It is a tool suitable for working on both flat and sloping ground, with a variable digging depth, perfect for all types of soil.
there are different types of tractor-mounted potato diggers, each with specific characteristics that make them suitable for different agricultural needs.
What are tractor-mounted potato diggers used for?
Tractor potato harvesters are essential tools in agriculture for efficient potato harvesting. These machines are used to separate potatoes from the soil, reducing manual labour and significantly speeding up the harvesting process. The use of potato harvesters is particularly advantageous in medium and large-scale crops where manual harvesting would be extremely time-consuming and resource-intensive.
- Automated harvesting: Potato harvesters automate the separation of tubers from the soil, ensuring fast and accurate harvesting.
- Reduced tuber damage: The machines are designed to minimise damage to the tubers during harvesting, preserving the quality of the final product.
- Adaptability to different soil types: With a choice of working widths and discharge types, potato harvesters can be used on a variety of soils, from light to more compact soils.
- Professional and hobby use: While professional belt models are ideal for large farms, simpler models such as frame potato diggers are also suitable for farmers with more modest needs.
It should also be noted that tractor-mounted potato diggers can also be used to extract onions or garlic from the ground. Tractor-mounted potato harvesters are therefore essential for both large farms and those who manage smaller crops, always ensuring efficient and high-quality work.
How are potato harvesters for the tractor made?
Tractor-mounted potato harvesters are sturdy agricultural machines designed to withstand demanding working conditions and optimise potato harvesting. Each component is designed to ensure efficiency, durability and reduced damage to the tubers during harvesting.
- Frame: The frame is the supporting element of the machine, usually made of steel to ensure maximum strength and durability. The frame supports all components and must be able to withstand continuous stress during use.
- Vibration system: In vibrating models, the vibration system facilitates the separation of the tubers from the soil. This mechanism, driven by the tractor-mounted power take-off, causes a vibrating movement that helps to detach the soil from the potatoes, making harvesting more efficient.
- Discharge system: Potato harvesters can have rear or side discharge. Rear discharge is suitable for working on large surfaces where the tubers can be easily collected behind the machine. Side discharge, on the other hand, is ideal for working in confined spaces, allowing the rows to be kept tidy and facilitating harvesting.
- Conveyor belt: Professional belt models include a conveyor belt that facilitates the transfer of tubers from the collection point to the discharge system. This component is essential for large-scale operations, improving the speed and accuracy of harvesting.
- Single row and double row: Single row potato diggers feature a single row of tines or poles that extract the tubers from the ground. They are ideal for operations on medium or small surfaces. Double row potato diggers, on the other hand, have two rows of poles and are more complex. The latter are suitable for large-scale operations where greater efficiency in terms of the quantity of product extracted is required.
Single-row or double-row potato diggers?
Potato diggers are divided into two groups:
The former are characterised by a row of tines that extract the tubers from the ground, while the latter are equipped with two rows of poles and are more complex.
The use of a single-row or double-row tractor-mounted potato digger is decided based on the size of the areas to be worked and, consequently, in proportion to the quantity of product to be extracted.
How do potato diggers for the tractor work?
Tractor-mounted potato harvesters work by harnessing the power of the tractor itself via the power take-off (PTO) shaft to power the vibration and digging system.
- Connection to the tractor: The potato digger is tractor-mounted via the three-point hitch. This stable and secure connection is essential to ensure that the machine works in synergy with the tractor, allowing for precise control and smooth movement.
- Activation of the vibration system: Once connected, the tractor's power take-off transmits the power needed to activate the potato digger's vibration system. This system is crucial to the machine's operation, as the vibrations facilitate the separation of the soil from the tubers, reducing the manual labour required and improving harvesting efficiency.
- Penetration into the soil: The machine is equipped with tines or blades that penetrate the soil, lifting it and separating it from the potatoes. In single-row models, a single row of tines performs this function, while in double-row models, two rows of tines or poles work simultaneously, increasing harvesting capacity.
