Zig Zag Unloader Prevents Crop Damage

Zig Zag Unloader Prevents Crop Damage CROPS Miscellaneous 2-1-28 Gentle handling of potatoes and other crops subject to bruising is provided with the new Zig-Zag chute, developed in Holland and distributed by an English firm. Speed of fall is arrested by soft canvas sections. There are eight 12 in. sections making up the chute. Each section is open ended, allowing the crop to gently "walk" down in zigzag fashion to prevent bruising damage. Because of its light weight (about 136 Ibs., including a built-in hoist and 1l3 hp electric motor) the Zig-Zag can be mounted on the end of an elevator or conveying system, or it can be suspended from the ceiling of the storage facility. Here's how it works: The truck or trailer to be loaded is backed directly under the Zig-Zag chute. The chute is extended so its bottom end is only a few inches off the floor of the truck bed. Potatoes can be moved through the chute at up to 60 tons per hr. As load height increases, the canvas chute is retracted by a hand-held device which controls its movement up and down. With the control button in the "up" position, the chute retracts up into itself so the flow of potatoes isn't impeded as the truck fills up. The chute can be fully retracted to a compact size of only 16 in. deep. For more details, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, E. W. Downs and Son Ltd., Engineering Division, Glemsford Sudburg, Suffolk C010 7PH, England (ph Glemsford 0787 280242).

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