RESEARCH FROM OTHER AREAS 

 Materials Handling 



Materials handling was discussed by S. L. Hedden and J. H. Levin In an article 

 in the 91st Annual Report of the Michigan State Horticultural Society titled 

 "Efficient Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling Methods of Apples, Peaches, and Pears 

 That Help Maintain Quality". 



The authors stated that the best way of handling apples, peaches, and pears is 

 In bulk boxes with fork-lift equipment. 



"Field crates cost about 50 cents each and last only a few years. Bulk boxes 

 cost about 40 cents (including the pallet which is an integral part of the box) a 

 bushel capacity and have a longer life. Bulk boxes for 10,000 bushels of fruit 

 would not only cost $1,200 less than the equivalent quantity of field crates and 

 pallets, but would last longer and need less maintenance. Studies show that 

 approximately two cents per bushel can be saved in orchard handling and another two 

 or three cents saved at the storage or processing plant handling. 



"Bulk boxes, when full, weigh 800-1,200 pounds and must be handled by fork 

 lift equipment. Lift equipment is available for every size grower which usually 

 pays for itself in one or two years. There is no reason for growers not to have 

 lift equipment of some kind. Forks can be attached to tractors with 3-point 

 hydraulic hitches. The necessary labor and materials cost approximately $50. 

 Although an attachment of this sort will lift unit loads only about 18 inches, it 

 can move filled boxes from the orchard or field to dock, packing house, or storage. 



"Forks can be bolted to tract or -mounted hay loaders or buck rakes for about 

 $50. If this equipment is to be used in handling pallets, a third cylinder (costing 

 an additional $50) enables the operator to keep the forks level while they are 

 raised or lowered. Although buck rakes and hay loaders are not designed primarily 

 for handling unit loads, this equipment makes it possible to raise the load 10 to 

 12 feet and is satisfactory if operated with care. 



"Lift mast attachments to lift and tilt the forks are available for both the 

 front and rear ends of practically every standard-make tractor. These are operated 

 In the same way as those on industrial lift trucks. They can be used for lifting, 

 moving, and high stacking of unit loads. Fork lift masts cost $450 to $1,000, 

 depending on capacity and height to which the forks can be raised. 



"Tractors can be converted to relatively permanent fork lift units. The lift 

 mast is attached to the rear of the tractor. The gears, steering mechanism, and 

 driver's seat are all reversed. The driver faces the load and all normal travel is 

 in that direction, 



"Soose growers make their own orchard lift units. This is usually done by 

 shortening an old truck chassis, reversing the axle and steering mechanism, and 

 adding a lift mast. When well built, such a unit can be operated successfully in 

 the orchard or field. The cost of necessary material is about $1,000. 



