Patent ID: 11864486

Abstract:
An automated planter apparatus for inserting a rootstock, rooting stock or plantings into the ground, especially useful in hop yards, vineyards and orchards, the planter apparatus mountable to a tractor or trailer, and with grapes as a preferred rooting stock. Apples, or any other type of grafted tree or vine may be planted in the alternative. The planter apparatus includes a chain driven grabber mechanism, attached to a chain loop and driven by sprockets at each end, the grabber mechanism able to grasp and insert the rooting stock into the soil at precisely predetermined points, preferably aided by GPS (Global Positioning System). The grabber mechanism includes a pair of grabbers that receive the rooting stock at a pick-up, and then rotate from an open position to a closed position as the chain loop proceeds around a forward sprocket, rotating the grabber mechanism to a planting release.