If fresh produce producers could choose their heaven, it would definitely look like Elma. The Bologna international agricultural machinery exhibition lasted five days and ended on November 13th 2016. We visited the fair and focused on equipment for the fresh produce sector.
Click here for the EIMA 2016 photo report.
Turrini Franco from Spilamberto (Modena) presented the evolution of two pieces of equipment developed respectively for cherry and top fruit harvesting. Both operate thanks to electric motors with storage batteries.
The battery pack of the electrical self-propelled platform
The first is a basket with an arm to lift operators up to 4.2 m high, so it is useful to harvest cherries in old orchards. There are control pedals to go forward and a joystick for steering. Owner Franco Turrini reports that, when batteries are perfectly charged, they last for a week.
Bin holder platform for the harvesting of top fruit
The second piece of equipment is particularly indicated for pears. It is an electrical self-propelled platform that can carry 4 bins per level. The roller rack is perfect to slide bins. It is controlled via a joystick and a button shifts the wheels automatically to move straight. Thanks to the electric motor, operators do not have to put up with the noise from an internal combustion engine for hours.
Click here for the EIMA 2016 photo report.
The "Agribox" electronic memory was also presented. It is a sort of "black box" that transmits information to a data centre. It is useful to prevent accidents, find stolen tractors and understand the causes of an accident. The project was developed by Agia and Gruppo Unipol with the help of AlfaEvolution, global leader in innovative electronic solutions. There will be a first experimental stage, during which Agribox will be installed on the vehicles of 150 Agia-Cia entrepreneurs, after which it will be supplied to all those requesting it.
Tractor suitable for orchards
There were also many orchard tractors on display. All manufacturers make small light tractors, specifically for horticulture. From New Holland to Landini, from Same to Kubota and down to Goldoni and Antonio Carraro - light, low-consumption small-medium powered tractors (25 to 40 cv) are dominating the scene. Volcan K105 from Bcs was of particular interest.
The triangular rubber back track
This range is characterised by a strong power (100 cv) and low dimensions. Tractors are therefore suitable for both orchards and heavier tasks. They are also isodiametric with steering wheels, so their turning radius is smaller than traditional isodiametrics, or with respect to having just the steering wheels.
The K105 with triangular back track and front tires was also on display. This solution has already been implemented by other manufacturers as it is safer on slopes.