Retailers: Modern Technology in Olive Harvesting!

Olive harvesting is one of the most important moments in the agricultural calendar in Portugal. It is a process that demands precision, speed and, increasingly, mechanization to guarantee productivity and fruit quality. In this context, olive harvesters play a central role, becoming an indispensable tool for olive growers who seek to optimize their work in the olive grove. In this article, we explore what olive harvesters are, how they work, their main types and advantages, and how they can transform the daily work routine in the field. What are Olive Harvesters? The main function of these machines is to facilitate the separation of the fruit from the olive tree branches, thus significantly reducing the manual effort and time required for harvesting. The operating principle is simple: the equipment has rods that vibrate or move rapidly, causing the olives to fall into nets or tarps previously placed on the ground. There are different harvesting systems, but they all have the same objective: to increase harvesting efficiency without compromising the integrity of the tree or the fruit. Advantage of using Olive Harvesters

The use of olive harvesters has brought about a true transformation in the olive growing sector. Among the main advantages are:

1. Increased productivity - They allow more olives to be harvested in less time, significantly increasing the efficiency of the operation.

2. Reduced labor costs - Less need for intensive labor, which reduces operating costs.

3. Better fruit quality -Faster harvesting reduces the time between picking and milling, thus preserving the quality of the olive oil.

4. Less physical effort - They replace strenuous manual labor, making the activity safer and more sustainable.

The Main Types of Harvesters

Electric Harvesters (Battery Powered)

They are currently the most popular choice, both for small producers and professionals.

    
     

Gasoline-Powered Retailers

Equipped with 2- or 4-stroke engines, these models offer complete autonomy, without dependence on cables or batteries.

     
   

What should you consider before buying?

To make the right investment at Bernardinos, evaluate the following factors:

• The Type of Stems: Carbon stems are the most recommended. They are flexible, do not damage the olive tree's bark, and break far fewer branches, thus protecting the tree for the following year. Weight and Ergonomics: Remember that you will be spending several hours with your arms raised. Models with carbon or aluminum extension tubes significantly reduce the overall weight.

• Rod Length: Opt for models with adjustable telescopic rods to reach the tops of the tallest trees without the need for ladders.

• Bernardininos Expert Tip: Vibration speed is crucial! A good olive harvester should knock down the olive by oscillation and not by brute impact. This prevents the fruit from being bruised and losing quality before reaching the mill.

  Basic maintenance to extend the life of your equipment

  To ensure your harvester lasts for many years, follow these simple steps:

  1. Daily cleaning: At the end of each day, clean the remaining leaves and resin that accumulate on the Harvester head.

  2. Lubrication: Check the lubrication points of the harvester head according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  3. Battery care: If using an electric model, never store the battery completely discharged during the months between harvests.