The present invention relates to a harvesting machine comprising a shaking mechanism operable to shake fruit or nuts from a tree or bush; a deflection plate for directing the fruit or nuts to an area away from the base of the tree or bush; and a device for moving fruit or nuts from the base of the tree or bush to the area away from the base of the tree or bush. The deflection plate may be positioned at an angle of between 0 to about 75 relative to the horizontal.

A harvesting machine comprising a shaking mechanism operable to shake fruit or nuts from a tree or bush; a deflection plate for directing the fruit or nuts to an area away from the base of the tree or bush; and a device for moving fruit or nuts from the base of the tree or bush to the area away from the base of the tree or bush. The deflection plate may be positioned at an angle of between 0 to about 75 relative to the horizontal.

A harvesting machine comprising a shaking mechanism operable to shake fruit or nuts from a tree or bush; a deflection plate for directing the fruit or nuts to an area away from the base of the tree or bush; and a device for moving fruit or nuts from the base of the tree or bush to the area away from the base of the tree or bush. The deflection plate may be positioned at an angle of between 0 to about 75 relative to the horizontal.

A plant harvesting system for use with a vertical hydroponic tower, the hydroponic tower containing a plurality of vertically aligned plants. The harvesting system includes a payload transport system and a harvester. The payload transport system, which is configured to be positioned at a location adjacent to the hydroponic tower, includes a base and a lift tower, the lift tower including a motorized lift system configured to move the harvester upward and downward. In addition to cutting plant stalks while moving upwards along the face of the hydroponic tower, the harvester also groups and collects the plant leafs.

A plant harvesting system for use with a vertical hydroponic tower, the hydroponic tower containing a plurality of vertically aligned plants. The harvesting system includes a payload transport system and a harvester. The payload transport system, which is configured to be positioned at a location adjacent to the hydroponic tower, includes a base and a lift tower, the lift tower including a motorized lift system configured to move the harvester upward and downward. In addition to cutting plant stalks while moving upwards along the face of the hydroponic tower, the harvester also groups and collects the plant leafs.

A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree. A harvesting accessory system may also be attached to the tractor in conjunction with the working platforms, which supports and conveys bins from the tractor to the ground.

A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree. A harvesting accessory system may also be attached to the tractor in conjunction with the working platforms, which supports and conveys bins from the tractor to the ground.

A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree.

A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree.

A plant harvesting system is provided for use with a vertical hydroponic tower, the hydroponic tower containing a plurality of vertically aligned plants. The harvesting system includes a payload transport system and a harvester. The payload transport system, which is configured to be positioned at a location adjacent to the hydroponic tower, includes a base and a lift tower, the lift tower including a motorized lift system configured to move the harvester upward and downward. In addition to cutting plant stalks while moving upwards along the face of the hydroponic tower, the harvester also groups and collects the plant leafs.