About used machines for Sweet potatoes

Sweet potato is a tropical crop grown mainly in North, South and Central America. Despite bearing the name potato, the crop has little in common with the 'common' potato as they are from a completely different family. This is because potato belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family and sweet potato belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. 

For a long time, this crop was not very popular in Europe, but this changed around 2015. Since then, the demand for sweet potatoes has skyrocketed. The increased demand plus the relatively high selling price is also causing more and more growers to grow this crop. Because despite the fact that this originally tropical crop likes warm weather, it can also be grown in less warm European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

Several machines are needed for growing sweet potato on a larger scale. Before sweet potatoes can be planted, the soil has to be tilled properly. Once the plant is fully grown, the sweet potato can be uprooted. This too is often done by machine.

Are you planning to grow sweet potato? Then buying new machines can be a major investment. Fortunately, Duijndam Machines offers the solution; Used machines for sweet potatoes. At Duijndam Machines, we do our best to stock the widest possible range of quality machines for growing sweet potatoes. Read below which machines are needed to grow sweet potatoes.

Soil tillage machines for sweet potatoes

As mentioned, sweet potatoes are an originally tropical crop. So unlike our familiar potato, this crop likes warm weather. To grow the crop anyway in colder, northern European countries, the soil must first be properly tilled.

Sweet potato is planted on 'ridges' or 'beds' covered with black biodegradable agricultural foil. Because the ridges are higher than the real soil, the soil warms up faster. This process is enhanced by the dark foil.

Inter row rotavators or bed formers are used to make the ridges into which the sweet potato can be planted. These tillers work the soil so that beds are created above the ground. These ridges can then be inlaid with foil using a foil layer. 

Here you can find all tillage machines for tilling the soil, for sweet potatoes and more.

Sweet potato planting machines

As sweet potatoes need plenty of warmth, they can only be planted in late May. Planting sweet potatoes can be done in two different ways: through plugs, small plants, slips or cuttings. Which way of planting applies to you will determine which planting machine you need. Despite there being certain specific planting machines for sweet potatoes, planting is still mostly done by hand. 

An overview of all our planting machines can be found here.

Harvesting machines for sweet potato

In August, the whole field is covered with the foliage of sweet potatoes, after which it is ready to be harvested in September. Harvesting should be done before the soil begins to cool sharply. One of the reasons that growing sweet potato is relatively expensive compared to 'regular' potatoes is that sweet potato is a fragile vegetable that is easily damaged. Harvesting this delicate crop therefore requires working carefully and slowly. 

Growing crops in beds has another advantage besides heat: because the crop grows on a raised cultivation bed, the sweet potato can be easily harvested by lifting the beds. However, before the sweet potato can be harvested, the haulm has to be removed. This is done mechanically using a haulm topper. A haulm topper beats the haulm off the crop with shredders, after which the sweet potato can be harvested.

Now that the sweet potato has been stripped of its haulm, it can be removed from the ground using a bed harvester. Bed harvesters are used to harvest one crop bed or 2 ridges in one pass. This way, in addition to sweet potatoes, things like flower bulbs, carrots and chicory roots are also harvested. Bed harvesters are mainly used on lighter soil types, such as sandy soil. This is due to the fact that the soil must be allowed to fall between the bars of the sieving belt, leaving only sweet potatoes and the remaining haulm. The sweet potatoes are then placed by hand off the bar belt onto a conveyor that fills the cubic crates at the back of the harvester. 

Sweet potato processing machines

Sweet potatoes meant for industrial processing are disposed of immediately after harvest. Sweet potatoes meant for consumers undergo several steps first.

After harvesting, sweet potatoes are loaded into cubic crates, which are then stored in a hall to allow the sweet potato to cure. This is done in a hot space, where it is permanently around 38 degrees. This causes the sweet potatoes to sweat, eliminating minor damage to this fragile crop. This makes the sweet potato keep considerably longer, up to a year.

After curing the sweet potatoes, you can still use a washing machine in which the sweet potato is washed. This washing machine can be connected to a line in which the sweet potatoes are sorted (by weight) and packed after washing, after which they are ready for sale.

Which sweet potato processing machine you need depends on the market you serve. Here you will find all our used washing machines.

How do I find the right used sweet potato machine for me?

On this page you will find an overview of all available used sweet potato machines. In the filter on the left you can select the type of machine you are looking for, e.g. for growing, washing and sorting sweet potatoes. On the page of a specific machine, you will find all necessary information about the product, including pictures. Are you interested in one of the machines? Then you can easily request more information or a free quote from us. Is there something you need to know for sure? Contact us by phone or visit us to see the used machine for yourself at our company. You will get the best impression of the machine if you see it for yourself. Of course, we are also happy to give you advice on which sweet potato machine would best suit your situation.

How do we work at Duijndam Machines?

At Duijndam Machines we always try to have the broadest possible stock of quality machines. Usually our stock counts around 1200 used machines. Our philosophy is that our customers will be able to use the delivered machines for many years. Our choice for quality starts with a critical purchasing policy. After purchase, we check the machines for all sorts of aspects. This is followed by a thorough cleaning and any necessary repairs. Meanwhile, clear pictures and description are added to our website so that potential customers can get a good orientation online. Once you have found a suitable machine, it can be delivered to your doorstep worldwide if necessary.

Are you interested in one of our used sweet potato machines? Then please contact us and we will provide you with personal advice.