Choice of A Service System for Palm Trees

Design criteria are presented for the development of machine systems for the servicing of the crowns of closely-packed, randomly distributed and clustered palm trees where the row middles may be intercropped. A generic service platform is then introduced, along with a universal trailer for transporting and initial-positioning of the platform. Six different palm service systems are then described and briefly discussed. The proposed machine systems, along with the date service machine of KSU, are judged according to the stated design criteria. It is concluded that all of the new PSS machines possess sufficient potential to warrant further investigation.