In its search for suitable cushioning material, the AERD is looking for a ma- 

 terial that, like cotton, absorbs energy rather than one such as sponge rubber that 

 stores energy and then releases it. The latter momentarily holds the harvested fruit 

 but then propels it upward into the fruit that is falling. 



In some studies, AERD subjected over 120 different samples of material to im- 

 pact of a falling ball from heights of 1 to 22 feet and determined the impact force. 

 The data collected are still being analyzed. 



AIDS FOR HANDPICKERS 



Harvesting fruit for the fresh-fruit market has not been extensively mechan- 

 ized because equipment now available is not entirely satisfactory. AERD feels, how- 

 ever, that this limitation will eventually yield to research. 



Until such equipment is developed, however, AERD is looking for ways to in- 

 crease picker efficiency so the costs of harvesting for the fresh-fruit market can be 

 reduced. Time studies, for example, show that the average picker spends about 

 one-fourth of his time climbing up and down and repositioning his ladder. And 

 other studies show that a picker can increase his output if he merely picks the fruit 

 and immediately drops it instead of placing it in a picking bag. 



Self-propelled, Orchard, and Boom Platforms 



Experimental use of these has demonstrated their superiority over ladders and 

 has kept the picker in the tree 100 percent of his time. Most platforms have con- 

 trols that the picker can use to lower or raise himself as he picks — a distinct ad- 

 vantage over perpetually climbing down, repositioning a ladder, and climbing up 

 up again. Figure 2 shows a self-propelled platform. 



Tractors or other vehicles are needed to move orchard platforms. Platforms 

 may also be mounted on the end of booms and the booms raised, lowered, or moved 

 sideways as the picking progresses. 



Commercial versions of platforms are available. Currently, however, they are 

 too expensive to justify their exclusive use for picking. Most in use were purchased 

 primarily for pruning and thinning. 



Pick-and-drop Equipment 



AERD and Washington State University are developing pick-and-drop equip- 

 ment. It consists of a canvas funnel and a chute mounted on a self-propelled plat- 

 form {see fig. 2). The picker picks the fruit and then drops it immediately into the 

 funnel. The funnel carries it into the chute that in turn carries it into a bulk box 

 also carried on the platform. The chute is padded and baffled so the fruit is not 

 bruised. 



Rotating— table Receiver 



An experimental table rotates around the picker. The picker, facing any direc- 

 tion, can pick fruit and place it on the table. As the table rotates, it transfers the 

 fruit into a chute that leads to a bulk box. 



