Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
  • A01C11/00—Transplanting machines
  • A01C11/02—Transplanting machines for seedlings
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
  • A01B49/00—Combined machines
  • A01B49/04—Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
  • A01B49/00—Combined machines
  • A01B49/04—Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools
  • A01B49/06—Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools for sowing or fertilising
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
  • A01B79/00—Methods for working soil
  • A01B79/02—Methods for working soil combined with other agricultural processing, e.g. fertilising, planting
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
  • A01G23/00—Forestry
  • A01G23/02—Transplanting, uprooting, felling or delimbing trees
  • A01G23/04—Transplanting trees; Devices for grasping the root ball, e.g. stump forceps; Wrappings or packages for transporting trees

Definitions

• the invention relates to mechanized soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings.
• the invention relates to a method, an apparatus, and a soil scarification and planting machine for planting of seedlings.
• the invention relates, particularly but not exclusively, to an apparatus to be mounted on a forwarder, agricultural tractor, or similar work machine to scarify the soil and plant seedlings.
• planting equipment may be connected to the boom of an excavator, which the operator of the excavator controls from the cabin.
• the seedlings are planted one or two at a time in planting spots chosen by the operator.
• the known planting machines prepare the chosen planting spot by scarifying the soil with different devices before the seedling is set in place and the soil compacted around it. This is completed by machine, under the control of the excavator operator.
• the soil is scarified and the tree seedling planted using the movement range of the boom.
• the excavator remains stationary throughout the entire process.
• the automated work phase of the known solutions is the planting cycle that follows the scarification.
• An object of the invention is to establish a method and an apparatus for continuous and automated planting of tree seedlings.
• a particular object of the invention is to facilitate a continued movement of the forwarder or other work machine during scarification or planting.
• a method for scarification of soil and planting of tree seedlings by at least one apparatus connected to a work machine which apparatus comprises a frame structure and at least one combined scarification and planting head mounted on the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the soil and for planting a seedling in the formed planting spot, and the method comprises:
• an apparatus for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings which apparatus comprises a frame structure and combined scarification and planting head which is movable by the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the ground and for planting a seedling in the formed planting spot, and a first end of the frame structure is attached in connection with the scarification and planting head and a second end is attachable on the work machine, and the apparatus comprises: - at least one scarification and planting head mounted to the frame structure; and - horizontal position control means which are configured, during substantially continuous progressing of the work machine along the ground, to:
• the horizontal position control means are further configured to return the scarification and planting head from the planting spot to a return position after unlocking the scarification and planting head.
• the apparatus comprises vertical position control means of the scarification and planting head
• the frame structure comprises a frame to which are connected the vertical position control means and the horizontal position control means.
• the horizontal position control means comprise distance regulating means to control the distance between the scarification and planting head and the work machine and to control velocity of the scarification and planting head relative to the ground.
• the horizontal position control means comprise turning actuators for turning the frame horizontally relative to the work machine and for positioning the scarification and planting head horizontally relative to the frame.
• the vertical position control means comprise vertical actuators for moving the frame vertically relative to the work machine and for positioning the scarification and planting head vertically relative to the ground and for compacting the planting spot.
• the apparatus comprises a hydraulics system onto which the horizontal position control means and the vertical position control means are connected.
• the apparatus comprises one or more pressure accumulators which are connected to the hydraulics system in order to increase vertical and horizontal velocity of the frame.
• the accumulators ensure a sufficient supply of hydraulic power from ancillary equipment, e.g. tractor forwarders.
• the apparatus comprises means for positioning the apparatus in transport position for road transportation, preferably the means for positioning the apparatus in transport position for road transportation comprise a vertical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder.
• a scarification and planting machine for planting of tree seedlings comprising:
• an apparatus for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings comprising a frame structure and a combined scarification and planting head which is movable by the frame structure for forming a planting spot in the ground and for planting a seedling in the formed spot, and a first end of the frame structure is mounted in connection with the scarification and planting head, and a second end is attached on the work machine, and the apparatus comprises:
• - horizontal position control means which are configured, during substantially continuous progressing of the work machine along the ground, to:
• the horizontal position control means are further configured to return the scarification and planting head from the planting spot to a return position after a locking of the scarification and planting head is released.
• water or some other liquid can be sprayed into a planting tube to irrigate the planted seedling, to administer plant protection products or fertilizers, or, in particular, to keep the tube clean.
• An irrigation tank can be connected to the work machine for this purpose.
• the apparatus may be fitted either to a vehicle such as a work machine or to a remote- or GPS-controlled unmanned unit.
• the frame structure comprises actuators such as control cylinders facilitating curvilinear motions of the work machine.
