Tree Planter - Tree Spacing Timer

[Canada_CT230]

I recently bought a Detco 101 tree planter (Detco, Inc. Tree Planters, Spades, and Tongs) and I need a way to equally space the trees while planting.

I have seen the trailing chain method and that is a possibility but I saw this video on YouTube. The chain method would be more of a nuissance as you have to look backwards.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnZYayWEvJc]Planting Christmas Trees - YouTube[/ame]

They have some kind of timer or measurment device that beeps when a certain distance is driven.

I have done some searching but haven't found anything. I don't know what it is called so that makes it harder to find.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[radioman]

hmm how about a metronome app installed on your phone and wear headphones?

 

[Canada_CT230]

Can't install apps, don't have a smart phone. Only cell phone we have has a number pad and send/end buttons. Just the way I like it.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I measured the circumference of my rear tire and it is aproximately 11 feet around. Since I want a 10ft spacing that is real close to one revolution of the rear tire.

I wonder if I could rig up some kind of contact switch on the rear tire so that every rotation makes momentary contact and trips a horn.

Not sure how to engineer that...any ideas?

 

[Canada_CT230]

Ok, anybody think this idea would work?

Use this 'Normally Open' contact switch ( SECO-LARM SM-300Q/WH Surface Mount Magnetic Contact Switch, Normally Open - Smarthome ) and wire it to a 9v battery and peizo buzzer. Mount that to the frame near the rear tire rim. Then mount the other side of the mag switch on the wheel. Every rotation the mag switch would be closed momemtarily and sound the peizo buzzer.

 

[Craig Clayton]

How many acres or rows are you planning to plant?
I have some ideas but the design will change with the size of the job.

I planted with a 3 pth auger trees by the chain method about 5 acres for this phase of a 10 acre plant.

Craig Clayton

 

[Canada_CT230]

We only plant 750 - 1000 trees per year. The chain method would work but I think it would literally be a pain in the neck to be turned around watching that chain. About 10' spacing.

 

[JerryK]

Add a second seat to your planter, and have the wife ride along with you. I am SURE that she will tell you when and where to plant them...... [ ]

 

[Canada_CT230]

It has a seat for the wife...that is who is inserting the trees into the planter at the interval. I'll be driving the tractor.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I want to go with a distance based beeper. Timing can be too easily screwed up if you slow down , speed up or have to stop.

I've tried to find a beeper distance measuring wheel but had little success.