Mechanically harvesting peppers can add value to your operation. It is a safer, more efficient and more predictable way to harvest your crop in a timely manner. When using a machine you’ll be able to assess your production capacity allowing the grower and the processor to plan accordingly. It also brings a level of assurance to the grower and the processor, knowing that the harvester will work all day to harvest the crop. In addition to peppers, the Pik Rite harvester is used to harvest many other vegetable crops including tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and pumpkins. From the processor standpoint, it brings accuracy and efficiency to the goals that they need to meet on a daily, weekly and overall season level. Mechanical harvesting can also ease the burden of inaccuracies that hand harvest entails by removing the attitude and personal opinion of the people that are in the field. It is as selective of the crop being harvested and the quality of the crop being harvested as you set it to be.
History has seen many changes in the evolution of mechanical harvesting. Changes include better methods of removing foreign material, removing off-color fruit, increased capacity, and owner/operator education and operational improvements. Seasonally every crop has its own set of challenges that define it as it is growing. The mature product can harvest totally different from one season to the next (although the same variety). Sometimes the harvest conditions are so dynamic that it changes from the morning to the afternoon. The manufacturer is always challenged to accommodate different operating parameters and design new innovative features. Communication with the growers and operators of the equipment is imperative for the manufacturer.
One of the most important aspects of the successful mechanical harvest of any vegetable crop is the genetics of the crop. Genetics have a significant impact on quality and yield. Genetic improvements allow mechanical harvesters to provide a raw product to the processor that is superior to that of hand-harvested product. When harvesting with a machine the custom is a single harvest. Therefore you want to have as much of the product mature at the same time as possible to increase your maximum yield potential.
As a manufacturer of vegetable harvesting equipment, we have learned that many of the same harvesting methods such as cleaning, color sorting, removing the product from the vines and many cultural practices can be used for multiple crops. We have applied many of these techniques to the harvesters that our customers are using.  To have success in mechanical harvesting, teamwork is essential, from the farm and field laborer to the processor. Ultimately the processor will see a better product when they make the transition from hand harvest to machine harvest creating a positive experience.
As we look to the future of the global market, mechanical harvesting is the only viable alternative for the grower and the processor as well. This is not limited to processing crops. There is great potential for mechanical harvesting of fresh market vegetables as well. Recently, we have seen significant expansion in digital farming technology. Pik Rite, Inc. is currently incorporating this technology into our harvesting equipment.  Our growers and processors are realizing the benefits of digital farming. This technology is currently used for planting, cultivating and harvesting. There are also benefits for yield monitoring, quality control and accurate loads.
In the present and future, Pik Rite is committed to both the grower and the processor. Our passion is to build simple, quality equipment and help make the transition to mechanical harvest a positive and profitable experience.

Click here to see the Pik Rite 190 Pepper Harvester in operation!

For more information about Pik Rite pepper harvesters contact Kevin Baker by email [kevin@pikrite.com] or call 800-326-9763.

Every day you pull a hose, connect fittings, pump a tank. Handling hoses and fittings quickly become second nature to the pumper operator. These tools that you use every day are the factors that make each pumping job a joy or a headache. Here are some considerations to make your daily tasks run more smoothly.

The position of the hose hooks on your tank will make a big difference in the ergonomics of your daily routine. Tank manufacturers set up their trucks differently with some tanks having very high hooks. You may consider having the hooks lowered to make handling your hoses more ergonomically friendly. This will also decrease your job site time and offer a safer environment for you and your employees.

Cleanliness of your hoses is an important consideration. Cleaning your hoses at every job site usually only involves a fresh water tank on your truck or a borrowed garden hose from your customer.  Clean hoses are easier to handle and will prevent waste leakage from site to site. Camlock fittings should also be cleaned to allow for proper function and ease of attachment.

