Picking up apples from the ground is tedious and takes a toll on your back. But with a self-made tool, collecting apples is much easier. Below we give you ideas on how you can build an apple collector yourself.
How do I build an apple collector myself?
An apple collector can be made from a short PVC pipe, a cloth bag, a wooden handle, screws and strong glue. Attach the stem to the pipe, tape the bag to the end of the pipe and use the collector to pick up apples.
Build your own apple collector: The rolling classic
If you search for apple collectors on the Internet, you will immediately come across an egg-like structure made of wires. The eggy ball is rolled across the lawn on a pole. When the ball hits an apple or similar object, the flexible wires bend apart, allowing the apple to roll into the egg. Since the apple's own weight is less than the pressure exerted, the apple remains inside the ball. Up to seven or more apples fit comfortably in the apple collector. This apple collector is difficult to recreate. If you still want to try it, you can get tips here.
Apple collector made of PVC pipe
An easier option is to build it yourself from a PVC pipe. It's an object that looks a lot like a telescopic apple picker, just without the spikes. It is important that the PVC pipe is not much longer than an apple's length and it is advantageous if it is slightly curved. For this you need:
- a short, thin PVC pipe (€9.00 on Amazon) whose diameter is at least three centimeters larger than that of a large apple
- a cloth bag
- a wooden handle, e.g. a broomstick
- Screws
- a strong glue
1. Attach style to PVC pipe
Screw the stem onto the PVC pipe. The best place for this is about one centimeter from the edge of the pipe so that the plastic doesn't tear but you can still easily reach the place for drilling. The screw is screwed into the broom handle from the inside through the PVC pipe. Pre-drill the hole in the handle and use a wooden dowel for better grip.
2. Glue the bag
Now glue the bag all around at the same end. Make sure there is a generous overlap and tape it securely so that the bag cannot tear off.
Tip
Collecting apples with the self-made apple collector is even quicker and easier if you take a broom in your other hand and use it to sweep the apples into the apple collector.