POWERING through 100 tonnes of potatoes an hour the new PowerCombi separation system from Grimme takes efficiency to the next level.
Landpower Grimme, operations manager, Rob Breedveld said the three-way separator is capable of removing up to 90 per cent of waste material.
“Three infinitely adjustable polyurethane rollers help to break up lumps of soil and separate loose soil and smaller, waste potatoes,” he said.
“Two rotating rollers then separate the smaller potatoes from the main crop.
“A high performance infrared sensom called the Field Potato Sorter, then identifies and removes any remaining lumps, stones and other waste products.”
Mr Breedveld said an electro-mechanical sensor mounted over the main product conveyor prevents foreign objects, such as large stones or wood, damaging the FPS.
“The 2.4 m wide separation belt ensures high throughput and gentle handling.”
Mr Breedveld said the new separator will significantly reduce labour requirements in potato packing sheds.
“The PowerCombi can easily be operated by one person,” he said.
“In theory, this system could replace up to eight employees, which represents a significant saving for the owner.”