and driven by the tractor power take off, was used for mechanical harvesting of almond. The study included optimum frequency and amplitude to obtain maximum fruit removal percentage, harvesting rate of the shaker. Harvesting rate was calculated by weighing both the harvested and unharvested almonds. In the tests the limbs of trees were shaken at 40 and 50 mm amplitude of the connecting rod attached to the crankshaft and 10, 15, 20 Hz frequencies. The results were analysed according to the maximum fruit removal percentage. Shaking time was 10 s for all of the frequency and amplitude tests. Maximum fruit removal (97 and 100%) was achieved by operating the shaker at amplitude of 50 mm and a frequency of 15 and 20 Hz. Therefore it can be suggested an amplitude of 50 mm and a frequency of 20 Hz for mechanical harvesting of almond. Moreover, the appropriate harvesting time for nonpearl variety of almond was found the second week of August. Because, the ratio of Fruit Detachament Force (FDF) to Weight (W) at different maturity times was found 1.8 N/g at the second week of August.