- Movement of potatoes to the discharge system: The vibrating movement of the machine pushes the tubers towards the discharge system. Depending on the model, the discharge can be rear or side. In professional belt models, a conveyor belt carries the tubers from the digging point to the exit, ensuring effective and orderly separation of the product.
- Discharge and collection: The potatoes are discharged behind or to the side of the machine, ready to be collected manually or by other automated collection systems. The choice of discharge type depends on the operator's needs and the specific conditions of the field. The discharge system is designed to minimise damage to the tubers, preserving their quality.
Advantages of tractor-mounted potato diggers
Harvesters on the tractor offer numerous advantages over other potato harvesting methods, especially when compared to manual harvesting or the use of less specialised equipment. Their ability to improve operational efficiency and reduce working time makes them an indispensable choice for farmers who want to maximise the yield of their crops.
- Operational efficiency: One of the main advantages of potato harvesters is their ability to automate much of the harvesting process. While manual harvesting requires significant time and labour, potato harvesters allow large quantities of potatoes to be harvested in a much shorter time.
- Reduced labour costs: Using a potato harvester drastically reduces the costs associated with the labour required for manual harvesting. This advantage is particularly evident on large farms, where labour cost savings can be significant.
- Harvest quality: Potato harvesters are designed to minimise damage to tubers during harvesting. The gentle vibration and discharge system ensures that potatoes are extracted carefully, preserving their integrity and quality and minimising losses caused by mechanical damage.
- Adaptability to different soils: These machines are capable of working effectively on a wide range of soils, including the most difficult ones such as compact or sloping soils. The digging depth adjustment allows easy adaptation to the specific characteristics of the soil, always ensuring optimal results.
- Versatility of models: The availability of different models, such as single-row and double-row potato harvesters, allows farmers to choose the machine that best suits their needs. Single-row models are ideal for medium or small surfaces, while double-row models are perfect for large-scale operations.
- Time saving: Potato harvesters are able to complete the harvesting work in a single pass, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional methods. This speed translates into higher daily yields, increasing the overall productivity of the harvest.
Types of tractor-mounted potato harvesters
Tractor-mounted potato harvesters are divided into different types, each designed to meet specific operational requirements and working conditions. Here are the main ones:
- Frame potato harvesters;
- Rear-discharge vibrating potato harvesters;
- Side-discharge vibrating potato harvesters;
- Professional belt potato harvesters.
The vibrating models allow for the extraction of over 98% of the tubers, increasing harvest productivity. They operate thanks to a vibrating table, which removes any soil residue left over from digging.
The "universal" models offer 85% efficiency , but their great advantage lies in their low prices. This is thanks to their simple design. The operation of this model is very similar to that of a rake, and it does not need to be connected to the tractor-mounted power take-off.
Finally, there is the conveyor model, which is equipped with a belt system that the tubers pass through, allowing for very effective removal of residual soil.
Frame potato diggers
Frame potato diggers are one of the simplest and most sturdy types available on the market. These machines are characterised by a basic but extremely resistant steel structure, which guarantees longevity and reliability over time. Frame potato harvesters are ideal for farmers who work on small surfaces or who need equipment that is economical and easy to maintain.
- Simple structure: The frame consists of a set of bars and supports that form the base of the machine. This minimalist design reduces production costs and, consequently, the final price of the product, making it accessible even for small farms.
- Easy maintenance: Thanks to their simple construction, frame potato harvesters require minimal maintenance. Replacing worn components such as tines or bearings is quick and does not require any special technical skills, allowing the machine to be kept in perfect working condition at all times.
- Ideal for small surfaces: These potato harvesters are designed to work on small plots of land where high productivity is not required. Their harvesting capacity is sufficient to meet the needs of small farmers or hobbyists who grow potatoes on a small scale.
- Adaptability to different soils: Despite their simplicity, frame potato diggers are capable of operating on different types of soil. They are particularly effective on soft or moderately compact soils, where they can easily separate the potatoes from the soil, ensuring a clean and tidy harvest.
- Versatility of use: Although they are more suitable for operations on small surfaces, these machines can also be used in larger contexts when combined with tractors of adequate power. This versatility makes them an ideal choice for farmers who want simple but effective equipment for different situations.
