In Crete, the olive is a way of life, and every producer knows that a good harvest begins long before the first beating — with the equipment.Durin the olive harvest season nets, harvesters, crates, ladders and pumps work intensively for a few weeks and then sit unused for the rest of the year. Where and how they’re kept determines whether they’ll be ready and working next season. Equipment storage for the olive harvest season in a container offers a clean, dry and secure solution.

Why olive equipment needs proper storage

Harvest equipment is an investment — and it takes a beating. Left in a lean-to or a corner of the yard, exposed to damp, rain and rodents, the outcome is predictable:

  • Nets grow mould, rot where they touch the ground and tear.
  • Metal harvesters and chainsaws rust, and their mechanisms seize up.
  • Batteries and power tools suffer from humidity and temperature swings.
  • Wooden crates and ladders wear down and lose their strength.

Replacing this equipment every two or three years costs many times more than organised storage.

What you store in a container out of season

  • Harvest nets, clean and fully dry, folded and on pallets.
  • Harvesters (electric, petrol or battery) and pruning tools.
  • Crates, sacks, baskets and fruit transport containers.
  • Ladders, pumps, motors and small machinery.
  • Fertilisers, pesticides and consumables (in sealed, watertight packaging).

The container in the grove or at your premises

The big advantage for the producer is that the container can be placed exactly where it’s needed: next to the olive grove or the farm store. That way the equipment is always close by, isn’t hauled back and forth, and is protected from theft — a real problem on remote plots. Alternatively, if there’s no suitable space or access, the equipment is kept at our facilities.

Preparing equipment before storage

  • Clean nets and tools of soil, leaves and fruit residue.
  • Dry everything completely — especially nets, which hold moisture.
  • Drain fuel from powered tools and disconnect batteries.
  • Lightly oil metal parts to protect against rust.
  • Add moisture absorbers and raise everything onto pallets.

Advantages of the container for the farmer

  • Watertightness and security in a robust, locked steel structure.
  • Flexible duration: keep the container only out of season or all year.
  • Low, fixed cost compared with building a permanent store.
  • It moves: if you change grove or plot, the container follows you.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, as long as there’s access for the delivery vehicle. The container is placed right next to the crop for maximum convenience.

A 10ft or 20ft comfortably covers nets, crates, harvesters and tools for a typical holding. For larger operations there’s the 40ft.

Yes, provided they’re in sealed, watertight packaging. Flammable liquids and fuels must not be stored.

Get ready for the new season now

Don’t let your harvest equipment wear out before the next beating. Call us on +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online for safe olive-equipment storage in Chania.