{"id":408,"date":"2026-05-20T08:56:31","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T08:56:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/?post_type=product&p=408"},"modified":"2026-05-20T09:04:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T09:04:21","slug":"ep-pai-2100-panther-potato-planter-2-4-row","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/urun\/ep-pai-2100-panther-potato-planter-2-4-row\/","title":{"rendered":"EP-PAI \/ EP-PANTHER Potato Planter \u2013 2\u20134 Row | Seeds+Fertilizer+Spray"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
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16<\/div>\n
Gearbox Combos<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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3-in-1<\/div>\n
Seed+Fertilizer+Spray<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2\u20134<\/div>\n
Row Options<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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4,000<\/div>\n
Kg Max Seed (480-AR)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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75 HP<\/div>\n
Min. Power (PAI-2100)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Seeds, Fertilizer, and Insecticide \u2014 All in One Pass<\/h2>\n

Planting is the operation where the entire season’s yield potential is set. The Watanabe potato planter range \u2014 covering the EP-PAI-2100<\/strong>, the EP-PANTHER series<\/strong>, and the large-scale EP-PAI-480-AR<\/strong> \u2014 places seed potatoes at a precisely controlled depth and spacing, applies starter fertilizer beside the seed zone, and optionally sprays soil insecticide, all simultaneously. What used to require separate planting, fertilizing, and spraying passes is consolidated into a single operation, performed once per field at 3\u20135 km\/h.<\/p>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

The range spans three distinct tiers designed for different farm sizes and production scales:<\/p>\n

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\u25b6 EP-PAI-2100 \u2014 Entry 2-Row<\/p>\n

The most accessible model in the lineup. 860 Kg<\/strong>, starts at 75 cv<\/strong>, seed bunker 350 Kg<\/strong>, fertilizer bunker 200 Kg. Designed for small to medium Korean family potato farms and plots with limited tractor power. Category 2 hitch, 3\u20135 km\/h.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25b6 EP-PANTHER Series \u2014 Commercial 2, 3 & 4-Row<\/p>\n

The main commercial production range. Available in 2-row (85 cv, 700 Kg seed), 3-row (100 cv, 750 Kg seed + 600 Kg fertilizer), and 4-row (125 cv, 1,200 Kg seed) configurations. The PANTHER series scales with your farm from medium to large commercial acreage. Category 2 hitch, 3\u20135 km\/h.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25b6 EP-PAI-480-AR \u2014 Large-Scale 4-Row<\/p>\n

The high-capacity option for large commercial farms, cooperatives, and contractors. 4,000 Kg seed capacity<\/strong>, dual fertilizer bunkers totalling 2,500 Kg, drawbar-mounted for a 140 cv tractor. Working speed 4\u20138 km\/h. Designed to minimize refill stops across large planting areas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The central capability across all models is the 16-combination gearbox<\/strong> for seed distribution \u2014 a mechanical transmission that offers sixteen distinct gear ratios controlling the seed cup belt speed relative to forward travel, giving the operator precise control over in-row seed spacing regardless of which tractor speed and gear is used. This flexibility allows the same machine to be set accurately for different potato varieties with different recommended in-row spacing requirements, without relying on a fixed single-ratio drive that locks the operator into one speed combination.<\/p>\n

The Watanabe brochure describes the result plainly: “All in one operation after the soil preparation.”<\/em> After the furrowing and fertilizer passes are completed, the planting pass with an EP-PAI or EP-PANTHER closes the pre-emergence sequence \u2014 seeds placed, starter fertilizer delivered beside the seed zone, and optional soil insecticide applied, all in one run through the field. As part of the Watanabe potato machinery system<\/a>, this is Step 5 \u2014 the point where everything the previous four steps built is put to use.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Technical Specifications \u2014 Full EP Potato Planter Range<\/h2>\n

The planter range is presented in two tables: the standard Cat.2 hitch models (EP-PAI-2100 and EP-PANTHER series), and the large-scale EP-PAI-480-AR which uses a different mounting configuration. All data is sourced from the Watanabe official product brochure.<\/p>\n

