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: A planting machine has a ground-conditioning wheel ahead of the planting mechanism. This wheel normally carries a portion of the weight of the machine. The traction thus established is utilized to generate power for the planting mechanism as the machine is moved forward. Power is transferred to the planting mechanism by a sequence of chain drives having replaceable sprockets of various diameters to establish different spacing of planting positions along the row.

Abstract: A machine bends pieces of wire into an arch configuration, and then inserts the ends of the arch into the ground to form a support for a shelter film protecting a row of plants. An orbital system rotating on an axis parallel to the axis of ground wheels permits the arches to be inserted at close to zero speed relative to ground as the machine moves. The preferred form of the machine installs the film over the arches.