In a world of intensive development where every minute matters, technology plays a key role in increasing productivity. GrowTime, as a pioneer of innovation in mushroom picking lorries, is introducing new features on NEWTON and PASCAL lorries that simplify operation and increase efficiency in daily tasks. New solutions, such as RFID (2024) on the NEWTON lorry and iButton (2015) on the PASCAL picking trolley, introduce new capabilities for managing work parameters.
Key takeaways
- In both lorries, a key option is the ability for the supervisor to set the travel speed precisely, which standardises and increases the working pace and makes harvest planning easier.
- In NEWTON, speed parameters can be saved and locked with an RFID card (master key), so the operator cannot change the settings during work.
- In PASCAL, an analogous mechanism is implemented through an iButton after the supervisor logs in, with the option to limit operation even to a single fixed speed (for example, “5 to 5”).
- Both models support operator start authorisation (RFID/iButton), which reduces the risk of unauthorised or accidental activation of the lorry.
- Speed control and locking, together with work in selective harvesting mode, can translate into an increase in yield of about 2.5 kg/m² or more, while automatic horizontal movement is intended to increase harvesting efficiency measured in kilograms per hour.
Customized speed control
One of the key improvements in both models is the ability to fine-tune the speed of the lorry. This gives the foreman full control over what speed the lorry will run at during harvesting.
- The NEWTON lorry uses RFID technology, which allows settings to be saved via a special RFID card (master key). After configuring the speed range (or a fixed speed), the team leader simply holds the card near the lorry’s control remote for one second. Once set, the picker cannot alter the speed settings—ensuring consistent performance.
- On the PASCAL model, the same process is carried out using an iButton chip. After the foreman logs into the lorry system, it is possible to set the desired speed range from – to. It is also possible to set a fixed speed by entering the same value in the “from” and “to” fields, such as 5 to 5, which limits the operator to a single speed.
This makes the management of the lorry operation and thus the performance of the picker more predictable and optimized.
Operator activation of the picking lorry – even safer and more intuitive
Another convenience in both models is that the lorry can only be activated by an authorized operator. In NEWTON, this feature is also based on RFID technology. Each operator can be assigned an individual RFID key, which acts as a “pass” to activate the machine.
In the PASCAL model, this function is implemented via an iButton chip. The chip assigned to a specific operator acts as an access key, eliminating the possibility of accidental or unauthorized startup of the lorry. This solution significantly increases safety and allows better management of machine use.
Why is it important?
Thanks to the ability to lock in team leader-defined speed settings (including consistent left/right motion speeds that the picker can’t alter) and support for selective picking (harvesting mushrooms of a specific size), yields can increase by 2.5 kg of mushrooms per square meter or more.
The automatic horizontal movement function allows for higher hourly harvest rates. Proper speed management—including the option to lock the speed—also contributes to maximizing yields per square meter.
The introduction of RFID and iButton technology in NEWTON and PASCAL lorries addresses the real-world needs of modern mushroom farms, where efficiency and safety are paramount. These new features enable:
- Precise control over work parameters, improving harvest productivity (and there’s more to come—stay tuned for further RFID benefits).
- Minimized risk of human error, by limiting access to critical settings.
- Enhanced safety, by ensuring that only trained and authorized operators can use the machines.
Summary
New features on NEWTON and PASCAL picking lorries are a step forward in automating and streamlining daily operations. Using RFID and iButton technology, the foreman can easily control machine parameters, and operators can feel more confident with safe and intuitive solutions.
If you are looking for equipment that combines innovation with simplicity of operation, NEWTON and PASCAL picking lorries from GrowTime are the best choice. They will make your work more efficient and equipment management simpler than ever before.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
What features distinguish the Newton and Pascal lorries?
Above all, work parameter management (including speed) and operation authorisation using RFID in NEWTON and iButton in PASCAL. This is supported by sufficiently high torque in the horizontal movement drives at low speeds and a horizontal speed control system, all with low electricity consumption.
How does supervisor control of the lorry’s horizontal travel speed work in both models?
The supervisor sets the speed range “from–to” (or a fixed speed), and the operator works within the imposed limits.
How are settings saved in the NEWTON lorry?
Settings are saved with an RFID card (master key) by holding it close to the control remote, after which the operator cannot change them.
How is speed configured in the PASCAL lorry?
After the supervisor logs in with an iButton, the “from–to” range can be set, or one speed can be enforced by entering the same value in both fields.
Why is operator authorisation required to start the lorry?
It is meant to increase safety and make it possible to control who starts the machine, eliminating accidental or unauthorised activation.
How is authorisation implemented in NEWTON and PASCAL?
NEWTON uses individual RFID keys, while PASCAL uses iButton chips assigned to operators.
What else, apart from speed, is meant to affect hourly harvesting efficiency?
The automatic horizontal movement function of the lorry is worth highlighting, as it is intended to allow more kilograms to be harvested per hour.
