An economic analysis of mechanical harvesting of cling peaches is being conducted by the Farm Production Economics Division, Economic Research Service, of the U. S. Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the University of California. Peach harvesting machines were observed during the 1970 season, using Modesto as the study area center. Following the harvest, interviews were conducted with farmers employing hand crews and with those using mechanical harvesting equipment. The objectives of the study are to analyze the effects of labor-machinery substitution, and to provide farmers with a frame of reference in adjusting to the changing technology. Preliminary observations about the experience of 16 machine operators are reported here, pending a full report on the study which is to be published later this year.