Heated Hole Puncher

Published: March 21, 2025 | Revised: March 31, 2025

The Heated Hole Puncher was developed by the Cal Poly Strawberry Center and the California Strawberry Commission for the Watsonville and Salinas, CA strawberry growers. The machine is 3PT hitch mounted to a tractor and is designed to create consistent and precisely located holes in the plastic mulch prior to planting. The machine punches holes 10X faster than conventional hand labor and covers about 1.5 acres per hour with one operator and tractor. Five (5) of the machines have been deployed since 2023 and have punched a combined 1,200 acres.

 

Advantages

• Increased worker safety: No walking the field with propane torches. All burning equipment is housed on the machine and protected from incidental contact
• Improved consistency in hole placement, size and shape
• Return on investment with as little as 200 acres of planting assuming $20K machine cost and 10X speed increase compared to hand labor

Details and specifications:

• Machine designed for 2-plant line beds typical of Watsonvile and Salinas growing regions ; 48 or 52-inch centers
• Adjustable plant spacing between 14 and 18 inches standard - additional spacings optional
• Hydraulic side shift helps with alignment - 6 inches left or right of center standard

Build your own - Fabricator downloads

• Fabrication manual
• Fabrication drawings
• DXF and .STP files (for CNC cutting, bending and machining)
• Parts list
• 3D CAD Model (download file first, then open)
• Spacing calculator (advanced, contact for assistance)

Click here to get the CAD files for the Heated Hole Puncher.

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