Doncaster-based handling specialist Haith has launched a box filler that it claims is kinder on the crop than any solution on the market.

Most alternatives that fill boxes from grading or washing lines lift the box and drop the potatoes straight off a conveyor.

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Haith’s new electronically driven design uses a clever combination of web and conveyor that lowers into an empty box sitting at ground level.

Initially, this reduces bruising and scuffing, then sensors monitor the fill level and move the flow of crop so that it’s always filling level. Again, this reduces scuffing and saves staff monitoring and levelling off boxes that form a peak in the centre.

Haith says that by not raising the box to a conveyor, there is less stress on the machine and box, so maintenance costs of both should be lower.

The first version handles four empties at a time, stacking them two high when full. There are plans to increase capacity to six and add the capability to tip full boxes onto the line where necessary.

Price for a single unit will be in the region of £130,000.