Fruit Processing Machines

How to choose fruit processing machines

Choosing the right fruit processing machine depends on the type of fruit, the required hourly output and the final product you want to obtain, such as pulp, purée, juice, jam, preserve or another semi-finished product.

It is also important to identify the processing stage involved: crushing, destoning, pulping, filtration, collection, pasteurisation or filling. Each machine performs a specific function and may be used individually or as part of a small fruit processing line.

Fruit crushing and milling

When the fruit does not contain hard stones, the first stage may involve crushing or milling. The electric fruit mill available in this category is suitable for processing stone-free fruit and vegetables such as apples, pears, potatoes and carrots.

The machine is made from AISI 304 stainless steel and is equipped with an electric motor, internal blades, interchangeable screens and an emergency stop system. It prepares the product for the following processing stage.

For equipment specifically dedicated to crushing fruit before pressing, you can also browse Fruit Crushers.

Fruit destoning and pulping machines

For stone fruits, or whenever the pulp needs to be separated from solid parts, fruit destoning and pulping machines are used.

These machines can be used for applications including cherries, olives, apricots, plums, peaches, tomatoes and cooked vegetables. Their function is to separate the pulp from stones and other solid parts while processing the fruit into a workable product for jams, preserves, fermentation or other preparations.

Different models are available with different production capacities. Interchangeable stainless steel screens allow the machine to be adapted to the fruit being processed and to the desired result. The perforation size should therefore be selected according to the raw material and final consistency required.

Fruit juice processing

When producing fruit juice, pulping or separation may be followed by additional stages such as filtration, collection, pasteurisation and, where required, filling.

The rotary filter can be integrated into the process to separate and refine the product obtained from previous stages. The stainless steel collection tank, equipped with a filtering grid, wheels, level probes and pump control, helps manage the transfer of liquid or pulp from one machine to another.

The automatic fruit juice pasteuriser in this category is designed for juices and low-viscosity liquids. The technical data provided for the specific model indicate an hourly output of 300 litres at 80°C. Always refer to the individual product page for its complete operating specifications.

Pomegranate and prickly pear processing lines

Dedicated fruit processing lines are available for pomegranates and prickly pears. The basic configuration includes a stainless steel deseeding machine and a pulping machine.

The deseeding machine opens the fruit and separates the arils, which can then be collected and sent to the pulping machine to obtain juice. Depending on the required process, stainless steel supports, motorised tanks and pump systems may also be considered for transferring the product between stages.

Which fruit processing machine should you choose?

Each processing stage requires specific machinery. The following summary can help identify the most suitable equipment according to the required operation.

• Crushing stone-free fruit or vegetables
  Recommended machine: electric fruit mill.
  When to use it: during the initial product-preparation stage.
• Separating pulp and stones
  Recommended machine: destoning and pulping machine.
  When to use it: for cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, olives, tomatoes and similar processing applications.
• Preparing pulp for jams or preserves
  Recommended machine: destoning and pulping machine.
  When to use it: when a workable pulp or mash is required.
• Processing fruit for juices
  Recommended machines: destoning or pulping machine, filter, collection tank and pasteuriser.
  When to use them: when the process requires separation, filtration and heat treatment.
• Managing product transfer between machines
  Recommended machine: stainless steel collection tank.
  When to use it: when liquid or semi-finished product needs to be collected and transferred.
• Processing pomegranates or prickly pears
  Recommended machine: dedicated line with deseeding and pulping machines.
  When to use it: when the fruit needs to be opened, separated and processed for juice.
• Pasteurising fruit juices
  Recommended machine: automatic pasteuriser.
  When to use it: when the product requires the heat-treatment stage specified for the selected process.

How to choose between models

Before purchasing, consider the following practical factors:

• type of fruit to be processed;
• presence or absence of stones;
• average fruit diameter;
• quantity of product to be processed per hour;
• desired final result;
• availability of single-phase or three-phase power supply;
• need for additional screens, grids or accessories;
• possibility of integrating several machines into a small processing line.

The technical sheets for the destoning machines specify that the fruit must be ripe and soft. The 550 kg/h model is suitable for fruit with a maximum diameter of 8 cm. The 1000 kg/h model has a recommended maximum fruit diameter of 12 cm, while the 2000 kg/h model can process fruit up to 18 cm in diameter. Always verify these limits on the individual product page before selecting a model.

Processing, filling and the complete production workflow

This category focuses on the machinery used to transform fruit through operations such as destoning, pulping, filtration, collection and pasteurisation.

For the subsequent packaging stage, browse Juice Filling Machines. For a broader overview of the entire fruit-processing range, return to Fruit Processing Equipment.