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.”
Th new grading line feature Tong’s industry-leading EasyClean separator for unrivalled crop cleaning in all conditions, alongside Tong’s EasyGrade screen modules for reliable size grading and a series of Tong EasyFill box fillers, ensuring gentle box filling. Geroge explained, “We are delighted with how our new set-up is working. Whilst the optical sorting element has made a huge difference in the level of sorting we can achieve without picking-off staff, the Tong EasyClean is a key component of the system which has proved vital in getting the best out of the optical sorter. The cleaning capabilities of the EasyClean ensure that the crop is cleaned and well-prepared for passing through the optical sorting system effectively, helping to maximise the accuracy and efficiency of the sorting process.”
“A key factor in selecting the Downs CropVision optical sorter was its minimal drop height as well as the optical sorter’s advanced debris removal and quality-sorting capability,” said George. “With the capacity to not only remove stones, soil and waste, but also accurately detect and remove defects including greens, mishapes and growth cracks, whilst separating the potato and soil waste, we have been able to run the new Tong line throughout the out-of-store grading season with no picking-off staff required in most cases. During harvest, only two people were needed even in the most-challenging conditions. The advanced technology and touch-screen controls of the Tong system means that it seamlessly accommodates both potato and onion crops with only simple grading screen changes required, which has really enhanced our operational flexibility.”
“It has been a pleasure working with George and his team at Hugh Crane Ltd to design and deliver a state-of-the-art potato and onion grading facility that is already making a significant impact,” added Nick Woodcock, Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. “The company’s commitment to investing in advanced handling technology highlights their focus on maximizing efficiency and maintaining the highest quality standards in crop processing.”
