A profitable mushroom farm does not rely on a single machine. It is an integrated system comprising growing rooms, climate control, irrigation, durable shelving and growing nets, as well as mushroom picking lorries, lighting, scales and equipment for employees.
In 2026, it is worth choosing solutions that help reduce downtime, simplify hygiene procedures and streamline key production processes. Individual pieces of equipment should be compatible with one another and tailored to the facility layout, production scale and adopted working methods.
The harvesting stage is particularly important. This is where the design and functionality of a picking lorry affect ergonomics, working speed and access to mushrooms growing on every shelf level.
At GrowTime, we manufacture and supply equipment for modern mushroom farms. Our range includes NEWTON electric picking lorries, PASCAL hydraulic-electric picking lorries, picking lorry drives, aluminium shelving, growing nets, irrigation systems, lighting, scales and mushroom harvesting accessories.
Mushroom picking lorries – the centre of an efficient harvesting process
A professional mushroom picking lorry should provide workers with convenient access to both the lowest and highest shelf levels. Important features include automatic platform movement, stable and adjustable speed, ergonomic positioning of boxes and scales, suitable safety systems and easy cleaning.
Automated movement eliminates the need to push the picking lorry manually and allows workers to reach mushrooms ready for harvesting more quickly. This is particularly important during selective picking, where efficient movement between different sections of the shelving is essential.
Our range includes two main picking lorry models: the electric NEWTON and the hydraulic-electric PASCAL.
NEWTON – an electric suspended picking lorry
The NEWTON picking lorry is an aluminium machine designed for harvesting mushrooms from growing shelving. We have equipped it with electric drives and winches that improve working ergonomics and support harvesting efficiency.
NEWTON is available in two main configurations. The first provides electric up-and-down platform movement. The second extends this functionality with automatic left-and-right movement.
In the configuration combining vertical and horizontal movement, the picking lorry can operate for 40 hours or longer without requiring its batteries to be recharged.
The solutions used in NEWTON can deliver approximately 20% higher harvesting efficiency per hour. Automated platform movement can also result in up to 1.5 kg more mushrooms per square metre of growing area. The final result naturally depends on the conditions in a particular mushroom farm, work organisation and the selected machine configuration.
The most important solutions used in the NEWTON picking lorry include:
- electric up-and-down platform movement, with optional left-and-right movement;
- ergonomic access to the lowest and highest shelf levels;
- a reliable safety brake;
- an overload control system for all drives;
- soft-start and smooth-braking functions;
- a drive controller temperature monitoring system;
- battery capacity monitoring with alarm codes;
- adjustable shelves for scales and boxes;
- additional space for empty packaging;
- easy disconnection of the drive and battery.
The ability to disconnect electrical components is particularly important during cleaning and disinfection. Once the drive and battery have been removed, the picking lorry structure itself can be cleaned thoroughly inside the growing room.
The picking lorry also has an adjustable arrangement of shelves for boxes and scales. During order fulfilment, we can adapt their dimensions and positioning to the packaging used by the customer. Additional box storage allows the employee to continue harvesting for longer without lowering the platform.
NEWTON can also be equipped with the Spotlight system. This advanced device identifies and illuminates mushrooms that are ready for picking. It supports accurate selection, helps reduce losses and makes the work less physically demanding. Using the Spotlight system can increase harvesting efficiency by at least 30%.
PASCAL – a hydraulic-electric picking lorry for high productivity
We developed the PASCAL picking lorry for mushroom farms focused on high harvesting efficiency and improved overall profitability.
PASCAL combines self-propelled movement with an automatically raised platform. The picking lorry moves forwards and backwards, while the platform travels automatically up and down. Both the travel speed and platform movement can be adjusted and programmed by a supervisor.
The machine can operate for up to 40 hours after charging. Self-propelled travel and the automatically raised platform make it possible to achieve approximately 25% higher harvesting efficiency per hour.
Automated movement can also result in up to 2.5 kg more mushrooms per square metre of growing area. The result achieved depends on production conditions, harvesting organisation and how the machine is used.
PASCAL gives employees convenient access to both the lowest and highest shelf levels. This can reduce the need for additional equipment intended specifically for lower-shelf picking.
How should you select a picking lorry for a particular mushroom farm?
A picking lorry should be adapted to the conditions of the individual facility. When choosing a machine, it is worth considering:
- shelving geometry;
- aisle width;
- the type of rails used;
- the dimensions of the boxes;
- the organisation of the harvesting team;
- the required level of automation;
- expected battery operating time;
- the ability to remove the drives before cleaning;
- the availability of spare parts and servicing.
A picking lorry should not be treated as a machine that operates entirely independently of other equipment. The best results can be achieved when its design is adapted to the shelving, rails, boxes, scales and harvesting workflow.
We provide our customers and partners with professional support, equipment servicing and ongoing access to replacement and wear parts. We also offer standalone drives that can be adapted to picking lorries manufactured by other companies.
