Harvestwear Harness Comparison Guide

Support+ vs Ergo vs Traditional Crossover

Find the right harness for your crop, crew, and picking style.

Picking harnesses play a huge role in picker comfort, fruit protection, and end-of-day productivity. The right harness reduces fatigue, lowers bruising rates, and helps keep crews working efficiently during long harvest days.

This guide compares the three harness systems used across the Harvestwear range:

  • Support+ Harness (YMSHW)

  • Ergo Harness (YMEHW)

  • Traditional Crossover Harness (B28HW)

Each harness is designed for a specific picking environment — and choosing the right one can make a significant difference to your team.

🟩 Harness Comparison Chart

Feature / Benefit Support+ Harness (YMSHW) Ergo Harness (YMEHW) Traditional Crossover Harness (B28HW)
Best for Heavy picking, apples, pears, stonefruit, kiwifruit, citrus Kiwifruit (primary use); some apple orchards General use, lighter loads
Comfort Level ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high for overhead picking ⭐⭐⭐ Standard
Weight Distribution Maximum shoulder & upper-back coverage Designed for hands-above-head picking Basic shoulder load spread
Ideal Use Cases Apples, pears, stonefruit, kiwifruit, citrus Kiwifruit canopy picking, occasional apple Regular buckets, short harvesting periods
Not Used For ❌ Pruning aprons ❌ Pruning aprons, ❌  Pruning work ❌ Pruning aprons
Material Technology Technical lifting-sling fabric (extremely strong + washable) Breathable mesh back with padded foam Standard polyester with foam pads
Breathability ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent ⭐⭐ Moderate
Washability Fully washable, fast-drying Fully washable, fast-drying Wipe-clean; pads take longer to dry
Back & Shoulder Support Superior fatigue reduction Excellent for overhead reaching Basic
Fit Range Standard + XL (New for 2026) One size One size
Durability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High ⭐⭐⭐ Standard
Compatibility Yieldmax, YieldLux, Premium, PC Series, Regular Buckets Yieldmax, YieldLux, Regular Buckets Regular Buckets (B14/B21/B28)
Upgrade Value Best upgrade for productivity & comfort Best upgrade for kiwifruit crews Simple, economical
Common Feedback “Feels like half the weight.” “Perfect for kiwifruit picking — cooler and flexible.” “Simple and reliable.”

🟧 Support+ Harness (YMSHW)

The Premium Choice for Comfort, Strength & Productivity

The Support+ Harness is our most advanced system, designed to reduce fatigue and improve picker efficiency during long days in the orchard.

Best for:

  • Apples & pears

  • Stonefruit

  • Kiwifruit

  • Citrus

  • Heavy picking environments

  • Crews working long shifts

Key Benefits:

  • Uses technical fabric originally developed for medical lifting slings

  • Maximises weight distribution across shoulders and upper back

  • Washable, breathable, fast-drying

  • High-visibility orange improves safety

  • Now available in XL size (2026) for larger-framed pickers

If you want the biggest improvement in comfort and performance, choose the Support+.

🟦 Ergo Harness (YMEHW)

Designed Specifically for Kiwifruit Picking

The Ergo Harness is engineered for hands-above-head picking, making it the perfect match for kiwifruit canopies.

Best for:

  • Kiwifruit orchards

  • Some apple operations

Key Benefits:

  • Highly breathable, lightweight and cool to wear

  • Excellent vertical weight transfer (ideal for overhead picking motion)

  • Fits most pickers comfortably

  • Washable and fast-drying

Note:
The Ergo is not used for pruning aprons, not preferred in stonefruit, and not designed for pruning work.

🟩 Traditional Crossover Harness (B28HW)

Simple, Reliable, Cost-Effective

The Traditional Crossover Harness is the standard harness supplied with Harvestwear Regular Buckets (B14/B21/B28).

Best for:

  • General orchard picking

  • Lighter workloads

  • Shorter shifts

  • Seasonal or casual staff

Key Benefits:

  • Familiar design

  • Easy to use

  • Durable and economical

A good everyday option for growers who don't require advanced ergonomic support.

🟨 Which Harness Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick summary:

Choose Support+ if…

✔ You pick apples, pears, citrus, stonefruit or kiwifruit
✔ You want maximum comfort and reduced fatigue
✔ Your crew works long days
✔ You want the best option for productivity

Choose Ergo if…

✔ You pick kiwifruit (the ideal harness for overhead picking)
✔ Your climate is hot and breathability is key

Choose Traditional Crossover if…

✔ You want a simple, economical solution
✔ You’re using regular buckets (B14/B21/B28)
✔ Your team works shorter or lighter shifts

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