1. Plastic Mulch Hole Burning System

The important benefit of using the burner is to completely remove a portion of the plastic. When a hole is torn through the plastic during planting, some portion of the plastic is left in contact with the stem of the plant. Melting a hole removes the material and also strengthens the lip of the plastic, so it stands up better in high wind and close spacing conditions. When using a burner, the hole can be sized to your requirements, depending on the crop. Sizes are available from 1-1/2" to 4", in 1/2" increments. Larger holes release high surface temperatures from the bed. Other situations may call for smaller holes to reduce evaporation, or to minimize chemical weed controls. The point of the planter is that it's flexible enough to be used in a variety of growing conditions. Even bare ground.

2. Planting Concept

The Posi-flow systems utilizes an inverted pyramid type split jaw system. The advantage of this system is that it is much more constant than any other method. Plants dropping into the cup will self-align to the same location each cycle. The mechanical jaw action releases the plant in the perfect up-right position, in the center of the hole and at the same depth regardless of any variance in the foliage size, root ball size, bent stem or soil conditions. The only restriction to this method of planting is that the seeding must have a developed root ball. The weight of the root system and the planting medium orients the plant properly in the cup. Since this is a gravity feed system, this planter can not be used for bare root planting.

3. The Packer System

The Posi-Flow System utilizes a reciprocating plant packing system. The advantage of this system is its ability to pack the plant much tighter to the soil without damaging the plastic mulch. The packer wheels only pack around the plant area and the then releases ground pressure as they travel to the next plant cell.

4. Labor and Consistency

Consistency is an important aspect of planter performance. The plant handlers job is to sort out the cells and deposit a single plant into each chamber of the carousel. To obtain optimum performance from the plant handler, the planter is equipped so that the plant handler rides in a comfortable, safe, ergonomically correct seat. A standing work platform, or combination sit/stand platform is also available.

5. Positive Flood Nozzle

The Renaldo planter has the ability to flood up to 6 ounces of water and/or liquid chemical directly over the plant cell. The gentle flood action helps to seal the transplant to the planting bed and minimize plant shock. Water is timed to dispensed only at the hole, meaning that it is not running continuously. The optional water system requires a tractor mounted water tank. A 200 gallon, or larger tank is recommended.

6. Automatic Leveling System

One other advantage of the planter is its ability to contour the planting bed, automatically. Plastic mulch is easily damaged. To overcome this problem the planter units can be equipped with an optional hydraulic or electric leveling system. A gauge wheel, as shown to the right, follows the contour of the planting bed and using a sophisticated control box will automatically adjusts, up or down, to maintain consistent planting depths. The operator can override the automatic control for manual adjustments on the fly.