• actuators can be horizontal cylinders of the frame structure and the scarification and planting head.
• the apparatus comprises a combined scarification and planting head for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings.
• the apparatus comprises a frame solution that is configured to hold the scarification and planting head in place relative to the ground surface or to the planting spot during planting, while the work machine keeps moving without interruption.
• the equipment further comprises an automated seedling feed system from e.g. the seedling transportation packaging or seedling storage to the planting tube of the scarification and planting head.
• the apparatus also comprises a solution for turning (e.g. automatically) the equipment into transport position for road or carrier transportation.
• the apparatus instead of using the apparatus to prepare a mound the apparatus enables for planting a seedling in a previously prepared mound using the telescopic boom method.
• the apparatus is mounted on a tractor, in most cases at the rear.
• the apparatus may be mounted on other work machines also.
• the method for scarifying the soil and/or planting tree seedlings can also be implemented using machines that have been specially designed for soil scarification and planting.
• the apparatus can be used as a whole as a continuous and automated soil scarification and planting device, or alternatively just as a soil scarification device, wherein the seedlings are planted using a different method.
• the method and the equipment allow for the planting of the seedlings in an appropriate manner in varying conditions.
• Work productivity with the method and equipment according to the invention is estimated to be many times better than with the current and prior art planting devices.
• the increase in productivity in comparison to the mechanized planting tools described previously really comes to the fore in large planting sites, where there is less need to change the direction of the work machine and where the planting area-specific preparation and transfer costs of the apparatus according to the invention and a forwarder or other work machine relative to area size are low.
• the method and apparatus according to the invention can be used to implement e.g. the work cycle presented below while the machine unit progresses through the planting area at an optimized and if applicable, varying speed.
• the scarification and planting head of the apparatus is near the rear of the frame of the forwarder or other work machine.
• the apparatus can be mounted at the front of the forwarder or other work machine, which makes it easier for the operator to follow the automated soil scarification and planting process. In some cases, the apparatus may also be mounted on the side of the work machine.
• the scarification disc of the scarification and planting head can be pressed automatically into the ground to the desired depth and at the desired force.
• a primary scarification method used is spot mounding, but disc trenching, ploughing, or spotting can also be used by adjusting the design of the scarification head and control parameters.
• the scarification disc is turned into a compacting position.
• the planting spot When the compacting position is reached, the planting spot is compacted by pressing it with the scarification disc at optimal force. If the compacted planting spot fails to meet the set requirements, scarification is interrupted either automatically or by the operator and the scarification and planting head is returned to the initial position of the work cycle. The suitability of the planting spot is automatically assessed by sensors. After the compacting is completed, the scarification and planting head is locked in place to remain in the planting spot while the forwarder or other work machine keeps moving without interruption. To keep the scarification and planting head in place, the movement of the forwarder or other work machine can be followed e.g.
• the automated planting of the tree seedling is begun by pressing the planting tube to the selected depth through the hole in the scarification disc at the planting spot.
• the stabilization mechanism of the scarification and planting head ensures that the planting tube remains fixed and in a vertical position relative to the ground, wherein also the tree seedling is planted upright.
• the planting tube can be maintained in a vertical position either by keeping only the planting tube vertically straight, or alternatively by keeping both the planting tube and the scarification and planting head straight. If the planting tube cannot be set all the way to the predetermined depth, planting will be terminated and a selected number of new attempts can be made at selected intervals, and if these are also unsuccessful, the work cycle can be started over again from the beginning.
• the tree seedling can be automatically transferred inside the planting tube.
• the seedling can be transferred inside the planting tube beforehand.
• the jaws of the planting tube are opened, and once the seedling is dropped into the planting hole the planting tube is lifted back up.
• the soil around the seedling is compacted by pressing a compacting head of the scarification disc against the ground next to the seedling at the selected force and to the selected depth.
• the entire scarification and planting head is lifted up to the return position. Once the return position is reached, the scarification and planting head mounted at the rear of the machine is returned to its initial position near the forwarder or other work machine in preparedness for the next work cycle.
• the scarification and planting head is mounted in front of the machine it is returned into the initial position further away from the forwarder or other work machine to wait for the next work cycle.
• the tree seedling is transferred automatically from a seedling transportation system of the machine onto a conveyor, and from there further along the scarification and planting head when the scarification and planting head is at the initial position of the work cycle near the work machine.
• the present invention enables a new method and equipment for soil scarification and planting of tree seedlings.
• the method, and the apparatus that facilitates its use are significantly more efficient than the known planting methods in terms of work profitability and related costs.
