The hopper truck with self-unloading capacity unloads the roots for storage or immediate washing, trimming, and waxing. Sometimes useful is a short inspection belt which permits culls to be removed before the roots are elevated to the bulk pile. Care must be exercised in operating the mechanical equipment to prevent scrub and bruise damage to the roots. Bruised rutabagas are likely to rot and do not store well. A tractor-mounted power loader is frequently used in moving rutabagas from storage to the washing and waxing line.
Dirty water contains a large number of rot-causing organisms.
To reduce loss from disease after waxing, change water in the wash drum frequently or add fresh water continuously to keep water as clean as possible. After washing, the roots can be spray-rinsed with clean water. After rinsing, the roots should be dried as rapidly as possible before waxing and shipping. This may include the use of sponge rollers and heated forced air. Trimming after washing helps to reduce rot in waxed rutabagas.