Evaluation of the ground speed Effect on the Performance of the Row-Side Continuous Canopy Shaking Harvester Prototype in a High-Density Olive Grove

Abstract

In 2009 authors begin the development of the Row-Side Continuous Canopy Shaking Harvester (RSCCSH) prototype. The prototype comprises two symmetrical harvesters trailed by a farm tractor. Each harvester has a vibratory rotor with flexible rods, a catching platform with conveyors belts and a temporary storage bag. The detachment efficiency of canopy shakers are influenced by shaking frequency, ground speed and olive canopy characteristics. Between 2015 and 2017 a trial to evaluate the ground speed effect in the performance of the RSCCSH was carried out. The trial was established in an irrigated olive orchard of Picual variety planted with the array 7m x 3.5m. In a randomly design with three replications, the following treatments were evaluated: V400 - ground speed of 0.4 kmh-1; V600 - ground speed of 0.6 kmh-1; V800 - ground speed of 0.8 kmh-1; V1000 – ground speed of 1.00 kmh-1; V750 - ground speed of 0.75 kmh-1; V910 - ground speed of 0.91 kmh-1. Olive detachment efficiency tends to decrease with an increase in ground speed. No significant differences were found between treatments in olive losses to the ground. The best option in terms of harvesting rate (kgh-1) will correspond to the interval between 600 and 800 mh-1.