when should pinto beans be harvested?

Answer 1

Are you going to store them as dried beans? If so, wait until the pod around the beans dries and browns-- then remove the pods-- and throughly dry the beans-- several ways-- screen wire and sunshine (no rain now!)-- a low temp in the oven -- check with your extension service or university for methods recommended where you live--
If you are going to eat them right away-- pick when you want, shell (remove the pod) and cook-- just the same as black-eyed peas or crowder peas.
enjoy your hard work.