The Demtec " Buffer table System" has revolutionized nursery potting operations in Europe over the last five years.
In europe growers have addressed the logistical problem of stock movement from the potting shed through to the nursery growing beds. It has been a long known problem in the nursery industry that a 'potting machine' can only be as quick as you can remove the pots. While most potting machines in the market today have a maximum speed of around 4000 pots per hour it is on few nurseries that the infrastructure or manpower resources allowed potting any quicker.
Some years ago Demtec addressed this problem and designed and constructed the "buffer table system".
The buffer table system is a unique system that allows the automatic accumulation and grouping into 'pot arrays' your nursery pots. Once grouped onto the large conveyor the pots can be collected by the driver of a tractor or fork truck with a special fork attachment fitted. The driver is able to stop the system as he loads his truck from the convenience of his driving position without having to dissmount. The driver is able to collect either one or two layers of pots.
Once loaded the driver moves to the nursery beds where the pots are to be set down on the ground and is able to put them down neatly in position again without dissmounting.
The process is then repeated for the rest of the potting day.
We have a number of systems working very successfully in Australia. Significant reduction in labour has been noted where these machines are located.
The Demtec Buffer Table System is provided as a complete system and comprises the various accumulating conveyors , positioning system, buffer table, fork arrangements and control system. We are able to incorporate automatic watering systems to water the pots prior to setting down if that is required.
It is possible to program the machine easily via the touch screen to give many different array possibilities. For example a particular program may decide to have pots double spaced on the table prior to lifting. Certain other spacing options exist and can be discussed in more detail upon contacting us.
We are confident that the Demtec System can bring significant saving in production costs due to savings in man-power. Perhaps more significantly with this system staff are permanently relieved of the burden of putting stock down on the ground. The same forks that are used to put pots on the ground can be used to pick pots up and take to dispatch if required.
Testimonials:
James Edge - Production Manager - Humphris Nursery - Mooroolbark Melbourne, Victoria.
The buffer table and forklifts productive manner has taken us to the next level in which we have more than halved our staff required to run the productive potting process, while still maintaining a high standard of quality. The new pot procedure requires skilled and educated staff, making the production side of the nursery more inviting than it had been previously with physically demanding and back breaking labour.
Gerrard Whyte - Owner of Payneham Plants in Willunga, South Australia.
‘The demtec® buffer conveyor system is worth its weight in gold.The labour savings are phenomenal. Instead of using 7 staff and 2 or 3 tractors (2 potters, 1 person loading up pots, 4 people taking plants away and putting down), we now only use 1 tractor/driver and 2 potters! Not only does this save on wages, it means we can be more flexible about when we pot, as we don’t need to wait until staff are free from other areas of the nursery, like despatch. It also means we don’t have to employ extra agency staff who, more often than not, are inexperienced and not suited to the task. The tractor does the back-breaking work of lifting and putting down, where injuries were always a risk.’
Philip Dowling - Owner of Native Plant Wholesalers in Mt Gambier, South Australia.
In 2006, after talking to Mike and visiting Payneham Plant Wholesalers, I could see the benefits of the Demtec Buffer Table System and took the plunge and purchased a Buffer Table and two sets of takeaway forks (140mm & 200mm) to go with the existing Demtec 3016. Installation was quick and straightforward, considering we only have single phase power, teething problems were minor and easily fixed. The system is extremely reliable and very low maintenance. Listed below are some of the benefits and notes I have found with the system:
- No backbreaking work with potting anymore,
- Flexible potting times etc., as you require only 3 people. Possible to do good numbers with 2 people,
- With the Buffer System you rationalize your pot sizes and colours, which is better for your cash flow and bottom line,
- Huge savings in labour, 2 – 3 people as opposed to 6 – 7 people (if you can find staff!),
- Much less manual handling,
- Benefit of being able to pot when under pressure with orders, absentees, etc.,
- System is easy to install and add on to the existing Potting Machine,
- The System is well priced and will pay for its self in a very short time,
- Machine is very well constructed, robust and low maintenance and will be your best worker(s),
- We did not need to change our growing areas or sprinkler layout. The System offers flexibility and was adapted to fit our nursery.
You will need the following to get the best out of the System:
- Good nursery roads,
- Good sized, concreted Potting Shed,
- Robust Forklift (or tractor mounted forklift) suitable for gravel surfaces,
- Sturdy, well made pots. Do not use cheap, light weight pots.
The Buffer Table System has had a huge, positive effect in the running and the bottom line of Native Plant Wholesalers and given significant advantage over ‘non-believing’ competitors.
Regards
Phillip Dowling
Native Plant Wholesalers Pty Ltd
www.nativeplantwholesalers.com.au
See Also
DT2016 DT3016 DT 4016 DT5016 |
