Italian manufacturer MTS Sandei has developed a game changing machine that can harvest up to 110t of tomatoes an hour.
Outdoor tomatoes are a big crop in Italy. Grown for processing, an increasing number of growers and contractors are looking for higher capacity harvesters to work quicker, optimise fuel consumption and reduce labour costs.
Described as a revolution in tomato harvesting, the THR1000 enjoyed plenty of visitor interest at the preview at last November’s Italian Eima show. The company’s new tomato harvesting flagship differs to the THR850S (up to 90t/hr), the current top model in the THR range, in that it lifts two rows at a time. The patented technique increases the capacity to around 110t/hr.
It is not yet listed on the company’s website, but the first versions of the new tomato harvesting range-topper are in the field this season. While it is just 20cm longer than the 12m THR850S, the rest of the machine has been widened to cope with the extra volumes. Width is 4.2m (THR850S 3.8m), and the new top end harvester is 3.0t heavier at 20t.
Maximum power of the Volvo Stage V engine is 340hp (THR850S 250hp). Picture: MTS Sandei
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