In collaboration with Pan Pac Forest Products, the Precision Silviculture Programme, led by Forest Growers Research is adapting the PlantMax to a new base machine which will be more suitable for New Zealand terrain. The PlantMax mechanised planting machine, originally developed in Sweden showed promise in productivity but struggled with maneuverability due to its large turning circle and limitations of the EcoLog forwarder base.

To address these challenges, the team embarked on a world-first adaptation project, working with AP Plant & Machinery in Gisborne and selected the Morooka tracked dumpster as the new base machine. Its rotating top chassis and proven terrain-handling capabilities offered a more agile approach better suited to travelling across land. The adaptation was guided by a design philosophy that allowed seasonal clip-on/clip-off functionality, enabling the base machine to serve multiple purposes beyond planting.

Initial field tests and time-motion studies conducted in collaboration with Forme Consultants show significant reductions in repositioning time and improved turning efficiency. Now mounted on the Morooka Dumper, early results indicate PlantMax is achieving an average of 1,440 seedlings per hour, including a 5-minute organising break every two rows. That’s a significant leap from last year’s average 950 seedlings per hour on the Ecolog forwarder base. We reported on this in the March enewsletter and you can read the Technical Note here.

When running continuously, it’s anticipated the system can plant one seedling every 2 seconds, with just 20 seconds turnaround between rows. Of course, there are still challenges to work through- stumps are now more of a challenge and the rubber tracks are wearing more heavily. This is a significant step in the right direction for a highly productive agricultural planting machine for New Zealand forestry.

The report on this latest trial will be published by FGR shortly. Video of machine in action can be viewed here.