Fruit Transfer, Washing & Leaf Removal

Fruit Transfer machinery in Olive Oil Production process.  Hoppers, Belt Elevators & Screw Elevators, Washing & Leaf Removal

Fruit Transfer
Efficient fruit transfer is the crucial first step in olive oil processing, moving freshly harvested olives swiftly from harvesting to the mill. Modern olive oil extraction machinery for this stage includes robust hoppers and conveyor systems (belt or screw conveyors) that feed olives into the line continuously. These olive processing equipment designs emphasise gentle handling to avoid bruising the fruit, thus preserving oil quality. By minimising manual handling and exposure to air, they maintain hygiene and freshness - immediate processing after harvest is critical to maintain olive freshness and high expression oil quality.  High-capacity transfer systems are built with food-grade stainless steel and easy-clean features, ensuring sanitary operation and reliable throughput. The result is a smooth delivery of olives into the extraction line with no bottlenecks, setting the stage for quality extra virgin olive oil production.

Washing & Leaf Removal
In this stage, olives are cleaned of field debris (mostly leaves and branches) and prepared for crushing using specialised olive processing equipment that boosts both efficiency and oil quality. The process typically starts with a leaf removal system - often an air aspirator or blower - that separates leaves, twigs, and dirt from the olives as they travel on a conveyor.  Removing foreign matter early prevents off-flavors and protects downstream machinery. Next, the olives enter an automated washing machine where they are rinsed with fresh or recirculated water to eliminate dust, mud, and residues, and can be dried with air blowers (optional).  Advanced washer designs ensure the fruit is washed thoroughly without damage to the olive skin.  This careful cleaning process is vital for hygienic operation and the quality of extra virgin olive oil, since cold extraction demands impeccably clean fruit. Overall, modern washing and de-leafing equipment improves extraction results by delivering olives that are clean, sorted, and ready for efficient crushing or milling.