• the method enables a planting speed of 1000 seedlings per hour, which is estimated to be at least three times the speed achievable with the prior art methods and equipment.
• Another benefit of the invention is the adaptability of the equipment as an accessory for use with forwarders and other work machines. Due to this feature, the invention enables year-round utilization of expensive forwarders and other work machines, and thus increases the utility ration of these machines that helps to enhance the cost-effectiveness of forest harvesting and other work tasks that employ such machinery.
• the invention can also be used to increase job opportunities available for forest machine operators during summer and therefore improve their year-round employment. This is important for keeping and acquiring skilled labour for e.g. mechanized forest work, and also in regard to the operating conditions of the companies that have invested in the machines.
• the increased work profitability that the present invention makes possible will become further highlighted when the expected labour shortages within the forestry industry become reality, since the new planting method and apparatus requires fewer people than the current systems.
• the invention significantly lowers the cost of forestation, which is reflected in the enhanced profitability of forestry and increased volume of plantation.
• the apparatus described in this application is primarily but not exclusively designed for use as an accessory for a forwarder, agricultural tractor, or other suitable rough-terrain work machine.
• the apparatus can be mounted in front of or at the rear of the machine unit. It can be, however, most commonly mounted at the rear.
• Figure 1 a shows a side view and Figure 1 b shows a top view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which apparatus comprises a telescopic frame;
• Figure 2 shows a side view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a knuckle boom frame;
• Figure 3 shows an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a sled frame
• Figure 4 shows controlled movements of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 5 shows a scarification and planting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a road transportation position folded and lifted on top of a work machine;
• Figure 6 shows a scarification and planting device and a seedling feeding arrangement from a seedling transportation system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Figures 7a-7i show an exemplary work cycle of a scarification and planting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention equipped with a telescopic frame.
• Figures 1 a and 1 b illustrate a telescopic frame solution of an apparatus that allows for the scarification and planting head to be held horizontally stationary in a position relative to the ground surface while a forwarder or agricultural tractor keeps moving without interruption.
• the apparatus comprises a telescopic frame 100, and a scarification and planting head mounted on the frame 101 .
• a first illustrated control means of the horizontal position of the apparatus is a first turning actuator, namely a horizontal movement control cylinder 102, which is located between the scarification and planting head and the frame, and a second control means shown is a second turning actuator, namely a horizontal movement control cylinder 103 of the telescopic frame for holding the scarification and planting head in place when the movement direction of work machine is changed.
• a first vertical position control means illustrated is a vertical movement control cylinder 104 of the scarification and planting head, which is located between the scarification and planting head and the frame.
• a second vertical position control means illustrated is a vertical movement control cylinder 105 of the telescopic frame, for controlling the vertical movement and positioning the scarification and planting head relative to the ground and to compact the planting spot when the work machine operates on uneven terrain.
• the apparatus also comprises a regulation cylinder (not shown in the Figure) for controlling the tilting of the scarification and planting head (planting tube) when upright planting of the seedling requires tilting.
• the apparatus further comprises a regulation cylinder (in connection with the scarification and planting head) for controlling the tilting of the planting tube (not shown in the Figure).
• the scarification and planting head 101 can be held in place in a controlled manner relative to the ground while the work machine progresses uninterrupted during compacting of the planting spot, setting of the seedling into the ground and compacting, and lifting up of the scarification and planting head.
• controlling the horizontal movements allow the direction of scarification to be maintained unchanged during scarification, even as the work machine changes direction.
• Control of the vertical movement allows for the scarification depth be maintained desired although the work machine is forwarding on uneven terrain.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a knuckle boom solution of an apparatus for holding the scarification and planting head in place relative to the ground when the machine 1 is moving continuously.
• the boom solution comprises a boom frame consisting of two or more parts 200, a scarification and planting head 201 that is mounted on the boom frame, and a stabilizing mechanism 202 for the frame joint.
• the scarification and planting head can be automatically held in position relative to the ground while the machine is moving continuously.
• the boom frame can be used to return the scarification and planting head to the initial position of the work cycle.
• Figure 3 illustrates a sled frame solution for holding the scarification and planting head in place relative to the ground when the work machine (1 ) is moving continuously.
• the sled frame solution comprises a frame 300 consisting of two or more parts, a planting sled 301 that is mounted on the boom frame, and a stabilizing mechanism 302 for the frame joint.
• the scarification and planting head can be automatically kept in place relative to the ground while the work machine is in continuous movement. Once the work cycle is completed, the scarification and planting head can be returned to the initial position of the work cycle.
• Figure 4 illustrates control movements of the apparatus.
• a distance control movement 401 illustrates control of the distance of the scarification and planting head 101 relative to the work machine.