Table 1 \u2014 EP-PAI-2100 & EP-PANTHER Series<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
TEKN\u0130K VER\u0130LER<\/th>\nEP-PAI-2100<\/th>\nEP-PANTHER
\n2-Row<\/th>\n		EP-PANTHER
\n3-Row<\/th>\n		EP-PANTHER
\n4-Row<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Weight & Linkage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Empty Weight<\/td>\n860 Kg<\/td>\n1,325 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n1,500 Kg<\/td>\n1,450 Kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bottom Linkage Cat.<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of Rows<\/strong><\/td>\n2<\/strong><\/td>\n2<\/strong><\/td>\n3<\/strong><\/td>\n4<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tractor Requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine Power (min.)<\/strong><\/td>\n75 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n85 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n100 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n125 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bunker Capacities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seed Bunker<\/strong><\/td>\n350 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n700 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n750 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n1,200 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fertilizer Bunker<\/strong><\/td>\n200 Kg<\/td>\n680 Kg<\/td>\n600 Kg<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tank Insecticide (Option)<\/td>\n200 or 300 L<\/td>\n200 or 300 L<\/td>\n300 L<\/td>\n300 L<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Working Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n3\u20135 Km\/h<\/td>\n3\u20135 Km\/h<\/td>\n3\u20135 Km\/h<\/td>\n3\u20135 Km\/h<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\u26a0 PANTHER 4-Row fertilizer bunker:<\/strong> The Watanabe brochure lists the fertilizer bunker for the PANTHER 4-Row as “\u2014” (not available). This model is designed as a dedicated planting and insecticide machine. For base fertilizer application on 4-row PANTHER operations, use the EP-ADB-480 fertilizer applicator<\/a> as a separate pre-planting pass.<\/div>\n

Table 2 \u2014 EP-PAI-480-AR (Large-Scale)<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
TEKN\u0130K VER\u0130LER<\/th>\nEP-PAI-480-AR<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Empty Weight<\/td>\n2,300 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mounting Type<\/td>\nDrawbar-mounted (no Cat.2 linkage)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of Rows<\/strong><\/td>\n4<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine Power (min.)<\/strong><\/td>\n140 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seed Bunker Capacity<\/strong><\/td>\n4,000 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fertilizer Bunker (1)<\/strong><\/td>\n2,000 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fertilizer Bunker (2)<\/strong><\/td>\n500 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insecticide Tank (Option)<\/td>\n300 L or 600 L<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Working Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n4\u20138 Km\/h<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u24d8 cv = metric horsepower. The EP-PAI-480-AR is not a three-point hitch implement. With 2,300 Kg empty weight and up to 6,500 Kg when fully loaded, it is designed as a drawbar-pulled machine for tractors of 140 cv and above. Confirm tractor drawbar capacity and hydraulic supply before ordering. All data from Watanabe official product brochure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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How the EP Potato Planter Works<\/h2>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

The 16-Combination Gearbox \u2014 Precision Seed Spacing<\/h3>\n

The seed distribution system is driven through a gearbox offering sixteen gear combination settings. Each combination produces a different ratio between the implement’s forward travel speed and the seed cup belt speed, which directly controls how frequently a seed cup deposits a seed piece into the furrow. The result of selecting a specific gear combination is a particular in-row seed spacing \u2014 the distance between adjacent seed pieces along the row.<\/p>\n

Sixteen combinations give the operator a practical range of in-row spacing options to match different potato variety requirements and target plant populations. Korean commercial potato varieties vary in their recommended in-row spacing: Atlantic (for chip processing) is typically planted at 25\u201330 cm; Haryoung (\ud558\ub839) at 20\u201325 cm; larger varieties at wider spacings. A single gear change sets the spacing for the entire field \u2014 no need to modify drive ratios or change sprockets for different crops. This flexibility is particularly valuable for farms that grow multiple varieties in the same season, or for contract planters who work on different clients’ fields in the same planting week.<\/p>\n

The gearbox drive is ground-wheel based \u2014 the implement’s own wheels drive the gearbox as the tractor moves forward. This means the seed spacing remains consistent regardless of tractor ground speed, as long as the wheels are rolling at the actual field surface speed. Slippage on soft wet soil can affect accuracy, which is one reason proper seedbed preparation before planting is important for placement consistency.<\/p>\n

Seed Placement and Furrow Closing<\/h3>\n

Each row unit includes a furrow opener that parts the soil at the target planting depth, a seed delivery chute that drops the seed piece from the cup belt into the furrow at the correct position, and a furrow closer that covers the seed immediately after placement. The sequence happens continuously as the tractor moves: furrow opens \u2192 seed drops \u2192 furrow closes, repeat for every seed piece at the set spacing.<\/p>\n