Camlock fittings will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. The stiff hoses usually make this a challenge and demand a lot of effort. There are various ideas of the best way to put on a new fitting (some of which can be very dangerous). Pik Rite Inc. has developed a simple hose clamping mechanism that forces a new fitting on with ease. Tools like this can take a lot of frustration out of these common duties.

Make sure to replace your hoses and fittings when they begin to show signs of wear. High-pressure equipment cannot be trusted when it is worn out and will place you and your employees in unnecessary danger. There are a variety of options when shopping for new hoses and fittings. Stainless steel fittings are more expensive up front but will last longer and need to be replaced less frequently.

To sum it up, you handle your hoses and fittings often enough to consider small ways to make your day run more smoothly. Ergonomics, safety, and efficiency will all pay off in the long run!

Kent Engle -Pik Rite, Inc.

Pik Rite manufactures and services commercial vacuum tanks, hoist units, roll-offs, slide-ins, portable toilet service units and tank trailers ranging in size from 300 to 6,500 gallons. Our 15-year steel tank warranty sets us apart from the competition. Tanks are available in steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Kent is the marketing coordinator at Pik Rite, Inc. Follow our blog posts at www.pikrite.com/blog. Call 800-326-9763 for any service and maintenance needs or to get a quote on a new tank!

We all hope that our expensive equipment will last for a long time without breakdowns! Unfortunately, this rarely unintentionally happens! Careful maintenance is the only way to keep your vacuum pump running smoothly for the long haul. The flushing procedure is one of the maintenance items that needs your careful attention! Rotary vane vacuum pumps should last for many years if they are flushed out periodically. The flushing activity is a relatively simple procedure that cleans the inside of the pump allowing the vanes to move smoothly.

When do these pumps need to be flushed? It is recommended that you flush your pump weekly to keep debris from building up inside the pump. It is always better to flush it more often than not often enough. Any time solids or liquids are allowed to enter the pump it should be flushed immediately. General maintenance flushing should happen according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Consult your operator’s manual for your specific pump.

The flushing procedure generally involves running a small amount of flushing fluid through the pump at operating speeds. Different pump manufacturer’s recommend different flushing fluids, which may be straight diesel fuel or a mixture of diesel and pump oil. Consult your owner’s manual for specifics on the flushing procedure for your pump make and model. There may also be videos or instructional literature on the pump manufacturer’s website.

To flush the pump, first, put it into vacuum and create 10-15 inches of vacuum. Next, open the flushing kit valve and run 7 ounces of flushing fluid through the pump. After adding the flushing fluid, close the fluid valve and let the fluid circulate through the pump for several minutes. After the fluid circulates through the pump, shut down the system and drain the secondary scrubber. Check the pump manufacturer’s manual for complete flushing instructions.

Some tank manufacturer’s will install a flushing and oil kit close by your pump. You should check daily to be sure that the pump is using some oil. Refill the oil reservoir as needed.

Simple attention to your pump will pay off significantly in the long run. The flushing kit and oil reservoir should be noted and maintained as part of a regular truck maintenance program. This equipment is built to last, but will require attention and tlc along the way. Happy flushing!

Kent Engle -Pik Rite, Inc.

Pik Rite manufactures and services commercial vacuum tanks, hoist units, roll-offs, slide-ins, portable toilet service units and tank trailers ranging in size from 300 to 6,500 gallons. Our 15-year steel tank warranty sets us apart from the competition. Tanks are available in steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Kent is the marketing coordinator at Pik Rite, Inc. Follow our blog posts at www.pikrite.com/blog. Call 800-326-9763 for any service and maintenance needs or to get a quote on a new tank!

 Vacuum pump driveline failures usually involve lengthy downtimes and a big service bill. Broken keyways, gears, drive shaft or couplers can result from a variety of causes. Here are some considerations that may help you avoid the hassle.

