When harvest time comes, every olive grower knows: having the right accessories makes all the difference. Not only in terms of time and effort, but also to avoid common mistakes during olive harvesting that can compromise fruit quality, field safety, and tree health.
In this article, we explore the best accessories for olive harvesting, explaining what they are for, how to use them effectively, and which to choose depending on the type of olive grove and the harvesting method (manual or mechanical).
Harvesting nets: the foundation of any orderly work
Not all nets are the same. Differences in material, size, and functionality (with or without eyelets, draining or waterproof) affect the efficiency and speed of harvesting.
What to consider:
- Net size: choose based on planting layout and canopy shape. For single trees, 4×4 m nets are sufficient. For rows or intensive systems, continuous nets or connectable sheets are better.
- Net material: tear-resistant polyethylene for prolonged use; draining fabrics to avoid stagnation when harvesting on damp soil.
- Sack closure or olive-collecting channels: ideal to prevent scattering and facilitate emptying.
Choose nets with reinforced eyelets and heat-sealed seams, resistant to the pulling of harvesters or accidental impacts.
Manual combs and rakes: for selective harvesting or small-scale groves
Perfect for small productions, home harvesting, or delicate cultivars, olive combs allow for a precise and controlled approach, with the advantage of not stressing the branches.
What to consider:
- Plastic combs: lightweight and flexible — less damaging to leaves.
- Combs with curved or interchangeable teeth: excellent for varieties with small fruits or resistant to detachment.
- Short-handled rakes: ideal for working directly on the canopy at low heights.
Pair combs with lightweight telescopic handles made of aluminum or fiberglass to avoid ladders and improve safety.
Electric or battery-powered shakers: maximum yield, minimum effort
For medium and large olive groves, the shaker is one of the most efficient tools: it simulates the movement of the hand but multiplies it thousands of times per minute.
Important features:
- Type of movement: oscillating (to penetrate branches), rotating (to shake in a spiral), or combined.
- Adaptable combs: suitable for different cultivars.
- Battery-powered: preferable for freedom of movement and reduced weight.
Choose well-balanced models with a head-mounted motor and ergonomic handles. Consider Volpi Olytech shakers: reliable, robust, and designed to reduce fatigue.
Trunk or branch shakers: for intensive groves or experienced producers
These are professional accessories, often used in mechanized olive groves or with varieties that resist manual detachment. They attach directly to the trunk or branch to transmit calibrated vibrations.
When to use them:
- On tall trees or those difficult to reach.
- On cultivars such as Leccino or Pendolino, with fruits more resistant to detachment.
- In large-scale harvests, where time is a critical factor.
Attention:
- Use them after functional pruning (link to pruning article), to avoid vibration loss.
- Do not overuse them on young or weakened trees.
Baskets, Crates and Containers: to protect olives post-harvest
Often overlooked, but essential to preserve quality. The wrong container (closed plastic bag or bucket in the sun) can cause olives to ferment before reaching the mill.
Ideal features:
- Perforated crates in food-grade plastic, stackable.
- Rigid-walled containers, washable, resistant to impacts and compression.
- Trolleys or shoulder racks for baskets to facilitate transport without unnecessary effort.
Transport small quantities at a time and empty crates frequently. Better more trips, but with intact fruit.
Right accessories = efficient harvesting + quality oil
Each accessory has a precise function and can turn a tiring harvest into a job that is more quick, clean and sustainable for the tree. There is no “absolute best” tool: the choice must be made based on the olive harvesting method you want to adopt (link to harvesting methods article), the type of grove, variety, climate, and above all… how much oil you want to obtain (and in what quality).
Have you already chosen your tools for the 2025 olive harvest?
Discover the entire Volpi Originale line: professional shakers and accessories designed for every need, from small family groves to expert producers.