Potato Harvester

The potato harvester is mounted with the tractor of 8-80hp with back power (side power) output shaft. The working principle is that the digging shovel digs up the soil and crops through the impetus of the tractor. The digging shovel makes the crop and soil separate through a vibration sieve, the soil first drips down from the clearance of the vibration sieve, and finally, the crop crashes down onto the road from the back.

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Potato Harvester Product Model

Model	4U-1	4U-1A	4UZ-1	4U-2	4U-2B	4U-3
Row number	Single row(casting)	Single row(casting)	Single row(casting)	Double row(Casting)	Double row(Self-loading)	Double row(Self-loading)
Row spacing (cm)	55-80	50-60	55-80	55-80	55-80	55-80
Productivity(mu/hr)	1-3	3-5		5-8		8-15
Total weight(Kg)	180	100	160	700	800	1200
Matching power(HP)	22-35	8-15	22-35	50-80	50-80	70-120
Working depth(cm)	25	20	25	25	25	25
Working width(m)	0.65	0.60	0.60	1.65	1.65	1.65
Potato-exposing rate(%)	≥96
Breakage rate(%)	≤2
REV of power take-off shaft(RPM)	560/1250	1000	560/1250	560	560	560
Overall dimension(cm)	18010098	907070	12010075	230220100	280220100	330390310
Packing dimension(cm)	1658545	857065	1509070	22019045	22019045	260220100

Types of Potato Harvester

We provide 4U-1 potato harvester, 4U-1A potato harvester, 4UZ-1 potato harvester, 4U-2 potato harvester, 4U-2B potato harvester, 4U-3 potato harvester, etc. This product is mainly used for harvesting potatoes, garlic, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and other underground rhizome crops. It has a high harvest efficiency, and a low breakage rate, the revolution vividly does not have a vibration, It never stops up by the grass, and leaks the soil quickly. The structure is simple and the service life is longer.

4U-1 Potato Harvester

4U-1A Potato Harvester

4UZ-1 Potato Harvester

4U-2 Potato Harvester

4U-2B Potato Harvester

4U-3 Potato Harvester

How Does a Potato Harvester Work?

A potato harvester is a specialized agricultural machine designed to dig up potatoes from the soil, separate them from dirt and debris, and collect them for further processing or storage. Here is how it typically works:

1. Digging: The process begins with the harvester being towed or self-propelled through the potato field. At the front, a set of blades or a share (a wide, flat blade) cuts into the soil beneath the potato rows. This lifts the potatoes, along with soil, rocks, and plant material (like vines), onto the machine.

2. Conveyor System: The mixture of potatoes and soil is then transferred onto a series of moving belts or chains, often called digger beds or conveyors. These are usually made of metal bars or rubber belts with gaps that allow smaller clumps of soil to fall through while retaining the potatoes.

3. Separation: As the potatoes move along the conveyor, the machine uses various mechanisms to separate them from the soil and debris. This can include:

Shaking or Vibration: The conveyor vibrates or oscillates to loosen and sift soil away from the potatoes.
Rollers or Screens: Some harvesters use rollers or additional screens to further filter out dirt, small stones, and plant material.
Air Blowers: In advanced models, air jets may blow away lighter debris like leaves or vines.

4. Vine Removal: The potato vines (the above-ground plant parts) are typically separated by a set of rollers, chains, or a dedicated vine remover. These vines are either dropped back onto the field or collected separately.

5. Sorting: In some machines, workers ride along on a platform to manually sort out rocks, clods, or damaged potatoes as they move along the conveyor.

6. Collection: Once cleaned and sorted, the potatoes are directed into a holding bin or hopper on the harvester. When the bin is full, it’s either emptied into a truck driving alongside or unloaded at the edge of the field.

Single Row Potato Harvester Applications

Potato harvesters are specialized agricultural machines designed to efficiently and effectively harvest potatoes and, in some cases, other underground crops. Their applications span a variety of farming needs, improving productivity, reducing labor, and maintaining crop quality. Here are the key applications of potato harvesters based on their functionality and versatility:

Harvesting Potatoes

A single-row potato harvester is designed to efficiently extract potatoes from the soil in small to medium-sized fields. It uses a digging share to lift the potatoes, followed by a sieving web or conveyor that separates them from dirt and rocks. The machine gently deposits the potatoes into a collection area or alongside the row, minimizing bruising and ensuring quality. Ideal for farms with limited space or lower tractor power, it can process one row at a time, offering a practical solution for small-scale growers aiming to reduce manual labor and boost productivity.

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Harvesting Garlic

Single-row potato harvesters can be adapted to harvest garlic by adjusting the digging depth and sieving mechanism to accommodate the smaller, more delicate bulbs. The machine lifts the garlic from the soil, shakes off excess dirt, and collects the bulbs with minimal damage to their papery skins. This application is particularly useful for small garlic farmers who need an affordable, efficient tool to replace hand-digging, ensuring the bulbs remain intact for curing and market sale while saving significant time and effort.

