Plant engaging systems and methods for harvesting machines

A method of engaging a plant to dislodge produce from the plant, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of rigid frame assemblies each defining a reference axis;
• providing a plurality of plant engaging comprising at least one engaging member;
• mounting each of the engaging assemblies on one of the rigid frame assemblies such that
• the plant engaging members each rotate around the reference axis associated therewith
• at least one of the plurality of rigid frame assemblies is arranged above another of the plurality of rigid frame assemblies such that the plant engaging members engage upper and lower portions of the plant;
• mounting a counterweight assembly on each of the rigid frame assemblies such that a center of gravity of each of the counterweight assemblies revolves around the reference axis associated therewith;
• and
• causing the engaging members and the counterweight assemblies to revolve about the reference axis associated therewith such that the engaging members contact the plant to dislodge produce from the plant.

A harvesting system for harvesting produce from a plant comprising:

• a vehicle platform capable of movement next to the plant;
• a vehicle frame extending from the vehicle platform;
• and
• a plurality of plant engaging assemblies, where at least one of the plurality of plant engaging assemblies is arranged above another of the plurality of plant engaging assemblies to engage upper and lower portions of the plant, the plant engaging assemblies each comprising
• a rigid frame assembly that defines a reference axis, where the rigid frame assembly is supported by the vehicle frame such that the reference axis is arranged to one side of the vehicle platform;
• a first engaging assembly comprising at least one engaging member, where the engaging member defines a first engaging axis and the first engaging assembly is supported by the rigid frame such that the first engaging axis is parallel to and spaced a first offset distance from the reference axis;
• a counterweight assembly having a center of gravity, where the counterweight assembly is supported by the rigid frame such that the center of gravity is spaced a second offset distance from the reference axis;
• a rotation system for causing the at least one engaging member and the counterweight assembly to revolve around the reference axis;
• whereby
• the revolution of the engaging members about the reference axes while the vehicle platform moves by the plant causes the engaging members to engage the plant to dislodge produce from the plant.