How to choose an apple sorting machine

Choosing the right apple sorting machine depends on many factors. Every farm and every packing house has different needs, so before selecting a machine it is worth analyzing several key parameters.

Most important parameters when choosing a sorting machine

1. Capacity

The basic question: how many tons of apples per hour should the line sort?
Small packing houses: 2–5 t/h
Medium packing houses: 5–15 t/h
Large packing houses: 15–30 t/h and more

2. Sorting criteria

Sorting can be done by:

• size,
• weight,
• color,
• quality,
• external defects,
• internal defects.

3. Level of automation

The sorting line may include:

• bin emptying,
• washing,
• drying,
• sorting,
• packing.

4. Number of workers

An automatic line can significantly reduce the number of workers needed for sorting.

5. Expandability

A good sorting machine should be modular so that it can be expanded in the future.

Modern apple sorting machines

Modern sorting lines use:

• RGB cameras,
• weighing systems,
• defect detection systems,

Examples of such solutions can be seen here:
https://greensort.com/en/products/fruit-sorters/

Summary

The choice of a sorting machine should depend primarily on:

• production volume,
• target market,
• required quality,
• farm development plans.

A properly selected sorting machine increases productivity, improves product quality, and increases the value of sold apples.