• a vertical movement 402 of the frame 100 illustrates control of the vertical movement of the frame.
• a horizontal movement 403 of the frame 100 illustrates control of the horizontal movement of the frame.
• a vertical movement 404 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the vertical movement of the scarification and planting head.
• a horizontal movement 405 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the horizontal movement of the scarification and planting head.
• a turning movement 406 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the turning movement (tilting) of the scarification and planting head.
• a turning movement 407 of a scarification disc 107 of the scarification and planting head illustrates control of the location and position of the scarification disc.
• a lifting/lowering movement 408 of a planting tube 108 illustrates control of the movements of the planting tube.
• a vertical movement of the scarification and planting head 409 shows an example of the compacting movement of a planting mound with the scarification disc 107.
• a lifting/lowering movement 410 of soil compaction feet 1 10 illustrate control of the necessary movements for compacting the soil around a planted seedling.
• a turning movement 41 1 of the equipment into transportation position shows how the movements of the equipment can be controlled during moving the equipment into transportation position.
• Figure 5 illustrates the setting of the machine-mounted apparatus 500 into transportation position by road so as to comply with the Road Traffic Act regulations.
• the apparatus In the transportation position, the apparatus is positioned in the load carrying space of the work machine or at the rear, on a transportation rack located on top of a seedling transportation system 501 .
• the apparatus can be lifted on board by means of e.g. the work machine's own loading boom.
• Figure 6 illustrates a seedling feeding solution for conveying seedlings from a seedling transportation system of a work machine to the planting tube in the scarification and planting head. Seedlings are transported in the transportation system 601 of the work machine, from where they are automatically transferred to the scarification and planting head 602 one or more seedlings at a time. In the scarification and planting head, seedlings are automatically transferred into the planting tube at the right moment. Seedlings can be transferred from the transportation system of the work machine into the scarification and planting head and further on to the planting tube either one at a time by means of e.g.
• Figures 7a-i illustrate operation of the telescopic boom in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention at the various stages by means of a sample work cycle.
• the planting work cycle can be activated when the forwarder or other work machine 1 is either stationary or moving. During the work cycle, the forwarding speed of the work machine can vary or may stop completely. In error situations the work cycle can be terminated, either automatically or by the operator. Following the termination order, the scarification and planting head is returned to the initial position of the work cycle.
• Figure 7a In the initial position of the work cycle, the scarification and planting head 101 is near the rear of the working machine. The end of the scarification disc 107 faces the ground.
• Figure 7b The scarification disc is pressed into the ground to the selected depth using the selected force.
• Figure 7c As the work machine moves, soil gathers in front of the scarification disc, forming a planting spot 2 such as a mound of soil. If the planting spot created during the process does not meet the set requirements, the planting work cycle can be started afresh from the beginning.
• Figure 7d When the desired volume of soil has gathered in front of the scarification device, the scarification disc is turned to the compacting position.
• the jaws at the bottom end of the planting tube are opened and the seedling is dropped automatically through the tube into the planting spot.
• Figure 7f Once the seedling has dropped through the planting tube, the tube is lifted back to the upper position and the jaws of the planting tube are closed.
• Figure 7g The success of the planting is then verified by compacting the soil around the root ball of the tree seedling automatically with soil compaction feet, mounted e.g. on the scarification disc.
• Figure 7h Once the soil has been compacted, the compaction feet are returned to the upper position and the scarification and planting head is lifted to the return position, the height of which varies according to the terrain. The scarification and planting head is lifted only as high as is required to ensure that it can be returned to the initial position without touching the ground or other obstacles.
• Figure 7i Once the return position of the scarification and planting head is reached, it is returned to the initial position to await the next cycle.
• the new work cycle is started when the selected distance from the seedling planted during the previous work cycle is reached.
• the method and the apparatus can in some cases be supplemented with attachments for removing twigs in order to make room for a mound. Twigs can be cleared from in front of the scarification device e.g. by plough or propeller so as not to spoil the mound.
• the method and equipment can in some cases be supplemented with attachments for avoiding tree stumps.
• sensors can be used to detect stumps and stumps can be avoided automatically by the movements of the frame or the boom.

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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Soil Sciences (AREA)
• Environmental Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Transplanting Machines (AREA)
• Soil Working Implements (AREA)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Citations (8)

• 2012
  • 2012-03-15 FI FI20125287A patent/FI125630B/sv active IP Right Grant
• 2013
  • 2013-03-14 WO PCT/FI2013/050287 patent/WO2013135971A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2013-03-14 SE SE1451190A patent/SE539694C2/sv unknown

Patent Citations (8)

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