Get in touch
01485 520355

ROPA Gecko

Gentle planting for early potatoes

The ROPA Gecko is a four-row hand planter developed specifically for planting pre-sprouted early potatoes with maximum protection of delicate sprouts.

Its gentle planting system combines precise tuber placement with adjustable planting distances and efficient handling of planting material, delivering a field-tested capacity of more than 6 hectares in an 8-hour working day.

ROPA Gecko

Developed in collaboration with farmsupport, the ROPA Gecko is designed around gentle handling, precise planting and efficient operation for early potato production.

Two operators work on each planting row, placing pre-sprouted potatoes onto protective planting belts which carry the tubers without grinding contact before depositing them accurately into the soil.

FOUR-ROW PLANTING

The mechanically driven planting belts place potatoes across four rows with a row spacing of 75 cm.

EFFICIENT BOX HANDLING

A conveyor system supplies boxes to the planting team and returns empty boxes for efficient handling throughout the working day.

GENTLE TUBER HANDLING

Protective planting belts minimise contact and help prevent damage to valuable sprouts during planting.

FIVE PALLET SPACES

The machine provides five pallet spaces, including one position for empty boxes, allowing up to four pallets of planting material to be carried.

ADJUSTABLE PLANTING DISTANCE

Plant spacing can be quickly adjusted in 16 stages from 20 cm to 50 cm to suit different planting requirements.

DRAWBAR STEERING

Drawbar steering helps improve manoeuvrability and makes positioning the planter easier during field operation.

OVER 6 HA PER DAY

The ROPA Gecko has demonstrated a planting capacity of more than 6 hectares during an 8-hour working day.

3 M TRANSPORT WIDTH

For road transport, the ROPA Gecko folds to a compact width of 3 metres.

Planting System

Designed specifically for pre-sprouted potatoes, the ROPA Gecko combines manual placement with a mechanically driven planting system for accurate and gentle planting.

PROTECTIVE PLANTING BELTS

Operators place the potatoes lengthways onto soft planting belts which transport them gently towards the planting point.

16 PLANTING DISTANCES

Plant spacing can be adjusted between 20 cm and 50 cm in 16 stages to suit different varieties and crop requirements.

PRECISE PLACEMENT

The planting system provides consistent tuber positioning while helping protect sprouts from damage during transfer into the soil.

75 CM ROW SPACING

The four-row planting system operates at a fixed row spacing of 75 cm.

Optional Equipment

Additional equipment is available to improve operator comfort and make field operation even easier.

PROTECTIVE ROOF

An optional protective roof provides greater comfort for the planting team during changing weather conditions.

LIGHTING

Additional lighting can be specified to improve visibility around the working area.

DRAWBAR STEERING

Optional drawbar steering simplifies tractor operation and improves control of the planter.

TRAMLINE DEACTIVATION

Tramline deactivation provides additional flexibility when setting up planting patterns.

HAND WASHING TANK

An optional hand washing tank provides added convenience for operators during long working days.

STORAGE COMPARTMENT

Additional storage can be specified for tools and other equipment required during planting.