Giant Vacuum Helps Them Double Greens Production

Giant Vacuum Helps Them Double Greens Production CROPS New Techniques This Italian-made vacuum from Ortomec makes getting a second cutting from commercial scale beds of greens easier It vacuums away clippings and other refuse prepping a bed for a first cut or cleaning it up to grow a second cutting “It’s an expensive piece of equipment but without it not many crops get cut a second time ” says Bob Sutton Sutton Ag “Most growers plant harvest and then rework the bed for another crop This tool gives them a better shot at a second crop ” Sutton gives the example of a bed of spinach which can be harvested once gone over with the Ortomec vacuum and harvested again only 10 days later Without the trimming and vacuuming debris left in the field such as half cut leaves and stems would prevent a quality second cut “There are a lot of high density crops that are planted in beds such as arugula spring mix lettuce mustard parsley cilantro and especially spinach that could be cut a second time ” says Sutton Sutton notes that the self-propelled rig ranges in price from $60 000 to $70 000 depending on options A pull-type version starts at $40 000 The unit’s cutting head ranges in width from 47 to 70 in with height adjustable from 1/2 in to about 8 in The 4-WD is powered by a 73 hp diesel motor Forward speed is 1 1/4 to 2 mph Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Sutton Agricultural Enterprises Inc 1044 Harkins Rd 
 Salinas Calif 93901 ph 831 422-9693; toll free 866 280-6229; www suttonag com; info@suttonag com

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.