GK H9 Bare Root Tree Digger: Power and Precision

For professionals in the nursery industry, efficiency and reliability are not just goals; they are necessities. The GK H9 Bare Root Tree Digger is engineered to meet these demands, building upon the proven performance of the GK H7 to set a new standard for harvesting trees and shrubs. The H9 is built to get the job done. It combines robust power with advanced features to maximize productivity in the field.

Design and Maneuverability

The GK H9 is designed for stability and agility in various field conditions. Its low center of gravity provides exceptional balance, allowing for confident maneuvering on uneven terrain and in diverse ground conditions. This stability is critical for operator safety and for protecting nursery stock during harvesting.

Advanced Digging Capabilities

The GK H9 has features designed specifically for effective and efficient bare root digging. The variable-speed oscillating shaker arms and a 23-32" wide blade work together to gently loosen soil from the root systems, minimizing damage and ensuring a clean harvest.

The machine comes standard with a 24" digging depth, suitable for a wide range of shrub and tree sizes. For operations dealing with larger, more established stock, an optional 36" maximum digging depth is available, providing the versatility needed to handle diverse harvesting requirements.

Operator-Focused Cabin and Controls

Recognizing that operator comfort is directly linked to productivity, the GK H9 features a new, wider, and more extended cab. This expanded space reduces operator fatigue during long hours of operation.

Inside the cab, a new, larger touch screen provides intuitive control over the machine's functions. This user-friendly interface simplifies operation and allows the operator to monitor machine performance and adjust quickly. An up-fitter fuse box panel is included for added convenience, simplifying the installation of customer-specific accessories like radios, GPS units, or additional lighting.

From the customer's perspective:

Willowbend Nurseries attacks the labor crisis and automates Tree Digging

A big purchase that led to increased efficiency was the tree digger Willowbend bought from GK Machine, Inc. of Donald, Oregon. Before, they used three John Deere tractors for their digging. With 35 people, it took about eight days to get all the trees dug.

"The first year I had the GK-H9, I had 15 guys and did it in 3.5 days," Chad says. "You can fly with this thing." It telescopes open to accommodate the width of a tractor, and its tracks make digging in wet ground much less miserable. No wheels means no pressure points of tires that tend to sink, which makes the operator less likely to get stuck.

 (Depending on ground conditions, the GK-H9 can dig 1000 to 3000 trees per hour.)

Enhanced Power and Performance

At the core of the GK H9 is a powerful and efficient engine. A Cummins Stage V, 4-cylinder, 173 HP engine that delivers 576 lb.-ft. of torque. This power plant is designed for increased fuel economy and quieter operation, reducing operating costs and on-site noise levels. This allows for extended work periods without frequent refueling and creates a comfortable environment for the operator.

The powertrain is completed by a 2-speed planetary gearbox, enabling speeds from 0 to 4.5 MPH. This allows operators to select the optimal speed for transport or for delicate digging operations, providing precise control over the machine's movement in the field. The result is a machine that can move quickly between rows and perform detailed work with equal capability.

Superior Hydraulic System

The H9's hydraulic system is engineered for responsiveness and power. It features pressure flow compensated hydraulics with full load sensing, delivering 36 GPM at 2500 PSI. This advanced system ensures that hydraulic power is delivered precisely when and where needed, improving efficiency and providing smooth, consistent operation of all components, from the undercutter blade to the shaker arms.

For added versatility, the machine includes auxiliary hydraulics. This feature allows for the integration of optional attachments, such as a chopper or tiller, expanding the machine's utility and allowing it to perform multiple tasks within the nursery operation.

Undercarriage and Dimensions

A key feature contributing to its stability is the larger D4 undercarriage. This robust foundation is fitted with 16" single grouser pads, including mud holes and rock guards, ensuring reliable traction and durability in challenging environments. With a ground pressure of just 6 PSI, the H9 minimizes soil compaction, helping to maintain the health of your fields for future plantings.

The machine is designed to straddle rows with ease. It features optional track width adjustments, with a track center width ranging from 45" to 92" and an overall machine width adjustable from 73" to 119". This adaptability allows the H9 to work in various row spacings, which is standard in the nursery industry. A generous tunnel clearance of 110" provides ample vertical space for passing over established stock without causing damage.

Key Dimensions:

• Track Width: 119" center to center
• Tunnel Clearance: 108"
• Machine Weight: 28,500 pounds
• Track Length: 102" (center to center)
• Track Width: 16"
• Track Frame Centers: 44" – 64"
• Machine Width: 73" – 93"
• Machine Height: 125"
• Machine Length: 300' w/standard blade
• Machine Length: 313' w/deep blade
• Ground Pressure: 7.5 PSI

• Tree Chopper – trims and chops trees in preparation for budding at various heights
• Undercutter – hydraulically controlled under-cutter to prune roots
• 3-Point Hitch – uses existing hydraulics to attach a variety of implements
• Extended Track Grousers – increase traction in wet soil
• ¾" Thick Digger Blade – thicker steel blade for large trees or shrubs
• Nose Cones – gently move branches to either side of the tracks
• Pull Arm Toolbar – attaches other implements, such as planter, ripper, bed lifter, etc.
• 4’-6' Bed Digger/Shaker – digs trees and shrubs planted in beds
• 3-Point Hitch – left or right