Foreword Orchard Cultivation Ideal Conditions Operating the Afron Economics of using the Afron Picking Pruning Afron Maintenance Afron Safety Comparison of ladder and AFRON for stability Why Afron ?

Throughout the past 30 years we have been manufacturing and developing the AFRON Power Ladder for the benefit of thousands of orchardists around the world. During this time much experience has been gained in many types of orchards and under various terrain and climatic conditions. We have assembled some of this information in this brochure for the grower's evaluation.

The practices and figures sited in this brochure are merely guidelines in determining how the Afron can best fit into your own conditions.

Today, some orchard jobs such as spraying, weed control, soil cultivation, fertilizing, etc., are fully mechanized. Some other tasks are only partially  mechanized in spite of the efforts around the world to mechanize them. Harvesting of nut trees is usually done mechanically, as are other fruits that are directed mainly to processing plants, such as peaches, apricots, etc.

The search for some dependable selective spray that will aid in harvesting is going on but even when there is a breakthrough, the damage caused by fruit dropping through the tree and getting bruised will remain a major problem for the fresh fruit market, Most fruits grown for the fresh market are still hand picked.

Mechanical hedging and topping are accepted practices in many parts of the world for the pruning of fruit trees, but a hand job of selective pruning is still necessary to thin out the tree and prune broken limbs and dead wood.

As the major part of these jobs of thinning, picking and pruning is done above hand reach on mature trees, a means of elevating the workers is essential. For centuries, and up to this date, the most accepted method of elevating the picker or pruner is by ladder of one type or another, so we will use the ladder for comparison in explaining the operating technique and the economics of using the AFRON.

How can we get the most efficiency from a man working around the tree ? We know that each picker or pruner has his own personal ability, depending on his skill, know-how, experience, physical stamina, and motivation. The most effective zone in any job he is performing is that between his waistline and his eye level, as far as he can reach with his hands in this space, while walking on firm, dry level ground. In picking, he must pick the fruit and dispose of it, not keeping it on his shoulder. With these ideal conditions, we get 100% efficiency for a given picker or pruner.

The Afron maintains most of this 100% efficiency, or  “ideal conditions” discussed above, in all levels of pruning or picking. However the productivity of a pruner or a picker using a ladder and hand tool goes down rapidly when he has to climb up or down to find a new position in the tree. That's where the big “gap” between the two systems is created.

Note: Efficiency of worker with ladder drops at higher rate towards the end of 8 hour day.

OPERATING THE AFRON

The AFRON was designed with the wooden ladder worker in mind. The operating controls are simple and clear.
Our experience shows that the unskilled laborer can be trained in a very short time to handle the Afron as if he is part of it.

 The advantage  of using AFRONS in your orchard operation is far more than merely cost calculations.
We believe that higher yield and better fruit quality are of concern as well as cost saving, and we would like to bring to your attention the following thoughts.

In calculating savings of using the Afron versus a ladder in tasks performed above ground reach, on one hand we have to take into account the cost of using the Afron and on the other hand the added productivity.

 A.  Afron model and attachment cost
 B.  Depreciation schedule (years)
 C.  Financing interest rate

 A.  Maintenance, upkeep cost, insurance
 B.  Running cost per hour (gas, oil, etc.)

A.  Hours Afron will be utilized through a year, thinning, picking, pruning, etc.

A.  Added productivity over that of man using a ladder.

• Less manpower on farm
• Better fruit quality, less bruising
• Better thinning, cleaner picking, better pruning for better yields, quality
• Higher trees for larger fruit bearing area, higher yield
• Reduce physical effort, can utilize bigger range of help in hard task of picking, pruning, versus hand carrying ladder and climbing, carrying fruit picked on shoulders.
• Using power tools for pruning.
• Eliminating the high ladders speeds up overall operation, lowers cost, and makes high elevation tasks safer.

The figures stated are merely guidelines. Cost of machine and attachments, depreciation schedule, interest rates, hours of use, etc. are subject to alteration in accordance with prevailing conditions.

