Integrated system mechanizes transplant of tree-crop seedlings
Seedling Transplanter Ver-1 is an integrated machine system used with a four-wheel tractor having at least 85 horsepower (63.4 kilowatt) to field transplant oil-palm or any tree-crop seedlings. The design configuration includes the main chassis, seedling bin, planting assembly, operator compartment and associated hydraulic system. Two operators are required: one drives the tractor-transplanter in the field while the other one on the transplanter operates the hydraulic-control system to integrate all operational activities. The machine is capable of preparing the planting hole, placing and covering the seedling in the prepared hole, and then compacting the soil around the planted seedling. With oil palm seedlings, this mechanized system has a planting capacity of 99 seedlings/man-day or 1.53 acres/man- (0.62 hectares/man-) day as compared to 0.69 acres/man- (0.28 hectares/man-) day or 45 seedlings/man-days with the manual transplanting system, an improvement of 2.2 times. The estimated planting cost under this mechanized system is US$ 0.55 per seedling as compared to US$ 0.59 per seedling under the manual system, a reduction of 6.77 percent.
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Selangor D.E., Malaysia; azmiy@eng.upm.edu.my