Rear discharge vibrating potato diggers
Rear-discharge vibrating potato harvesters are an effective choice for farmers who need to optimise potato harvesting on medium to large surfaces. These machines combine structural simplicity with a vibrating system that facilitates the separation of potatoes from the soil, reducing manual labour and improving operational efficiency.
- Integrated vibrating system: The heart of these potato harvesters is the vibrating system, powered by the tractor-mounted power take-off. The vibrations produced help to detach the soil from the tubers, ensuring a cleaner harvest and minimising soil residue on the potatoes.
- Rear discharge: These potato harvesters are designed to discharge the tubers at the rear of the machine. This type of discharge is ideal for large surfaces, allowing the tubers to be collected in an orderly manner and facilitating subsequent manual harvesting or harvesting with other tools.
- Sturdy structure: The machine is constructed from resistant materials, generally steel, to ensure long life and withstand the stresses of field work. The sturdy structure allows it to operate on soils of different consistencies, from the softest to the most compact.
- Ease of use: Although the vibrating system adds a level of complexity compared to frame models, these potato harvesters are designed to be easily manoeuvrable and require minimal operator intervention. This makes them particularly suitable for those seeking a balance between simplicity and performance.
- Suitable for large areas: These potato harvesters are particularly effective on large plots of land, where their ability to work large surfaces in a single pass significantly reduces the time required for harvesting.
- Versatility in applications: Although ideal for large farms, rear discharge vibrating models can also be used in medium-sized agricultural contexts, offering a flexible solution for different types of crops.
Side discharge vibrating potato harvesters
Side discharge vibrating potato harvesters are designed to offer optimal efficiency in potato harvesting, especially in situations where it is necessary to work in confined spaces or keep rows tidy. This type of potato harvester combines vibrating system technology with a special design that allows the tubers to be discharged sideways, ensuring greater operational flexibility compared to other models.
- Efficient vibrating system: In this type of harvester, the vibrating system also plays a crucial role in the harvesting process. Powered by the tractor's power take-off, the vibrating system effectively separates the soil from the tubers, minimising the presence of impurities and improving the quality of the harvest.
- Side discharge: The distinctive feature of these potato harvesters is the side discharge, which allows the harvested tubers to be deposited at the side of the machine. This type of discharge is particularly useful in narrow fields or on land with a configuration that requires greater precision in the positioning of the harvested tubers.
- Neat processing of rows: The side discharge allows the rows of harvested potatoes to be kept neat, facilitating subsequent manual or automated harvesting. This design is ideal for those who need a well-organised and easy-to-manage harvest.
- Operational versatility: Thanks to their ability to work in confined spaces and their ease of manoeuvring, these potato diggers are suitable for both medium-sized farms and larger operations that require precise harvesting in areas that are particularly narrow or difficult to reach with larger machinery.
- Strength and durability: Made from high-quality materials, usually steel, these potato diggers are designed to last and withstand the stresses of agricultural work on various types of soil, from the softest to the most compact.
- Suitable for different types of soil: Like other vibrating models, these potato diggers are also capable of operating on different types of soil thanks to their adjustable digging depth and ability to adapt to specific field conditions.
Professional belt potato diggers
Professional belt potato harvesters are the top of the range in potato harvesting equipment. Designed for intensive use and to operate over large surfaces, these machines are equipped with a conveyor belt that optimises the harvesting process, ensuring high productivity and superior quality of the final product. These potato harvesters are ideal for large farms that need to harvest large quantities of potatoes in a short time, while maintaining the integrity of the tubers.
- Conveyor belt: The conveyor belt is the key component of these potato harvesters. This system allows the tubers to be transferred from the digging point to the discharge in a continuous and orderly manner, minimising damage to the tubers and improving operational efficiency. The belt ensures that the tubers are carefully separated from the soil, keeping their quality intact.
- Advanced vibrating system: As in rear and side discharge vibrating models, the vibrating system also plays a key role in belt potato harvesters. The vibrations facilitate the separation of the tubers from the soil, optimising the flow of the crop along the conveyor belt and ensuring effective cleaning of the tubers.
