Potato planter is different: manual, double row. This is a device that allows you to quickly and seamlessly plant potatoes over large areas of the earth. The unit is indispensable in agricultural conditions.
A device that facilitates the work of gardeners and is intended for planting potatoes is called a potato planter. It can be of various designs: manual, double row. It can be done for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands. With this device, you can quickly plant potatoes in large areas.
Content
Appointment of a potato planter and method of work
All devices for planting potatoes, whether it is a potato planter for a walk-behind tractor or another type of device, have one purpose. They facilitate the spring sowing process and almost completely automate them.
Features of planters:
- creating a harrow for sowing;
- digging holes for tubers;
- sorting tubers into holes;
- digging holes;
- soil fertilizer (optional);
- creation of landing rows (optional).
Device Advantages:
- several times accelerate the planting of potatoes;
- allow you to create perfectly even rows;
- planting tubers to the optimum depth;
- reduce physical activity on a person;
- allow you to fertilize the soil at the same time as planting seeds.
Among the shortcomings, one can only highlight the bulkiness of the device (it is difficult to control it manually) and the high price of the finished product. But if there is no money for a branded unit, there is always a second option - a manual potato planter with your own hands.
Types of devices
The following types of aggregates for quick planting of potatoes are distinguished:
- potato planter for walk-behind tractor;
- mini tractor potato planter
- manual potato planter.
This classification is based on how the control unit is attached. A device that is attached to a walk-behind tractor or mini tractor can work automatically. It is enough to direct the equipment in the right direction (a number of vehicles can also be automatically adjusted, as a result, plant potatoes without human intervention). Hand planters are distinguished by the fact that they must be controlled manually, without attaching to agricultural machinery.
The manual option is the best choice for a small farm. If it is necessary to sow a large area of soil, it is better to choose a unit with fastening to a walk-behind tractor or a mini tractor. The minitractor processes the largest area in a short time. Do-it-yourself potato planter for walk-behind tractor for budget processing of large spaces.
How does a manual potato planter work - video:
Aggregates are also distinguished by the number of rows that are simultaneously sown:
- single row unit;
- two-row potato planter.
Two-row is more convenient to use, because it allows you to plant two rows of potatoes (the distance between the rows is adjustable, about 70 cm).
The last division option is by the manufacturing method. You can purchase the finished product. The cost of finished planters starts from 7-8 thousand rubles.If you need to reduce costs, a home-made potato planter, made by yourself according to the necessary parameters, is suitable. How to make a technique yourself, is described below.
Brief overview of finished models
If the budget allows, it is always better to buy a ready-made unit. It looks better, lasts longer, can undergo warranty service. Often it has important additional features. The following is a description of the most common potato planters.
Potato planter KC-1A
Designed for a walk-behind tractor with a capacity of 10 horsepower or more (i.e. a heavy walk-behind tractor). The case is made in bright red, the frame is black. The cost of the goods is 8000-8500 rubles.
Brief characteristics:
- weighs 33 kg;
- holds up to 34 liters of tubers;
- per hour can process up to half a hectare.
Despite the fact that the planter is attached to the motor block, it is considered optimal for small fields and even summer cottages.
Potato planter KC - 1
The cost of this unit is already higher than the previous one - 12,400 rubles. If you purchase the design in bulk, you can reduce costs.
The increased price is due to the fact that the device is lighter - it weighs only 25 kg. But at the same time, its productivity is half that of KS-1A: only 0.2 ha per hour. The main purpose is the processing of small spaces in summer cottages and farmland.
Made of sheet material.
Potato planter KCM - 1
The price of the product is 9300 rubles. Designed for motoblocks:
- Ray;
- Cascade;
- Neva;
- Oka.
Can be attached to other blocks, if suitable mount.
Brief characteristics:
- weight 33 kg;
- processing speed - 0.25 ha per hour;
- holds 34 liters of potatoes.
This version is practically no different from KS-1A.
