PlantTape Transplanter by PlantTape

Technology Overview

• Latest revision : 7/3/2026
• Commercial release date : 2015
• Application : The PlantTape Transplanter replaces large planting crews with two operators, dramatically boosting speed and consistency.

Commercialisation Overview

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) : 6-8: System Development
• Units in Service - Global : 101 - 150
• Business model : Direct sales
• Price : 201K-300K €
• Ongoing Costs : No additional purchase prices

Market Coverage, Distributors and Service Suppliers

• Countries or markets addressed :

  Australia, UK, Spain, France, Greece, Europe, US, Canada

Performance & Economic Impact

• Estimated ROI :

  Growers report savings of $100–$200 per acre, driven by reduced labour and increased transplanting efficiency.

  By using fewer inputs (e.g., fuel, water, fertilizer), PlantTape helps growers farm smarter, lowering operational costs and environmental impact.

  PlantTape replaces traditional transplanting crews of 8–10 people with just 2–3 operators, delivering up to 80% labor savings.

  The system doubles transplanting efficiency, (2 acres an hour) enabling growers to cover more acres in less time with consistent precision.
  
  

• Phytosanitary Product Savings :
• Yield Improvement :

  The PlantTape tape system promotes uniform growth, optimized root development, and reduced transplant shock, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields across a wide range of crops.

Technical specifications

• Type of solution : Automated transplanters and seeders
• Power source : PTO, Fuel - diesel
• Required Tractor Power : 6150 John Deere or equal and connects via 3-point linkage with PTO (Power Take-Off).
• Size :
  • Metric: 627 × 375 × 218 cm
  • Imperial: 246,9 × 147,6 × 85,8 inches
• Net weight : 3,855 kg (8,499 lb)
• Min Farm Size (In hectares) : 99 ha (22.2 acres)
• Productivity : 0.81 ha/hr (2 acres/hr)
• Maximum operating speed : 8.05 km/h (5 mph )
• Wheel spacing : Adjustable: 1.5 - 2.13 m (59.1 in – 83.9 in)
• Horse power : N/A

Functionalities and technologies

• Core Functionality : PlantTape’s automated transplanting system streamlines the entire transplanting process, from nursery to field, delivering unmatched speed, precision, and labour efficiency. The machine transplants up to 2 acres per hour, replacing large transplanting crews with just 2–3 operators. It ensures uniform spacing, reduced transplant shock, and optimal root development, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields. Built to perform across all soil types and field conditions, the system also supports flexible planting windows and minimizes downtime, even in wet or challenging environments.
• Software : N/A
• Connectivity : Data Connectivity: No data connectivity is required for operation. Base Station: No dedicated base station is needed. GPS Integration: GPS is optional and can be integrated via the grower’s existing tractor system to support precision planting and field mapping.
• Compatible Tools : Standard hand tools

Development Roadmap

• Next phase : The next planned enhancement for the PlantTape transplanting system is the integration of a blank skipping feature. Currently, the machine does not detect or skip empty cells in the tape, which can result in missed opportunities for precision planting. By enabling blank detection and automatic skipping, we aim to further improve planting accuracy, reduce waste, and optimize field performance, especially for crops where uniformity is critical.

Additional resources

No additional resources available.