Planting depth is set by the working units and controlled by the operator to match the variety’s recommended planting depth \u2014 commonly 8\u201312 cm for Korean commercial potato production. Consistent depth across the row is the key placement quality metric: depth variation leads to uneven emergence timing, which creates uneven canopy development and ultimately variable tuber sizing at harvest. The EP-PAI and EP-PANTHER working units maintain a consistent depth reference across the full working width at the 3\u20135 km\/h operating speed.<\/p>\n

Simultaneous Fertilizer and Insecticide Application<\/h3>\n

While the seed placement system operates, the fertilizer delivery system simultaneously places granular starter fertilizer beside the seed furrow \u2014 positioned close enough to the developing root system to be available for early uptake, but not in direct contact with the seed piece where high fertilizer concentration can cause injury to the emerging sprout. The fertilizer delivery operates at the same forward speed as the seed system, with application rate set by the metering adjustment at the time of calibration.<\/p>\n

Where the optional insecticide tank is fitted, liquid soil insecticide or nematicide is applied into the seed furrow at the same time, providing early-season soil pest protection from the moment of planting. The tank volume \u2014 200\u2013600 L depending on model and configuration \u2014 is sized to run the same fill duration as the seed and fertilizer bunkers under standard application rates, reducing the need for the operator to stop the machine to service one system while the others still have capacity remaining.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

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Key Advantages of the EP Potato Planter Range<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u25a0 16 Gear Combinations<\/p>\n

Sixteen gearbox settings give the operator a practical range of in-row seed spacing options with a single gear change \u2014 no sprocket swaps, no implement modifications. This covers the full spectrum of Korean commercial variety spacing requirements from compact 20 cm up to wider 35 cm spacings used in seed potato production.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Three Operations in One Pass<\/p>\n

Seed placement, starter fertilizer delivery, and optional soil insecticide application in a single pass reduces total field traffic during the planting window. Eliminating two separate follow-up passes frees tractor time for other seasonal work and reduces soil compaction from additional field traffic at a sensitive crop establishment stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Scale from 75 HP to 140 HP<\/p>\n

The EP-PAI-2100 starts at 75 cv, accessible to compact Korean tractors on smaller family holdings. The EP-PANTHER series scales through 85, 100, and 125 cv. The EP-PAI-480-AR addresses large commercial operations from 140 cv upward. The same product family covers the full Korean farm size range from 2 hectares to 500+ hectares.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 4,000 Kg Seed Capacity (480-AR)<\/p>\n

At a Korean commercial seed rate of approximately 2,000\u20132,500 Kg per hectare, the EP-PAI-480-AR’s 4,000 Kg seed bunker covers 1.6\u20132.0 hectares per fill. Combined with the dual fertilizer bunkers (2,500 Kg total), a contract planting operation can work for extended periods without refilling \u2014 the critical efficiency factor that determines daily output on large commercial planting schedules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Insecticide Option Saves a Separate Pass<\/p>\n

Soil pest management \u2014 wireworm, potato cyst nematode, and other soil-borne pests \u2014 typically requires a dedicated spray or granule application at or around planting. The EP-PAI and EP-PANTHER insecticide tanks place the treatment product directly in the seed furrow at planting, at the lowest possible application rate relative to target pest zone, without a separate field operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Where the EP Potato Planter Gets Used<\/h2>\n

\ud83c\udf3f Commercial Potato Production \u2014 Spring and Autumn Seasons<\/h3>\n

Korean commercial potato production follows two main seasonal planting windows: spring (March\u2013April in mainland regions) and, for Jeju Island, a winter-spring cycle that runs from December to January. The spring planting window in Gangwon-do in particular is tight \u2014 a few weeks between the end of winter soil conditions and the point where planting should be complete to reach harvest before the summer monsoon rains reduce tuber quality. The EP-PAI and EP-PANTHER planters are sized to complete a farm’s planting area within this window, with the EP-PANTHER 3-Row and 4-Row giving larger operations the throughput to stay comfortably ahead of the weather schedule.<\/p>\n

Commercial varieties such as Atlantic (for the chip processing market, grown under contract to confectionery manufacturers), Superior (fresh market), and Dejima (early-season fresh market) each have specific recommended planting spacings and depths. The 16-combination gearbox allows the operator to set the correct spacing for each variety with a simple gear change between varieties, making the machine practical for farms growing multiple varieties in rotation across different fields in the same season.<\/p>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf3b Certified Seed Potato Production<\/h3>\n

