Mechanical blossom thinning
with the Fruit-tec Darwin thinner

Excellent fruit size and quality are achieved by using
the Darwin mechanical blossom thinner.

Thinning is mandatory in order to reach high fruit quality
and high yields. This is very important in particular
with new apple cultivars with high flowering intensity
and high fruit-charge. The regulation of the fruit is
one of the most important crop factors that contribute
to ensure fruit quality.

The idea of mechanical thinning arose in 1990 from the desire for a thinning method which is labour-saving, chemical-free and as weather independent as possible.

In the course of several years of work and experience, Hermann Gessler, fruit grower from the Bodensee area (Lake of Constance), developed a patented system of a mechanical thinning machine, which became generally accepted and often used. Fruit-tec now manufacture the patended Darwin mechanical blossom thinner.

The machine is attached to the front linkage system of the tractor or by a frame if the tractor does not have front linkage.

The hydraulic adjustment of the spindle angle allows for thinning to the correct shape of the tree, along with variable speed to suit different varieties and the amount of thinning required.

The tractor and machine drive closely along the tree rows and whip the buds, flower clusters, or individual blooms depending upon the point of contact.

This machine has been trialled now for four years in the UK on suitably planted orchards and has been shown to produce fantastic results with improvements in colour uniformity, size and yield.

As well as selling these machines we are also able to offer a hire service with tractor and operator on a daily basis. So for cost cutting and labour saving in concept orchards why not pluck up the courage and give this machine a try!

Please click here for a technical specification

 

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