High technology for FPAevolution transplanters

Ferrari Costruzioni Meccaniche's most recent arrival is the FPAevolution transplanter, a machine based on a vertical rotation cup system suitable for planting sods with different shapes and dimensions of up to 8 cm per side on bare soil and, especially, on plastic film. Coming up for introduction at the Verona exposition for public viewing are the many technological innovations built into the new transplanter by Ferrari such as the parallelogram used to adapt the planting unit to the soil and also to prevent damage to the film, a problem that is often highlighted by the growers operating without this device. Moreover the parallelogram system allows a steady planting depth on differing bed heights as well as on seed beds which are not perfectly prepared. This solution was settled on by the Mantua manufacturer for the planting unit of this machine. Owner Francesco Ferrari explained to Mondo Macchina/MachineryWorld, "The device turns entirely on bearings and is equipped with a system, mechanically driven on both sides of the machine, which keeps the cup vertical in all positions of its rotation cycle. This produces movement with very low friction and prevents cups from blocking due to insufficient transmission from the drive wheels." Depth of transplanting is regulated by two wheels at the back which also close the hole made by the cup. Ferrari said, "To get the maximum closure weight corresponding to the newly planted seedling just transplanted our designers located the two rear wheels on a horizontal adjustment mechanism which can be suitable calibrated." On request, the basic version of the FPAevolution can be equipped with a horizontal rotating carousel fitting which can be mounted on the planting unit for increasing the quantity of plants handled per hour and facilitating the work of the operator in supplying seedlings. The proprietor of the enterprises also noted, "The vertical distributor repeats the same rotating movement step by step, typical of all the other Ferrari transplanters. This movement has been shown to be extremely efficient in preventing the seedling from getting dragged or to fall into the carousel in the right position because of excessive dampness."