New Machine Promises Consistent Root And Top Removal

This article appeared in "Onion World," May/June 1999.

Crop-handling specialist Nicholson Machinery has extended its range of root-crop equipment with the Top-Tail, a machine capable of removing tops and tails from onions, radishes, red beets, and other root crops in a swift, smooth action. Developed to suit the exacting demands of supermarkets wanting a high-quality finished product, the Top-Tail becomes the final link in the crop clean-up process in pre-packing stations.

The Top-Tail uses a unique, patented design of polygonal, twisted prism rollers contra-rotating against smooth-faced, spring-loaded polypropylene rollers. Edges are in continuous contact with the polypropylene rollers, and cut the top and tail of the crop as they pass over it. The 'twists' run at right angles to the crop flow, and have left- and right-hand twists. This ensures maximum movement of the crop in all directions, ensuring both top and tail are presented to the cutting edges before passing off the bed. This continuous, smooth flow, without oscillation or vibration, minimizes damage. This design also keeps dust and noise levels very low, the company says. Compared to traditional labor-intensive systems, the Top-Tail produces a more consistent finish, with low levels of damage to the crop. And by using rollers, the system offers a continuous crop flow, without oscillation, and with a through-put of about 4 to 5 tons per hour.

Nicholson Machinery is based in Southery, Downham Market, in the heart of England's onion, carrot, bulb, and beet growing area. The company manufactures onion toppers, high-frequency webs of onion, bulb, and potato lines, and also installs whole or part grading and handling lines.

For more information, contact Tom Woollard, Nicholson Machinery, 1 Westgate Street, Southery, Nr Downham Market, Norfolk, England PE 38 OPA. Telephone: 01 366 377458; fax 01 366 377331.