Abstract: A mechanical transplanter device for transplanting seedlings along a path includes a frame, a furrow opening shoe mounted on the frame and engaging the ground for opening a furrow in the ground, and seedling delivery means including a reciprocating stabilizing arm mounted on the frame. The transplanter of the present invention delivers seedlings to the furrow at specific predetermined distance intervals input by the operator into the electronic control system, which utilizes a variable speed electric drive motor that isolates the speed or frequency of the transplanter from variations in ground speed or engine speed of the tractor towing the transplanter along the ground.

Abstract: The machine is coupled to a standard tractor, and normally slides over the ground on a skid plate as the vehicle moves forward. A film roll is supported on the machine in a position to be unwound, and the film is progressively deposited on the ground behind the skid plate. Groove-forming structure under the skid plate are disposed centrally inward from the edges of the film roll, and following wheels depress the edges of the film into the groove. Scraper plates then move earth into the grooves, entrapping the edges of the film.

Abstract: A tractor towed seedling transplanter includes a main frame with a pair of canted rear wheels, a rearwardly facing operator's seat and a tray for storing a supply of seedlings to be transplanted. A power take-off from the wheels operates a rotary metering turret supporting a plurality of clam shell type hopper cups which receive individual seedling plants and are opened in proper timed relation by an adjustable cam to deposit individual plants in a vertically disposed feed tube having a lower end positioned above a furrow opened in the soil by a plow positioned forwardly of the canted rear wheels. Adjustment of the cam means permits an accurate release of the seedling plants from the clam shell hopper cups to properly discharge the seedlings into the feed tube for discharge into the furrow which is closed over the root clumps of the seedlings by the canted rear wheels.