Performance evaluation of tractor-mounted hydraulic operated ladder for coconut and mango

Abstract: The high labor requirements and inherent risk of traditional harvesting and pruning of tall trees like coconut and mango make them difficult to harvest and prune. Mechanized machines do exist, but they are too heavy, too expensive, and unsuitable for Indian marginal farmers with small landholdings, which reduces productivity, efficiency, and worker safety. A tractor-mounted hydraulic ladder was evaluated for harvesting coconut and mango under field conditions to address these challenges. The ladder can rotate 360 degrees and covers up to four trees with simple directional control. Trees up to 12 meters tall can be harvested, pruned, and sprayed. Harvesting efficiencies of 75-81% for coconut and 76-80% for mango were recorded in field evaluations. Operational costs for coconut are Rs. 439 per hour and Rs. 530 per h for mango, and the ladder can harvest 7-9 coconut trees per hour. This system offers a feasible, low-cost solution for small and marginal farmers who struggle with the use of traditional and expensive machinery.