Patent ID: 6070402
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
A harvesting system for harvesting fruit from upright plants arranged in substantially parallel rows, comprising:a carriage system comprisinga frame comprising first and second frame portions,a front wheel mounted on the first frame portion,first and second rear wheels, where the first rear wheel is mounted on the first frame portion and the second rear wheel is mounted on the second frame portion,drive means for rotating at least one of the wheels to move the carriage system, andsteering means for rotating the front wheel about a front wheel vertical axis;a shaker system for dislodging the fruit from the plants, where the shaker system is mounted on the frame of the carriage system; anda collecting system mounted on the frame of the carriage system under the shaker system for collecting fruit dislodged by the shaker system, where the collecting system defines an entryway through which the plants move relative to the carriage assembly; whereinthe front wheel is attached to the frame in front of the entryway; and operating the steering means to rotate the front wheel about the front wheel vertical axis to turn the carriage means.