Mechanical harvesting raisin grapes … an evaluation of methods for severing fruiting canes

Abstract

The use of pneumatic shears in conjunction with the pruning sled concept resulted in maximum cane cutter productivity, but the overall productivity with the three-man crew was less than that demonstrated for the two-man crew using only pneumatic shears. The tests demonstrated that, in terms of overall crew productivity the use of pneumatic shears was definitely advantageous. However, purchase of a pneumatic pruning machine cannot be justified if used only for cane severing.