Potato planter KCM - 1A
KSM-1A is also attached to walk-behind tractors. The installation is suitable for units not only heavy, but also moderate (less than 10 hp). Like other models of the KS line, it features a bright red case.
It can process up to 0.25 ha per hour with a weight of 33 kg and a tank capacity of 34 liters. Suitable for small farms.
Potato planter KCT - 1T
It is well equipped with mineral fertilizer tanks. Like other models, it is suitable for processing small areas. Unlike other variants of the KS series, it is painted in a bright blue tint.
How to create a do-it-yourself unit
Do-it-yourself potato planter can be made from ordinary scrap metal, although it is better to use new materials.
You can make different versions of the device - a potato planter for a mini tractor with your own hands, for a walk-behind tractor. The most popular option is manual. It is inexpensive, does not require the use of additional expensive equipment. However, it is often necessary to plant potatoes using such a product together (see above). It is necessary to constantly put the tubers in the transport net, otherwise the unit will simply work idle. Maintenance of the unit takes a lot of effort.
So, how to make the unit with your own hands? The following materials will be required:
- plywood for potato pot;
- drying oil or other composition for wood processing (impregnation, antiseptic);
- reinforcing bars;
- steel sheets;
- metal corner;
- channel;
- wheel axles.
Additionally, you need materials for the seat (if made under a walk-behind tractor) - foam rubber, synthetic winterizer, fabric or artificial leather. A rubber pad is also needed inside the wooden tank itself. It will soften the friction of the seed material on the tank, which prevents the appearance of deformations on the tubers.
First of all, a bunker is made. He needs plywood, brushes and wood impregnation, corners. Metal corners hold together parts of the tank. The tank should be inclined, then the tubers will gradually flow to the distributor, and from there to the holes that were dug by the bucket.
After the tank, you need to create the main frame. It must necessarily be steel, otherwise under the weight of the tubers it will bend or rot due to the constant ingress of moisture. A tank is attached to the frame (top), which by the time of attachment should already be treated with paint.
A ripper is separately created. It is made of pipes and spikes, as well as wheel axles. The cultivator is located in front of the unit, as it must prepare the ground for digging holes.
Other required parts of the machine:
- a conveyor belt for tubers, which is made of a chain and protrusions mounted on it to hold the nodules;
- wheels from steel sheets with hubs;
- a groove cutter from a steel sheet;
- counterweight front and rear for riding on inclines.
All parts should be welded, not fastened in other ways. The use of large bolts when using corners is allowed.
The seat is done if the unit is not manual, but attached to a walk-behind tractor. It should be durable, preferably with a metal base. The plywood sheet is covered with fabric, soft material must be laid in the space between it and the base.
Reviews about homemade planters
Vitaliy Ts., 49 years old, agricultural worker:
“I myself made a potato planter to make my work easier. The entire product cost 2 thousand. I am very pleased with the result. Made a manual option. Planting on your own is not as convenient as using a walk-behind tractor or tractor, but for the money it’s a great “craft”. Plants evenly, it was possible to adjust the distance between the beds. "
Evgeny F., 30 years old, entrepreneur:
“Potatoes are planted annually on my farm. Previously, it was necessary to hire many workers to land, the costs of them were high. But when I myself cooked the simplest version of the planter, the costs immediately decreased by 10 times. Now the whole field can be sowed by two workers in a day. ”
Afanasy K., 52 years old, vegetable grower:
“I made a planter for potatoes, because I can’t bend and dig grooves myself due to my health. Given that he took available means for the manufacture, he did not spend almost a dime. To fully move the apparatus, you have to put a lot of effort, but it is still much easier than digging holes on your own. ”
A potato planter, created manually or bought in finished form, greatly simplifies the process of sowing tubers. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase it or make it independently for all farmers, owners of large summer garden beds with potatoes, entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture.
Cover material for plant care: features of use
Types of winter covering material for plants
Biohumus Farm
What covering material to choose for a greenhouse?