When using a harvester, the choice of battery depends on the practical needs of the user. The main differences between a base-mounted battery and a backpack battery concern freedom of movement and autonomy. The base-mounted battery is more manoeuvrable and lighter, but offers reduced autonomy. In contrast, the backpack provides longer working sessions, although it can be bulkier in tight spaces.
Base-mounted lithium-ion batteries offer greater freedom of movement. The lack of cumbersome cables improves agility when working between trees, making the harvester easier to manoeuvre. They are generally lighter than the backpak once, reducing operator fatigue, and make it easier to transport the device. In addition, handling is more intuitive, not requiring additional equipment such as a backpack. On the downside, however, they have a very limited autonomy and often cannot do a full day's work on their own.
On the other hand, lithium backpack batteries, while adding a certain amount of bulk, allow for greater energy capacity, extending the operational life of the harvester without the need for frequent recharging or battery changes. Their higher capacity allows long working sessions without interruption. In addition, shifting the weight of the battery to the back reduces the direct load on the arm and body, better balancing the overall weight of the equipment.
However, backpack batteries can be less ergonomic and uncomfortable in tight spaces or during quick movements between trees, and the presence of the cable can be an obstacle or obstruction during operation. Finally, the constant carrying of the backpack may cause more fatigue in the long run than an integrated solution in the product base.
