| 摘要 |
An apparatus for planting elongated tree slips in soil includes a movable frame, and at least one row planting unit. The row planting unit includes a lower portion, an upper portion pivotally mounted to the frame, and a driver assembly having an elongated plunger for applying a purely longitudinal planting force to one end of the tree slips to drive them individually into the ground. A retractable and extensible stabilizing mechanism is operatively positioned between the frame and the row planting unit for pivoting the latter with respect to the frame during the application of the planting force. A brake is also provided on the lower portion of the row planting unit for halting movement of the lower portion of the row planting unit across the ground. The brake, stabilizing mechanism and plunger are coordinated so that the plunger is maintained in a position directly over the slip being driven, despite the movement of the frame across the soil. The planter can be equipped with a programmable logic controller and a planting signal generator, such as a signal wheel, a timer, or global positioning system. The planter also includes a specialized pivotal receiver assembly for handling the tree slips and positioning them under the plunger, and an on-board sensing system in the row planting unit. Wheeled and sled supported embodiments are shown. Furthermore, an embodiment with a drip hose nozzle sensing assembly is also provided.
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