Abstract: A grape harvesting machine comprising a mobile carriage having a picking head operatively connected thereto. The picking head including a main frame connected to said carriage. A plurality of picking rods which are movable back and forth are arranged in banks disposed on opposite sides of the main frame. The main frame is mounted so as to be suspended from the carriage and freely pivotable relative thereto. The banks of picking rods can adopt one operating mode in which the banks of picking rods are freely pivotable about the pivot axes so that, in use, the banks can change position as the harvester moves along the rows of vines. The banks of picking rods can adopt a further operating mode in which they can be secured in selected operating positions including a generally vertical position or selected inclined positions.

Abstract: A picking head suitable for use with a harvester, which includes a mobile carriage. The picking head comprises a support frame having a support frame axis which in the operative position extends generally in the same direction as the normal line of travel of the harvester and link means operatively connected to the mobile carriage of harvester when in the operative position. The link permits lateral vibrational movement of the support frame with respect to the direction of said support frame axis. The support frame is adapted to have secured thereto harvesting elements which, in the operative position are secured to the support frame so that the lateral vibrational movement of the support frame causes lateral vibrational movement of the harvesting elements.