Custom-designed seed harvesting machine

For the purposes of the project “Ensuring the Appropriate Use of Karst Grasslands and Rock Slopes for the Conservation of Selected Habitat Types and Species in the Kras Natura 2000 Area,” a prototype brush machine for collecting native seed material was developed and manufactured at the LECAD (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana) developed and manufactured a prototype brush machine for collecting native seed material.

This is the second brush machine of its kind in Slovenia, designed as an attachment to a tractor’s front hydraulic system. The machine’s working width is 2 m.

The central hydrostatic brush drive, powered by the tractor’s hydraulic system, allows for adjustment of the direction and speed of rotation, ensuring optimal working conditions. The compact design enables efficient material collection in confined and challenging karst areas, while additional caster wheels ensure ease of use and good terrain adaptation.

The machine is designed to support biodiversity conservation by enabling the collection of seed material for grassland restoration and the establishment of native habitats.

Project Partners

LeCAD Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana

Park Škocjanske jame, Slovenia