Checchi e Magli: innovative technologies for transplanting

In Hanover, the spotlight is on Wolf Pro, a professional transplanter designed by Checchi e Magli di Budrio (Bologna) for mulching, but which can also be used on non-mulched soil. The distribution system is the first in the world with 8 cups, for an inter-plant distance of between 25 and 200 cm (this is obtained by rapidly varying the number of cups so as to have the smallest possible cut of the mulch film). It is innovative as it is equipped with a synchronized and localized electronic system that waters the seedlings during the transplant, reducing water waste - Wolf Pro is compatible with seedlings rooted in a conical, pyramidal and cubic peat plug up to a maximum of 8 cm in diameter. The transplanting units are equipped with a full-length parallelogram to adapt to different soil conditions, and large, fully adjustable, large-diameter flex rubber compactors. In addition, the opening of the cups is fully adjustable. The standard version guarantees a distance between rows of at least 50 cm, the Compact version at least 30 cm. Among the other flagships that the Bolognese company exhibits at Agritechnica, we note the Nitro Power Shock (NPS) technology, developed to provide - on clay soils - greater pressure to the compaction wheels of each transplant element. The NPS system is compatible with all Checchi e Magli transplanters equipped with a parallelogram, and includes a hydraulic cylinder and a nitrogen accumulator for each transplant unit. Once the oil is loaded into the system - the manufacturer explains with a technical note - the pipes can be disconnected to avoid overheating and free the hydraulic outlets, while the nitrogen accumulators compensate the oil thrust where necessary, leaving the parallelograms free to operate. The Electro Rapid Shift (ERS) is an electric kit for changing the inter-plant distance adjustable between 5 and 100 cm. The device is characterized by brushless motors, small size, a customized multi-function display in five languages, the display of any anomalies, the protection from weathering, and low consumption of diesel fuel. With the Electro Rapid Shift (ERS) it is possible to set both the inter-plant distance and the hourly production: in this way, the theoretical forward speed of the tractor is calculated to guarantee a correct transplant. When the speed exceeds the one preset by the operator, a sensor emits an acoustic warning. The system is 100% electric, with direct connection to the battery.