La olive harvest is a crucial stage which requires organizational skills and adequate equipment. Its success depends greatly on the weather conditions, From fruit ripening, but also fromefficiency of the equipment usedThe adoption of mechanical means, such as facilitators and shakers, nets, boxes and crates, allows for the optimisation of harvesting times and costs and for maintaining the quality of the olives.
Prepare the land
The first operation to be done is the preparation of the ground. In grassy olive groves, the grass must be cut to a height of 3-5 cm to facilitate the passage of the machines and the arrangement of the nets. In bare soils, it is necessary to eliminate the weeds and level the surface. These interventions are essential to guarantee a good performance of the work and the equipment.
Maintenance and choice of equipment
Equipment plays a central role in olive harvesting and it is essential that it is perfectly functional to avoid interruptions during work and preserve the quality of the olives. The first important tools are the portable facilitators, which allow the branches to be shaken, causing the fruit to fall onto the nets below. These tools, equipped with vibrating rods, are very popular thanks to their ease of handling and use, however, their effectiveness decreases in the presence of large trees or trees with very thick foliage.
In large olive groves, it is preferable to use mechanical shakers mounted on tractors, equipped with olive collecting umbrellas. These shakers are able to shake branches and twigs, allowing for a quick and uniform harvest. Recent technological innovations have significantly improved the efficiency of these machines: thanks to more delicate vibration systems, damage to branches and olives is minimal.
Another choice increasingly appreciated by olive growers are the electric combs, tools that “rub” the branches causing the fruit to fall without compromising the integrity of the plants. Although less effective on very large or thick trees, they are well suited to medium-sized olive trees and olive varieties with delicate skin.
Technological innovations in harvesting
Technological innovation in the olive harvesting sector continues to evolve rapidly. In 2024, advanced models of mechanical shakers were introduced to the market that gently shake the trunk and foliage, adjusting the frequency and intensity of the vibrations according to the needs of each plant. This ensures a more complete harvest and minimizes losses.
Some of the most advanced models are equipped with sensors that monitor the quantity of fallen olives in real time, allowing operators to optimize the process and intervene only when necessary. These innovations not only reduce working times, but also allow energy savings and a reduction in the environmental impact of the harvest.
Equipment Costs and Lifetime
Equipment costs vary significantly depending on the type and size of the machinery.
- portable shakers, ideal for small crops, have a price that varies between 1.000 and 2.500 euros. These tools, if maintained properly, can last fup to 10 years, but require regular maintenance, such as lubrication of moving parts and replacement of components subject to wear.
- mechanical shakers mounted on a tractor, however, represent a more substantial investment, with costs that range from 10.000 to 30.000 euro. Although more expensive, these machines allow for drastically reducing harvest times in large olive farms, thus increasing overall productivity.
It flies, i electric combs, with a cost included between 1.500 and 3.000 euros, represent an intermediate solution, ideal for those seeking a balance between cost and performance.
Nets for olive harvesting
Available in different shapes and sizes, suitable for various types of olive groves and terrain configurations, in recent years, there have been several innovations that have improved the quality and operation. These new nets can be in a roll, ideal for olive groves with trees arranged in precise rows, they unroll easily along the rows, covering large areas in a single operation. The choice of sheet depends on the specific needs of the olive grove and the harvesting techniques used.
If you have land with uneven arrangements and plants in rows you can rely on rectangular nets sold in pairs, have excellent working flexibility and can also be used in two separate pieces.
For olive trees not arranged in rows there are the square nets with central slit, which facilitates positioning around the trunk of the olive tree.
Among the most used cloths, there are:
• “Pugliese” cloths: with tight meshes, suitable for mechanical harvesting.
• “Calabrese” sheets: with wide meshes, used for spontaneous collection.
• Quadirete: used for both manual and mechanized harvests.
• Honeycomb: for manual or mechanical harvesting.
• Multiple: tarpaulins suitable for the transit of machinery during harvesting.
Net costs vary according to material and size. For example, Pugliese nets have a price that varies between 50 and 100 euros, while Calabrese nets are cheaper, with prices between 30 and 80 euros. Quadirete and Nido d'Ape offer greater versatility, with prices ranging from 40 to 95 euros.
Recent innovations have made nets even more efficient and easy to use, significantly improving the harvesting process, they are made of high-density polyethylene, resistant to UV rays and tears. The corners of some nets are equipped with steel eyelets, so you can tie them together without damaging them. New tools, such as mechanized winches, allow you to quickly roll up the nets, reducing the time and effort needed for harvesting.
Crates and boxes for transporting olives
Le Boxes for the collection and transport of olives should not exceed a 25kg capacity, While caissons must not exceed the 250 kg, even if their capacity could reach 450 kg, to avoid excessive weight and compression of the olives, which could compromise their quality.
The boxes and crates are generally made of durable plastic, which is lightweight, easy to clean and does not absorb moisture. This material helps keep the olives dry and reduces the risk of mold and rot. It is important that these containers have good ventilation to allow air to circulate, this helps prevent moisture build-up and keeps the olives fresh during transport.
The boxes must be easily stackable to optimize space during transport and storage, thus ensuring stability and safety.
Il cost of the boxes for the olive harvest varies between 5 and 15 euros for cassette. I caissons, instead, have an average cost that varies between 150 and 270 euros. The average lifespan of boxes and bins is about 5-10 years, but it is important to follow some maintenance practices, such as regular cleaning, proper storage and periodic inspection.
AIPO Director
Interregional Association
Olive producers
