Tree Planters

[bigeight]

Hoping to get some information/experiences with 3 point hitch style tree planters.

I do a LOT of tree planting with dibble bars for small trees and a 1 man earth auger for larger ones. Last year was the first year I was hired to help on a project with a tree planter. The field was recently disked up and ended up being an absolute mess. Soil was clumping when sliced and the wheels were not able to seal the trees back in well, etc.
The few areas that it was on unmolested soils, it did very well, and I was impressed.

I am getting a decent amount of inquiries about planting jobs that are slightly larger than usual and to the point it may make sense to invest in one of these, and a tractor.

1. What is the minimum size tractor you would invest in to use for pulling one of these ? I'd like it to be smaller and more maneuverable IF possible and easier to tailor, drive to jobs, etc.

2. Is there certain soils that this will NOT work in? I'd hate to get to a field and just plain not be able to plant because the soil would not seal like I experienced when it was plowed before hand.

3. Any other reasons this is a bad idea !?!?!? :-D

Any experiences would be appreciated

 

[swat1018]

I have pulled one many times with a JD770, with turf tires, and 4x4. It's a little 3 cyl diesel, I think it's only 23hp. They're kind of like a no-till drill. They work well with the right soil conditions.

 

[buckdeer1]

I have planted a bunch of trees with them,usually one where the guy on back faces backwards and drops the trees in.They work better with at least a 40HP tractor.Great for seedlings.I like to deep disc in fall and plant wheat then in spring spray round up then plant trees.I also used a shrub planter that had a 8ft roll of fabric on it that you lay down over the top of shrubs a make slits so it lays a mat down.Now I have tractor tree spade and move my oak and cedar seedlings around the farm with it

 

[swat1018]

I've planted thousands of trees with one on a 23 hp 770. It has a coulter on front, the wedge shaped plow to open the furrow, with a seat, and 2 press wheels under the seat.

 

[bigeight]

Appreciate the replies.

How does it work on normal farm field type dirt? Heavier dirt. Does it get a good seal on the trench it digs ?

Thanks again. Starting to look for tractors :-)

 

[swat1018]

Appreciate the replies.

How does it work on normal farm field type dirt? Heavier dirt. Does it get a good seal on the trench it digs ?

Thanks again. Starting to look for tractors :-)

It depends a lot on soil conditions. In perfect conditions, it works well. If the soil is on the wet/heavy side, it doesn't do as well. Sandier soil, no problem. I've planted in everything from sod to tilled ground. In wetter conditions, I usually walk along and stomp the trees in and straighten them.

 

[buckdeer1]

The one I use had a blade and is open in the back and when you lay seedling there it kind of pulls it in and you have to hold up at level you want.Then there is a chain that drags along and you set at the length you want between trees and drop one in as end goes by last tree

 

[Lovetohunt]

Where would you buy a single row, single seat planter? I've asked a couple of ag dealers and they couldn't find any.

 

[Turkey Creek]

I have planted a bunch of trees with them,usually one where the guy on back faces backwards and drops the trees in.They work better with at least a 40HP tractor.Great for seedlings.I like to deep disc in fall and plant wheat then in spring spray round up then plant trees.I also used a shrub planter that had a 8ft roll of fabric on it that you lay down over the top of shrubs a make slits so it lays a mat down.Now I have tractor tree spade and move my oak and cedar seedlings around the farm with it

What model of tree digger do you have for your tractor? Likes and dislikes? I feel like one is probably in our future purchases.

 

[rocksnstumps]

Detco, Inc from Plainfield WI makes tree planters in several sizes. Another name from years ago was Utility Tool & Trailer from Clintonville WI but their web site does seem to load properly.

However many county extension offices and even certain DNR offices in our state will let you rent one. Some conservation groups do the rental thing also. I'd start there first. They tend to rent no till drills and other things like that too so maybe search under a couple terms and see what pops up

 

[TreeDaddy]

<<<<<<<<<My tree planter can be seen in the avatar

bill

 

[buckdeer1]

I used one from the state and alot of times you may even be able to buy one from state forestry or they know where to find one.My local USDA offices sold all theirs.Google pull behind tree planter.I haven't looked lately but there were some out there awhile back

 

[PoorSand]

We've been planting bulk orders of pine seedlings into Central Wisconsin sand since, I hate to say it, the 1960s. Our philosophy is that the more the tree planter weighs, the better. We haven't planted on any steep slopes though. And I don't know anything about planting into heavier soils.