Abstract: A mechanical berry harvester and a method for harvesting berries in the field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a framework, collectors, spring elements, pulleys and belts. The collectors are configured to collect berries fallen from branches of the berry bush. Each spring element is connected to the framework and a collector. Each pulley is connected to a spring element and a collector. Each belt has an inner face and an outer face, and the inner faces of the belts are in contact with the pulleys. When the trunk of a berry bush comes in contact with a portion of the adjacent belts, the spring element(s) connected to the portions of the adjacent belts in contact with the trunk are each configured to independently compress and create a gap between the adjacent belts.