Author: Tom Auvil, Dana Faubion, Karen Lewis, Clark Seavert
Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1. Determine the economic benefits of employing mechanical assist machines that reduce pruning, thinning, pheromone placement costs, and evaluate harvest efficiency in peach and cherry orchards. 2. Determine the economic benefits of employing platforms that reduce pruning, thinning, and pheromone placement in apple orchards. 3. Measure efficiencies of mechanical assisted harvest machine and platforms vs. orchard ladders and express those findings in labor per hour, bins, boxes, and pounds of fruit sold. 4. Facilitate L&I acceptance of equipment, ergonomics and safety components. 5. Assessment of worker, crew and management dynamics.
