Evaluation of weighing systems for citrus yield monitoring

Three electronic sensor systems were installed and evaluated to measure cit rus yield at the grove level. All systems were integrated as a part of a sp ecialized vehicle, known as a "goat", which is used for Florida citrus to t ransfer fruit from grove to road side. The first system consisted of four l oad cells which measured the bed weight of the harvesting vehicle as each b in or tub of fruit was placed on it. The second system consisted of a load cell attached to the hydraulic arm of the vehicle which recorded pallet bin or tub weight. The third system measured the hydraulic pressure in the veh icle's bed lift. These sensor systems were interfaced to a field GPS and A/ D data acquisition unit. Comparative data are presented for the performance of each unit and resultant overall system accuracy. Limitations observed i nfield trials are detailed where overall error rates were <6% compared to t ruck scale readings.