This is one of the most common questions from growers who are considering an orchard platform system.
There’s no simple answer to this because it depends on some key variables that need to be explored before any recommendations are made. The last thing we want to do is oversell you on a platform that doesn’t meet your needs.
As experienced tree growers and operations managers, the Galaxy Group team knows what works for different orchard systems and management styles. Determining the right platform for you requires an understanding of your operation, how you manage it, and what you hope to achieve.
Is your Orchard Platform-ready?
We’re interested in the shape and style of your trees because this will determine whether the rows of your orchard can easily accommodate a platform (1.4 – 1.8 metres wide) without damage to fruit or the trees themselves. We’re always encouraged to see mechanical pruning in practice because it enables trees to develop a consistent shape – a key platform requirement. If your orchard is not suitable, we’d also like to gauge your willingness to take the necessary steps to make it platform- ready.
What are your Challenges?
Every grower has their own set of seasonal challenges. A shortage of willing labour is common. Orchard platforms help alleviate this issue by making a difficult job easier, more enjoyable, and more attractive to workers. Happy teams are more productive after all. If pack outs are not where they should be, it might mean fruit is not being handled carefully during harvest. A Tecnofruit Belt Platform System could help solve this because it’s designed specifically for delicate fruit handling. Whatever the challenge, we’re here to help you navigate to the right option for your situation.
The Age and Stage of your Operation.
Development blocks and established orchards have different requirements. For example, it’s unlikely the former is ready for a Tecnofruit Belt Platform system because this is first and foremost a high-tech harvest machine for established orchards. A Billo Standard Platform could be the ideal stepping stone because it’s a capable all-rounder, especially for key development tasks including tree training and pruning. When the current orchard matures, it could then be moved on to another development block.
The Composition of your Labour Team.
A reliance on seasonal workers can mean you’re short on experienced machinery operators. Language barriers can also make the provision of training difficult. This being the case, it perhaps makes sense to stick with a simpler Tethered Platform system for ease of operation by inexperienced users.
How much Time can you Invest in Training?
There’s no point recommending a high-tech platform if there’s to be little or no allowance for training. Fully trained operators are required to get the best results from these advanced systems. Galaxy Group is here to train platform teams on all our systems for as long as needed – but if time constraints are a limiting factor in bringing your crews up to speed, a system that’s easier-to-use may be your best option.
There’s no one size doesn’t fits all solution when it comes to orchard platforms. If you’re thinking about this game changing technology, please get in touch to arrange a demonstration, or an orchard visit to help determine your requirements.
Gerry Blampied
E. gerry@galaxygroup.co.nz
M. (NZ) +64 212 209 046
