摘要 |
A mechanized harvesting machine particularly suitable for picking or harvesting vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes uses a single rotating helical guide member carried on a shaft aligned longitudinally above the row of plants to thread its way through the plants with minimal disturbance. Arcuate picking elements are attached between the helical guide and the shaft for pushing and pulling the vegetables or other crops to be harvested from the plant, as the helical guide member is rotated through the row of plants. The guide member is operated parallel to the ground and turns in a single direction, leaving the plants in a relatively undisturbed condition after they have been picked so that the plants may be used to grow a subsequent crop. The harvesting machine includes conveyor belts located on opposite sides of the helical guide member for catching the vegetables after they have been picked to convey them to a convenient storage bin on the machine.
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