Certified seed potato (\uc528\uac10\uc790) production in Korean highland zones \u2014 primarily in Pyeongchang-gun and Inje-gun in Gangwon-do \u2014 operates under stricter row spacing and plant isolation requirements than commercial production. Seed potato plots require wider in-row spacing than commercial production to facilitate inspection access and to reduce the risk of spread of certified-status-disqualifying diseases between plants. The 16-combination gearbox provides the spacing flexibility to accommodate wider seed potato production spacings without plant population compromise.<\/p>\n

The EP-PAI-2100 (2-row, 75 cv) is frequently the right scale for seed potato operations \u2014 the plots tend to be smaller and more precisely managed than commercial fields, and the lighter machine weight reduces soil compaction on the highland soils where seed certification zones are located. The smaller fertilizer bunker (200 Kg) is also appropriate for seed production fertilizer programs, which typically apply at lower rates than commercial production to control vegetative growth in favor of seed piece quality.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfd7 Large-Scale Commercial and Cooperative Planting \u2014 EP-PAI-480-AR<\/h3>\n

The EP-PAI-480-AR occupies a distinct niche: operations where the scale of planting area makes the refill stop frequency of standard 3-point hitch planters the primary bottleneck to daily output. Agricultural machinery cooperatives (\ub18d\uc5c5\uae30\uacc4 \uc784\uc791\uc5c5\uc870\ud569) in Gangwon-do handling contracts across multiple farms, large single-owner operations of 30 hectares and above, and contract planting services that move between clients across a planting week are the natural users of this machine.<\/p>\n

The drawbar mounting configuration \u2014 rather than the Category 2 three-point hitch used on all other models \u2014 means the EP-PAI-480-AR requires different tractor setup than the rest of the potato machinery line. At 2,300 Kg empty and potentially 6,500 Kg when fully loaded, it pulls behind the tractor on a drawbar connection. Verify your tractor’s drawbar rating and PTO power delivery capacity before ordering this model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Which EP Potato Planter Fits Your Operation<\/h2>\n

Use the model summary below as a quick reference. The key decision axes are: annual potato area, tractor power available, whether you need integrated fertilizer capability, and whether the drawbar-mounted EP-PAI-480-AR’s scale is justified by your operational volume.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Model<\/th>\nRows<\/th>\nMin. HP<\/th>\nSeed Cap.<\/th>\nFertilizer<\/th>\nBest For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
EP-PAI-2100<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n75 cv<\/td>\n350 Kg<\/td>\n200 Kg<\/td>\nSmall family farm, compact tractor, seed potato plots<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EP-PANTHER 2-Row<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n85 cv<\/td>\n700 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n680 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\nMedium farm, higher capacity 2-row, full seed+fert setup<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EP-PANTHER 3-Row<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n100 cv<\/td>\n750 Kg<\/td>\n600 Kg<\/td>\nCommercial farm, matches 3-row furrower line<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EP-PANTHER 4-Row<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n125 cv<\/td>\n1,200 Kg<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\nLarge commercial, dedicated planting (separate fertilizer pass)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EP-PAI-480-AR<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n140 cv<\/td>\n4,000 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n2,500 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\nCooperative \/ contractor \/ 30+ ha operation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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\u26a0 Always match planter row count to your furrower and cultivator<\/p>\n

For a seamless full-season operation, the planter’s row count should match the potato furrower<\/a> and the EP-ERA rotary cultivator<\/a>. A 3-row planter running into furrows opened by a 5-row furrower leaves two furrows unfilled per pass. Match all three machines to the same row count and all field passes align perfectly, pass after pass, season after season. Confirm your full potato machinery row count configuration with us before ordering any model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Step 5 \u2014 The Planting Operation in the Full Watanabe System<\/h2>\n

The potato planter sits at Step 5<\/strong> \u2014 the culmination of four preparatory steps, and the point where the crop season officially starts. Here is the full seven-step sequence with the planting step in context:<\/p>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

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STEP 1<\/div>\n
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Stone Clearance \u2014 EP-EW-4000 Rock Rake<\/a><\/p>\n

3.6 m width, from 75 HP<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 2<\/div>\n
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Primary Tillage \u2014 PSW-3200 Rotavat\u00f6r<\/a><\/p>\n

