| |  | | Mechanical Harvesters
Answered by: Richard Alan Miller
Question from: Tony Bratsch
Posted on: August 11, 2001
Have you compiled a list of equipment for herb (root) growers? I am interested in small root harvesting and washing equipment and looking for sources for extension clientele.
I have never compiled a list of equipment for root harvesting, as when I did it we used common potato gear. I live in Oregon, and there are lots of potatoes grown here. We modify our equipment, of course.
And now, I understand there are some new devices which are specifically designed to harvest ginsengs, and their smaller rootlets. When I first published The Potential of Herbs As A Cash Crop, I had a drawing of a new German Spader Machine (on page 66). France and Italy have also made some important advances in this direction.
Twenty years later, the current issue of Acres, USA (August) has a very good feature article on the new machins that you might like to review. There have been some innovations in the last few years, and this article covers some of those developments. I have found Small Farm Today magazine also emphasizes various new inventions discussed in recent issues.
I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful on this subject, but these two resources should get you started in the right direction. It’s where I would begin my research on this subject.
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