The Lutron FR-5120 is a professional-grade digital fruit hardness tester designed for precise measurement of fruit firmness across various types of produce. With a high capacity of 20 kg and exceptional resolution of 0.01 kg (10 g), this ISO-9001 and CE certified instrument provides reliable data for fruit quality assessment, harvest timing decisions, and storage optimization. Featuring interchangeable tips, digital display with backlight, and advanced measurement functions, the FR-5120 is an essential tool for fruit research departments, commercial growers, agricultural universities, and quality control professionals.

Key Features & Benefits

High Precision Measurement - 20 kg capacity with 0.01 kg (10 g) resolution for accurate hardness testing
Versatile Application - Suitable for most fruits including apples, pears, strawberries, grapes, and both large/hard and small/soft varieties
Multiple Measurement Tips - Includes 4 interchangeable penetrometer tips (3 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 11 mm) for different fruit types
Peak Hold Function - Automatically captures and displays maximum force reading for easy measurement
Multi-Unit Display - Select between kg, lb, or Newton units according to preference
Load Cell Technology - Advanced sensor provides high precision and consistent readings
Backlit LCD Display - Large 5-digit screen with illumination for clear reading in any environment
Dual Response Modes - Fast (0.2 second) or slow (0.6 second) update time options
Zero/Tare Function - Works in both normal force and peak hold modes
Positive/Reverse Display - Adjustable screen orientation for comfortable viewing
Computer Connectivity - RS-232 serial interface for data logging (USB adapter optional)
Overload Protection - Built-in safeguards protect the sensitive load cell mechanism
Portable Design - Handheld operation with mounting holes for optional test stand attachment
Complete Kit - Includes hardness tester, 4 penetrometer tips, and hard carrying case

Technical Specifications - Measurement Capabilities Lutron FR-5120 Digital Fruit Hardness Tester

Parameter	Specification
Maximum Capacity	20.00 kg / 44.10 lb / 196.10 Newton
Resolution	0.01 kg / 0.01 lb / 0.05 Newton
Minimum Display	0.02 kg / 0.07 lb / 0.3 Newton
Accuracy	±(0.5% + 2 digits), within 23± 5°C
Measurement Functions	Tension & Compression (Push & Pull) Normal force Peak hold (Max. load)
Overload Capacity	Max. 30 kg
Full Scale Deflection	Approx. 0.4 mm max.
Zero/Tare Control	Max. full capacity
Update Time	Fast: Approx. 0.2 second Slow: Approx. 0.6 second

Recommended Measurement Ranges Lutron FR-5120 Digital Fruit Hardness Tester

Measurement Capabilities Lutron FR-5120 Digital Fruit Hardness Tester
Fruit Types	Suitable Range	Recommended Tip
Apples, pears, peaches, kiwis	0 to 13 kg	6 mm (FRTP-6) or 11 mm (FRTP-11
Very hard fruits	0 to 20 kg	11 mm (FRTP-11)
Small/soft fruits	Lower range	3 mm (FRTP-3) or 6 mm (FRTP-6)

Physical Specifications Lutron FR-5120 Digital Fruit Hardness Tester

Parameter	Specification
Display	LCD (Liquid crystal display) 5 digits, 16 mm (0.63'') digit size With backlight Positive or Reverse direction selectable
Power Supply	6 x 1.5V AA (UM-3) size battery or DC 9V adapter (not included)
Power Consumption	Approx. DC 28 mA
Operating Temperature	0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Operating Humidity	Less than 80% RH

Measurement Principle

The FR-5120 operates on the fundamental principle that fruit hardness can be expressed as the pressure a unit area can withstand. This is calculated using the formula: Lutron FR-5120 Digital Fruit Hardness Tester P = N / S Where:

P = Hardness value of fruit (kg/cm²)
N = Pressure of dynamometer (N, kg, lb)
S = Area of pressure (m², cm²)

Agricultural Research Lutron FR-5120 Digital Fruit Hardness Tester

Ripeness Assessment - Determine optimal harvest timing based on objective hardness measurements
Cultivar Evaluation - Compare firmness characteristics across different fruit varieties
Storage Studies - Monitor changes in fruit firmness during storage periods
Post-Harvest Research - Evaluate the effects of various treatments on fruit texture
Plant Breeding - Select for improved firmness traits in breeding programs