The Fontana RF3 is a tractor-mounted, single-row harvester designed for green beans, beans and edamame (green soybeans) grown for the fresh market. It is particularly suited to vegetable farms with an indicative cultivated area of 1-10 ha, greenhouses and crop rows where manoeuvring space is limited. Its longitudinal harvesting system, hydraulic lateral shift and compact configuration provide an indicative harvesting capacity of 100-300 kg/h, depending on the crop, field conditions and machine settings.
Longitudinal harvesting: the heart of the RF3
The harvesting unit works in the same direction as the crop row. A picker reel with flexible steel fingers detaches the crop and guides it along the machine towards the elevator conveyor, supporting a continuous and orderly flow. An oversized fan helps separate leaves and other lightweight material. This arrangement keeps the RF3 compact and helps preserve product integrity as the harvested crop moves towards the collection area.
Hydraulic row centring from the tractor
The Category I and II three-point linkage connects the RF3 directly to the tractor. Hydraulic lateral shift allows the operator to centre the harvesting unit on the row from the driving position. Harvesting height is set with a dedicated adjustment wheel and a second adjustable rear wheel, allowing the machine to be adapted to the actual crop and field conditions before harvesting the entire field.
Where is the RF3 used?
The RF3 is designed for small and medium-sized vegetable farms, greenhouses and fields with confined manoeuvring space. The recommended cultivated area is approximately 1-10 ha and the indicative minimum row spacing is 50 cm. These values are application guidelines rather than absolute operating limits.
Standard equipment
The standard configuration includes the longitudinal harvesting unit, Category I and II three-point linkage, hydraulic lateral shift for row centring, picker reel with flexible steel fingers, oversized fan, harvesting-height adjustment wheel, second adjustable rear wheel, elevator conveyor, PTO shaft with automatic torque limiter and centralised greasing system.
Optional equipment
A special rotor kit for harvesting chilli peppers is available as an option.
RF3 technical data
Model: RF3
Configuration: tractor-mounted, single-row
Crops: green beans, beans and edamame (green soybeans) for the fresh market
Recommended cultivated area: approximately 1-10 ha
Indicative harvesting capacity: 100-300 kg/h
Required tractor power: 40-50 HP
PTO speed: 540 rpm
Indicative minimum row spacing: 50 cm
Three-point linkage: Category I and II
Weight: 760 kg
Transport dimensions (L x W x H): 2.70 x 2.10 x 1.80 m
The compact transport configuration simplifies transfers between fields and reduces logistical requirements. Road circulation depends on the complete tractor-machine configuration, machine approval and the regulations applicable in the country of use.
What tractor does the RF3 require?
The RF3 requires a 40-50 HP tractor, a 540 rpm PTO and a double-acting hydraulic distributor for the lateral shift.
Can the RF3 harvest chilli peppers?
Yes. Chilli peppers can be harvested when the RF3 is equipped with the dedicated optional rotor kit.
Why choose Fontana RF3?
Fontana has been developing machinery for harvesting green beans and beans since 1986. Designed and manufactured in Italy, the RF3 combines a compact mounted configuration with longitudinal crop flow and hydraulic row centring. Fontana also provides technical advice, training, after-sales support and spare-parts assistance. More than 60 Fontana harvesters have been sold in France over the past five years.
