Abstract: A new and more efficient tomato harvesting machine is capable of simultaneously severing up to three (3) rows of tomato vines or other similar crops. The harvesting machine comprises pick up means adjacent to the forward end of the machine for picking up and severing vinous crops from the field, where the crops remain attached to the vines, as the vines are severed. The pick up means carry the crops and vines rearwardly and upwardly. The harvesting machine further comprises separating means for separating crops from the vines. The present invention comprises improvements to the pickup means and the separating means. These improvements allow a harvester to gather vines and crops from up to three adjacent rows simultaneously, and to process the increased volume of vines and crops without overloading the processing equipment.

Abstract: A new and more efficient tomato harvesting machine is capable of simultaneously severing up to three (3) rows of tomato vines or other similar crops. The harvesting machine comprises pick up means adjacent to the forward end of the machine for picking up and severing vinous crops from the field, where the crops remain attached to the vines, as the vines are severed. The pick up means carry the crops and vines rearwardly and upwardly. The harvesting machine further comprises separating means for separating crops from the vines. The present invention comprises improvements to the pickup means and the separating means. These improvements allow a harvester to gather vines and crops from up to three adjacent rows simultaneously, and to process the increased volume of vines and crops without overloading the processing equipment.