The Orchard-Rite Monoboom and Bullet tree shakers are designed and engineered using high standards for quality and the latest technology in manufacturing.

What sets Orchard-Rite apart from other manufacturers of harvest machinery, is that they build all shaker frames, chassis and heads, on-site at their state-of-the-art facility in the US, says Orchard-Rite’s corporate representative in Australia, Pat Sullivan.

Orchard-Rite’s 104,000 square foot (9662 sq metres) manufacturing and assembly plant in Washington State is located in the heart of agriculture. Being surrounded by orchards, farms and vineyards, puts them close to the issues that affect crop health and a productive annual harvest.

The refined shake patterns of Orchard-Rite’s Bullet remove more nuts in less
time and the design also allows you to drive from tree to tree with no need for backing up. 

“Orchard-Rite tree shakers are produced using leading edge practices including precision robotic welding, laser cutting, and CNC machining,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We work directly with Caterpillar to create engines that provide the right amount of horsepower for optimum performance. The engines are audited by CAT, ensuring that they are providing Orchard-Rite with engines that are worthy of their reputation for durability. Both the Bullet and Monoboom tree shakers are powered by CAT 4.4L, 147.6 horsepower engines.

“Utilising over three decades of field experience and listening to the concerns that nut growers have about harvest, Orchard-Rite works to continuously improve variable shake patterns and customisation.

“This allows owners to set their own shake speed and power, optimising harvest, while also protecting their trees. Additionally, customisable settings make for an easy learning curve for the operators. Once the perfect setting is established, the operator can consistently shake each tree row identically.”

Some key unique features to Orchard-Rite’s shakers are Hydra-Shake, AccuShake and WetHead. The Hydra-Shake operating system offers a faster delivery and customisable rate of power, allowing for a concise powerful shake so the operator can shake more in less time.

“AccuShake uniformly shakes the orchard using variation in shake timing and engine speed, clearing trees faster and easier than before,” Mr Sullivan said. “And the WetHead cooling and lubrication system cools the shaker head pad, to help further protect the trees from potential damage during harvest.

“Orchard-Rite’s Bullet will help you accelerate your harvest. This highly efficient machine will allow you to drive from tree to tree with no need for backing up, as you travel straight down-the-row.

“The Bullet’s rugged design is compact, yet powerful. It features heavy-duty, energy wheel bearings, a 50-degree shaker head roll, three-wheel drive, a differential lock feature and is equipped with ultra-bright LED lights for night-time harvesting.

“The refined shake patterns help you to remove more nuts in less time. The Bullet now offers optional flotation tyres, which help reduce soil compaction. The tyres also provide excellent traction in soft and sandy soils, as well as additional grip in wet conditions.

“Over the last few harvest seasons, our customers have really seen the benefit of using the floatation tyres in soft, sandy hill conditions,” Mr Sullivan said. “They also did very well during the wet almond harvest season, in the flat and heavier type soils. These tyres have exceeded our expectations in all conditions.”

“The Monoboom’s practical design was developed by engineers with extensive experience in agriculture and nut harvesting. It offers refined shake patterns, removes more nuts, and leaves fewer nuts on the trees.

“It also offers multiple shake frequencies and the unique shaker head lubrication system to reduce the chance of tree damage. The Monoboom was designed with a boom anchor assembly for maximum resistance to breakage and the long boom reach can both scaffold and trunk shake.

“The Monoboom can also be equipped with the Side Shooter attachment to allow for down-the-row harvesting. The Side Shooter eliminates backing up to the tree, saving fuel and putting less wear on the shaker.

“Orchard-Rite tree shakers put innovation, technology and craftsmanship to work for you!”