Norfolk-based family farming business, Hugh Crane Ltd, has significantly enhanced its grading operations following the installation of a new Tong grading line featuring a Downs CropVision optical sorter. The investment has led to a dramatic increase in throughput while significantly reducing labour requirements, reinforcing Hugh Crane Ltd’s commitment to efficiency and innovation in crop handling.
Prior to the installation, grading into store required 10 to 12 workers on the grading line. With the new system, even in the most challenging conditions, a maximum of just two people are required, marking substantial labour-saving. Similarly, when grading out of store, the new line can now run without the need for manual picking, whereas previously, two or three staff members were necessary.
Featuring a 9.4m long heavy-duty Tong hopper with 2.5m inclined section at the infeed, the new grading line has seen the average throughput double from 25-30 tons per hour to an impressive 50 tons per hour. With the line capable of even higher throughputs, the success of the new installation has led to Hugh Crane Ltd placing an order for a new four-row harvester to keep pace with the increased processing capacity.
George Crane of Hugh Crane Ltd expressed his satisfaction with the new system, stating:
“The benefits of the new Tong grading line and Downs CropVision sorter are very clear. The technology has transformed our grading process, making it a lot more efficient and cost-effective.”