Example:

Afron attachment cost - US$ 13,000.-
Depreciation - 10 years
interest rate - 10%
upkeep - 5% per year on cost
Fixed cost per year - US$ 2665.-
 

Hour use per year	400	600	800	1000
Fixed cost per hour - $	6.6	4.1	3.3	2.6
Running cost, gas, oil - $	1	1	1	1
Total cost hour - $	7.6	5.4	4.3	3.6

Note: There are hundreds of  Afrons still in use aged 20 years  and more. We haven't taken this into account, and the value of machines after 10 years is considered 0 in this example.

PICKING

The Afron is an ideal picking device if used right, and in some cases in combination with ground crews. Although it is hard to establish exactly that additional productivity which we will achieve by using the AFRON for picking a particular variety or a particular orchard, we know that the bigger the trees are and the more scattered the fruit, the higher is the AFRONS productivity in relation to the ladder.

The center part of the tree we can still afford to pick with a short ladder, as productivity goes down at a relatively low percentage, but for top picking the AFRON advantage is clear. The line between Center and Top is flexible, and depends on:

1.  Size of trees
2.  Fruit distribution
3.  Length of season for picking the particular variety
4.  Number of AFRONS that will be considered.
5.  Picker availability and cost, etc.
If we use a flat rate for picking the whole tree, it turns out that the easy part of picking (ground level) subsidizes the top part of the tree, as the flat rate is average. If the ground crew is limited to lower level picking, they are dealing with an easier job which will speed them up. The grower will be in a better bargaining position with his pickers too. When using a ladder for picking, consider the tree as one unit regardless of fruit distribution.

When considering using the AFRON for picking we divide the tree into three levels: If we use our basic explanation about “Ideal Conditions ” (see ref), ground picking will be close to the “Ideal Conditions”; center and top picking productivity for a given picker will go down rapidly as soon as he has to use some type of ladder. AFRON productivity is maintained in picking the center and top part of the tree, so we can consider this to our advantage.

If there are four pickers to do the picking task during a period of four months, your picking cost will be:

4 pickers x 150 hours per month = 2400 hours x $5.- cost per hour = $12,000.- total picking cost.

One Afron can do the same job and then your cost will be:

Note: Afron productivity compared to ladder use depends on tree height, fruit distribution, etc. From our years of experience we know of avocado orchards where one Afron replaced six ground pickers.

Combination of ladder and AFRON picking, with the following guidelines for calculation:
20 acres of peaches which will bear about 200 tons.
Season picking time 20 days.
Fruit distribution: up to 6’ - 10%
                               6’ to 16’ - 80%
                               2’ to 14’ - 10%
If picker under “Ideal Conditions” can pick one ton per day, the number of pickers required will be as follows:
 

10% ground level = 20 tons	1 ton per day per picker  20 days
80% center = 160 tons	0.7 ton per day per picker  220 days
10% top = 20 tons	0.3 ton per day per picker  60 days
200 tons	300 days

300 days / 200 tons = 1.5 day per ton

(200 tons x 1.5 days per ton)      =  15 pickers for 20 days.
    20 days picking season

Cost: 15 pickers x 20 days x $40 per day per picker = $ 12,000.-

Our total cost with ladders will be $ 12,000.- (ladder cost and maintenance not taken into account)

If we use one AFRON to pick the top 10% on this job, our cost will be:

AFRON operator $40 x 20 days	$  800.-
AFRON cost for 20 days (160 hours)	$  800.-
Total AFRON cost	$1600.-
Ground and center picking - 240 days x 40$ per day	$9600.-
Cost of picking	$11,200.-

Ladder picking cost  $ 12,000.-
Ladder & Afron $ 11,200.-
Saving: $ 800.-

The AFRON picked only 10% of the total 200 tons crop, but saved 5% of the total picking cost.

