Planting In Plastic
May 1, 2007 
The RTME-1100 semiautomatic transplanter from Renaldo Sales & Service Inc. plants through plastic-mulch-covered beds at speeds up to 3,600 seedlings per hour per row. The machine is available in one-row to six-row (three bed) configurations and is delivered to the grower completely assembled.
The RTME-1100 unit uses a single-injector tool bar concept to burn a hole through the plastic, inject the seedling, and gently pack it into the ground. One operator per planting head pulls plants from two plant storage racks included with the unit. After planting, moisture can be added to the plug in the form of either liquid fertilizer or water.
The Hydraulic Leveling System option allows the transplanting heads to automatically adjust to the height of the bed, maintaining consistent planting depth on less than perfect beds. Some additional features include:
• A patented hole burner that protects the plant by removing a portion of the plastic. This leaves no torn edges or flaps in contact with the plant stem. Different sized burners are available.
• Consistent alignment and centering regardless of foliage size, root ball size, bent stem, or soil conditions.
• A comfortable, safe, ergonomically correct seat that optimizes performance of the plant handler.
• Water timed to dispense only at the hole, without running continuously. (The optional water system requires a tractor-mounted water tank.)
• Availability of additional storage trays.
For more information, go to www.renaldo.org or call 800-424-5564.
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