Abstract: A mobile cooling apparatus and method for harvested produce includes working platform and a cooling zone. Produce harvested along the working platform and transferred thereto is placed into the cooling zone which, in one embodiment, is located on an opposite side of the working platform from where harvesting is occurring. The cooling zone may be open at an outward facing end thereof, to permit offloading of harvested produce to a second mobile apparatus. The cooling zone may be dimensioned to contain at least one pallet and, in one embodiment, two pallets positioned side-by-side.

Abstract: A harvester capable of alternate configurations for bulk and tote loading. In a tote loading configuration, harvested produce is moved along a main conveyor, elevated to a raised conveyor area, packed into totes, and the packed totes are then moved onto a lower conveyor for further transport. In a bulk loading configuration, the harvested produce is transported along the main conveyor, to a raised conveyor area, and are then lifted using an elevator for placement into a bulk bin.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting method, which permits the automated harvesting of produce, preferably lettuce. The apparatus consists in its most basic form of a vehicle having a bandsaw positioned at a front portion thereof, the blade of which is positioned to slice the lettuce head at the desired location. The apparatus further includes a conveyor that transports the harvested produce from the cutting site and onto the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus additionally features a washing conveyor, washing station, inspection station, and elevator conveyor, to assist in the further processing of harvested produce.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method utilizes a stream of liquid, propelled under high pressure through at least one nozzle, to harvest produce. Preferably, a plurality of nozzles is provided. Additionally, it is preferred that, for each nozzle provided, there is an associated diverter plate. With this configuration, a stream of liquid exiting a nozzle will, after harvesting an item of produce, strike its associated diverter plate.

Abstract: A produce washing method, which permits the washing of produce from both above and below in the field. Produce is transported along a conveyor belt, from a loading section, to a washing section on which is located a washing unit, upward along an ascending section, and from there the produce travels along a dumping section and into a receptacle. The washing unit features spray nozzles located above and below the washing section, so as to direct spray from above and below the produce so as to more effectively wash it.

Abstract: A produce washing apparatus and method, which permits the washing of produce from both above and below in the field. The produce washing apparatus takes produce along a conveyor belt, from a loading section, to a washing section on which is located a washing unit, upward along an ascending section, and from there the produce travels along a dumping section and into a receptacle. The washing unit features spray nozzles located above and below the washing section, so as to direct spray from above and below the produce so as to more effectively wash it. The apparatus is preferably trailer mounted, so as to permit ready positioning in the field.