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The company CH Engineering from Kröv on the Mosel has put the world's first steep-slope grape harvester into series production. It manages slopes of up to 75 percent and can also be used in terraces. According to CH Engineering, the quality of the grapes and the protection of the vineyards were at the forefront of the machine's development.
The steep-slope harvester runs on caterpillar tracks, is secured with an electronic winch and is capable of turning on steep slopes. Harvesting takes place at speeds of up to 5 km/h. Since the grape harvester is designed as a mounted implement, it only needs one tramline, which means it can also be used in terraces. There, it can handle curve radii of 12 m and more. A special air duct in the harvesting head allows the machine to be converted from steep slopes to terraces. Two track widths are available, the wider one with 1.40 m has a collection tank of 800 litres.
The digital control system is designed to ensure consistent harvest quality during travel and includes programmes for different grape varieties and cleaning. It also provides an accounting system for payroll tax companies.
(al / Source: Press release; Photo: CH Engineering)
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