How We Do It: Toys

Richard Ha writes:

Workers in Central and South America who harvest bananas have to carry the heavy bunches more than 100 feet to a cable for transporting.

Compare that to our workers, who harvest bananas using ATVs pulling trailers. We designed these units so the harvesters take only about seven steps with the banana bunch on their backs. The height is such that they don’t have to bend their backs too much when placing the bunch onto the trailer, and the tires run on five pounds of pressure, which prevents bouncing.

Aren’t we brilliant to have designed such a system? NOT!!

I’d like to think so, but here’s how it really came about: About fifteen years ago, when I used to ride off-road dirt bikes for fun, the first 3-wheelers came out. I just had to have one of those new toys.

So I mentioned to June how the farm could use one for spraying. I could strap on the backpack sprayer, I explained, and by riding on the 3-wheeler instead of walking I could get more spraying done.

I got the impression her reaction was, “Yeah, right.” But we got one, and it was as fun as I thought it would be and we did actually use it for spraying.

And then the 4-wheelers came out. They had lots of power and great suspension, so of course I had to have one of those, too.

“I know what!” I told June. “We’ll use it to pull a trailer when harvesting bananas.”

We’ve used them ever since.

Comments

[Macario]

Hey Richard, Yeah I tried that old need something to help the work along here thing on Leslie. Hasn't worked yet!

[Richard]

Macario:
I think that its a percentage thing. Maybe you have not tried it frequently enough. Not too late to try. Richard

[Leslie Lang]

I would like to take this opportunity to defend my good name here. Macario has more toys than anybody (maybe second only to you, Richard). I am not a toy-begrudger! As long as I get toys, too.

[Richard]

Yes, Leslie, toys is what its all about. A couple of weeks ago, this guy told us about spotting coqui frogs with night vision goggles at his flower nursery. I told June, you know how the coqui's keep you awake? We can get the night vision goggles and a super blaster water gun. It will help you get some sleep....Several nights later, stalking the wild coqui in the next neighbors jungle. Richard

[Leslie Lang]

Wow, Richard, that's the only fun thing I've ever heard re: coquis! Did it work? We'll have you and your toys over if/when they reach our place. We can all get some night goggles and super blasters and go on a nighttime raid together.

[Richard]

Did it work? No. The coquis are tiny, like the size of a quarter and they are shy. But, it was fun walking around in the dark forest next door, shooting the super blaster watergun. And, my grandson had fun too. Richard