Olive Harvesters and Shakers Castellari

Castellari olive harvesters and shakers are tools designed for assisted olive harvesting, suitable for olive growers, farms and professional operators. Castellari’s history began in 1976 with Giuseppe Castellari’s “Il Coltellino” shop in the centre of Imola. After developing its first pruning tools, the company introduced its first olive harvester in 2005 and progressively expanded its range of equipment for olive groves.

The design process combines the work of the technical department with field tests and feedback from users. In-house production includes steel and aluminium processing, steel heat treatment, robotic drilling and sharpening. Castellari olive harvesters assist with detaching olives through the movement of the tines within the canopy, allowing operators to work on trees of different heights with harvesting nets placed beneath them.

This page also includes the following types of Castellari olive harvesters, divided according to power system and operating configuration:

• Castellari battery-powered electric olive harvesters: they use an electric motor powered by a battery compatible with the specific model. They are suitable for users seeking freedom of movement who do not have a compressed-air system;
• Castellari pneumatic olive harvesters: they receive the air required for movement from a compatible compressor or engine-driven compressor. They are designed for intensive harvesting and systems where several operators may work at the same time;

At AgriEuro, Castellari olive harvesters can be selected according to their technical features, helping users identify the most suitable tool for the number of trees, the layout of the olive grove and the frequency of work. The main aspects to consider are:

• Power system: electric models run on a battery; pneumatic versions require a compressor with an airflow rate and pressure compatible with the specifications of the individual tool;
• Motor position: on electric models, the motor may be located at the bottom of the shaft or near the head. A lower position keeps the weight closer to the operator’s body and reduces leverage on the arms;
• Shaft material: shafts may be made of aluminium or carbon fibre. Carbon fibre reduces the weight held during extended work sessions, whereas aluminium provides a sturdy structure;
• Shaft configuration: a fixed version prioritises simplicity and rigidity; a telescopic shaft allows its length to be adjusted to reach the upper parts of the canopy from the ground;
• Harvesting head and tines: the shape, arrangement and movement of the tines affect penetration through the branches and the detachment of the olives. Carbon tines combine low weight with resistance to stress;
• Weight and balance: overall weight and its distribution affect the strain placed on the arms and shoulders. This factor becomes particularly important during long harvesting days;

Models intended for semi-professional work meet the needs of small and medium-sized olive groves with seasonal harvesting. Professional configurations are intended for farms and operators working for many hours or on numerous trees, with particular attention to weight, operating continuity and compatibility with the power source.

The choice between electric and pneumatic power depends on the size of the olive grove, the number of operators and the equipment already available. The slope of the ground, distance between trees and duration of the work sessions also influence the most practical configuration. Comparing the two solutions helps determine the required battery, compressor, shaft and accessories.

Castellari battery-powered electric olive harvesters operate without a compressor and are suitable for moving between rows, terraces and trees located far apart. The motor drives the harvesting head, whose tines enter the canopy and help detach the drupes above the nets. The range includes fixed or telescopic shaft configurations and models in which carbon fibre reduces the weight of the raised components. Motor position is particularly important: when the motor unit is located near the handle, more of the weight remains close to the operator’s centre of gravity. Selection should take account of the required voltage, power draw, compatible battery, cable length and expected runtime. In olive groves with trees of different heights, shaft adjustment makes it easier to move from lower branches to the upper sections of the canopy.

The following aspects should be compared before purchasing:

• Compatible battery: voltage, capacity and connections must match the specifications stated in the model’s technical data sheet;
• Operating runtime: this varies according to battery capacity, tool power draw and the pauses taken during harvesting;
• Shaft length: a fixed size provides a linear structure, whereas telescopic adjustment increases the working height;
• Weight distribution: the motor, shaft and head should form a balanced assembly suited to the expected duration of work sessions;
• Tine material: weight, flexibility and resistance to stress affect how the head behaves among the branches;

Castellari pneumatic olive harvesters use compressed air to drive the head and are intended for intensive harvesting and working teams with one or more operators. The tool body does not house a battery or a complete electric motor, which helps keep the weight on the shaft low. Operation requires a compressor or engine-driven compressor, a suitably sized hose and compatible couplings. The choice cannot be based solely on maximum pressure: the airflow rate, consumption of each olive harvester and number of tools connected simultaneously must also be compared. A correctly sized system maintains regular head movement during work. Pneumatic shafts may be made of aluminium or carbon fibre and are available in different lengths. Checking the lubricator, couplings and hose contributes to operating continuity throughout the harvesting season.

