In a significant advancement for the agricultural sector, Dutch company TTS has unveiled a range of high-speed automatic robots designed specifically for the efficient and accurate transplanting of young seedlings. This innovative approach to planting not only enhances productivity but also addresses the growing demand for precision in agriculture. With five different models available, TTS machines can accommodate row spacing as narrow as 10 cm, making them versatile enough to meet a variety of planting needs across different crops.
Since entering the market in 2017, TTS has dedicated itself to developing transplanters tailored for both the agriculture and forestry industries. Their machines can be mounted, towed, or self-propelled, offering flexibility to farmers with diverse operational setups. The company specializes in both selective and non-selective automatic transplanters, employing advanced 3D software for the design and development of components, which ensures precision and efficiency in every aspect of the machines.
A standout feature of TTS transplanters is their adaptability. Equipped with optional automatic plant distance control and easy depth adjustment, these machines can be fine-tuned to suit various planting conditions. This adaptability is crucial for modern farming, where changing environmental factors and crop types require quick adjustments. The design of TTS machines includes fewer moving parts compared to traditional equipment, simplifying operation and allowing a single operator to load seedling trays into the cassette with ease.
At the heart of TTS’s innovation is the automatic robotic system, which features a specially designed gripping head that transfers seedlings from trays directly into the soil. This automation not only maximizes productivity but also enhances operator comfort, as the machines are compatible with most types of trays and seedlings. The use of compressed air from an included compressor powers these machines, making them suitable for global deployment.
Among the notable models is the Single Line Compact planting robot, measuring just 45 cm in width and primarily designed for planting brassicas. This compact machine also offers the ability to apply both slow-release liquid fertilizer along the row and a quick starter dose directly to the roots. With an 800-litre tank for liquid fertilizer, application rates can be precisely controlled via a touchscreen interface, starting from as little as 1 ml per plant. This level of precision in fertilization is expected to enhance crop yields significantly.
Another impressive model in the TTS lineup is the High Density Multi Rower, which boasts the capability of planting over 4,000 plants per row per hour. This machine can handle three to eight rows, depending on tractor wheel spacing, and is designed to operate efficiently on both flat and raised beds. The configuration of the High Density Multi Rower allows for optimal visibility of plant rows and is particularly suited for close row spacings, a growing trend in modern agriculture aimed at maximizing land use.
The introduction of automatic hydraulic adjustment for row width on TTS’s three-to-five-row machines further enhances their versatility. Users can adjust row widths from 45 cm to 80 cm in just one minute, enabling quick transitions between different crops, such as from broccoli to pointed cabbage, with the touch of a button. This feature highlights TTS’s commitment to providing farmers with flexible solutions that adapt to their specific planting requirements.
With prices starting at €100,000 (approximately US $107,238), TTS machines are accessible through direct sales or a dealer network, with leasing options available to accommodate various budgets. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the introduction of these advanced transplanters represents a significant step forward in the quest for efficiency and precision in crop production, promising to reshape planting practices and improve overall agricultural productivity.