Everything you need to know about manual potato planters

Currently, there are many useful tools for working in the country. Manual potato planters are very convenient and practical, the designs of which can be both complex and simplified. In this article, we will consider all the most interesting things you need to know about modern manual potato planters.

The very name of the unit in question speaks volumes - it is used for convenient planting of potatoes. Often, a potato planter is operated in conjunction with a walk-behind tractor. In this case, all operations are carried out automatically.

Modern hand-held potato planters come in many different types with different characteristics. Almost all of these devices have approximately the same design. A reliable and sturdy frame is always present in it. Steel nodes are attached to it, assembled from an axis with soil hooks. And also there are a pair of gears, a conveyor with cells for root crops, feeding tubes. A small plow is attached to the frame part of the structure, through which furrows are formed. Potato tubers are stacked in them at equal distances.

A special hiller disk is attached to the rear of the frame part, through which the potatoes are covered with soil. The entire planting process is carried out automatically.

The tool in question has many advantages.

• Thanks to a high-quality manual potato planter, the time for planting a crop is noticeably reduced. People have to spend less energy.
• It is as easy and simple as possible to work with such a device. With him, all work is accelerated.
• Due to the use of a manual potato planter, the tubers are distributed as evenly as possible over the planting area. The planting depth is also optimal. Users can customize both of these parameters to suit their specific operating conditions. Thus, you can increase the level of yield.
• Today there are many varieties of potato planters, differing in modifications and structural features. It is possible to choose the ideal model for any conditions.

The very principle of operation of these units is very similar to a shovel, but in this case a special funnel with a sharp end is immersed in the soil. Previously, potato tuber is placed in this funnel.

After deepening into the seat, the funnel opens, "revealing" the layer of earth. The potatoes are sent to the formed hole. After that, the unit is removed from the ground. The hole is filled up in the usual way.

Today, potato planters of various subspecies are on sale. Each of them has its own distinctive characteristics and features of operation in different conditions. These features must be taken into account when choosing one or another option for planting potatoes.

• Conical. Cone-type models are very popular, they are an aggregate in the design of which there is a handle with a cone-shaped working part. This device replaces the standard shovel.

• Pipe. The tool is a universal type, made in the form of a hollow tube.The mechanism of this unit is extremely simple and straightforward, with its help, planting is easy and very fast. Using the pipe device, you can plant almost any vegetable, not just potatoes.

• T-shaped. The unit, which is a T-shaped handle, at the end of which there is a piece in the form of a glass. Its principle of operation is also simple and straightforward. A hole is pushed through the soil with a mold in the form of a glass. Potatoes are placed in it, and then they are sprinkled with earth with a rake.

• Triple. An equally popular device made of metal. It is used to form holes. In its central part there is a step. When you stand on it, the lunar-forming cones descend into the soil to the very base.

• Mechanized. This is a device that can work on tractor or live traction. The equipment can be mounted, semi-mounted or trailed.

Today, in specialized stores, summer residents can find a lot of first-class models of manual potato planters. We will learn about the characteristics and properties of the most popular models that are in great demand.

• "Neva KS-1A". A very good machine that is ideal for small backyards. The device embeds the tubers in the ground and forms a scallop of the soil at the same time. Leaves a distance of 25 cm between the tubers. The planter can be operated in combination with the Neva, Salute or Oka walk-behind tractor.

• "Bouncy Summer Resident". Inexpensive model from a domestic manufacturer. Reaches the ideal planting depth, which is the same for all tubers. The unit is made of practical and durable metal that is not subject to wear.

• Antoshka. High-quality and comfortable summer cottage design, designed for digging up dense soil, removing roots, planting potatoes and onion plants. The tool is made of high quality stainless steel, made by stamping. Antoshka is produced in Russia.

• "Bogatyr". Another popular cone-shaped country tool. It has a light weight and a comfortable structure. The product is made of stainless steel, is durable and highly reliable. When assembling it, fasteners in the form of clips are used. The production of this device is also established in Russia.

A good potato planter can not only be purchased at the store, but also assembled by yourself. There is nothing complicated in this matter. The main thing – adhere to the instructions and use quality materials.

A homemade potato planter can be made from simple and affordable materials. You don't have to select expensive professional tools, but you should have the skills to work with a welding machine.

To assemble a potato planter, the user will need:

• lightweight and strong pipe with a diameter of at least 70 mm;
• metal sheet for preparing the valve cover;
• valve hinges;
• metal handles;
• plastic bucket or mesh basket;
• welding machine;
• metal cutter;
• rivet gun.

We will find out how you can assemble a homemade manual potato planter from a pipe and sheet metal on your own.

• Initially, the master should prepare drawings for the future design. All dimensions and features of the unit must be indicated on the diagrams.
• Next, using a grinder or special metal scissors, cut off the bottom of the pipe, while making a bevel. In this way, a taper can be formed in the lower half.
• Next, you need to cut out the cover for the valve. Such a part should cover the bottom of the pipe opening with a small margin.
• The prepared valve is attached to the body part of the pipe by means of a hinge. In the upper part of the pipe, handles are welded and attached. They will turn out to be built from scrap materials.
• The basket in which the tubers prepared for planting will be placed can not be attached to the main structure with a welding machine, but in such a situation the user will always have to take a bucket with planting components with him.
• It is not recommended to take a basket that is too large and heavy. You can build it yourself from a plastic bucket with a volume of 5 to 7 liters.
• The user can make the footrest on his own, or he can use the old base-frame from the bag on wheels. It is recommended to attach the footrest to such a structure by welding. Thus, it will be possible to ensure the reliability and durability of the unit made.
• The planter should not be overweight and heavy. The made valve can be equipped with a small foot-type hook.

The potato planter can also be assembled from a cart with a pair of wheels. This is a simple job that almost every summer resident can handle.

• A small hopper device is attached to the bottom of the trolley by means of a welder. Subsequently, it will ensure the correct feeding of the roots into the previously made furrow.
• Such a well-thought-out trolley will move over the made furrow, and after equal distances a special valve will open. Thus, the tubers will fall into the harvested wells.
• At the bottom and back of such a device there is a shield or blade. These components will backfill the planted potato furrow again.
• To assemble such a potato planter, you should also use a cone-shaped pipe with a valve welded from the bottom. The latter is able to open by means of a chain mechanism or by means of a cable.

The potato planting machine must be used correctly. Let's understand the main features of the operation of such devices.

• Planting tubers with a similar unit is not difficult. Based on the features of the device, the planter is able to move either on wheels along the grooves made, or placed directly into the hole, where, by pressing the foot on the footboard, the corresponding valve is opened and the tuber is placed. After that, he is sprinkled with earth by hand.

• Further, these manipulations are carried out over and over again. Due to this, you can quickly and seamlessly sow a plot of 10 acres or more with vegetables.

• When carrying out all the necessary work, the summer resident does not have to constantly bend over. The potato planter allows you to carry out all operations on the beds much easier and faster than using a conventional hoe or shovel.

For an overview of the manual potato planter, see the following video.