Trunk shakers apply forced vibration at the tree trunk, which propagates through the canopy and detaches ripe olives. However, the success of this process isn't solely dependent on the machine’s frequency or power. The geometry of the tree itself... particularly the inclination angle of its branches... plays a pivotal role in determining how efficiently that vibration moves through the canopy.....
Mechanical tree shakers are the backbone of modern olive and nut harvesting, delivering the high-frequency vibrations needed to detach fruit efficiently. But the same forces that maximise yield also put extreme stress on the machine itself. Without a structured preventive-maintenance program, vibration can quickly loosen fasteners, wear through hydraulic hoses, rub down electrical insulation, and accelerate pump and bearing failure.
While leaves are the primary sites of photosynthesis in plants, bark photosynthesis, also known as corticular photosynthesis, plays a significant role in the carbon economy of woody plants, including olive trees (Olea europaea). This process involves the fixation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by the green tissues in the bark, contributing to the tree's overall photosynthetic capacity, especially under stress conditions.
Paul Vossen, a renowned olive oil production expert and former farm advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, presents a hands-on tutorial focused on pruning medium-density olive trees for optimal health, structure, and productivity.
Efficient and high-quality olive oil extraction depends on fine-tuning multiple process variables. Below are critical control points and potential adjustment areas within modern olive oil production systems:
Shotberries are undersized, non-viable olives that grow to a maximum of about 4mm. They remain on the tree but do not mature into full-sized fruit, leading to significant yield losses.
Herbicides are a crucial tool in modern agriculture, but recent research highlights an unintended consequence that olive producers must consider—potential harm to pollination. A study by Dummer et al. (2025) has identified that common herbicides, including glyphosate and 2,4-D, significantly impair olive pollen germination, raising serious concerns about their impact on fruit set and overall yield.
When establishing an olive grove, one of the most critical decisions you will make is the layout of your trees. The arrangement you choose will influence tree health, productivity, and long-term management efficiency. This guide will walk you through key considerations, including aspect, tree spacing, irrigation, harvesting methods, drainage, pruning, and marking out your olive grove.
The F3020 Electrocoup weighs less and is more compact which offers improved efficiency and faster-cutting speed, making the new generation F3020 a total advancement in features.