Aluminium shelving and profiles – a durable foundation for the growing room
Shelving operates in a humid and demanding environment. It must remain stable, be easy to clean and work correctly with mushroom picking lorries. This is why aluminium structures are becoming increasingly important in modern mushroom farms.
The aluminium mushroom growing shelving we offer is corrosion-resistant and adapted to conditions inside growing rooms. The absence of corrosion makes it easier to maintain cleanliness and high hygiene standards.
The light surface of aluminium also helps distribute light more effectively throughout the growing room. Its lightweight and uncomplicated construction simplifies both installation and transport. Compared with galvanised shelving, transport space savings can reach up to 70%.
We equip our shelving with reinforced upper and lower rails designed for picking lorry travel. Anodised sideboards, legs and end boards increase surface resistance, while the carefully designed profile geometry provides rigidity and stability.
The service life of galvanised shelving is generally between 10 and 15 years. Aluminium shelving can remain in use several times longer, which is an important consideration when assessing the long-term return on investment.
If only the worn steel grid needs to be replaced, we propose using aluminium renovation profiles. These allow the old grid to be replaced without changing the entire shelving structure. We designed the profiles to accommodate the loads found in mushroom farms and meet strict hygiene requirements.
Growing nets – a detail that protects operational continuity
A growing net is responsible for safely carrying compost during filling and emptying. Using a product with unsuitable parameters can lead to material shrinkage, compost falling from the shelves, tearing and unplanned downtime.
We offer TenCate Nicolon® growing nets made from monofilament polyethylene yarns. Their woven edges protect the nets against tearing and other damage.
The PE fibres limit dirt accumulation within the yarn, making the nets easier to clean. The material also minimises narrowing and shrinkage, helping to prevent compost or casing soil from falling from the shelves.
The main parameters of TenCate Nicolon® growing nets include:
- maximum pulling capacity of 8,500 kg per metre of width;
- average narrowing value of 3%;
- net weight of 345 g/m²;
- chemical resistance;
- maintained airflow;
- several widths suitable for different shelving systems.
To extend the service life of the nets, we recommend cleaning them regularly and inspecting them for mechanical damage. When pressure-washing equipment is used, the correct pressure and nozzle distance should be maintained, and water must be able to drain freely.
Automatic under-shelf irrigation
An irrigation system should support watering management throughout the entire growing cycle. It should allow both manual operation and automatic watering based on schedules prepared for individual growing rooms.
Our automatic mushroom farm irrigation system includes:
- a 5.5 kW pressure pump;
- a 3,500-litre tank certified for contact with food;
- a water main made from PP75 pipes;
- 28 mm aluminium pipes installed under the shelves;
- water nozzles positioned beneath the shelves;
- shut-off valves on every shelf;
- drain valves at the ends of the shelves;
- solenoid valves controlling watering inside the growing room;
- a frequency converter controlling the pump;
- an installation pressure sensor;
- a water flow meter;
- a chemical connection and dosing unit with adjustable concentration.
The touchscreen control panel enables automatic watering at any time of day or night, graphical presentation of irrigation programmes, manual watering and remote access via the internet.
The frequency converter controls the pump to maintain suitable pressure within the system. Pressure and flow sensors collect information from the main installation, enabling the system to be managed correctly.
Lighting resistant to moisture and cleaning
Lighting used inside growing rooms must be suitable for moisture, steam, dust and regular washing.
Our range includes Edison mushroom farm lamps with polycarbonate housings and IP68 or IP69 protection ratings. These solutions protect the fittings against water, steam and dust.
The polycarbonate housing increases resistance to physical damage. LED technology also helps reduce energy consumption compared with conventional light sources.
The construction materials are resistant to typical cleaning and disinfection conditions. The fittings can be installed on ceilings or walls, and their design simplifies both installation and removal.
Scales, knives and workstation organisation
An efficient harvesting workstation requires suitable equipment for cutting, weighing and handling mushrooms. Even relatively small accessories can affect working comfort and the number of movements performed by an employee.
We offer mushroom farm scales, including compact OHAUS Valor models, pallet scales and platform scales.
Selected models have an IP68 protection rating, making them suitable for humid working environments. Valor 1000 is a lightweight and portable device with a removable stainless steel weighing pan and ABS housing. Compact models can provide accuracy of up to 0.5 g and rapid measurement stabilisation.
The scale can be positioned directly on an adjustable shelf of the NEWTON picking lorry. This creates an ergonomic workstation where mushrooms can be weighed without unnecessary handling of the packaging.
A knife is another essential tool used by mushroom pickers. The model we offer was developed in cooperation with a forge in Solingen. It has a cold-rolled stainless steel blade and a specially profiled shape designed to support ergonomic work.
The main knife specifications include:
- total length of 16 cm;
- blade length of 5.6 cm;
- blade thickness of 1.3 mm;
- a handle made from engineering plastic;
- dishwasher-safe construction.
