Grape & Olive Harvester Bo Rods | Nylon Picking Rods

Thermoplastics like nylon 6/6, polycarbonate, and UHMW-PE play a critical role in the machinery used in viticulture and agriculture. Hooked rods, more commonly known as "Bo Peep rods" or "bo rods," are shaped from extruded nylon. Bo rods are essential for shaking grapevines and olive trees during harvesting to ensure the fruit is collected with minimal damage to the plants. Polycarbonate is another commonly used thermoplastic in agricultural equipment that undergoes machining to create the transparent "wings" which border conveyors. These wings are used to guide the harvested fruit from where they land to collection bins and trays. UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is one of the main materials used for wear-resistant corners and wear guides, also known as "bacon strips," in agricultural equipment. These thermoplastic components are vital for both the longevity of harvesting machinery and the plants they harvest and ensure a smooth and productive harvesting process.

Nylon 6/6, also known as extruded nylon, is an increasingly important part of the harvesting season. Extruded nylon rods are strong and rigid yet durable and wear-resistant and can be bent into the preferred hook shape of bo peep rods that are used in the harvesting process. Typically 1" or 1.25" in diameter, these extruded nylon rods can withstand the demands of harvesting machinery and allow for the shaking of grapevines for effective fruit removal with minimal damage to the vines. Extruded nylon's resistance to abrasion, impact, moisture, and chemicals makes it well-suited for the challenging conditions of vineyards. Its combination of properties ensures efficient grape harvesting while helping to maintain vineyard health.

Extruded nylon's properties are a natural fit for olive harvesting. Its moisture, impact, and abrasion resistances allow extruded nylon rods to endure the elements and impacts encountered during the harvesting process. Nylon 6/6 is also resistant to chemicals, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance to help reduce downtime throughout the harvesting season. Like with grape harvesting, extruded nylon rods help harvesting machines free the olives from trees for collection while mostly protecting the integrity of the tree and the fruit. Straight nylon rods that are 1" to 1.25" in diameter may be preferred for olive harvesting over the bo peep rods used in grape harvesting.

The viticulture and agriculture industries use Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) for corners and wear guides, which are sometimes called "bacon strips." These components are essential for the longevity of grape and olive harvesting equipment. UHMW's exceptional properties, including its low coefficient of friction, low moisture absorption, light weight, and abrasion resistance, make it an ideal choice creating for long-lasting moisture-resistant components. Its high abrasion resistance ensures prolonged component durability, even under harsh operating conditions. Additionally, UHMW's low coefficient of friction reduces wear on machinery parts and increases part lifespan. Its excellent resistance to chemicals and moisture also allows for relatively easy cleaning and increases its lifespan compared to metal in outdoor environments. UHMW components like corners and wear guides are essential in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of agricultural equipment like harvesters and contribute to the productivity and success of viticulture and agriculture operations.

Polycarbonate plays a crucial role in mechanical harvesting machines for grapes and olives. "Wings" made from polycarbonate guide the harvested olives and grapes from the shaking mechanism to collection bins or trays, keeping them from falling off without compromising on the visibility of the crops as they move along the conveyor belt. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable and can withstand the vibrations and impacts encountered during the harvesting process. Polycarbonate wings are relatively easy to maintain - routine cleaning and inspection tasks can be performed with minimal downtime, ensuring optimal performance. Overall, polycarbonate's combination of properties makes it well-suited for use as wings in agricultural harvesting equipment.