As reported by Coconut Development Board, coconut Tree climbers are a rarity these days in Kerala and other coconut growing states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa, with very few taking on the traditional profession. There is a reluctance to enter this field because of the occupational risk and the arduous labor involved in climbing tall coconut trees. Due to scarcity of labor as against the general norm of harvesting cycles of 45-60 days, farmers are currently able to harvest only once in three to four months.
There are three variants – Coconut Tree Climber, Multi Tree Climber and Tree Walker. Upper frame is operated by hand and lower frame is operated by leg. By up and down movement of upper and lower frame, one can climb on the tree. Multi Tree Climber Equipment is suitable for climbing coconut, palm, teak, and rubber, silver oak & similar trees.
D. Renganathan alias D.N. Venkat (49), an agriculturist from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu has developed a coconut tree climber with a sitting arrangement, locking system and a safety belt.
After trying his hand at many things, from being a daily wager in a khadi spinning unit, selling spare parts of pumps, to being a mechanic, Venkat finally settled down with agriculture. It was here that he noticed the problems in climbing coconut/palm trees. He planned to address all the issues and design a simple low cost tree climber. Working hard over a period of a year and making about three progressively improved prototypes; finally in 2008 he was able to fabricate a model to his satisfaction.
The tree climber has a seating provision and has two frames. The upper frame is operated by hand while the lower one is operated by leg. The user sits comfortably on the seat and by the up and down movement of upper and lower frame, can climb the tree. A locking system has been provided, which enables the climber to work without fear at any height. To avoid the possibility of a fall, a four lock pin can be fixed at any height. One can climb up to 40 ft in 5 minutes (this includes time needed in fixing, climbing up- down and removal of device from tree). One of the major advantages of this machine is that it is useful for trees with different girth. University of Agricultural Sciences, GVK, Bangalore has tested the device as part of an all India coordinated research project on Post Harvest Technology and found it useful for climbing coconut palms. The team also gave a special mention of its in-built safety feature.
Prior art has discloses similar devices used by hunters but about the girth of the trees on which these can be used is unclear. Having a good demand majorly in South India, Venkat is selling the device at Rs. 7000/-. So far he has sold about 200 units in Tamil Nadu. Recently few units were exported to other South Asian countries as well.
Innovator has been awarded Consolation Award in the Sixth Grassroots Innovations Competition by National Innovation Foundation and supported under MVIF scheme of NIF.
Indian Patent filed (No: 835/CHE/2012)
- Overall Dimensions (LxWxH)
- Upper Frame - 40 x 20 x 2.5"
- Lower Frame - 30 x 20 x 1.5"
- Tree Circumference preferred: 15" - 51"
- Safety Harness provided
- Time taken for Climbing - 5 mins for 60 feet height (For Fixing - 90 seconds, For Removing - 45 seconds)
- Tree Climbing Capacity: 10-12 trees/hr Materials Used for Main Body: Stainless Steel 202 Grade
- Eco –friendly
- Manual Operation
- Easy Handling
- Safety Harness for Climbers’ Safety
- Women can operate easily
- Low Weight
- Easy Transportation
- Climbing Height - no limits
- Addresses labor shortage
- Long Life / Zero Maintenance