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Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

For sweet potatoes, a single-row potato harvester digs into the soil to unearth the tubers, using a gentle lifting and sorting process to prevent cuts or bruising, which can affect storage life. The machine’s adjustable components allow it to handle the larger, irregularly shaped sweet potatoes, separating them from soil and vines effectively. This application benefits growers by streamlining the harvest of this labor-intensive crop, making it feasible for small farms to maintain quality and meet demand with less physical strain.

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Harvesting Peanuts

Single-row potato harvesters can harvest peanuts by digging up the plants, shaking off soil, and separating the peanut pods from the roots and debris. The machine’s design ensures the pods are collected intact, crucial for maintaining their value as a food crop. This application is a game-changer for small peanut farmers, as it reduces the backbreaking work of manual harvesting, increases efficiency, and allows for timely collection during optimal weather conditions, preserving crop quality.

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How to Choose the Right Potato Harvester for Your Farm?

1. Assess Your Farm Size and Yield

Small Farms (less than 10 acres): If you’re managing a smaller operation, a single-row potato harvester might be sufficient. These are typically tractor-mounted, affordable, and ideal for low-volume harvests. Look for lightweight models that pair well with smaller tractors (20-30 HP).
Medium to Large Farms (10-100+ acres): For bigger fields or higher yields, consider multi-row harvesters (2-4 rows) or even self-propelled machines. These can handle greater capacity and reduce harvesting time significantly, though they come with a higher upfront cost.

2. Evaluate Your Terrain and Soil Type

Flat, Sandy Soil: Simple harvesters with basic sieving webs work well here since loose soil separates easily from potatoes. You won’t need heavy-duty cleaning features.
Rocky or Uneven Terrain: Opt for a harvester with adjustable digging depth and robust suspension to handle bumps and obstacles. Models with extra cleaning tables or stone separation features can save time.
Clay or Wet Soil: Choose a machine with multiple webs or aggressive separation systems (like star rollers or belted chains) to shake off sticky soil without clogging.

3. Match Your Tractor’s Capabilities

If you’re using a tractor-pulled harvester, ensure your tractor’s horsepower matches the machine’s requirements. A single-row harvester might need 20-50 HP, while a 4-row model could demand 100+ HP. Check the PTO (power take-off) compatibility and towing capacity too—undersized tractors will struggle or wear out fast.

4. Consider Harvesting Efficiency

Speed: Look at the harvester’s working width and capacity. A wider head (e.g., 2-4 rows) harvests faster but may require more passes to unload if storage is small.
Bruise Prevention: Potatoes bruise easily, lowering their value. Seek features like padded transitions, cushioned chains, or adjustable agitation to minimize damage.
Cleaning Ability: High-capacity models with built-in cleaning tables or windrowers can reduce post-harvest sorting, especially useful for commercial sales.

Potato Harvester for Harvesting Potatoes

Potato Harvester FAQ

What Types of Potato Harvesters Are Available?

Potato harvesters come in various forms, including tractor-pulled single-row or double-row models, self-propelled multi-row machines, and smaller spinners for manual collection. Each type suits different farm sizes, from small plots to large commercial operations.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Potato Harvester?

Using a potato harvester increases harvesting speed, reduces manual labor, minimizes potato bruising, and boosts overall productivity. It allows farmers to cover larger areas efficiently, saving time and costs compared to traditional hand-digging methods.

Can Potato Harvesters Work in Different Soil Types?

Yes, modern potato harvesters are designed to operate in various soils, including sandy, loamy, and medium clay soils. Their adjustable components and vibration systems help adapt to different conditions, ensuring effective harvesting with minimal crop damage.

What Is the Average Capacity of a Potato Harvester?

Capacity varies by model; small tractor-mounted harvesters might process 0.27 hectares per hour, while high-capacity self-propelled units can handle up to 100 tonnes of potatoes hourly, depending on field conditions and machine specifications.

How Do You Maintain a Potato Harvester?

Maintenance involves regular lubrication of moving parts, checking belts and chains for wear, cleaning soil from sieves after use, and inspecting blades for damage. Proper care ensures longevity and optimal performance during harvest season.

Can Potato Harvesters Harvest Other Crops?

Some versatile models can be adapted to harvest crops like carrots, onions, or sweet potatoes by adjusting digging units or attachments, offering farmers flexibility to use the machine for multiple root crops.

What Factors Affect Potato Harvester Performance?

Performance depends on soil moisture, crop density, machine settings, and operator skill. Wet or rocky conditions may slow progress, while well-adjusted machines and experienced users maximize efficiency and reduce crop loss.