Loose fruits are currently collected by hand picking or raking. This technique is not only labour demanding and time-consuming but also tedious. The collection process requires the worker to squat and stand up repeatedly, which cause fatigue. On the average, the time taken for the worker to collect loose fruits is about 28% from the total time of harvesting. The general set back of the previous suction method of loose fruit collection is the lack of engine is not strong enough to avoid choking. In this new design, the suction power has been increased to ensure that fruits are easily sucked into the barrel with minimal choking problem. Choking problem mainly occurs during wet weather when the fruits are moist, which slows down the collection process.

Main Research: Abd Rahim Shuib