Orchard Labour Platforms 
Robust equipment
to boost 
efficiency  

For fruit growers, adequate light in the orchard is essential for optimum colour. To achieve this, many growers undertake canopy management prior to harvest. But, this is costsly and sometimes labour is unavailable. A defoliator can replace manual labour to cut costs, protect fruit and effectively promote light interception. The result is more class 1 yield and a higher profit margin.

The Olmi defoliator will not harm the fruit because it uses alternating, low-pressure, pulses of air to strip off the leaves. The technology is known as Precision Air Stream and is based on 20 years of experience. Trials have been undertaken all over the world and the Olmi 509F is being embraced by fruit growers and university researchers alike.

The defoliator is extremely easy to operate and support services are on offer from Inspired Ag if needed.

A mechanical defoliator will cut labour costs and improve class 1 yield. Achieving good light penetration is a fundamental requirement for red apples to colour. Canopy management is therefore an essential part of growing fruit. When making any investment on your orchard, it is important to select a reputable company with a strong support service. The Olmi, available from Inspired Ag in Tatura is an excellent choice.

It’s been well documented that workers are more efficient when they don’t have to move ladders around the orchard. Data collected by Washington State University, Oregon State University, and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission show that efficiencies gained from tasks performed on a platform compared to on a ladder range from 19 percent to 67 percent, depending on the orchard task.