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Harvesting Hazelnuts: A Practical Guide and Recommended Tools
When are we leaving?
When are we leaving?
Between late July and late August, the hazelnut grove comes into its own: the stone fruits fall as soon as the husk turns yellow and the high temperatures dry out the soil. The exact date varies depending on the cultivar, exposure (hillside or valley floor), and weather patterns. Generous years alternate with poorer harvests because the hazelnut tree is sensitive to flowering, water shortages, and insects such as the hazelnut bug.
Between late July and late August, the hazelnut grove comes into its own: the stone fruits fall as soon as the husk turns yellow and the high temperatures dry out the soil. The exact date varies depending on the cultivar, exposure (hillside or valley floor), and weather patterns. Generous years alternate with poorer harvests because the hazelnut tree is sensitive to flowering, water shortages, and insects such as the hazelnut bug.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE PRODUCTION
Well-drained soil, adequate hillside ventilation, and pollination between January and February are crucial for a full harvest. Conversely, waterlogging, late frosts, or a heavy presence of stink bugs can halve the yield.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE PRODUCTION
Well-drained soil, adequate hillside ventilation, and pollination between January and February are crucial for a full harvest. Conversely, waterlogging, late frosts, or a heavy presence of stink bugs can halve the yield.
SETTING THE FIELD: JUNE-JULY
Before the first hazelnut even touches the ground, the soil must be even and free of grass. Typically, this is how it works:
– shredding with the tractor – the shredder/roller unit crushes the grass;
– finishing with the under-canopy brush cutter – essential because the harvesting machines cannot pass directly under the tree.
A well-trodden bottom allows the fruit to slide towards the centre of the row and makes the work of the aspirators easier.
SETTING THE FIELD: JUNE-JULY
Before the first hazelnut even touches the ground, the soil must be even and free of grass. Typically, this is how it works:
– shredding with the tractor – the shredder/roller unit crushes the grass;
– finishing with the under-canopy brush cutter – essential because the harvesting machines cannot pass directly under the tree.
A well-trodden bottom allows the fruit to slide towards the centre of the row and makes the work of the aspirators easier.
THE RIGHT BLOWER FROM THE FIRST STEP
THE RIGHT BLOWER FROM THE FIRST STEP
For large-scale work, conveying hazelnuts to the collection line requires a powerful yet comfortable backpack blower. Brichome recommends the Attila AEB 900: a 75.6 cc two-stroke engine, 295 km/h air flow (1,758 m³/h), and an ergonomic backpack with anti-vibration system. Thanks to the easy-start feature and 2.4-liter tank, it can work for extended periods without stopping, perfect for moving large volumes of shells even on hilly terrain.
For large-scale work, conveying hazelnuts to the collection line requires a powerful yet comfortable backpack blower. Brichome recommends the Attila AEB 900: a 75.6 cc two-stroke engine, 295 km/h air flow (1,758 m³/h), and an ergonomic backpack with anti-vibration system. Thanks to the easy-start feature and 2.4-liter tank, it can work for extended periods without stopping, perfect for moving large volumes of shells even on hilly terrain.
For smaller jobs. Brichome recommends the Ryobi RY36BLB-0 cordless blower for hobby use: it combines high performance in a manageable body. The continuously adjustable trigger adjusts the air flow from a light puff to maximum thrust. The redesigned, perfectly balanced handle ensures comfort even during longer sessions. Once you're done, you can store it in a flash thanks to the integrated hook and detachable nozzle that reduces its bulk. Power, convenience, and organization. Battery sold separately.
For smaller jobs. Brichome recommends the Ryobi RY36BLB-0 cordless blower for hobby use: it combines high performance in a manageable body. The continuously adjustable trigger adjusts the air flow from a light puff to maximum thrust. The redesigned, perfectly balanced handle ensures comfort even during longer sessions. Once you're done, you can store it in a flash thanks to the integrated hook and detachable nozzle that reduces its bulk. Power, convenience, and organization. Battery sold separately.
A) Brush + vacuum system: The machine equipped with side brushes rakes the under-tree foliage and pushes the hazelnuts up to the row; the tractor advances straight and fast, reducing the number of passes.
B) Vacuuming with a support blower: In more irregular hazelnut groves, the product is first blown toward the center, then collected by a vacuum cleaner. The blower is also useful in method A to finish where the brushes can't reach.
A) Brush + vacuum system: The machine equipped with side brushes rakes the under-tree foliage and pushes the hazelnuts up to the row; the tractor advances straight and fast, reducing the number of passes.
B) Vacuuming with a support blower: In more irregular hazelnut groves, the product is first blown toward the center, then collected by a vacuum cleaner. The blower is also useful in method A to finish where the brushes can't reach.
6. STAGED COLLECTION
The hazelnuts don't fall all at once: usually two or three passes spaced a few days apart are needed to completely empty the undergrowth and keep the fruit clean.
6. STAGED COLLECTION
The hazelnuts don't fall all at once: usually two or three passes spaced a few days apart are needed to completely empty the undergrowth and keep the fruit clean.
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: TOOLS AND CONSULTANCY FROM BRICHOME
In our agricultural machinery department, you'll find the Attila AEB 900 blower, vacuum cleaners, sweepers, and a full range of spare parts. Stop by our store in Nizza Monferrato, Strada Canelli 53, and plan your harvest with our specialists.
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: TOOLS AND CONSULTANCY FROM BRICHOME
In our agricultural machinery department, you'll find the Attila AEB 900 blower, vacuum cleaners, sweepers, and a full range of spare parts. Stop by our store in Nizza Monferrato, Strada Canelli 53, and plan your harvest with our specialists.
We are waiting for you in Nizza Monferrato, Strada Canelli 53
We are waiting for you in Nizza Monferrato, Strada Canelli 53
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