## 8 Creation and Interpretation of the Value Curves
### Finalization of Values Curves through the Assignment of Performance Levels
In turn, _V/T_ and _V/M_ (level 4) have a better versatility in sloping ground than _M/M_ (level 3) because the fruits have to be reached with a tube and not with the whole machine. * _Maneuverability:_ Additionally, in this case, the _portable_ machines (level 5) exhibit the highest level of maneuverability since they can be easily moved around obstacles. _SP_ and _M/T_ machines (level 1) are the least flexible, heaviest, and bulkiest machines and, therefore, they have the lowest level of maneuverability. The _mounted_ machines and the _V/T_ (level 3) present approximately the same level of maneuverability since they have a similar size and, in both cases, the steering angle depends on the tractor. * _Transportability:_ As far as transportability is concerned, _M/P_ machines are the best ones (level 5) because they are the smallest and lightest. _V/P_ machines have obtained a lower performance (level 4) because they are generally bulkier and heavier than _M/Ps. V/T_, _V/M_, and _M/M_ machines (level 3) were considered at the same level of transportability because they all need a tractor to be moved and have a comparable overall size. However, the above machines are considered to be more transportable than _self-propelled_ machines (level 2) because they can be transported easily even on trucks or vans, while the high dimensions and weights of _self-propelled_ machines make their transportability more difficult. Due to their great weight and the need to be moved with a tractor, _M/T_ machines present the worst transportability performance (level 1). * _Independence from external resources_: _M/P_ machines require only an operator and, therefore, they exhibit the best performance (level 5) in terms of independence from external resources, such as multiple operators, tractors, and/or fuel. In most cases, _V/P_ and _self-propelled_ machines require an operator but they need fuel, so they have been assigned a lower level of performance (level 4). In the case of _trailed_ machines (level 2), in addition to multiple operators and fuel, they also require a tractor. However, the tractor exploited for _trailed_ machines does not have to carry the whole load, as in the case of _mounted_ machines (level 1). For this reason, the _mounted_ machines achieved the worst level of performance for the competing factor under consideration. * _Capability of working with moisture: Vacuum_ machines are particularly sensitive to moisture. In particular, _V/P_ machines (level 1) are the least performing because maintenance operations are frequent in moisture conditions. In addition, the operator may have difficulties in moving on a slippery ground with the _portable_ machine. For this reason, the _M/P_ machine does not achieve a high performance (level 2). The same level of performance was assigned to _V/T_ and _V/M_ machines. As for the former, the operators still have to move by handling a pipe on a slippery ground. As for the latter, the suction of foreign humid materials drastically compromises their performance. _V/SP_ machines (level 3) often have foreign material management systems that allow them to partially overcome the problem of moisture. Therefore, these machines outperform the previously mentioned ones. Due to the best management of foreign materials, the _M/SP_ machines (level 5) can be considered the least sensitive to the problems deriving from working with moisture. For this reason, _M/T_ and _M/M_ machines (level 4) were given a lower performance level than _M/SP_. * _Comfort of operators_: _Portable_ machines have the lowest level of comfort (level 1) because they have to be entirely moved by the operators and, in addition, they expose the operators to weather events. _V/T_ and _V/M_ machines (level 2) have the same problems, but, generally, the weight to be handled is much lower because the crop is stored on the tractor or on the trailer. The weight to be handled manually is avoided in the case of _M/T_ and _M/M_ machines (level 4).