Abstract
The 'Concord' grape is the main variety produced in Michigan for juice and wine. In 1971 over 85% of the crop was mechanically harvested.
This paper reports on recovery and product losses from one make of grape harvester. The variables studied were harvested yield and harvester ground speed.
The grape losses were divided into three groups: 1) ground losses — grapes mechanically harvested but dropped to the ground, 2) vine losses — grapes left unharvested on the vine, and 3) juice losses — loss of juice on the vine leaves and from the harvester conveying system.
Harvester recovery efficiency varied with harvested yield and ground speed — optimum recovery occurred at 1.7 mph with the Mecca at 4 tons per acre yields. Recovery was reduced at higher and lower than optimum ground speed. (Trade names are used in this paper solely to provide specific information. Mention of a trade name does not constitute a warranty of the product by Michigan State University or the U. S. Department of Agriculture or an endorsement of the product to the exclusion of other products not mentioned.)
At constant ground speed grape recovery was influenced by yield -- increased yield resulted in increased losses.
- Accepted January 1973.
- Published online January 1973
- Copyright 1973 by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture
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