Geiger-Lund Asparagus Harvesters

FAQ: Selective Asparagus Harvester

How fast can the machine go while harvesting?
We have not pushed it to its limits, but we have successfully harvested at 3 mph. The forward speed of the machine depends on the field conditions. Smooth furrows, and flat even beds improve performance.

Can the machine work at night?
Yes, it operates just as effectively at night as it does during daylight.

Can it be used when it is raining?
Yes, rain does not affect the machine’s operation.

How often do the blades need to be sharpened?
We do not know yet. We have never needed to sharpen them but sharpening them with an air grinder while the blades are still on the machine would be simple and quick.

Do the rubber fingers wear out?
Yes, the rubber fingers on the bottom pickup unit near the middle experience the most wear because many spears that are too short to cut pass through the bottom rollers, causing friction. However, spears that are cut and picked up do not contribute to wear, so the top four pickup units show minimal wear. We estimate that a couple of dozen finger units will need replacement each season. Replacement fingers will be available for about $1 each and are quick and easy to replace.

Will the machine harvest culls?
Yes, the machine will harvest any spear tall enough to trip the spear sensor beams, including defective spears.

How long will the cutting air cylinders last before needing to be repaired?
It’s difficult to predict precisely, but calculations indicate the air cylinders will last several seasons before requiring rebuilding. Rebuilding involves replacing the piston rod assembly and the nose bushing, which takes about 10 minutes per cylinder while it remains on the machine.

How do weeds affect the machine?
Weeds tall enough to go through the speedometer beams will cause cut-timing errors. Additionally, tall weeds can become wrapped in the pickup rollers, requiring time-consuming cleaning.

Will the machine work on hillside plantings?
The spears will still grow straight up rather than perpendicular to the surface of the bed. As a result, the spears may lean into the wrong channels of the spear sensor. The exact impact on yield is currently unknown and depends on how steep the hillside is.