One of the most basic things that you can do to prevent premature failure of your driveline is make sure to engage your PTO slowly. This will soften the shock load transferred down the driveline. For manual transmissions with an air shift PTO the sequence should be as follows. 1. Verify that the truck engine speed is at an idle 2. Depress the clutch pedal 3. Engage the PTO switch, button or lever 4. Slowly release the clutch. For hot shift PTOs on automatic transmissions you only have limited control. Low engine speed, and possibly installing a soft start PTO, will significantly reduce the shock load transferred down the driveline when you engage your hot shift PTO.

Maintenance is very limited on the pump driveline. One of the main things you can do is keep your eyes and ears open for anything abnormal while you operate your truck on a daily basis. You should check the oil levels in the transmission and gearbox. Most gearboxes are sealed with no level indicators, but simply checking for leaks under the gearbox and on the PTO itself, at the side of the transmission housing, is a good idea. Make sure the set bolts on your PTO shaft are tight. Some manufacturers may install safety wires to prevent loose bolts. You should also regularly grease your slip joints and U-joint and verify that the U-joint has not loosened. When you engage your PTO there should be an indicator light that comes on. Make sure the light is working consistently to prevent accidental drive-a-ways with the PTO engaged.

Safety should always be a consideration when maintenance work is being done. Never get under a truck if the PTO is engaged. You may be tempted to have someone engage the PTO while you are close by to examine the driveline. Different manufacturers install different types of drive shafts. Even the balanced smooth round drive shafts can be dangerous. Keep clear at all times.

Most of these concepts are just simple things that you can do on a daily basis as you operate your truck. However, the old proverb that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is always applicable. Knowing your truck inside and out and getting into the habit of listening, looking and double-checking will help prevent driveline failure and keep your pumper truck operating smoothly.

Story by Clint Morris -Pik Rite, Inc.

Clint has 13 years of experience with customer service at Pik Rite, Inc. His knowledge and expertise in the liquid waste industry is highly valued. Pik Rite manufactures and services commercial vacuum tanks, hoist units, roll-offs, slide-ins, portable toilet service units and tank trailers ranging in size from 300 to 6,500 gallons. Our 15-year steel tank warranty sets us apart from the competition. Tanks are available in steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

Most pumper truck operators take pride in their school of hard knocks degree. One such hard knock is arriving at the pump site only to realize that your truck is just a little too full to completely the job. Now, unless it’s a 4:30 pm Friday job that caught you thinking about your favorite vacation destination, you probably have a pretty good idea of how full your tank is without a load level indicator. However, most trucks have at least one form of level indicator just for that Friday afternoon! Maintaining your level indicator will save time and money allowing you to arrive with plenty of capacity at every job site.
The most common level indicators are the small sight eyes that most tank manufacturer’s install on the back of the tank. Level indicators featuring a small plastic or glass lens that can be removed for easy cleaning are probably the easiest and cheapest way to verify your load level. A clear polycarbonate sight tube may be used in place of the sight eyes to see exactly where your level is at all times, rather than guessing where it is between the sight eyes. These tubes have exceptional durability and the valves and camlock fittings make them fairly easy to clean.
Maintenance of needle indicators can be tricky. These indicators rely on a float ball inside the tank. If there is sludge in the tank these float balls can get stuck, resulting in mistaken level reading outside the tank. If equipped with a grease fitting, be sure to keep them well greased. If possible, look inside the tank to make sure that no debris is caught on the float ball.
The See Level Annihiltor is one of several options for electronic level reading. These also rely on a float inside the tank that should be periodically checked for sludge and debris build-up. Although this is not a common problem, keeping it cleaned will save a lot of frustration resulting from being overloaded. These types of level indicators are popular for night operation and provide accurate readings.
Some pumper trucks are equipped with multiple styles of level indicators. Cross checking between them can provide accurate, real-time level indication. Uncertainty of the volume  of waste being loaded or unloaded, weigh scale fines as a result of being overloaded, and pump damage that can occur when pumping with an overloaded truck are three more hard knocks that you can avoid! Keep your level indicator maintained and keep your profits climbing!