Tong Peal, the UK's leading designer and manufacturer of handling and sorting equipment for the vegetable industry, has rejuvenated its flagship model: the Caretaker Classic.

The Caretaker 2011 has been designed using the latest technical advancements in inverter drives and user-interfaces, with high levels of efficiency, productivity, and gentle handling in mind.  

Whilst previous models have traditionally been based on mechanical variable speed drives, new developments will see the installation of full inverter control. The inverter variable speed drives enable ultimate control of belt speeds on the Caretaker, with power on demand resulting in reduced energy consumption.

In addition, the 'Evolution' cleaning system within the Caretaker, is now available with the option of the latest technology HMI touch screen controls. In order to achieve the very best control of crop cleaning in all conditions, Tong Peal is now exclusively offering customers a simplified 'touch of a button' means of setting the machine to suit crop cleaning requirements. Users can select crop conditions such as 'Wet' or 'Dry' from the display menu, setting the machine to automatically change the speed of the cleaning system. 

The Caretaker 2011 is available in 1.2, 1.5, 1.8 and 2.4 metre models, with expected outputs of between 30 and 50 tonnes per hour.

To meet the demands of medium and smaller growers, Tong Peal is also introducing a Caretaker 2011 Compact, which offers the same high quality features as the Caretaker 2011, but on a smaller scale.  

"We have taken on board feedback from our customers and clients to help create our most technologically advanced machine, designed with the highest levels of ease of use, efficiency and reliability in mind," said Nick Woodcock, Sales Manager at Tong Peal Engineering. "As we offer flexibility in sizes, we can continue to offer both large and small farmers and growers the opportunity to benefit from technological advancements in the automation of grading and handling systems."