The world’s first mechanised broccoli harvester can be found in Tasmania

Farm mechanisation in the brassica sector continues to develop

Dobmac Agricultural Machinery has developed a mechanised broccoli harvester, the first machine of its kind worldwide. The company says that it will cut harvesting costs and improve productivity.

The initial release is a final cut machine and, according to Dobmac, “it will be advanced in time for selectivity harvests that will enable multiple passes through a crop as the broccoli matures.”

At the moment, the mechanised broccoli harvester can be found in Tasmania, Australia. There are two, three or four-row models with adjustable row centres for use in different bed configurations.

The broccoli harvester performs a fully mechanised final cut and it includes full PLC electronic controls, as well as bulk room or bin magazine discharge options. According to Dobmac, it is also fitted with a picking table for final trimming and an air separation system for leaf removal.

The harvester is shaft encoded to ground speed to automatically increase and decrease pick up according to the ground speed travelled, and it can be equipped with camera monitors and warning alarms to assist operation.

Dobmac is seeking expressions of interest from overseas broccoli growers and producers prior to making an assessment of final product development. To contact Dobmac, you can visit: http://www.dobmac.com.au

S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010