A Wisbech firm has developed a machine that lifts and washes pumpkins.
R J Herbert of Walton Highway has sold four of its special machines which inspect the pumpkins before lifting them onto a washing unit.
Pumpkin growing is big business in the UK- especially in the Fens- which help contribute to the 10 million grown each year. Most are used for Halloween, with only five per cent used in cooking.
The Fenland produced pumpkin washing is capable of handling a massive number per hour.
Farmers Weekly reported that “output is a blistering 13t (or 1,300 pumpkins) an hour. “Each machine is built to customers’ specifications and prices are around £100,000 for the complete harvesting rig and washer trailer.”
“Pickers inspect the pumpkins before lifting them on to a high-wall elevator which is designed to minimise bruising. This transfers them to pto-powered washing unit which cleans off the dirt. All water is recycled”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here