A mobile harvesting apparatus and method, which permits the automated
harvesting of produce, preferably lettuce. The apparatus consists in its
most basic form of a vehicle having a bandsaw positioned at a front
portion thereof, the blade of which is positioned to slice the lettuce
head at the desired location. The apparatus further includes a conveyor,
that transports the harvested produce from the cutting site and onto the
apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus additionally features a washing
conveyor, washing station, inspection station, and elevator conveyor, to
assist in the further processing of harvested produce.