tea harvesting machine

Types of tea harvesting machines

Tea harvesting machines are used to harvest tea leaves from tea shrubs. The tea harvesting machines can be divided into the following types based on operation, size, and power.

• Based on operation

  According to the mode of operation, tea harvesting machines can be classified into automatic and manual machines. Automatic machines simplify the process of harvesting tea leaves by automatically cutting and collecting the tea leaves. Automatic machines have large harvesters, which are suitable for extensive tea plantations. On the other hand, tea harvesting machines may have manual assistance in maintaining or adjusting the machine's settings.

• Based on size

  Generally, tea harvesting machines are classified as large, medium, or small based on size. Large-scale tea harvesting machines are best suited for extensive tea plantations because of their machinery and equipment. Usually, these machines are attached to tractors or as standalone units. For medium- and small-sized plantations, medium-scale and small-scale tea harvesting machines are available as hand-held or walk-behind units.

• Based on power

  Usually, tea harvesting machines are powered by electricity, hydraulic energy, or internal combustion engines. Electrical machines are more reliable and have less maintenance. It is easy to operate them, and they can be used in different weather conditions. However, their usage is dependent on the availability of electricity. In places where there is no electricity, internal combustion engines can be used. Internal combustion engines use fuel to burn. They are used in places with extensive tea plantations because they are more efficient. The power of the tea harvesting machine is transmitted through the hydraulic system in some machines, which is more efficient.

Specifications & Maintenance

For optimal performance and consistent results, it is essential to understand the tea harvesting machine's specifications and maintenance requirements. Knowing the specifications, such as the cutting capacity, battery life, and blade length, will help ensure the most suitable machine is chosen for the tea estate. In addition, regular maintenance of the harvesting machine and its parts is imperative to provide trouble-free service over the years, improve its life span, and ensure that it is always ready for use.

Battery-powered tea harvesting machines have varied cutting capacities, ranging from 1.5 to 3 kg of tea per foot in a one-hour time frame. They are available in different blade lengths of 12 to 24 inches, which help to cover more area in a shorter time. The height of the blade can also be adjusted to effectively trim the tea plants in a uniform manner. The quality of the blades subject to their make and material will resist dulling and damage, thus ensuring a clean cut. The blades will need to be replaced when the quality suffers.

As with all battery-powered devices, the machine's battery life, which is generally 4 to 6 hours, should ideally be sufficient for one complete harvest. This can be even more if the capacity of the battery is higher. The time taken for charging the battery (approximately 6–8 hours) determines the need for a spare battery on large tea estates where more machines are required. The weight of the machine, whether it is a handheld or a backpack model, will also be an important consideration when it comes to battery life, as the longer the duration, the more it needs to be secured and be comfortable to wear.

To ensure long-lasting performance from a tea harvesting machine, a regular maintenance schedule should be adhered to and attended to promptly. It is important to keep the machine clean after every tea leaf harvest. It can be done by brushing off the accumulated tea dust, flushing the blades with water, and performing a blower clean-up to remove any residual moisture. The machine should only be cleaned after switching it off. The oiling of chains and blade parts should be done periodically to prevent wear and tear and allow for unhindered movement.

The cleanliness of the plants is of utmost importance, so every harvesting machine should be routinely checked to ensure dried up tea leaves do not accumulate on the blades or around the clipping areas. This can lead to fungal growth which is difficult to remove.
>Detailed cleaning instructions should be provided along with the machine at the time of purchase so users know exactly which parts to clean and what should be discarded.

Although the tea harvest machine is made up of weather-resistant parts, it is still important to take care of it by not exposing it to harsh weather conditions. Storing it in a dry place will prevent it from getting rusted or corroded and will extend its life span.

Scenarios

Efficient, large-scale tea harvesting machines have become vital for commercial tea estate profitability and international competitiveness. However, despite their usefulness, machines are only efficient when assisted by favorable economic and climatic conditions. Below are some scenarios where tea harvesting machines will be useful.

• Deep Rooted Tea Economies

  India, China, and Sri Lanka have well-established tea economies with significant export markets. Commercial tea estates in these countries prioritize productivity, efficiency, and profit margins. The large-scale mechanical harvesting of tea will likely be welcomed by the estates and seen as a crucial tool for sustaining profitability.

• High-Yielding Black Tea Production

  Countries like India and Kenya, where black tea accounts for almost 90% of production, prefer machines that can efficiently harvest large quantities of black tea. All five machine-harvested tea varieties—Indian, CTC, Chinese, Green, and Oolong—are black tea. The demand for non-stop production of black tea means that machines will probably be used instead of by hand.

• Labor-Scarce Regions

  Labor scarcity has reached crisis levels in certain high-producing tea-growing regions. Where there is constant pressure to increase the remuneration of harvesting workers, management may consider mechanical harvesting an economically viable option for sustainable tea production.

• Export Tea Competition

  In fiercely competitive tea-exporting nations, every decision must be based on how it will affect the production cost of tea. Using machines to reduce the cost of harvesting can be economically justified where reducing production costs is now central to every decision made to secure the tea estate's future.

• Quality-Consistent Black Tea

  When only one tea estate is responsible for a particular brand of tea, the desire for a consistent quality and quantity of tea is important. When mechanized harvesting could guarantee uniformity, predictable output, and continuous supply, it would surely be considered essential where these conditions applied.

How to choose tea harvesting machines

Before investing in tea picking machines, it is essential to analyze the features and specifications to match the needs of the business. Here are some factors that must be considered before purchasing tea harvesting machines:

• Scale of Operation:

  The capacity of the machine is an important consideration as demand will depend on the scale of harvesting. For larger tea estates, it is ideal to invest in machines with higher capacities so that they can meet the required volume of leaves on a daily basis. Such machines also have additional features for worker comfort and safety. Smaller tea estates, on the other hand, can invest in machines with simpler features and lower capacities which will be more affordable.

• Flexibility and Adaptability:

  Choose a machine that is adaptable to different tea plant sizes and spacing. It should have adjustments for height and width to accommodate varying plantation configurations. The harvesting equipment should be able to handle distinct types of tea leaves without causing damage.

• Ergonomics:

  Ergonomic design is important for the well-being and efficiency of harvesters. Look for features like adjustable height, balanced weight distribution, and user-friendly controls. These machines should have proper training and orientation programs for the workers to ensure safe handling practices.

• Maintenance and Support:

  Consider the maintenance needs of the selected tea-harvesting machine. Assess the availability of spare parts and service support in the local area.The quality of after-sales support can significantly impact the long-term performance and reliability of the equipment.

FAQ

Q1: Will a tea harvesting machine damage the tea plant leaves?

A1: The harvesting machines are designed to clip or pluck the tea leaves gently. However, the level of precision and care taken by the machine will depend on its design and settings. Properly calibrated machines are unlikely to cause significant damage to the tea leaves.

Q2: Can a tea harvesting machine be used for all types of tea plantations?

A2: No, it depends on the size, shape, and height of the tea bushes. However, they may not be suitable for all types of tea plantations or tea varieties and consider the quality of the tea at harvest.

Q3: How does the efficiency of a tea harvesting machine compare to manual harvesting?

A3: The efficiency of a tea harvesting machine is generally higher than manual harvesting. One machine may replace the work of several dozen people, depending on the size and capacity of the tea harvesting machine. However, machines may also be set to harvest with less speed to improve the quality of the tea.