- High productivity: These machines are designed to operate over large surfaces, making them ideal for farms that need to harvest large quantities of potatoes in a short time. The combination of a vibrating system and a conveyor belt significantly increases harvesting capacity compared to other types of potato harvesters.
- Accurate and orderly discharge: The discharge system of these potato harvesters is designed to distribute the tubers in a precise and orderly manner, facilitating subsequent harvesting and storage. The configuration of the belt allows for precise control of the discharge point, adapting to the specific needs of the field.
- Robustness and resistance: Built with high-quality materials, these potato harvesters are designed to last and withstand demanding working conditions. The robustness of the structure ensures a long service life even in intensive use and on difficult terrain.
- Adaptability to different types of crops: Although optimised for potato harvesting, these machines can also be used for other similar crops thanks to their versatility and the possibility of adjusting the digging and transport system to the specific needs of different crops.
Technical characteristics of potato diggers (for tractor)
Tractor potato harvesters are equipped with various technical features that determine their effectiveness and adaptability to different working conditions. These aspects are essential to ensure that the machine meets the specific needs of farmers. The main technical features include the following:
- Discharge system: Determines the direction in which the tubers are deposited after being extracted from the ground, affecting the ease and efficiency of harvesting.
- Working width: Indicates the width of land that the machine can work in a single pass, a key factor in determining the productivity of the machinery.
Discharge system
The discharge system is one of the most important technical features of tractor-mounted potato harvesters, as it directly affects the management and efficiency of harvesting. There are two main types of discharge: rear discharge and side discharge, each with its own operational advantages.
- Rear discharge: In this system, the tubers are deposited directly behind the machine. This configuration is particularly suitable for working on large surfaces where a linear and orderly harvesting system is required. Rear discharge is ideal for open terrain, as it allows continuous working without having to frequently interrupt the operation to adjust the direction of the harvest.
- Side discharge: This system allows the tubers to be discharged to the side of the machine. It is particularly useful in narrower fields or in situations where it is necessary to keep the rows of tubers separate and orderly. Side discharge is preferable when manoeuvring space is limited or when it is important to avoid repeatedly passing over already worked soil, thus minimising soil compaction.
Working width
Working width is one of the most important technical characteristics of tractor potato diggers, as it determines the amount of soil that can be worked in a single pass. This measurement directly affects the productivity of the machine and the speed at which harvesting can be completed. The potato diggers available on the market offer a range of working widths that can vary from 45 to 140 cm, allowing you to choose the solution best suited to the specific needs of the soil and the operator.
- Reduced working width (45-80 cm): Potato diggers with a smaller working width are ideal for small plots of land or situations where precision is essential. These models are perfect for farmers who manage limited surfaces or those who have to operate in confined spaces where it is necessary to avoid damaging surrounding crops.
- Medium working width (80-120 cm): A medium working width is a good compromise between productivity and manoeuvrability. These potato diggers are suitable for medium-sized farms, where the ability to cover a good area in a reasonable amount of time is important, but where a certain level of precision is still required.
- Wide working width (120-140 cm): Models with a larger working width are designed for large-scale operations, where harvesting speed is crucial. These potato ridgers are ideal for large farms that need to cover significant areas of land in a short time. The greater width allows a higher volume of potatoes to be harvested in a single pass, increasing daily productivity.
Guide to purchasing tractor-mounted potato harvesters
Choosing the right tractor potato harvester can make a big difference in terms of efficiency and quality of agricultural work. There are several factors to consider before making a purchase, including:
- Field size: The size of the area to be worked is one of the first factors to consider. For small plots, a model with a narrow working width, such as a frame potato digger, may be sufficient. For larger surfaces, it is preferable to opt for models with a greater working width, such as vibrating or professional belt potato diggers, which allow you to complete the job more quickly.
- Type of soil: The composition of the soil can influence the choice of potato digger. Soft, obstacle-free soils can be easily worked with any model, while more compact or stony soils may require more sturdy and powerful machinery, equipped with vibration systems that facilitate the separation of the tubers from the soil.