At the customer’s request, we can engrave the knife to make the tool easier to identify.
Hygiene, insect killers and workwear
Regular and correct cleaning of equipment reduces the risk of spreading mushroom diseases and unwanted microorganisms. When selecting equipment, it is therefore worth considering whether electrical components can be removed, whether cleaned surfaces are easily accessible and whether the materials are resistant to washing and disinfection conditions.
Our picking lorries allow the drive and battery to be disconnected easily. Once the electrical components have been removed, the picking lorry structure can be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly inside the growing room.
Insect killers intended for mushroom farms and other growing facilities provide an additional layer of hygiene protection. We offer devices using:
- electric grids;
- glue boards;
- fans that draw insects inside.
The units attract flying insects with UV light and then physically capture or eliminate them. They do not require chemicals and do not emit odours.
Employees should also be provided with workwear suitable for food production environments. Our range includes picking aprons, shirts and trousers. We select individual products with cleanliness, comfort and freedom of movement during all-day work in mind.
Tunnel covers for tunnel-based mushroom farms
In mushroom farms based on tunnel structures, the required equipment also includes internal and external covers.
We offer TenCate Nicotarp® tunnel covers that enable new growing rooms to be constructed efficiently and existing facilities to be expanded.
The external MC285 cover is resistant to intense UV radiation, strong winds and other adverse weather conditions. It is made from HDPE fabric with an LDPE coating. Its maximum shrinkage caused by temperature changes and loading is 2%, while its tear resistance is 250 N.
The milky-white 7SE internal cover diffuses light. It has been manufactured to limit the spread of fire and is resistant to stretching and abrasion.
Both layers retain their properties despite significant temperature differences and can be used in a wide range of climatic conditions.
How should investments in mushroom farm equipment be prioritised?
The first stage should involve creating stable growing conditions. This includes growing rooms, ventilation, air conditioning, heating, climate control and a properly designed irrigation system.
The next step is to plan durable shelving infrastructure, growing nets and lighting. These elements should be selected with humidity, frequent cleaning and compatibility with other equipment in mind.
Harvesting optimisation should follow. This includes picking lorries, drives, scales, boxes and knives. The entire system should be supported by hygiene procedures, workwear and solutions that help protect the facility against insects.
In practice, mushroom picking lorries are among the most important tools for improving work efficiency. They should be selected together with the shelving, rails and workstation layout.
This approach makes it possible to take full advantage of automated movement, position scales and boxes appropriately and give the employee convenient access to the entire shelving system.
Summary
Essential mushroom farm equipment in 2026 should form one coherent production system. Durable shelving, suitable growing nets, automatic irrigation, hermetically sealed lighting and well-organised harvesting workstations reduce the number of weak points in the overall process.
Modern NEWTON and PASCAL picking lorries offer considerable potential for optimising the harvesting stage. Automated movement, long battery operating times, safety systems and ergonomic access to every shelf level help improve productivity and working conditions.
At GrowTime, we do more than supply individual machines. We help our customers select solutions suited to their facility layout, production scale and harvesting workflow. We also provide servicing, technical support and access to replacement and wear parts.
If you are planning to construct or modernise a mushroom farm, contact our team. Together, we will select equipment that meets the actual requirements of your facility.
FAQ – mushroom farm equipment
What equipment is essential for a mushroom farm?
The core equipment includes growing rooms and climate control systems, shelving, growing nets, irrigation, lighting and harvesting machinery. Mushroom farms also require scales, knives, boxes, workwear and solutions supporting hygiene and insect control.
Which mushroom picking lorry should I choose?
We offer the electric NEWTON picking lorry and the hydraulic-electric PASCAL picking lorry. The right choice depends on the shelving structure, required level of automation, harvesting workflow and expected productivity. Before purchasing, it is also worth checking battery operating time, access to the lowest and highest shelves, and ease of cleaning and servicing.
Can existing mushroom picking lorries be modernised?
Yes. We offer standalone drives that can be adapted to picking lorries manufactured by other companies. We determine the exact scope of modernisation individually after examining the machine structure and working conditions in the mushroom farm.
Why is aluminium used for shelving and picking lorries?
Aluminium is resistant to corrosion, helps maintain cleanliness and has a bright surface that supports better light distribution. Its lightweight construction also simplifies installation, transport and everyday operation.
How long can a mushroom picking lorry operate?
A suitably configured NEWTON picking lorry can operate for 40 hours or longer without recharging its batteries. The PASCAL picking lorry can operate for up to 40 hours after charging. The actual operating time depends on the machine configuration and how it is used.
Do we provide servicing for mushroom picking lorries?
Yes. We provide professional assistance, equipment servicing and ongoing access to replacement and wear parts. We support customers when selecting and implementing picking lorries and throughout their subsequent operation.
