Picker for fruit

Fruit pickers are tools designed specifically for harvesting fruits from trees. They are commonly used by agricultural workers, gardeners, and fruit enthusiasts to gather fruits without causing damage to the trees. The fruit pickers can be used to harvest a wide variety of fruits like apples, pears, plums, peaches, and oranges, among many others. They are especially handy for harvesting fruits that grow on tall trees, such as apple trees.

What is a fruit picker and how does it work?

The fruit picker is a tool with a long handle, usually made of materials like wood, aluminum, or plastic. At the end of the handle, there is a small basket or a set of prongs that can hold the fruit securely. The fruit is plucked by placing the basket or prongs around it and gently twisting or pulling the fruit, ensuring it is detached from the tree without being bruised. The length of the handle allows users to reach fruits on higher branches without the need for a ladder, enhancing safety and convenience while harvesting fruit.

Types of fruit pickers

There are several types of fruit pickers available, each with its design to suit different harvesting needs. The most common type of fruit picker consists of a wire basket at the end of the pole. This basket is designed to gently catch fruits as the user positions it around the stem and gives a slight twist to disconnect the fruit from the tree. Another type of fruit picker features a set of prongs or fingers that surround the fruit. This design is particularly useful for fruits like berries or the blueberry pickers, where a more delicate handling is required to avoid damaging the skin.

For heavy-duty harvesting, some fruit pickers are equipped with a claw-like mechanism that can be operated from the ground. Once positioned around the fruit, the claw is closed, firmly grasping the fruit and detaching it from the tree. This type of fruit picker is commonly used in commercial orchards for efficient large-scale harvesting. In addition to these, specialized fruit pickers, such as apple tree pickers, may have specific features tailored to the fruit they are designed to harvest. For instance, an apple picker may have a padded basket to prevent bruising the apples or a smaller size to navigate the branches of apple trees more effectively. Some fruit pickers feature adjustable-length poles, enabling users to customize the reach according to the height of the trees and the position of the fruit.

How to use a fruit picker?

Using a fruit picker is a straightforward process that requires proper positioning and gentle handling. To start, the user extends the pole to the desired length using the adjustable mechanism, ensuring they have a comfortable reach to the fruit. They then navigate the fruit picker to the fruit that needs to be harvested, positioning the basket or prongs around it and making sure the fruit is securely held. With a controlled motion, the user twists or gently pulls the fruit, allowing it to detach from the tree and fall into the basket or be held by the prongs. It is essential to avoid harsh movements that may damage the fruit or the tree. For fruit pickers with a claw-like mechanism, the user positions the claw around the fruit and operates the mechanism using the pole, securely grasping the fruit and detaching it from the tree. After harvesting, the fruit is carefully placed in a container or collection bag to prevent damage and ensure it remains in optimal condition.