Olive Harvesters and Shakers Campagnola

Campagnola olive harvesters are designed to facilitate mechanised olive harvesting by using moving tines to detach the fruit from the canopy. The brand was founded in 1958 by Vittorio Ferretti and Graziella Rondani and develops professional harvesting and pruning equipment. Italian design, component inspections and final testing support a range intended for both family-run olive groves and intensive farming operations.

The brand’s development includes the launch of OLISTAR, Campagnola’s first pneumatic olive harvester with opposing movement, in 1990. Campagnola Iberica was established in 2000, followed by the introduction of the ALICE electromechanical olive harvester in 2004. The current range includes battery-powered, pneumatic and petrol-driven solutions developed for different canopies, cultivars, terrain conditions and harvesting rates.

This selection also includes the following types of Campagnola olive harvesters and shakers:

• Campagnola battery-powered electric olive harvesters: suitable for users seeking portable, well-balanced equipment for olive groves where frequent movement is required. Depending on the model, the available configurations may use lithium-ion batteries or connect to lead-acid batteries;
• Campagnola pneumatic olive harvesters: connected to a compressor or engine-driven compressor, they provide a beating speed and continuous operation suited to intensive harvesting. The low weight of the head assists prolonged work and penetration into dense canopies;
• Campagnola petrol-powered olive harvesters and shakers: fitted with an internal-combustion engine at the base of the pole, they require no connection to batteries or compressors. They are suitable for large olive groves and situations where independence from external power sources makes movement between trees easier;

At AgriEuro, Campagnola olive harvesters can be selected according to their main technical features, helping users identify the equipment best suited to the size of the olive grove, the structure of the trees and the required working rate. The parameters to compare include:

• Power supply: electric models operate with compatible batteries or dedicated power systems; pneumatic models require compressed air; petrol versions are equipped with an independent engine;
• Harvesting-head movement: opposing, lateral, alternating or elliptical systems provide different ways of penetrating the canopy and contacting the olives;
• Tines and combs: tine length, shape and materials affect movement between branches, the ability to reach the fruit and performance in canopies of different densities;
• Beating speed: the number of oscillations should be matched to the cultivar, olive ripeness and the fruit’s resistance to detachment;
• Speed adjustment: on models offering this function, the movement of the combs can be adapted to the condition of the tree and the different harvesting stages;
• Fixed or telescopic pole: a fixed pole provides rigidity and low weight; a telescopic pole makes it possible to reach the highest sections of the canopy from the ground;
• Pole material: aluminium and carbon fibre differ in weight, rigidity and handling, factors that become important during extended working sessions;
• Weight and balance: correct weight distribution reduces strain on the arms and shoulders and makes it easier to guide the head accurately between the branches;

For domestic or semi-professional work, electric models may be suitable, particularly in family-run olive groves or on terrain requiring frequent movement. Professional operators may prefer pneumatic systems for continuous harvesting or petrol-powered models when complete operational independence is required. The choice should always take account of canopy height and density, the number of trees and the power equipment already available.

The three types of Campagnola olive harvesters meet different organisational requirements in the olive grove. Power source, weight, freedom of movement and continuity of operation all affect the choice of equipment. The comparison should therefore begin with the actual harvesting conditions and available resources.

Campagnola battery-powered electric olive harvesters combine portability with control over the harvesting head, making them suitable for family-run olive groves and professional work involving frequent movement. The motor drives the combs without compressed air and, on compatible models, may be positioned at the bottom of the pole to distribute the weight more evenly. The range includes systems powered by 12 V lead-acid batteries, portable lithium-ion batteries and dedicated Line 58 power units. Electronic speed adjustment allows the beating rate to be matched to olive ripeness and canopy density. Battery selection should take account of voltage, capacity, compatibility and the expected duration of the working session. This configuration is also suited to uneven terrain, where easy transport can simplify movement between distant rows.

• Power supply: depending on the model, power can be provided by a lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery or compatible power unit;
• Adjustment: compatible versions allow the speed to be selected according to canopy conditions and olive ripeness;
• Balance: motor position and pole selection help distribute weight during operation;
• Applications: suitable for small and medium-sized olive groves, semi-professional harvesting and situations requiring frequent movement;

Campagnola pneumatic olive harvesters use air supplied by a compressor or engine-driven compressor and are designed for continuous harvesting, including work with several operators. The absence of an electric motor on the head helps keep the weight of the handheld tool down and supports manoeuvrability during extended sessions. The combs may use opposing or laterally opposing movements, with technopolymer or carbon tines selected according to the model. Their high beating speed and ability to penetrate the canopy make these solutions suitable for dense trees, cultivars with olives resistant to detachment and large olive groves. The compressor must provide an airflow and pressure compatible with the number of connected tools. Hose length, row layout and the ability to move the power unit across the terrain should also be assessed.

• Power source: they require a compressor, engine-driven compressor or system connected to the tractor’s power take-off;
• Continuity of operation: suitable for extended shifts and sites where one or more operators work at the same time;
• Harvesting head: different movements and tine materials are available for different canopies and cultivars;
• System configuration: airflow, pressure, couplings and hose length must comply with the equipment specifications;

Campagnola petrol-powered olive harvesters and shakers feature an internal-combustion power unit connected directly to the pole and work without batteries, electrical cables or pneumatic hoses. This configuration provides independence in olive groves without access to a power source and on terrain where moving a compressor would be impractical. Different harvesting heads can be paired with the engine unit specified by the manufacturer, allowing the movement to be matched to the canopy and the olives’ resistance to detachment. The relationship between power, weight and balance is particularly important during long working days. Before choosing, users should also consider starting, fuel-tank capacity, engine maintenance and the available support equipment. These machines are intended for operators who prioritise operational independence and continuous movement between separate plots or distant rows.

