How to make a two-row potato planter yourself

Owners of farms and small plots of land know that planting potatoes is a very labor-intensive process. But modern technology makes this work easier. A device called a potato planter greatly simplifies and speeds up planting. The device is expensive, so many make it with your own hands.

Double-row potato planter: what is this device?

Potato planter is widely used in farms. With its help, tubers are buried in regular rows and with high productivity.

In addition, the unit applies mineral fertilizers to the soil and treats vegetables.

Description and characteristics

Most units have a similar design. Essential elements:

• frame with wheels;
• tank for planting material;
• coulters for making furrows;
• drive (often a chain is used to transmit torque);
• closing discs for burying furrows.

In addition to the described functions, the potato planter regulates:

• planting depth;
• row spacing;
• distance between tubers.

There are models equipped with special tanks for fertilizers. Fertilizing is carried out simultaneously with planting potatoes.

What is it for?

The device is used for planting unsprouted tubers in any type of soil. Using a potato planter, several operations are performed simultaneously:

• make a furrow with a plow;
• add potatoes at a selected distance from each other;
• They form beds by filling the furrows with soil at a certain angle.

When used correctly, the unit places the tubers at the required depth and in even rows.

What is the advantage over single row

Single-row units are equipped with one conveyor and a hopper that can hold up to 120 kg. They are usually installed on walk-behind tractor.

Two-row units are used for mini tractors. Their design includes 2 conveyors for feeding potatoes, and the capacity of the bunker is up to 250 kg. Such potato planters create 2 furrows at once, which significantly speeds up planting.

How to make it yourself

All tools and materials are pre-assembled and the work site is prepared where welding work will be carried out.

Materials and tools

To work you will need:

• plywood sheets;
• channel;
• metal corners;
• fittings;
• drying oil;
• rubber and felt gaskets;
• steel sheets;
• bolts.

Tools:

• welding machine;
• Bulgarian;
• drill;
• screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches.

Schemes and drawings

The tuber pipeline is one of the most complex components of the unit, and not all home craftsmen are able to replicate factory mechanisms on their own.

Interesting! Some farmers advise, instead of installing a mechanized part, to place an assistant on the frame next to the container with tubers, who will manually throw them into the furrows.

There are relatively simple designs to manufacture. Below is a drawing and photo of a homemade device.

Step-by-step instruction

How to make a potato planter with your own hands:

1. The basis of any technique is the frame. All other elements are attached to it. The two spars are connected by three cross members. The arches on which the forks are attached are welded to the side members.
2. The volume of the bunker is usually 190–220 liters.It is made from 12 mm thick plywood sheets, which are connected with steel angles and bolts. The bunker is treated with waterproof paint or drying oil. A rubber gasket is installed inside to protect the potatoes from damage.
3. The wheel axle and ripper holder are bolted to the frame. For the axis, take a cast iron or steel thick-walled pipe, into the ends of which axles or spikes are inserted. Then holes are made to install the pins that hold the trunnions. After assembly, the pins are welded.
4. Steel sheets are used to make wheels. Wide cylinders are made from them so that the soil does not become too compacted. The wheels are mounted on axles.
5. Racks for closing discs and supports for seed tubes are welded from the edges of the frame.
6. The ripper holder is welded in the form of a square of 2 rods. At the ends of the latter, steel clips are mounted, into which special racks for cultivator-type paws are installed.
7. To make a seeder, take a metal pipe with a cross-section of 100 mm. The minimum wall thickness is 10 mm. A furrow cutter made of thick sheet metal is welded to the bottom of the pipe.

For work on slopes, the rear flaps are equipped with a counterweight to increase the landing speed several times.

Description of finished models

For comparison, here is a description of some models.

Bomet is one of the most common mounted double-row potato planters. The model works with a mini tractor or a tractor equipped with a suspension device. Performs the following functions:

• creates furrows;
• plants tubers;
• spuds the ground;
• creates beds at the required angle.

The model has adjustable distance between rows (from 62 to 67.5 cm) and individual tubers (from 29 to 35 cm). The planting depth is 10–15 cm.The cost of the device is $470–510, depending on the region.

AGROMECH works in tandem with a mini tractor. This is a two-row potato planter from a Polish manufacturer. The unit plants tubers at a depth of 10 to 15 cm, leaving 62.5 cm or 67.5 cm between rows. The distance between potatoes in the bed is changed to 29 cm, 32 cm or 35 cm. The model costs $380–400.

Potato planting technology

A minitractor or tractor is placed on a flat surface, and a device is attached to it.

Important! Fasteners must comply with the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model.

During operation, the following parameters can be adjusted:

• immersion depth;
• angle of attack of the hiller.

Often, before starting work, the field is marked with a special device made from any handle and a crossbar 1.5–2 m long. Pegs are screwed into the crossbar at a distance of 60–70 cm. The resulting device is passed along the ground, creating stripes that will serve as beacons when cutting furrows.

After this, the potatoes are poured into the bunker and planting begins. The distance between individual tubers is 30–40 cm.

This is interesting:

Starch in potatoes: varieties with high and low content.

Is it possible to spend fasting days on potatoes?

How to apply herbicides against weeds on potatoes.

Adviсe

During work, follow these recommendations:

1. First check the serviceability of the main parts. At this time, the tractor must be turned off.
2. If necessary, use earplugs or headphones to reduce the negative impact on hearing.
3. The device is connected only to tractors with the required size, grip and performance for a specific model of potato planter.
4. The equipment is used only for planting potatoes.
5. When turning, the beam with gutters is raised so that the parts do not deform.
6. After completion of work, the device must be cleaned. If necessary, lubricate the rubbing elements.

To quickly harvest large areas, some farmers use homemade double-row potato diggers. They allow you to obtain tubers from several rows at once.

Conclusion

The potato planter greatly simplifies and speeds up the work. To manufacture equipment yourself, it is better to use ready-made drawings to minimize the risk of errors. To ensure that the device lasts a long time, it is important to study the operating instructions.