VEGETABLE DAMAGE REDUCTION WITH DECELERATORS

Abstract

The handling of mechanically harvested vegetables typically results in significant impact damage (bruises, broken or splits) when falling 1.8 to 2.8 m into empty field transport vehicles. To reduce this damage, reinforced vinyl hammock designs were suspended 0.7 m above the bottom of the container on rubber elastic springs. As the vegetables filled the hammock it settled to the floor. The hammock and spring system provided cushioning and significant damage reduction compared to when vegetables directly impacted the bare floor. Field studies with the hammock showed a 65 to 80% damage reduction to the first 15 to 20 cm depth of carrots and onions and 50% reduction in pickling cucumbers and potatoes. Compared to active systems such as an air bag, passive decelerators are simple, relatively inexpensive and significantly reduce impact damage. The cost effectiveness depends on the number of fills per season. Typical frequency of use of high-lifts in carrots (30 to 35 times/day) will pay for the hammock system in 1 season. To maintain field quality for the consumer, the impact damage encountered in field harvesting and handling operations can and must be reduced.