- Intensity of use: If the potato harvester is to be used for large-scale production or professional use, it is advisable to choose more advanced models, such as belt-type harvesters, which offer greater productivity and durability. For less intensive use or small crops, a simpler and less expensive model may be sufficient.
- Type of discharge: The choice between rear and side discharge depends on the configuration of the field and operational preferences. Rear discharge is ideal for large areas, while side discharge is more suitable for confined spaces or where precise organisation of the harvest is required.
- Available budget: Cost is naturally a decisive factor. Frame potato diggers are the most economical option, while professional belt models require a greater investment, justified by their high productivity and durability.
Types of customers and purchasing advice
Choosing the right potato harvester also depends on the specific needs of the customer. Below are some targeted recommendations for different types of farmers.
- Small farmer: For those who manage a small plot of land and want simple, easy-to-use equipment, a frame-type potato digger with a narrow working width is the ideal choice. This model is economical and requires minimal maintenance.
- Semi-professional farmer: Those working on medium-sized surfaces may opt for a vibrating potato harvester with rear or side discharge. These models offer a good balance between efficiency and cost, ensuring a neat and fast harvest.
- Large farm: Large farms that need to harvest large quantities of potatoes in a short time should consider purchasing professional belt potato harvesters. These machines guarantee maximum productivity and durability, making them a strategic long-term investment.
- Hobbyists: Even for those who grow potatoes as a hobby, a small frame potato digger can be an excellent solution. It is easy to manoeuvre, inexpensive, and allows you to obtain a good harvest without the need for complex equipment.
- Contractors: Professionals who offer harvesting services on behalf of third parties should opt for versatile and durable models, such as vibrating potato diggers with side or rear discharge, which can cope with different soil conditions and deliver quality results in a short time.
The best brands of potato harvesters for tractor available on AgriEuro
When choosing a tractor potato digger, it is also essential to consider the quality of the manufacturer's brand. AgriEuro offers some of the best brands in the industry, each recognised for reliability, durability and technological innovation. Below is an overview of the main brands of potato diggers available on AgriEuro:
- AgriEuro TOP-LINE: AgriEuro offers a line of potato harvesters designed to combine efficiency and robustness. TOP-LINE models are particularly appreciated for their ability to work on difficult terrain, ensuring high levels of productivity.
- Bomet: Bomet is a brand known for producing reliable, high-quality agricultural equipment. Their potato harvesters are designed to last, with a focus on durability and ease of maintenance.
- GeoTech PRO: GeoTech PRO offers potato harvesters that combine innovation and practicality. Their models are ideal for those looking for advanced yet easy-to-use machinery, suitable for both small and large surfaces.
- Seven Italy: Seven Italy is synonymous with advanced technology and superior performance. Their potato harvesters are designed to offer the utmost in efficiency, reducing harvesting time and optimising the quality of the final product.
Why buy tractor potato harvesters on AgriEuro?
Buying a tractor potato digger on AgriEuro offers numerous advantages, making the purchasing experience safe and convenient. AgriEuro is a benchmark in the agricultural equipment sector, guaranteeing a wide range of high-quality products and attentive, professional customer service. Here are the main reasons why it is worth buying on AgriEuro:
- Fast and free shipping: All products purchased on AgriEuro are shipped quickly and at no additional cost, thanks to the numerous logistics centres distributed throughout the country. This ensures that your potato digger arrives quickly, ready to be put to work.
- Spare parts always available: AgriEuro guarantees the availability of spare parts for all products in its catalogue. This allows you to keep your potato digger in perfect condition, extending its life and ensuring constant efficiency.
- Attentive and personalised after-sales service: AgriEuro's customer service is always available to provide technical support and after-sales assistance. This includes advice on product use, maintenance tips and support in resolving any problems.
These advantages make AgriEuro the ideal partner for those looking for quality agricultural equipment, with the assurance of reliable and professional service. Don't wait, discover the range of potato diggers available on AgriEuro now and find the model that best suits your needs!