3.0\u20133.6 m, 140 HP<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 3<\/div>\n
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Furrow Opening \u2014 EP-R-380 \/ EP-R-580<\/a><\/p>\n

3 or 5 rows, from 75 HP<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 4<\/div>\n
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Base Fertilization \u2014 EP-ADB-380 \/ EP-ADB-480<\/a><\/p>\n

350 Kg\/row, 8\u201310 km\/h<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 5<\/div>\n
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Planting \u2014 EP-PAI-2100 \/ EP-PANTHER \/ EP-PAI-480-AR YOU ARE HERE<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeds + starter fertilizer + insecticide. 2\u20134 rows, from 75 HP, 3\u20138 km\/h.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 6<\/div>\n
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Mid-Season \u2014 EP-ERA Rotary Cultivator<\/a><\/p>\n

Hill-up + fertilizer + weed control. Repeats 2\u20133\u00d7\/season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 7<\/div>\n
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Harvest \u2014 EP-AWB-1600 Potato Digger<\/p>\n

2-row, PTO-driven, low-damage. Page coming soon.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Contact Korea Watanabe Rock Crusher Tractor Co., Ltd.<\/a> to discuss a complete matched potato machinery package. We can configure a full seven-step system \u2014 from stone clearance through to harvest \u2014 with all row spacings and working widths matched across the entire implement line for your specific farm scale and tractor fleet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Watanabe Quality \u2014 Korea Local Support<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Watanabe<\/div>\n
\n

Watanabe has manufactured potato planting machinery in Brazil since 1970, developing the product range alongside the Brazilian commercial potato sector \u2014 which operates at similar scale, speed, and seasonal pressure to Korean commercial production. The EP-PAI and EP-PANTHER planter lines are the current iteration of a design history built through decades of real-world production use.<\/p>\n

The seed cup system is the most precision-critical component on any potato planter \u2014 cup sizing, belt drive consistency, and cup fill rate at operating speed all directly affect planting uniformity. Watanabe specifies seed cup dimensions and belt materials to the requirements of the seed sizes used in Brazilian and Korean commercial potato production, and the 16-combination gearbox is manufactured to a tolerance that maintains consistent seed spacing across the full gear range.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"Watanabe<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\u2713 Row Spacing and Seed Cup Size<\/p>\n

Seed cup size must match your seed potato grade. We confirm the correct cup configuration for your variety and typical seed piece size at the pre-sale stage \u2014 the planter arrives sized to your crop, not to a generic average.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2713 Wear Parts Stocked Locally<\/p>\n

Seed cups, belt segments, and furrow opener tips are the primary wear items on any potato planter. Common wear parts for the EP-PAI and EP-PANTHER series are stocked locally in Ansan-si for prompt domestic dispatch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2713 Pre-Season Setup Guidance<\/p>\n

We provide gearbox setting guidance for your target in-row spacing, fertilizer calibration support, and planting depth setup advice before your first season use. Proper pre-season setup is the most important factor in planting uniformity results.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions \u2013 EP Potato Planter Series<\/h2>\n
\n
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What does the “16 combinations gearbox” actually mean for planting accuracy?<\/p>\n

The gearbox provides sixteen distinct gear ratios between the ground wheel drive and the seed cup belt. Each ratio produces a specific cup belt speed relative to forward travel \u2014 which translates directly into a specific in-row seed spacing. Selecting a different combination changes the spacing precisely and repeatably, without adjusting any sprockets or chains. In practice, this means you can switch between, for example, 25 cm spacing for Atlantic and 20 cm spacing for Haryoung with a single gear change between fields or between seasons, maintaining accurate placement at both settings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the difference between the EP-PAI-2100 and the EP-PANTHER 2-Row?<\/p>\n

Both are 2-row planters that plant seed potatoes, apply fertilizer, and accommodate an optional insecticide tank. The key differences are capacity and tractor requirement: EP-PAI-2100 carries 350 Kg seed and 200 Kg fertilizer, requires 75 cv. EP-PANTHER 2-Row carries 700 Kg seed and 680 Kg fertilizer \u2014 double the capacity \u2014 but requires 85 cv minimum. For farms with sufficient tractor power, the PANTHER 2-Row’s doubled capacity means fewer refill stops per field, which has real scheduling value during a tight planting window. For smaller farms or lighter tractors, the EP-PAI-2100 is the practical choice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The PANTHER 4-Row shows no fertilizer bunker \u2014 is that correct?<\/p>\n

