GROWERS can prevent their potatoes being mashed with new handling technology from Grimme.
SoftFlow combs cushion the potatoes as they roll onto the next conveyor with elastic polyurethane fingers.
The combs are mounted at the delivery point on the conveyor belt and can be fitted to both new and existing conveyors.
Rob Breedveld, Grimme operations manager, Landpower said poor handling is a major source of wastage.
“When potatoes are transferred from one conveyor belt to another, they roll directly onto a second belt that is running at full speed,” he said.
“This may lead to superficial damage of the skin, which can cause infections and rot.
“SoftFlow combs reduce this impact to well below industry recommendations.”
On the product release, Landpower said the soft and flexible fingers independently adjust themselves according to the weight and angle of the falling potatoes, which also removes contaminants.
“Stones, lumps or weeds can’t get trapped due to the constant movement and high elasticity of the fingers,” it said.
“The combs also have a cleaning effect by loosening any remaining soil deposits on the potatoes.”
Landpower said the tilt angle can be adjusted to ensure optimal product flow, depending on the crop.
