Hugh Crane Ltd, a family-run farm in Norfolk, has transformed its grading operations with a new Tong grading line featuring a Downs CropVision optical sorter.
The upgrade dramatically boosts throughput and slashes labor needs, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation in crop handling, according to a press release.
Previously, grading required 10 to 12 workers; now, a maximum of two suffice, even under challenging conditions. The system also eliminates manual picking during out-of-store grading, which formerly needed up to three employees.
Key components of this state-of-the-art system include a 9.4m heavy-duty Tong hopper capable of doubling throughput from 25 to 30 to 50 tons per hour. With capacity for even higher volumes, Hugh Crane Ltd has ordered a new four-row harvester to match this processing speed.
“The Tong grading line and Downs CropVision sorter have transformed our process, making it more efficient and cost-effective,” says George Crane, of Hugh Crane.
The line features Tong’s EasyClean separator for superior cleaning and EasyGrade modules for reliable size grading, ensuring gentle box filling. Crane emphasized the EasyClean’s role in optimizing the optical sorting, noting that its cleaning capabilities are crucial for maximizing the sorter’s efficiency.
“It removes stones, soil, and defects like greens and growth cracks, allowing us to operate without manual sorting,” he says. “The system’s flexibility also lets us seamlessly switch between potato and onion crops.”
Nick Woodcock of Tong Engineering praises the collaboration. “Designing this advanced facility with Hugh Crane Ltd has made a significant impact, reflecting their focus on efficiency and quality.”
Hugh Crane Ltd’s latest investment stands as a testament to the farm’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge technology, ensuring high standards and operational excellence in their crop processing endeavours.
