Design principles and field test results for an experimental onion harvester are presented. The machine digs, lifts, tops, and conveys bulbs to bulk bins which are used to haul them from the field. Field tests revealed that harvesting efficiencies greater than 90 percent can be achieved, and bulbs can be accurately topped so that there are less than 2.5 percent bulbs with neck length more than two inches. These principles provide a potential for reducing onion harvesting labor requirements in Texas ten-fold.
展开▼
