18
Best Apple Picker Tools for Easy Harvesting
Introduction
Picking apples from your own trees can be a rewarding experience, but reaching high branches can be a challenge. That’s where apple pickers come in! These handy tools make harvesting easier and safer, so you can enjoy your delicious crop without the hassle.
Types of Apple Pickers
There are several types of apple pickers available, each with its own unique features:
- Telescopic Apple Pickers: These pickers have extendable handles that allow you to reach high branches from the ground.
- Adjustable Fruit Pickers: These pickers have adjustable handles and collection bags, making them suitable for a variety of trees and heights.
- Aluminium Fruit Pickers: These lightweight pickers feature soft “fingers” that gently enclose the fruit to prevent bruising.
- Wooden Handled Apple Pickers: These durable pickers have a metal cage that catches the fruit and a foam liner to protect it from damage.
- Ground Fruit Harvesters: These tools can collect apples that have fallen on the ground, making them ideal if bending is a problem.
- Rolling Apple Pickers: These pickers have lightweight, telescopic handles and can hold up to 10 apples at a time.
How to Use a Long-Handled Apple Picker
Using a long-handled apple picker is easy. Simply follow these steps:
- Position the picker’s basket beneath an apple, making sure it surrounds the entire fruit.
- Twist the picker gently to detach the apple from the tree.
- Keep the basket close to the apple as it falls into the padded basket.
- Regularly empty the basket into a bucket or trug to avoid overfilling and dropping any fruit.
Tips for Choosing the Right Apple Picker
When choosing an apple picker, consider the following factors:
- Telescopic handle: If you need to reach high branches, choose a picker with an extendable handle.
- Collection bag: A collection bag makes it easy to gather fruit and prevent it from falling to the ground.
- Durability: Look for pickers made from durable materials like aluminium or fibreglass.
- Comfort: Choose a picker with a comfortable handle and padding to prevent hand strain.
Conclusion
Apple pickers are essential tools for harvesting apples safely and efficiently. By choosing the right picker for your needs, you can enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor without the hassle.
