Franz Sroka Verabeitungssystemaconcerning presented a new machine at IPM 2006 capable of staking pot plants with 1-3 stakes up to 40cm long. The plant is then automatically bound to the stakes with UV resistant ties at the desired level or levels. The system can also be used for soft plants such as Begonias. In the case of tall single stakes or frames, these are manually inserted into the pots before binding. The equipment costs in the region of €30.000 and can stake and bind up to 2000 pieces per hour. It is also used for bundling herbs and vegetables.
The same Company presented another novelty which should interest growers of young Nursery-stock plants. This equipment grades and binds young trees and bare root-stock into bundles according to precise grades and heights and thicknesses of stems. Grading based on shape is an option using a camera recognition system. Young trees are placed on a flatbelt conveyor on set marks. A robot arm grips the stems and brings them to their destined bundleholders according to grading parameters. Grading can be made to start at the precise point where the scion joins the root-stock. Min/max length of the material to grade is 10/80cm and the min/max thickness 0.2cm/1.2cm. The basic equipmewnt costs €140.000 and will grade and bundle up to 3600 stems/hour. Fax 0049 2327 320714, E-mail: info@srotec.com www.srotec.com |
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