What is the positive aspect of harvesting with vibrating machines?;
We should first of all clarify that the machines of the Sicma, which we represent in Greece, is specifically for vibratory harvesting. Sicma has been specializing exclusively in the vibration industry since 1978. Mechanical harvesting is fast and saves the producer labour.
Our machines are specially designed for olive harvesting. Peanuts, almonds, walnuts and pecans can also be harvested with these machines, because they are even easier to harvest in the olive groves than olives.
In Kalamata table olives, harvesting is a game with the vibration of SICMA. We have already sold 30 machines in the area of Livnata in Fthiotida, concerning this particular variety and that of Amfissa, with very good results.
Koroneiki is a very difficult variety to harvest. Our machines have already been tested in the region of Ilia, Laconia and Messinia and have brought very positive results. They have a drop rate of over 90%, even in early harvesting done for agourella.
Which are the right machines for olive harvesting and which are suitable for olive trees?;
The rate of wrist drop is proportional to the horsepower. To harvest the olive, we need higher horsepower. For the acorns, we need smaller ones. So growers can choose each machine that suits their crop. The machines we offer belong to the category of tractor-drawn or tractor-mounted and self-propelled. Finally, SICMA's vibrating heads are also excellently applied to project machinery such as backhoes.
Sliding or suspended machinery, what would you suggest to producers?;
The application of these machines is done by sliding or suspended on tractors. The most popular models in the sliding range are the TR80 and TR50.
The TR80 is suitable for olive harvesting. It can be used with or without an inverted umbrella, which is supplied with a direct connection and disconnection system to the vibrating head. You need tractors (either wheeled or tracked) with at least 70 HP. The latest generation of remote control, power-assisted hydraulic steering, heat exchanger and a valve for adjusting the pressure for tightening the caliper complete the extensive range of equipment.
The TR50 is suitable for harvesting acorns, especially almond trees. It needs tractors with at least 50 HP. It has 3 degrees of freedom up-down, right-left, rotation around the axle. So it can grab trunk and branches in any position.
Among the climbers, the most popular is the TF80 which is suitable for olives and acorns. It is highly specialized last generation telescopic arm for vibration. It is suspended by means of a double frame that «embraces» the tractor and is reinforced at the pressure points, providing total protection for the tractor, unlike the competition's suspended vibrators. It takes drive from the tractor's PTO which must be at least 80 HP.
Self-propelled machinery, what would you suggest to producers?;
It should be stressed that Sicma's self-propelled machines are the only ones licensed for road use. They can be driven by someone with a tractor licence.
The most popular machine is the B411 self-propelled vibrator known in the market as the «Vibrating Lizard». It is also suitable for sloping soils with a slope up to 10%. It is the ideal solution for mechanized harvesting of trees such as olives, almonds, peanuts and walnuts. It was originally created for harvesting olives from the ground with the rotating brush system, but was converted into a machine for harvesting fruit from the tree by adding arm with vibrating caliper and then by adding inverted umbrella operated by mechanical tilting bars and equipped with a storage tank for the harvested fruit. It can harvest with or without an umbrella. The umbrella tank has a capacity of approximately 250 kg of product. The movement is done on 4 wheels, the rear steering axle and its small dimensions make it the most agile in tight spaces, while its telescopic arm and the hydraulic movements of the vibrating head facilitate the gripping and clamping of the tree trunk and branches. Because our country has many mountainous fields for steeper slopes, the caliper and umbrella can be adapted to a tractor or a tractor with crawlers.
Another good solution is the F3 self-propelled olive and acorn vibrator. It can work on any slope. It is available in two engines of 90 kW or 103 kW. It has a three independent wheel system that gives it comfort and easy handling, even in small spaces. The vibrating head has an automatic centering, automatic braking system. It also has dual speed vibration.
There is also the MINI AGRI 26.6 which is essentially a multifunctional machine. It is a telescopic lifting machine that fits perfectly in narrow and difficult spaces that also features the Sicma vibrating head, suitable for harvesting olives, acorns and forage. It has independent drive on the 4 wheels as well as four-wheel drive. Once harvesting is complete, the power harvester can be combined with the full range of accessories (pallet transport block, escarpment, etc.).
Financial costs play a big role for producers, how can they have an advantageous solution?;
It should be mentioned that for these machines, their purchase can be financed by the Improvement Plans. I would also recommend the TR80 and TR50 tractors and TR80 tractors and the TF80 tractor or tractor-mounted machines, which can be mounted on a tractor or a tractor-mounted machine, as economical solutions.
After the purchase of the machine, will producers be able to service it?;
Sicma machines have a high reliability. They are delivered to the field and we start harvesting together with the producer. They also have direct technical support nationwide from our company's qualified technicians and our local representatives. So far more than 100 machines have been sold throughout the country and there are no technical problems.
