New Greenhouse Transplanters Aim for Improved Accuracy, Flexibility
Manufacturers of transplanters and sticking machines for cuttings have developed new systems that can meet the needs of growers of all sizes. Check out the slideshow above for a look at some of the latest products on the market.
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Urbinati RW Transplanter Series (AgriNomix)
The Urbinati RW series of transplanters feature state-of-the-art electronics and wireless technology that are combined to dramatically improve flexibility, provide intuitive user interface via touch-screen functionality, and increase planting throughput. The innovative design allows plug tray and finish container changeovers to be accomplished in only a few minutes. With four different model offerings, there is a proper size model tailored for growers of all sizes. AgriNomix.com
Technical Features for Each Model:
• Independent finger movement
• Wireless communication
• Pinching spade gripper design
• User friendly graphical interface
• Electronic planting depth and plug tray height adjustment
• Optional internet connectivity, error notification by email, and webcams
• Finish containers: Flats, shuttle trays, and individual pots 6 inches in diameter and above -
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Urbinati RW Transplanter (AgriNomix)
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Plug Planter (Bouldin and Lawson)
Bouldin and Lawson offers its Plug Planter in two different models:
• The S model is a fully servomotor-driven machine that includes automatic gripper placement and spacing for any tray type. This allows different tray types to be stored in memory for very accurate and quick tray size changeover.
• The M model is also a servo motor-driven machine that allows different tray type/sizes to be stored in memory for quick changeover, but cell spacing to be set manually once for each tray. This small change reduces the price significantly and makes for a very affordable machine for smaller growing operations. BouldinLawson.com -
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Plug Planter (Bouldin and Lawson)
The Plug Planter models are designed for growers that need quick changeover from one tray type to another; flexibility to plant flats, pots, shuttle trays, and hanging baskets; and single-screen operator control for easy operation.
Technical Details:
• Belt or independent gripper movement
• Available from 16 to 32 grippers
• Servo or manual-driven gripper
• User friendly touch-screen control
• Electronic planting depth and plug tray height adjustment
• Finish Containers: Flats, shuttle trays, and individual pots 6-inch to 10-inch hanging baskets
• Plug Trays: From 512 to 50 cell trays.
• Max Gripper Spread: 72 inches for 16-gripper and 24-gripper options; 96 inches for 32-gripper option
• Transplant Speed: Up to 16,400 plugs per hour for 16 gripper; Up to 24,000 plugs per hour for 24 gripper; up to 32,500 plugs per hour for 32 gripper
• Electrical Requirements: 220 VAC, single or three phase -
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Hamilton Tea Transplanter (Pischek Industries)
The New Hamilton TEA Cube 2, 600N Transplanter is the latest development in Pischek Industries’ transplanting range. Each head is independently controlled by a sophisticated, but easy-to-use computer. It can be constructed with three to 12 heads. The computer can be programmed through the control panel at the factory, or by the operator, with up to 99 plug tray programs and 99 pack/pot combinations, giving nearly 10,000 possible combinations. A USB socket is provided for backup, program, and software updates. State-of-the-art technology allows precise, repeatable plug pick-up and placement. The smooth action of controlled acceleration and deceleration means maximum speed with minimum plant disturbance. The Hamilton TEA Transplanter uses standard plug trays and the special gripping finger design allows plants with little roots to be transplanted successfully. Other unique standard features include switchable side pickup and water ejection. The typical speed of the machines is more than 1,500 plants per head per hour. Pischekind.com/products
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Visser AutoStix (Bellpark Horticulture/Visser NA)
AutoStix is a new system that automates the labor-intensive process of sticking cuttings. The AutoStix machine is capable of processing 10,000 cuttings per hour. AutoStix uses an open source strip system to enhance quality and efficiency for cutting transplanting. AutoStix strips are biodegradable. The strip can hold cuttings with different stem diameters, yet still positions the stems firmly without damaging the soft tissue. The cuttings can be shipped at a high density directly to the nursery that will grow them, while still providing an air space for each individual stem. BellparkHorticulture.com
Technical Details:
• Strip is available in two types: one strip can hold 51 cuttings, and the other can hold 34 cuttings.
• Works best on 102 counts (either 51×2=102 or 34×3=102)
• 10,000 cuttings per hour
• Open source strip system to enhance the quality and efficiency -
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Visser Blueline (Bellpark Horticulture/Visser NA)
The Blueline is ideal for smaller operations and can run up to 10,000 plants per hour. The compact transplanter is equipped with servo-controlled grippers and a dedicated software which gives flexibility in combination with a high capacity. A Siemens touch screen provides a user-friendly interface, in which almost every planting combination can be programmed on site and no mechanical adjustments are required. Its unique design makes the machine compact and easy to use in almost every situation, and it can handle processing trays both long-side leading and short-side leading.
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Visser Blueline
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Visser PC-11 (Bellpark Horticulture/Visser NA)
The PC-11 is flexible with different tray sizes, and runs up to 4,000 plants (PC-11/2) and 7,000 plants per hour (PC-11/4). The transplanter is specially designed to plant directly onto potting machines. The PC-11 is equipped with four Visser grippers. The new servo-controlled motors and dedicated software gives a high flexibility in combination with a high speed. It is possible to store up to 100 plant combinations by using the new Siemens touch screen. This enables users to switch product with just one touch and only change the mask of the gripper manually. All is done within one minute.
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Visser PC-11
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PackPlanter2230 (TTA USA, LLC)
TTA USA, LLC recently introduced three new transplanters aimed at growers of all sizes:
• PackPlanter 1450S: for small growers (2 to 5 acres)
• PackPlanter 2230: for medium-sized growers (5 to 15 acres)
• PackPlanter Wireless: for large growers (12 acres and above)
tta.eu/equipment/transplanting -
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PackPlanter 1450S (TTA USA, LLC)
TTA recently introduced three new transplanters aimed at growers of all sizes:
• PackPlanter 1450S: for small growers (2 to 5 acres)
• PackPlanter 2230: for medium-sized growers (5 to 15 acres)
• PackPlanter Wireless: for large growers (12 acres and above)
tta.eu/equipment/transplanting -
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TTA PackPlanter Series
View all
Urbinati RW Transplanter Series (AgriNomix)
Urbinati RW Transplanter (AgriNomix)
Plug Planter (Bouldin and Lawson)
Plug Planter (Bouldin and Lawson)
Hamilton Tea Transplanter (Pischek Industries)
Visser AutoStix (Bellpark Horticulture/Visser NA)
Visser Blueline (Bellpark Horticulture/Visser NA)
Visser Blueline
Visser PC-11 (Bellpark Horticulture/Visser NA)
Visser PC-11
PackPlanter2230 (TTA USA, LLC)
PackPlanter 1450S (TTA USA, LLC)
TTA PackPlanter Series
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Brian D. Sparks is Editor of Greenhouse Grower and GreenhouseGrower.com. See all author stories here.