The potato industry is about to witness a game-changing advancement as Haith and Grimme UK announce their new mobile washing rental service at Potato Days UK 2024. Set to take place at Dyson Farm’s Norton location on September 4 and 5, this event will showcase cutting-edge solutions designed to help potato growers enhance their operations while addressing current industry challenges.
The Haith Mobile Washer: Efficiency and Flexibility on the Farm
Originally developed in 1979, Haith’s mobile washing system has evolved into one of the most efficient and adaptable washing solutions on the market. The Haith Mobile Washer, which will be featured at the event, is designed for on-farm use and is available as a rental option through Grimme UK. This flexibility allows farmers to access advanced washing technology without the burden of long factory lead times, which is especially crucial during peak harvest seasons.
The Haith Mobile Washer is equipped with several innovative features aimed at reducing operational costs and improving efficiency. One standout feature is its high-efficiency motors, which are designed to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, the washer’s automatic sludge removal system reduces water usage while containing waste, an essential consideration for farms striving to improve sustainability.
Why Mobile Washing Matters for Potato Growers
On-farm washing solutions like the Haith Mobile Washer offer significant advantages to potato growers. One of the primary benefits is the ability to clean potatoes directly on-site, eliminating the need to transport them to an external facility for washing. This not only saves time and transportation costs but also reduces the risk of damaging the potatoes during transit.
The Haith Mobile Washer’s integrated stone separation system and automatic sludge and floating waste removal system ensure that foreign materials, such as stones, wood, and plastic, are efficiently removed from the potato crop. This results in a clean and high-quality sample, which is crucial for farmers supplying potatoes to crisp and chip factories, where quality standards are stringent.
Furthermore, Haith has designed the Mobile Washer with ease of maintenance in mind. Unlike other washing systems where bearings are submerged underwater, the Haith Mobile Washer features externally mounted bearings. This design not only prolongs the life of the bearings but also simplifies servicing, ensuring that the machine remains in optimal condition with minimal downtime.
A Strategic Partnership for Complete Solutions
The collaboration between Haith and Grimme UK, formalized in a strategic working agreement in 2020, has enabled both companies to offer complete solutions to their customers. By combining Haith’s expertise in vegetable handling equipment with Grimme’s in-field root crop and vegetable machinery, the partnership delivers an all-encompassing service for potato and vegetable growers.
Grimme UK’s rental service for the Haith Mobile Washer has already proven popular among growers. After the successful introduction of the first rental unit, Grimme quickly acquired a second unit to meet the high demand. This service offers farmers a cost-effective and flexible way to access the latest washing technology without the commitment of a permanent purchase.
Future-Proofing Potato Production
With the potato industry facing increasing pressure from rising input costs, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable practices, solutions like the Haith Mobile Washer provide a much-needed boost to farm efficiency. By reducing water usage, minimizing waste, and offering flexibility through rental services, Haith and Grimme UK are helping farmers future-proof their operations.
Duane Hill, managing director at Haith, emphasized the importance of this innovation:
“The demand for our mobile washer has been incredible. By offering this service through Grimme UK, we’re enabling farmers to improve their operations and avoid the long lead times typically associated with purchasing new equipment.”
As the potato industry continues to evolve, innovations like the Haith Mobile Washer will play a crucial role in helping growers adapt to new challenges while maintaining high-quality production standards.
The introduction of Haith and Grimme UK’s mobile washing rental service marks a significant step forward for potato growers, offering them access to cutting-edge technology that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and supports sustainable practices. By bringing the washing process directly to the farm, this mobile solution not only improves productivity but also allows farmers to meet the increasing demands of the industry with greater flexibility.
