Tong, a company specializing in potato and other vegetable handling equipment, has announced its next-generation Barrel Washer.

According to the firm, the new washers continue to rely on Tong’s Blue Inverter Technology to deliver reliable and efficient performance.

“With almost 90 years’ experience in manufacturing effective and gentle vegetable handling equipment, Tong barrel washers have been installed into hundreds of farms and packhouses across the UK and worldwide,” Edward Tong, managing director at Tonga Engineering said for Potato Business.

However, in order to improve potato washing results, Tong has added a series of new features to the machinery including a new stainless steel drum, which is perforated in a way that enables the gentle handling of the crop. A new, thicker steel barrel drum has also been included, to boost longevity.

Moreover, the Barrel Washer features an all-new split-door design which offers greater control of crop flow from the washer and is fully adjustable via electric actuators. The new system is built upon a chain and pocket-free design to ensure quick performance and ease of maintenance.

“The new features have been added to ensure that Tong barrel washers continue to incorporate the latest technology and most advanced design for dependable performance in the most demanding washing environments,” further explained Tong for Potato Business.

All the features outlined above will be included as standard in Tong’s new Barrel Washer. But the company will also be offering the machines with several new and advanced options to answer the specific requirements of its clients.

First off, the company is making available a simplified top-shaft design with Cooper split bearing as an option for all its Tong barrel washers. The addition will have the effect of making maintenance even easier, by removing the need for shaft removal when changing bearings. Next, there’s the option of a new heavy-duty direct-driven auger with 8mm thick blade.

The washer is manufactured in barrel lengths ranging from 1.2m – 5m and can be specified as a stand-alone unit or integrated into a new or existing handling line. The product is available in 12 standard specifications.

“The new features on Tong barrel washers are bringing users an unrivaled washing solution that is even more advanced than ever before. Our next generation Barrel Washer design, alongside our proven Auto-Touch HMI controls which include intelligent diagnostics and category 3 safety modules, means when our customers choose a Tong washer, however large or small, they can be sure of a high-performance and automatic machine that is built to perform,” said Tong.