We have several large citrus trees on the property. Unlike (e.g.) apple/pear/etc trees, you can't really climb up into the tree to harvest the fruit at the top -- or "in" from the outer perimeter.
In the past, we've used a "picking basket" to yank the fruit off the tree. Something like:
But, this really only works well if the fruit are very ripe -- ready to "fall off". At times, we may have to pick a tree "early" when this isn't the case (e.g., in preparation for an early freeze -- esp the topmost portions of the tree). In those cases, the basket approach usually results in a fair bit of damage to the tree -- it tears off the small branches on which the fruit hang!
I stumbled on this device: details at: that looks like it could be gentler on the trees (twisting the fruit on their stems usually results in a cleaner removal with less risk to damaging the tree, tearing off branches, etc).
But, it doesn't look like it will be able to handle our larger fruit (our oranges are usually the size of store-bought grapefruit, if not larger!). And, looks to be made out of cheap plastic so I suspect it won't hold up to much abuse (years of use).
But, I suspect I could fabricate something similar out of heavy gauge aluminum sheet stock? I.e., cut a lollipop shape and "twist" the top of the lollipop so that it is at right angles to the "arm" (which must then fit on a pivot). Coating the portion that would grab the fruit with a rubber compound (a can of "dip"??) would protect the fruit from any sharp edges.
Can anyone suggest a simpler fabrication method? Or, something that I could repurpose to the task at hand? I've also thought of modifying something like: to extend the reach and put larger "cups" on the ends. I could probably get by with a 6 ft arm to reach from the outer perimeter (standing on a ladder) into the center of the tree.
Annoying that everyone insists on making cheap crap instead of something more durable!