Automatic Fruit Sorting Machine: How to Choose the Right One for Your Factory

As global fruit processing becomes increasingly automated, the automatic fruit sorting machine has become essential equipment for fruit packing houses, juice plants, dehydrated fruit factories, and fresh-fruit exporters. Selecting the right machine directly impacts product quality, processing efficiency, labor cost, and the competitiveness of your production line.

1. Understanding How an Automatic Fruit Sorting Machine Works

An automatic fruit sorting machine classifies fruits according to parameters such as weight, size, color, shape, surface defects, hardness, and sugar content, depending on the configured technologies.

1.1 Core Working Technologies

Different sorting modes determine machine structure and performance:

A complete machine may combine two or more detection methods depending on your product requirements.

2. Key Components of a High-Quality Fruit Sorting Machine

A professional-grade system typically consists of:

2.1 Feeding System

• Vibrating or belt feeding
• Ensures single-fruit separation
• Prevents damage to soft fruits
• Adjustable feeding rate for different throughput demands

2.2 Fruit Conveying & Carrier Cups

• Special cup holders ensure each fruit rotates for 360° detection
• Food-grade materials reduce bruising
• High-speed servo motors maintain smooth and stable operation

2.3 Detection Modules

• Cameras, NIR sensors, laser sensors, or weighing modules
• IP67-level protection for long-term stability in wet environments

2.4 Sorting & Grading System

• Pneumatic pushers or drop gates for accurate lane division
• Multiple output lanes (3–12 grades) depending on configuration

2.5 PLC Control System

• Centralized control
• Real-time monitoring of speed, grades, weight, production statistics
• Optional remote diagnostics

3. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fruit Sorting Machine

3.1 Fruit Type & Material Characteristics

Different fruits require different handling:

• Hard fruits: apple, pear → suitable for roller cups
• Soft fruits: peach, ripe mango → need belt or cradle-type sorter
• Small fruits: cherry, blueberry → require camera + small-lane conveyor
• High-value fruits: mango, avocado → recommend AI defect detection

3.2 Sorting Accuracy Requirements

If only simple grading is needed:

• Weight sorting = cost-effective, stable, high capacity

If high-end fresh fruit export:

• Add optical + defect grading modules

If internal quality matters:

• Choose systems with NIR sugar content and ripeness detection

3.3 Processing Capacity (kg/h or t/h)

Standard capacities include:

• 1–3 t/h (small farms, startups)
• 3–10 t/h (medium-sized factories)
• 10–30 t/h (large processing plants)

Oversizing will increase cost; undersizing reduces efficiency.

3.4 Fruit Protection & Damage Rate

Critical for export-grade fruit.

Look for:

• Soft rubber cups
• Smooth conveying
• Adjustable drop height
• Intelligent speed control

A high-quality machine keeps damage rate below 0.3%.

3.5 Cleaning & Maintenance Design

Key elements for food-grade operation:

• Quick-open covers
• Stainless steel SS304 construction
• Waterproof camera housing
• Tool-less disassembly of cups and belts

3.6 After-Sales Support & Spare Parts

Choose manufacturers that offer:

• Remote service
• Spare carrier cups and sensors
• 24/7 technical support
• Full installation & commissioning

4. Integration with Your Production Line

Automatic sorting machines can be integrated with:

• Fruit washing line
• Waxing & drying system (citrus, apples)
• Automatic packaging machine
• Grading conveyors
• Cold storage systems
• Juice production lines

Proper upstream and downstream design ensures maximum productivity.

5. Cost Considerations

Pricing varies depending on configuration:

Final cost depends on:

• tech modules
• number of lanes
• capacity
• customization