THE EVOLUTION OF THE HAZELNUT HARVESTING TECHNIQUE

The evolution and the state of the art of hazelnut mechanical harvesting are described in the paper. After a description of the main technical aspects of harvesters (with particular reference to the self-propelled harvesters), the authors discuss the results of experimental tests carried out in the last years. The tests show remarkable harvesting performances for the different types of harvesters (pulled vacuum harvesters, with and without side-picker and trailer, self-propelled aspirating or picking harvesters with a trailer), which vary from about 0.2-0.4 ha/h for pulled machines to 0.35-0.5 ha/h for self-propelled ones. The variability depends on factors like work conditions, row length, orchard production, and also on the organization of the harvesting yard. The introduction of even more efficient and reliable machines allows the integral mechanization of the harvesting yards. Reduced costs and the lack of seasonal workers has improved their spread even in smaller farms (2-3 ha).