Avocado Season Ramps Up! How Hydralada Machines Are Elevating Harvest Efficiency
As avocado season ripens across key eastern regions of Australia orchards are buzzing with activity. From the early-maturing varieties like Fuerte to the late-season Hass, growers are capitalising on optimal weather and maturing fruit. But as any seasoned orchardist knows, peak season isn’t just about timing—it’s about efficiency, safety, and maximising yield. That’s where Hydralada machines come into play.
The Importance of Avocado Season
Avocados are a high-value crop with a global demand that continues to rise, especially in markets like the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Timing the harvest is crucial: too early, and the fruit lacks flavour and oil content; too late, and growers risk overripening and fruit drop. With narrow harvest windows and increased labour costs, growers need to work smarter, not harder.
Lifting Orchard Efficiency
Hydralada Company, a New Zealand-based manufacturer, produces a range of elevated work platforms specifically designed for tree crop harvesting and maintenance. Their machines, often referred to as cherry pickers for avocados, allow operators to move swiftly through orchard rows and pick fruit at height with precision and minimal strain.
Key Hydralada features that support avocado growers include:
- Varying work heights: Reaching the top of even the tallest avocado trees safely.
- Hands-free operation: Foot pedal control allows pickers to keep both hands free for harvesting (and pruning, tree maintenance).
- Hydraulic platforms: Smoother, quieter, and more efficient than traditional ladders.
- All-terrain mobility: Navigating rough orchard ground with stability and ease.
Why Growers Trust Hydralada
Growers using Hydralada machines consistently report a boost in productivity. A well-known avocado farmer noted, "We used to average about 8 bins per day per team using ladders. With Hydralada, we’re up to 12 bins—sometimes more—with less fatigue."
Additionally, orchard managers appreciate the reduced risk of injury. Falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of accidents during harvest, and Hydralada’s stable platforms provide a safer alternative that meets most regional safety regulations.
Looking Ahead
As the avocado industry faces mounting pressures—from labour shortages to climate challenges—mechanisation will continue to play a vital role. Hydralada is looking to continue its development program investing in even smarter solutions. These are likely to include GPS tracking, battery power units, and integration with orchard management software to further optimize harvest operations.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Avocado Harvesting
With the avocado season at its peak, growers are embracing technology to meet the demand while ensuring the safety and efficiency of their o
perations. Hydralada machines aren’t just a tool—they’re becoming an integral part of every modern orchard, helping to set a new benchmark for what productive and sustainable harvesting looks like.