Fruit Hardness Tester

FHT-05 FHT-15 FHT-1122 Fruit Hardness Tester

Keywords: fruit hardness tester, FHT-05 FHT-15 FHT-1122, penetrometer, fruit firmness tester, ripeness tester

Handheld fruit penetrometer for measuring the force needed to plunge into fruit pulp — the practical way to judge ripeness and follow softening during storage.

The FHT series is a compact handheld fruit hardness tester (penetrometer) for fruit and some vegetables. It measures the force required to drive the plunger into the fruit pulp; that reading indicates ripeness and lets growers fix the picking time or monitor softening in storage and transit. Three models cover the full range from soft berries to hard avocados, and the FHT-1122 is supplied with two interchangeable tips (7.9 mm and 11.1 mm) so a single instrument covers both of its measuring ranges.

Readings are shown on a clear LCD in kgf (kgf/cm²), lbf (lbf/cm²), N (N/cm²) or Pa, with Max Hold to freeze the peak value and one-key unit conversion. The instrument runs on two AAA batteries and weighs only 230 g, so it can be carried through the orchard all day. Optional RS-232 or Bluetooth data adapters export readings with the supplied software for record keeping and analysis.

Key Features

1.  Objective firmness readings — measures the force required to plunge into fruit pulp, so ripeness decisions are based on numbers rather than feel.

2.  Three models, one platform — FHT-05 for small and soft fruit, FHT-15 for small to large firm and hard fruit, FHT-1122 for large firm and hard fruit. The FHT-1122 ships with two interchangeable tips (7.9 mm and 11.1 mm), one for each of its two measuring ranges.

3.  Four measuring units — kgf (kgf/cm²), lbf (lbf/cm²), N (N/cm²) and Pa, switchable at the press of a key.

4.  Max. Hold function — freezes the peak penetration force so the value can be read after the test.

5.  Data output — optional RS-232C data cable or Bluetooth adapter with software for logging and trend analysis.

6.  Pocket-sized and light — 204 × 62 × 33 mm and 230 g, powered by two AAA batteries for all-day field use.

Model Comparison

Fruit Classifications

How to Use

1.  Fit the right tip — select the model and tip diameter that matches your fruit size and firmness (see Model Comparison above).

2.  Prepare the sample — take fruit at a representative position and remove a small disc of skin so the tip meets the pulp directly.

3.  Push the plunger in — press the instrument steadily into the pulp until the tip reaches the marked pressing depth of 10 mm.

4.  Read and hold — the display shows the penetration force; press MAX to freeze the peak value for recording.

5.  Convert units if needed — press UNIT to switch between kgf/cm², lbf/cm², N/cm² and Pa.

6.  Export the data — connect the optional RS-232C cable or Bluetooth adapter to transfer readings to a PC for storage and analysis.

Technical Specifications

Ordering Information

1.  FHT-05, FHT-15, FHT-1122 — standard version

2.  FHT-05S, FHT-15S, FHT-1122S — with RS-232 software

3.  FHT-05B, FHT-15B, FHT-1122B — with Bluetooth

Applications

1.  Deciding harvest and picking time in orchards, vineyards and plantations

2.  Monitoring fruit softening during cold storage, transport and shelf life

3.  Quality grading and incoming inspection at packhouses and wholesale markets

4.  Post-harvest research, variety trials and breeding programmes

5.  Ripeness control in fruit and vegetable processing lines

Spare Parts

1.  Measuring tip 3.5 mm — standard on FHT-05 / FHT-15, also available as a spare

2.  Measuring tip 7.9 mm — supplied with the FHT-1122, also available as a spare

3.  Measuring tip 11.1 mm — supplied with the FHT-1122, also available as a spare

4.  Carrying case (B04) and wrist strap

5.  RS-232C data cable with software / Bluetooth data adapter with software