Tolsma-Grisnich potato grading machine; you could tie a cow to it…

A few years ago Grisnich only manufactured comprehensive grading lines for the processing industry, but for some time now the company has also been a supplier of smaller grading lines suitable for use on farms.

The Samro stone and clod separator and the MV09 grading machine are among the products that can be deployed in the agro industry. The Jukema family shares their experience with their MV09 grading machine.

The MV09 grading machine

Jelle Jukema was born and raised in Sexbierum (province of Friesland), where for some years he has concentrated on the culture of seed potatoes, sugar beet and winter wheat, his seventy acres of arable land in northern Friesland being ideally suited to these crops.

After harvesting, the seed potatoes are stored in the yard of the Jukema premises, and for preparing the deliveries Jukema deploys an MV09 grading machine from Emmeloord-based manufacturer Tolsma-Grisnich.

The Tolsma-Grisnich MV09 consists of five autonomously driven, adjustable grading decks, and Tolsma-Grisnich have introduced this machine to the market to offer medium-sized growers an affordable, low-maintenance alternative to industrial grading machines.\

The MV09-13 features a totally new design in which the former drive systems for vibration-grading technology have been completely abandoned. The MV09 is well known for its high grading capacity and accuracy.

This is the third year that the MV09 has been in use at Jukema’s, where it is once again being deployed to process the seed potatoes grown on approximately twenty hectares.

Jelle Jukema:

“This is a splendid machine featuring a very simple grading line. The sieve always remains nice and clean, and what we have is a simple and user-friendly line with outstanding size consistency. Ideal for farmers growing less than forty hectares of crops that require grading”.

Spot-welding system

One noteworthy feature is the spot-welding method that is used for the sieves.

“Most sieves are of the mesh type, so if a potato lands on a crossing, it tends to stay there. Because the crossings on this machine are welded, the potato finds the lowest point and, thanks to gravity, it will fall through sooner or later. That is a major advantage of this machine; the potato always falls through!’

This is a unique principle, particularly among smaller grading machines.

Stephan de Munnik, technical adviser at Tolsma-Grisnich:

“For certain growers this in itself is an argument to opt for this grading machine, but most arable farmers select the MV09 because of its outstanding precision in size grading. The machine is also unusually quiet, causing very little noise disturbance during grading. So the MV09 is quiet in operation, the machine is stable and it can be moved relatively easily, meaning it can be deployed in a very flexible manner”.

Also suitable for onions

Slowly but gradually, the MV09 is catching up with its bigger brother, the MV13. De Munnik feels this is largely due to the grading machine’s unique properties.

Stephan de Munnik:

“A level grading deck ensures optimal precision and, in addition, each deck has its own sieve cleaner; the current market position of the MV09 is therefore almost as favourable as that of the MV13.“

”The grading decks can also be adjusted to a sloping position for the grading of onions: onions have to be processed faster to prevent them from losing their skin. If the sieve deck is set at an incline, the forward speed of the product increases, and with it the grading capacity, so this machine is ideal for growers of both potatoes (seed or table) and onions”.

A rugged construction

Jukema is also very pleased with the Tolsma-Grisnich stand-alone grading unit, which has its own control and switchboard and requires only the addition of a feed and discharge conveyor.

Jelle Jukema:

“This relatively cost-positive unit does a good job, and it enables the trouble-free grading of many tons of produce. Thanks to the gentle operation of the machine we are hardly bothered by dust in our storage facility.“

”We can even tie a cow to the machine and it will keep running, which only goes to show its reliable construction. The installation took no more than one afternoon, and for the past three years we have never had any problems”.

Modular system

Jukema says that his Fontane seed crop comes out of storage very well, although the dry, hot 2018 season took its toll when it comes to scab. Jelle Jukema:

“However, there is nothing we can do about that. The potatoes did not suffer any damage at harvesting and are also remaining well intact during the grading process.“

”And don’t forget, we are not talking about a very expensive installation here. This grading machine can easily be extended with a bunker or something of the kind as well.“

”This line has the potential for versatile deployment, both now and in the future, when we may decide to extend due to increased acreage or may want to make the move to electronic grading”.