• Operational independence: the petrol engine removes the requirement for connections to external batteries or compressed-air systems;
• Mobility: the absence of cables and hoses facilitates movement between trees, rows and separate plots;
• Power-to-weight ratio: this should be assessed together with pole balance and the expected duration of the work;
• Maintenance: the engine, fuel system, filter and mechanical components require the checks specified in the model’s manual;

AgriEuro offers a selection of Campagnola olive harvesters with technical data sheets for comparing power supplies, harvesting heads, poles and intended levels of work. Dedicated services support the product after delivery and simplify the search for compatible components.

• Fast, free delivery: handled by AgriEuro’s logistics centres, it enables the equipment to be delivered directly to the specified address, subject to the availability and conditions stated on the website;
• Option to order spare parts: allows users to search for wear components, accessories and compatible spare parts over time through the dedicated section of their account;
• After-sales support: provides attentive, personalised assistance with technical enquiries, maintenance, spare-parts identification and procedures relating to the purchased product;

Choose and purchase the Campagnola olive harvester best suited to your olive grove from AgriEuro.

The choice depends on the size of the olive grove, terrain, canopy density and required harvesting rate. An electric model may be suitable for family-run olive groves, hilly plots and frequent movement. A pneumatic system is better suited to intensive harvesting, especially when a correctly sized compressor is already available. A petrol-powered version provides greater independence from batteries and pneumatic systems. Weight, balance, pole length, tine type, head movement and compatibility with equipment already owned should also be compared.

An olive harvester rapidly moves the tines of the harvesting head through the canopy, encouraging the olives to detach and fall onto nets laid beneath the tree. Depending on the model, movement may be alternating, opposing, lateral or elliptical. The head is fitted to a fixed or telescopic pole, allowing the highest branches to be reached from the ground. The operator should guide the comb between the branches without forcing it against the main limbs and adjust the speed to the ripeness of the fruit.

Operating time varies according to battery voltage, capacity, the connected model and working intensity. The selected speed, canopy density and the olives’ resistance to detachment also affect consumption. Consult the data sheet for the olive harvester and compatible battery to determine the expected operating time. The charge level and connection method should be checked before harvesting. For long sessions, it may be useful to prepare a second compatible battery or a power system specified by the manufacturer.

Some Campagnola electric olive harvesters can be connected to a 12 V lead-acid battery using a compatible cable, converter and clamps. This option does not automatically apply to every model, as voltage, current draw and connections vary between product lines. The data sheet should therefore be checked to identify the specified power supply and required accessories. Connections must comply with the manufacturer’s polarity and operating instructions. An incompatible battery may cause malfunctions or damage the electrical components.

The compressor must supply an airflow and pressure compatible with the model and the number of tools connected at the same time. Maximum pressure alone is not enough: effective airflow must remain adequate during continuous operation. Hose diameter and length, couplings, filtration and the required lubrication system should also be checked. For systems with several operators, the air consumption of all the planned olive harvesters must be added together. The correct values are listed in the relevant Campagnola data sheets and manuals.

A petrol-powered olive harvester is suitable when independence from batteries, generators and compressors is required. It can be useful on remote plots, in large olive groves or on terrain where cables and hoses would hinder movement. Overall weight, balance, fuel-tank operating time and engine maintenance must also be considered. For extended work, the harness and correct pole adjustment become important. Before purchasing, these aspects should be compared with the lower head weight of pneumatic models and the practicality of electric alternatives.

Correct technique and a head suited to the tree help limit broken twigs, leaf loss and bruising of the fruit. Speed should be adjusted to ripeness and the olives’ resistance to detachment. The tines should not be forced against large limbs or left trapped in the vegetation. Comb shape, tine material and movement type all affect contact with the canopy. Regular passes are also recommended, along with periodic checks of the tines and replacement of damaged parts.

A fixed pole generally provides rigidity, simplicity and low weight; a telescopic pole allows its length to be adapted to different canopy heights. A regularly pruned tree with accessible branches can be worked with a fixed pole of suitable length. In olive groves with tall or irregular trees, telescopic adjustment helps reach more sections from the ground. Extending the pole alters the tool’s balance and increases leverage on the operator’s arms. Material, extension range and locking system should therefore be assessed together with the weight of the head.

No single configuration is suitable for every olive grove: tines, comb and movement should be selected according to the cultivar and canopy structure. Long tines assist penetration into vegetation; their shape, flexibility and material alter contact with branches and fruit. Opposing, lateral or elliptical movements create different trajectories and may be more suitable for open or dense canopies. Ripeness also affects performance, as less mature olives resist detachment more strongly. Model comparisons should therefore cover the complete harvesting system rather than only the number of beats per minute.

Maintenance begins by cleaning the harvesting head and inspecting the tines, screws, joints and pole-locking systems. On electric models, the cable, connectors and battery should be checked, following the charging and storage instructions. Pneumatic systems require inspections of hoses, couplings, air filtration and the lubrication specified in the manual. Petrol versions also require periodic checks of the engine and its components. Before replacing parts or applying lubricants, consult the specific manual, as procedures and service intervals vary between models.