ABOUT THIS REPORT . . . 



This report discusses the progress that research is making . to mechanize the 

 harvesting and handhng of fruits. It emphasizes the necessity for this research and 

 how mechanization may save growers time and money and insure for the con- 

 sumer that which he has always demanded — an abundant supply of quality fruit 

 and berries at a reasonable price. 



Some examples illustrate further the advantages of mechanization: One man 

 can mechanically harvest as many blueberries as six handpickers and six men can 

 harvest as many cherries as 33 handpickers. Also, 1 man and an equipped tractor 

 can carry 1,500 bushels of apples out of an orchard in an 8-hour day — a job that 

 formerly required 6 men, 3 tractors, and 3 trailers. 



This report has been prepared for county agents and other agricultural leaders. 



Information in this report was provided by the Agricultural Engineering Research 

 Division of the Agricultural Research Service. 



