Tree Shakers for Cone Collection

Boom-type tree shakers have long been used for harvesting fruits and nuts from horticultural species. These implements have been modified for use in dislodging cones of conifers in seed orchards or wildland situations. Shakers that are designed to shake the bole or crown of a tree consist of a clamping device mounted on a long boom mounted the rear axle of a truck chassis.  Shaking is accomplished by counter-rotating unbalanced weights. The percent of cones removed and damage to the tree depends on the tree species and size, duration and frequency of shaking, and operator skill. Cones not dislodged are hand harvested.