Yes, that is exactly as stated in the Watanabe official product brochure. The PANTHER 4-Row lists fertilizer bunker capacity as “\u2014”, meaning it is not equipped with an in-row fertilizer delivery system in this configuration. For operations using the PANTHER 4-Row, base fertilizer application should be completed as a separate pass using the EP-ADB-480 fertilizer applicator before planting. Alternatively, the PANTHER 3-Row (which does include a 600 Kg fertilizer bunker) may be the more practical choice if integrated in-row fertilizer delivery is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the EP-PAI-480-AR and when does it make sense to choose it over the PANTHER 4-Row?<\/p>\n

The EP-PAI-480-AR is a large-scale drawbar-mounted planter with 4,000 Kg seed capacity, two fertilizer bunkers (2,000 Kg + 500 Kg), an optional 300\u2013600 L insecticide tank, and a higher working speed of 4\u20138 km\/h. Unlike all PANTHER models which mount on a Category 2 three-point hitch, the PAI-480-AR uses a drawbar connection \u2014 appropriate for its 2,300 Kg empty weight and the substantially greater loaded weight. Choose the PAI-480-AR when annual planting volume is large enough that the PANTHER 4-Row’s 1,200 Kg seed capacity creates too many refill stops per day, or when the higher working speed is needed to complete a large planting area within a narrow weather window.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Is the insecticide tank standard or an optional add-on?<\/p>\n

The insecticide tank is listed as an option across all EP-PAI and EP-PANTHER models. It is not included as standard equipment. If soil pest management at planting time is part of your agronomic program, confirm at the time of ordering that the insecticide tank option is included. Specify the tank size required (200 L, 300 L, or 600 L depending on model) based on your application rate and expected field coverage per fill. Consult your local agricultural extension service for approved insecticide or nematicide products for in-furrow application in Korean potato production.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Does the potato planter require a PTO connection?<\/p>\n

The seed distribution drive on the EP-PAI and EP-PANTHER planters is ground-wheel based \u2014 the implement’s own wheels drive the seed metering gearbox as the tractor moves forward. No PTO connection is required for the seed planting function. The fertilizer metering system is also ground-wheel driven on these models. Note that the EP-PAI-480-AR may use a different drive arrangement \u2014 confirm at the pre-sale stage for this specific model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How is planting depth controlled?<\/p>\n

Planting depth on the EP-PAI and EP-PANTHER is set by the furrow opener unit depth adjustment on each row, controlled by the depth wheel and working unit height setting. The target depth should match your variety’s recommended planting depth \u2014 typically 8\u201312 cm for Korean commercial varieties, though some seed potato production programs specify different depths. Set the depth on a firm section of the field before starting the main planting run, and check seed placement depth at the beginning of each field pass by stopping the machine and checking the first few placements manually.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What preparation does the field need before the planting pass?<\/p>\n

The full pre-planting sequence for the best planting results: stone clearance (EP-EW-4000) \u2192 primary tillage (PSW-3200 rotavator) \u2192 furrow opening (EP-R-380\/EP-R-580) \u2192 base fertilizer (EP-ADB-380\/EP-ADB-480) \u2192 planting (this machine). Attempting to plant into poorly tilled, stony, or un-furrowed soil produces inconsistent seed placement depth, poor furrow closure, and increased mechanical stress on the planter’s working units. The Watanabe brochure states “all in one operation after the soil preparation” \u2014 the soil preparation prerequisite is not incidental.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What seed potato sizes does the planter accommodate?<\/p>\n

Seed cup size should match the predominant seed piece size in your seed potato supply. Korean commercial seed potato is typically graded to 30\u201360 g or 60\u201380 g per piece depending on the variety and buyer specification. The seed cup size on the planter must be selected to match this grade \u2014 cups that are too small will not pick up full-size seed pieces reliably; cups too large will allow multiple pieces or skip placements. We confirm the correct cup size for your typical seed grade at the pre-sale stage. If your seed grade varies significantly from season to season, discuss the full range of cup size options at the time of ordering.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What Our Customers Say<\/h2>\n
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Jeon Byeong-ho \u2014 Commercial Potato Farm, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