1. Increases productivity.
2. Eliminates ladder climbing and carrying fruit load on your shoulder.
3. Cleaner picking with less fruit bruising.
4. More effective “size” or color picking.
5. Speeds up ground crews and increases their productivity.
6. Less help needed in the rush picking season.
7. Makes picking of tall trees safer.
8. Permits utilizing the help of elderly people, woman and youngsters, who can work efficiently and with ease at the hard task of top picking.
9. Enables accurate and efficient selective picking.
10. Assists in making your operation more profitable.
11. Gives you or your employee the joy of using a nice piece of machinery.

• When you prune with the AFRON you have:
• Firm platform stand to maneuver on
• Waistline guide rail to lean on for the further reach and solid support.
• Back rest for proper support and to take some of the weight off your feet to ease the fatigue.
• Easy to reach control that can shift you to your next position immediately.
• Hands free for tool operation.

With this design we have succeeded in maintaining almost all of the 100% “Ideal Conditions”.
Adding power tools will boost the pruner output to new levels above the “Ideal Conditions”.

There are three basic types of AFRON operators:
1.  The grower who personally operates and makes use of  the AFRON
2.  The grower who purchases the AFRON for hired help
3.  The commercial contractor

We shall deal with the AFRON purchased for hired help in our economic calculations, as the advantages of personal use of the AFRON instead of ladder go far beyond strictly financial calculation. We can't put a price tag on the value of saving strenuous physical labor and the joy of using the AFRON.

Let's assume your pruning cost per year is $ 10,000.- at $5 per hour this is 2000 pruning hours. If the pruning season is about 80 days, you will need 3 men to do the job.   An AFRON with power tools can do three times as much as a man on a ladder with hand tools, so you would need one AFRON with one operator for the same period of time to complete the job.   COST TO DO THE SAME JOB WITH ONE AFRON :      $5 per man-hour x 600 hours $3,000.- Fixed cost per hour - $5.4 x 600 $3,240.-  Your total pruning cost $6,240.-    Ladder pruning cost  $10,000.- AFRON pruning cost $ 6,240.- Saving cost by using AFRON $ 3,760.-

 Other Benefits:

1. Better quality pruning for better yield
2. Dealing with less help on farm, while you can afford to pay more to a better, more competent and reliable skilled worker.
3. Safer pruning job.
4. AFRON not utilized yet for other jobs, and all fixed expense for one year charged off to the one pruning job.

It's easier to start an aluminum ladder moving on a frosty morning than a machine that is dependent on an engine, but we wonder if the man who has to shift the ladder is very enthusiastic about it.

Since we are aware of possible maintenance difficulties, we have done everything possible in designing our machine and choosing the right components for orchard conditions to minimize maintenance. But even with all the thought we have put into it, as well as the best components, this machine needs minimum maintenance and care. Each machine is supplied with an Operator Service Manual and proper instructions to get long life and trouble free operation.

In designing and manufacturing the AFRON we have given special care and attention to safe operation of this machine. Controls are simple and easy. The AFRON is designed and manufactured according to accepted safety codes, has been checked and approved and has received the “CE” marks.

AFRON stability is good on level ground conditions. For rough ground or steep terrain, extra attachments or other models for additional stability are available and recommended. Other fine safety features are engineered throughout. However, the operator must be reliable and thoroughly trained. The Operator's Manual gives full operating instructions, explanations and safety rules.

1. The AFRON is backed by 30 years of practical experience, with the thousands of machines operating around the world from arctic conditions to hot desert. Field proven technically and economically.
2. The AFRON is manufactured from only new, top quality, standard components and parts, for dependability and ease of service.
3. The AFRON has been designed and built with thought and care for each function, from the agricultural and operational aspects, as well as operator's point of view.
4. AFRON attachments are offered to fit many applications.
5. Each AFRON is supplied with an Operator's Manual including parts drawings and listing. Many parts are standard and available off the shelf in most countries and locations.
6. Service and parts outlets are available in many places around the world.
7. The AFRON will give you good service and save you money as it does for other growers.