The system configuration requires assessment of the following elements:

• Compressor airflow rate: it must cover the total consumption of the connected olive harvesters while maintaining the margin specified by the manufacturer;
• Operating pressure: it must be set to the value specified for the individual model, rather than relying solely on the compressor’s maximum pressure;
• Number of operators: simultaneous work with several tools requires airflow production proportionate to the sum of their respective consumption rates;
• Hose and couplings: diameter, length and connection tightness affect the consistency of the pneumatic supply;
• Lubrication: the oil and lubrication system must be checked according to the instructions for the compressor and olive harvester;

AgriEuro complements its range of Castellari olive harvesters and shakers with services dedicated to delivery, maintenance and after-sales support. Product data sheets also allow users to compare power systems, shaft configurations and professional levels before ordering.

• Fast and free shipping: orders are prepared and dispatched from AgriEuro logistics centres, with free delivery according to the conditions stated for the selected product and destination;
• Option to order spare parts: after purchase, customers can access the product’s exploded parts diagram from their account and accurately identify components available for maintenance work;
• After-sales support: AgriEuro provides dedicated assistance after delivery and coordinates the required work through its central workshop and service centres located throughout the country;

Compare the available Castellari olive harvesters and purchase the model best suited to your olive grove from AgriEuro.

The choice mainly depends on the size of the olive grove and the equipment available. An electric model requires a compatible battery and facilitates movement between distant trees or across uneven ground. A pneumatic olive harvester requires a compressor, hose and couplings, but is suitable for intensive harvesting and teams with several operators. Weight, tree height, daily working time and the cost of the complete configuration should also be compared.

The battery must meet the voltage, capacity and connection requirements stated in the model’s technical data sheet. Choosing a battery with a high capacity is not enough: an incorrect voltage may impair operation of the tool. Before ordering, check whether the battery is included, recommended as an accessory or must be purchased separately. The type of terminals, cable length and method used to transport the battery around the olive grove should also be checked.

Runtime depends on battery capacity, motor power draw and the actual time for which the head remains active. Temperature, battery condition, canopy density and frequency of pauses also have an effect. The comparison should therefore begin with the specifications of the model and its paired battery. For extended harvesting, it may be useful to provide a second compatible battery or a capacity suitable for the entire working day.

The compressor must provide the operating pressure and airflow rate required by the olive harvester. Maximum pressure alone does not indicate the amount of air available during continuous operation. The consumption of all tools operating simultaneously must be added together, and a suitable operating margin should be maintained. Hose length and diameter may also cause pressure losses, so they must be appropriate for the selected configuration.

Yes, provided that the compressor has sufficient airflow capacity to power both tools simultaneously. The calculation must consider the sum of their air consumption, required pressure and any losses along the hoses and couplings. If the airflow rate is insufficient, head movement may slow down or become irregular. Before setting up a workstation for two operators, compare the technical specifications of the compressor and olive harvesters.

A fixed shaft is suitable when trees have fairly uniform heights and a simple structure is preferred. A telescopic version allows the length to be adjusted to the canopy and the upper branches to be reached from the ground. As extension increases, however, the leverage placed on the arms and shoulders must be considered. Shaft weight, head position and overall balance should therefore be evaluated together with the maximum working height.

Carbon fibre combines low weight with resistance to stress. On a shaft, it can reduce the weight being lifted and the strain experienced during long sessions. In the tines, it helps keep the head light while providing the flexibility needed to move through the branches. The technique specified by the manufacturer must still be followed, avoiding forcing the head against solid branches and obstacles.

Correct operation limits aggressive contact with branches and vegetation, but the outcome depends on the operator’s technique and tool adjustment. The tines should work through the foliage without repeatedly striking larger branches. Regular movements are recommended, stopping the action once the fruit has detached. Ripeness, canopy density and the condition of the tree also affect the number of passes required.

After harvesting, clean the head and check the tines, fastenings, shaft and connections. On electric models, inspect the cable, terminals and battery condition; storage must follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions. For pneumatic models, check the hose, couplings, lubricator and supply pressure. Any work must be performed with the tool disconnected from the battery or air line and in accordance with the manual.

Nets catch the olives detached from the tree and allow them to be transferred to containers more neatly. They should cover the ground beneath the canopy without leaving uncovered gaps around the trunk. Their size should be chosen according to the spread of the trees and the method used to move the sheets between rows. Even positioning reduces contact between the fruit and the ground and facilitates the subsequent collection stages.