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“Running the EP-PANTHER 3-Row on 18 hectares of Atlantic. The 16-combination gearbox was the specific reason I chose this machine over a Korean-made alternative \u2014 I grow two varieties with different spacings and the gear change takes about 30 seconds rather than a sprocket swap that used to cost an hour. The 750 Kg seed bunker and 600 Kg fertilizer bunker mean I refill twice for the whole day’s planting area. Seed placement consistency is visibly better than the old machine \u2014 emergence across the field has been more uniform every season since switching.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Oh Sung-mi \u2014 Mixed Potato and Sweet Potato Farm, Icheon, Gyeonggi-do (2024)<\/p>\n

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“We use the EP-PAI-2100 for our 4-hectare potato area. The 75 HP entry point was the deciding factor \u2014 our Daedong 78 HP handles it without being pushed. The machine combines planting and fertilizer delivery in one pass, which saved us two half-day operations compared to our previous method. We do not use the insecticide tank option because our soil management program is organic-certified. The planter without the insecticide option runs cleanly and the Korea team had no issue configuring it that way.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Yoo Tae-jun \u2014 Certified Seed Potato Farm, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (2024 and 2025)<\/p>\n

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“Seed potato certification requires consistent spacing and depth. The 16-combination gearbox gives us the wider 30 cm spacing that our seed production protocol calls for, which was difficult to achieve accurately on the older machine we ran before. Two seasons with the EP-PAI-2100 and the certification inspector has not flagged spacing or depth inconsistency in either inspection. The smaller 350 Kg seed bunker is appropriate for our plot sizes. Pre-sale support from the Korea team covered cup sizing for our seed grade \u2014 good experience overall.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Im Ji-na \u2014 Potato Cooperative Member, Boeun-gun, North Chungcheong (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

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“Our cooperative operates the EP-PANTHER 4-Row as shared equipment for four member farms, roughly 22 hectares total. We use the EP-ADB-480 for base fertilizer before planting, then the PANTHER 4-Row for planting and insecticide \u2014 the fertilizer-not-included configuration was not an issue for our setup since we already had the ADB. The 1,200 Kg seed bunker means the machine plants about 0.5 hectares between seed refills at our target rate, which means maybe 8 stops per day \u2014 manageable. Good throughput for cooperative shared use.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Kwon Min-seok \u2014 Agricultural Machinery Contractor, Wonju, Gangwon-do (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

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“Running contract planting services with the EP-PANTHER 2-Row on 12 different potato farms across the Wonju and Hoengseong area, total contract area about 30 hectares per spring season. The PANTHER 2-Row’s 700 Kg seed bunker means I can plant an entire small farm’s potato area on one fill, which keeps the daily schedule predictable for the farm owners waiting on my visit. The 16-combination gearbox means I can adjust from one client’s spacing requirement to the next between fields in a few minutes. Two seasons without any mechanical issues.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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An Hyun-ji \u2014 Small Family Farm, Hongseong-gun, South Chungcheong (2024)<\/p>\n

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“First potato planter I have ever owned \u2014 previously hired a contractor. The EP-PAI-2100 was the right size for our 2.5 hectares. At 75 HP it works fine with our 80 HP LS tractor. The combined planting and fertilizer delivery in one pass was the main reason to buy rather than keep hiring \u2014 we now control the planting day ourselves, which means we plant on the day the soil conditions are ideal rather than whenever the contractor can come. Setup guidance from the Korea team before first use was thorough. Very happy.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Ready to Plant with Precision?<\/p>\n

Tell us your tractor model, annual potato area, row count, typical seed grade, and target in-row spacing \u2014 we will confirm the right model, gearbox setting, and seed cup configuration within one business day.<\/p>\n

Already running other Watanabe potato machinery? Ask about a complete matched package \u2014 furrower, fertilizer applicator, planter, cultivator, and digger \u2014 all configured to the same row spacing for seamless seasonal operation.<\/p>\n

Contact Us Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\n

Seeds, fertilizer, and insecticide placed in a single tractor pass \u2014 the EP-PAI-2100<\/strong> and EP-PANTHER<\/strong> planters turn a three-operation planting week into one. A 16-combination gearbox<\/strong> precisely controls seed spacing for any Korean commercial variety.<\/p>\n

Available in 2, 3, and 4 rows<\/strong>, from 75 HP. For large-scale operations, the EP-PAI-480-AR<\/strong> carries up to 4,000 Kg<\/strong> of seed potatoes per fill.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":423,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[26],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-408","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-potato-machinery","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"shipping-taxable","11":"product-type-simple"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=408"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=408"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=408"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/tr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}